The Best Ipas: Top 10 Hoppy Beers To Try

India Pale Ale (IPA) is the most popular style of beer, with a 26% hold on the craft-beer market. Its rise in popularity is attributed to the proliferation of regional, small-batch beers. The IPA is characterised by its hoppy, alcoholic and intensely aromatic profile. There are now dozens of IPA styles, from fruit-forward to incredibly bitter beers. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of the top 10 IPA beers.

Best West Coast IPA

West Coast IPAs are known for their bold, hoppy flavour profiles and high bitterness, with notes of citrus, pine, and resin. While the style is divisive due to its intense bitterness, it remains popular among drinkers who appreciate the strong hoppy flavours and aromas. Here is a list of some of the best West Coast IPAs, according to beer experts and enthusiasts:

Sculpin IPA by Ballast Point Brewing

Sculpin IPA is considered one of the best West Coast IPAs by many beer enthusiasts. It has won numerous awards and is known for its generous use of hops, resulting in a dominant hop aroma and flavour, even with its seven percent ABV. The beer has a slightly cloudy appearance, with orange to gold colour and a medium white head. It offers a well-balanced combination of alcohol, bitterness, malt sweetness, and the flavours of hops, including notes of citrus zest, juicy peach, and pine.

Lunch IPA by Maine Beer Company

Lunch IPA is a popular East Coast beer produced using West Coast brewing techniques. It features at least three distinct hops – Amarillo, Centennial, and Simcoe – resulting in intense citrus flavours and aromas. This beer has a basic appearance but offers a special tasting experience. It presents scents of ripe orange and lemon zests, followed by flavours of juicy grapefruit, guava, caramel sweetness, and herbaceous piney notes. It has a strong citrus finish with typical IPA bitterness and a balanced seven percent ABV.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo/Dankful IPA

Sierra Nevada's Torpedo IPA is recommended by Cooper Asay, the head of quality at BrewDog USA. It is a classic, consistent, and delicious West Coast IPA with a 7.2 percent ABV. Brewed with Crystal, Citra, and Magnum hops, it offers pine-filled, herbal, floral, and slightly bitter flavours. Sierra Nevada's Dankful IPA is another excellent option, blending seven different hop strains for a generous helping of hops. It has a 7.4 percent ABV and caramel notes that balance the bitterness with malt sweetness. It offers aromas and flavours of grapefruit, pineapple, pine, lemon zest, ripe lime, grass, and a resinous and citrusy aftertaste.

Pure West IPA by Pure Brewing Project

San Diego's Pure Brewing Project is known for its high-quality, flavourful IPAs, and its Pure West IPA is a classic West Coast IPA. Brewed with Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe hops, it offers a dank, resinous pine flavour with notes of grapefruit, pineapple, and a hint of bitter floral hops. It has an ABV of eight percent, contributing to the balance of the brew.

Union Jack IPA by Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Union Jack IPA is a notable beer in the history of West Coast IPAs, aggressively hopped with more than five hops during its production. It has piney and pineapple-like aromas, with hints of wet grass. When sipped, it presents flavours of sharp grapefruit, citrus zest, and resinous notes. It has a citrusy finish, a seven percent ABV, and a mid-bitterness rating of 60, providing balance to the strong hop presence.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Mystic Mama IPA by Jackie O's Pub and Brewery: A complex blend of five different hops with notes of tangerines, pine, grapefruit, and a subtle, pleasant citrusy aroma.
• Head Hunter IPA by Fat Head's Brewery: Aggressively dry-hopped, featuring Columbus, Simcoe, and Centennial hops. It has a clear amber appearance with a fluffy white head and an aroma of pineapple, citrus, resin, and grapefruit.
• Axe Man by Surly Brewing Co.: A top West Coast IPA with Mosaic and Citra hops, offering citrus, mango, guava, and tropical fruit flavours, and a dry, bitter aftertaste.
• Pernicious by Wicked Weed: A complex West Coast IPA with aromas of citrus, pine, tropical fruit, and herbal and dank notes. It has good foundational bitterness and doesn't finish overly dry.

