IPA, or India Pale Ale, has become one of the most popular styles of craft beer in the world. Known for its strong hop character, distinct bitterness, and a variety of flavor profiles that range from citrusy and piney to floral and fruity, IPAs are a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
Let’s delve into the top 10 IPA beers that are making waves in the beer community. Starting from number 10, we’ll make our way to the reigning champion at the number 1 spot. Whether you’re an IPA aficionado or new to the scene, these brews are sure to impress with their bold flavors and masterful brewing techniques.
#10 Stone IPA – Stone Brewing
Stone IPA is a true classic in the world of craft beers. This West Coast-style IPA delivers a well-rounded experience with a golden hue and strong hoppy flavors. With an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 6.9%, it balances notes of citrus and pine with just the right amount of bitterness. This beer is a testament to the sturdy foundation of what an IPA should be and paves the way for our list of top contenders.
#9 Cigar City Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing
Coming in at number 9 is Cigar City Jai Alai. Brewed in Tampa, Florida, this IPA takes its name from the fast-paced Spanish game, reflecting the beer’s bold and dynamic character. Jai Alai offers a burst of tropical fruit notes alongside a touch of caramel sweetness that plays wonderfully against the bitterness. Its ABV of 7.5% makes it a heartier IPA, perfect for a leisurely sipping experience.
#8 Lagunitas IPA – Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lagunitas IPA is the epitome of a balanced IPA. With an ABV of 6.2%, it features a harmony of caramel malt body with a hop profile that’s both spicy and citrusy. This beer appeals to both newcomers and seasoned IPA drinkers alike because of its approachable flavor profile and its consistent quality. It’s a staple IPA that has helped define the American take on the style.
#7 Sip of Sunshine – Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Next up, at number 7, we have Sip of Sunshine from Lawson’s Finest Liquids. This luminous and hazy IPA is a tropical delight with an ABV of 8%. It delivers a juicy, creamy mouthfeel with punchy notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and pine, followed by a velvety, smooth finish. As the name suggests, each sip feels like basking in a bit of sunshine, making it an unmissable IPA experience.
#6 Goose Island IPA – Goose Island Beer Company
Goose Island IPA is a world-renowned beer that has garnered numerous awards. It’s an English-style IPA with an ABV of 5.9% and is known for its deep orange color and rich, fruity aroma. The hop bitterness is perfectly balanced with the malt sweetness, making it a highly drinkable IPA for all sorts of occasions.
#5 Ballast Point Sculpin IPA – Ballast Point Brewing Company
Ballast Point Sculpin IPA is a testament to the craft of beer brewing. With a 7% ABV, this beer features an array of hop flavors, including apricot, peach, mango, and lemon, all while maintaining a fine balance with a light malt backbone. Its complexity and well-executed flavor profile keep beer enthusiasts coming back for more.
#4 Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo Extra IPA is a bold, aromatic beer hitting an ABV of 7.2%. It’s named after the brewery’s unique “Hop Torpedo”—a device designed to maximize hop aroma without adding excessive bitterness. The result is an IPA bursting with pine, citrus, and herbal notes.
#3 The Alchemist Heady Topper – The Alchemist
Heady Topper from The Alchemist brewery is an IPA legend. This double IPA boasts an ABV of 8% and is often mentioned among the best beers in the world. It’s an unfiltered and unpasteurized hop bomb, with intense flavors of citrus and pine, smooth mouthfeel, and a well-rounded bitter finish. This Vermont creation is a must-try for those seeking the pinnacle of IPA innovation.
#2 Pliny the Elder – Russian River Brewing Company
Nearing the top of our list at number 2, we have Pliny the Elder, a double IPA with an ABV of 8%. This revered Californian beer is a beautifully constructed symphony of hop flavors. It’s known for its incredibly smooth and rich taste that carries notes of pine, stone fruits, and citrus. Because of its fame and demand, Pliny the Elder can be somewhat elusive but is well worth the hunt for serious IPA enthusiasts.
#1 Bell’s Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery
Topping our list at the coveted number 1 spot is Bell’s Two Hearted Ale. This American IPA from Michigan has been consistently ranked as one of the best in its class, hitting all the right notes with an ABV of 7%. Crafted exclusively with Centennial hops, it presents a unique blend of grapefruit and pine aromas, balanced beautifully with a malt backbone. It’s not just the depth of flavor, but also the accessibility and consistency that make Two Hearted Ale a fan favorite and our top IPA choice.
In conclusion, these 10 IPA beers represent the spectrum of what this versatile beer style has to offer. From the classic and balanced to the bold and innovative, each brew carries its own distinct palette of flavors and brewing techniques that set them apart in a crowded field of contenders. Whether you’re in search of a fruity and floral hop showcase or a hoppy behemoth that pulls no punches, this list has something for every IPA lover. Cheers to discovering your favorite IPA among these outstanding options!