Best Single-Hop IPA

Single-hop IPAs are an interesting trend in the beer world, showcasing the profiled hop while educating drinkers on its characteristics. Here's a deep dive into some of the best single-hop IPAs out there:

Citra Hop Beers

Citra hops are known for their tropical and citrusy flavours, with top notes of passion fruit, grapefruit, and mild citrus. Oakham Ales' Citra IPA, at 4.2% ABV, is a classic example. It offers refreshing grapefruit flavours and a dry, bitter finish, pleasing both traditionalists and craft ale enthusiasts. Another notable Citra IPA is PseudoSue by Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., which also showcases the unique characteristics of this hop variety.

Cascade Single-Hop Beers

Cascade hops, developed by the USDA in 1955, are a premium aroma hop with floral, citrus, and grapefruit aroma. Two notable Cascade single-hop beers are the Mirror Pond Pale Ale by Deschutes Brewery and Liberty Ale by Anchor Brewing Co. These beers highlight the aromatic qualities of Cascade hops, which have become a favourite among craft breweries.

Mosaic Single-Hop Beers

Mosaic hops stand out for their complex aromas, featuring notes of blueberry, tangerine, papaya, rose blossoms, and bubble gum. Two excellent Mosaic single-hop beers are the Yellow Rose by The Lone Pint Brewery and Fearless Mosaic by Fearless Brewing Co. These beers showcase the versatility of Mosaic hops, which can be used in various beer styles.

Galaxy Single-Hop Beers

Galaxy hops, an Australian variety, boast the highest oil content among hops, resulting in a pungent passion fruit and citrus aroma. Schlafly Beer's Beer Tasmanian IPA and Galactica by Clown Shoes Brewery are excellent examples of Galaxy single-hop beers. These beers highlight the intense aroma and versatility of Galaxy hops, which are also popular for dry-hopping.

Nelson Sauvin Single-Hop Beers

Nelson Sauvin hops, a New Zealand variety, offer a unique, intense fruit flavour with hints of white wine, gooseberry, and grape. The Humming Ale by Anchor Brewing Co. and the Nelson Sauvin Single Hop Pale Ale by Hill Farmstead Brewery showcase these hops' distinctive characteristics. However, due to the scarcity of this hop, some craft brewers face challenges in building brands around this variety.

These single-hop IPAs provide a unique opportunity to experience the full expression of specific hop varieties, allowing drinkers to appreciate the complexity and versatility of hops in the brewing process.

Best Double IPA

Double IPAs, also known as DIPAs, are one of the most popular styles in the world of craft beer. They are characterised by a higher hop intensity and stronger alcoholic content than regular IPAs. The style was invented by Vinnie Cilurzo, co-owner of the Russian River Brewing Company, in 1994. He is said to have created the first double IPA, Pliny the Elder, by doubling the hops in his existing IPA recipe. Pliny the Elder remains one of the most highly regarded DIPAs in the world.

Ballast Point Manta Ray Double IPA

Ballast Point is known for its excellent IPAs, and the Manta Ray is no exception. It has both tropical and pine notes and an 8.5% ABV.

Sixpoint Resin Imperial IPA

This Brooklyn-based brewery creates beers that pack a punch in terms of hops but go down nice and easy. The Resin Imperial IPA has an ABV of 9.1%.

Sierra Nevada Hop Bullet Double IPA

Sierra Nevada is an innovator in the craft beer landscape, and the Hop Bullet Double IPA is a perfect example of this. It's a refreshing burst of West Coast inspiration that's surprisingly easy to drink.

Breckenridge 471 Small Batch IPA

This limited-edition DIPA from Breckenridge uses five types of malts and a classic blend of hops, resulting in a surprisingly well-balanced IPA.

Stone ///Fear.Movie.Lions Double IPA

Stone Brewing is known for its bold and interesting beers, and the ///Fear.Movie.Lions Double IPA is no exception. It's their take on the ever-popular New England IPA style.

Grimm Ales Lambo Door Double IPA

The Lambo Door Double IPA from Grimm Ales is a treat to come across, as it was once only available sparingly in Brooklyn. It's a rare DIPA that's just as enjoyable out of a can as it is out of a glass.

Cape May White Caps Double IPA

The Cape May White Caps Double IPA is packed with essential Citra and Mosaic hops and touches of stone fruits and papaya. It's a classic "New Jersey" take on the IPA.

Great Divide Hercules Double IPA

The Hercules Double IPA from Great Divide lives up to its name, with a whopping 10% ABV and a generous helping of hops. It's both nutty and malty, making it a unique and delightful drinking experience.

Bell’s Double Two Hearted Ale

Bell’s Double Two Hearted Ale is an exceptional beer with two and a half times the amount of Centennial hops used in their regular Two Hearted Ale. It has intense notes of pine, orange, and grapefruit, making it a dank and memorable drinking experience.

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Perhaps the best-known double IPA on the market, the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA has been delighting craft beer drinkers for over two decades. Its unique continual hopping process creates a bitter beer with robust pine and citrus aromas and flavours.

These are just a few examples of the many excellent double IPAs available. Whether you're looking for something fruity and tropical or bold and bitter, there's a double IPA out there that's perfect for your taste buds.

Best Triple IPA

Triple IPAs are not recognised as an official beer style by the Brewers Association. However, they are typically defined by an ABV of at least 9.5% and are characterised by a thick, syrupy body and intense hop resins. They are often described as heavy sipping beers.

Pliny the Younger

Russian River's Pliny the Younger is widely considered one of the best Triple IPAs. It has an ABV of around 10.25% and is loaded with hop flavours, bitterness, and aromatics. It has been a sought-after beer since its debut in 2005 and has consistently ranked among BeerAdvocate's top 250 beers.

Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA

This triple IPA has an ABV ranging from 15% to 20% and is described as big and boozy. It has layers of citrus, pine, and malt sweetness, with a rich flavour of toasted grain. It offers a unique drinking experience with a lingering finish.

Green Cheek Swim Test

Brewed by Green Cheek out of California, this triple IPA has an ABV of 10.2%. It is characterised by a bright, milky yellow colour and a soft yet sturdy body. It delivers a flavour explosion with notes of Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops, making it a popular choice among brewers.

Altamont Scarcity IIIPA

Scarcity IIIPA is a well-balanced triple IPA with an ABV of 11%. It showcases the expertise of Altamont Beer Works, a California-based brewery. This beer is typically available from February to early April and is a crowd favourite at beer festivals. It stands out for its smooth finish and fruity and citrusy aromas.

Trillium The Streets

The Streets is a well-balanced triple IPA with a strong citrus presence. It is crafted by Trillium Brewing Company, known for their high-quality beers. This IPA offers a temporary escape to a tropical island with its flavour profile and is a favourite among craft beer enthusiasts.

El Segundo Power Plant

Power Plant from El Segundo Brewing is a remarkably balanced triple IPA with an ABV of 11%. It has a fruit cocktail aroma featuring Mosaic, Simcoe, Citra, and Amarillo hops. It finishes dry, making it a favourite among those who appreciate the style's unique characteristics.

Best Hazy IPA

Hazy IPAs are known for their mix of citrus, tropical fruits, and creamy or soft mouthfeel. They are less bitter than the classic West Coast IPA and are loaded with fresh, fruity flavours. Here are some of the best hazy IPAs you can try:

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Hazy Little Thing

This New England-style IPA is citrusy and fresh, combining Citra, Magnum, Simcoe, Comet, Mosaic, and El Dorado hops. It's widely available and is one of the best hazy IPAs you can find at a grocery store.

Crooked Hammock Sway

This hazy IPA has a velvety body and is bursting with flavours of Citra and Mosaic hops, along with notes of citrus, tropical fruits, pine, and a hint of cannabis.

Hoosier Haze Head IPA

While Hoosier Brewing is often recognised for its sour program, its hazy IPA options are just as remarkable. Haze Head IPA is a simple, refined, and flavour-focused hazy IPA. It blends dankness and pineapple with El Dorado and Mosaic hops, creating a great combination that hazy IPA fans will enjoy.

Ommegang Neon Lights

This hazy IPA is the lower-ABV alternative to Ommegang's popular Neon Rainbows. It's brewed with Mosaic, Simcoe, Citra, Topaz, and Centennial hops, and is unfiltered, juicy, and surprisingly low in alcohol. It has fruit-forward flavours and a citrusy aroma, making it a sessionable and refreshing IPA.

Noon Whistle Squishy Gummy

This fall release from Noon Whistle Brewing is brewed with Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops. It's bursting with the traditional hazy flavours of passionfruit and citrus, but also has distinct berry and pine notes that make it perfect for the change of seasons.

Tree House Brewing Company

Tree House Brewing Company has consistently produced some of the top-rated hazy IPAs. Their beers, such as "Gggreennn!", "Alter Ego", and "Green", are known for their intense tropical flavours and juicy, fruity notes.

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