Bitter yet sweet, bold and refreshing, a true beer drinkers style. IPA.
I love great beer and IPA's are one of my favorite styles of beer - and there are over 100 different styles. This lens will introduce you to the IPA style and show reviews of many that I have tasted (or had several) over my 25 years of sniffing out different brews.
The IPA or India Pale Ale is a liquid love song to the Hop. Hops release certain acids into the beer during the boil of the brewing process. Hops impart the bitter, dry finish associated with most beers,and the IPA style uses a higher ratio than most other styles and is a showcase of these bittering and flavoring properties. Hops also give beer the spicey, herbal, citrus and/or floral aromas found in craft brewed beers. IPA's ( good examples )have strong hoppy aromas and flavor due to late additions of hops near the end of the boil, and from "dry hopping".
Dry hopping is a very traditional brewing technique first used in the first IPA of the late 1700's in England where large amounts of fresh hop cones (flowers)were put in the barrels for shipping to thirsty colonies in India. These Pale Ales, a strong variation of the traditional Bitter
style, were named for thier destination and the India Pale Ale was established as a distinct style of ale.
The relatively low alcohol "Bitters" and "Porters" of the day also typically had low hop rates so many early shipments of these beers arrived spoiled and sour. The extra hops used in brewing and kegging IPA's allowed thier associated acids to act as a preservative in the casks, keeping the beer fresh upon arrival 3-5 months later. The bonus was a wonderful herbal aroma and flavor from the hops direct contact with the ale during it's transport and conditioning period.
Another characteristic of the first IPA's is thier somewhat elevated alcohol content. Aside from the obvious benifits, this was done to help preserve the beer for shipping just as the dry hopping and increased hop content in the boil. Higher alcohol was already known to inhibit the growth of many bacteria and molds that regularly spoiled the the low alcohol, every day ales of this era. A new style was born out of need for a beer that could withstand the varying conditions of a long ocean voyage.
The often intense hop character of IPA's can sometimes overshadow the boost in malt needed to attain the 6%-7% alcohol by volume typical of the style. The best examples of IPA's ( my opinions - your results may vary - which is as it should be ) have pronounced hop aromas and excellent balance - that is, the hop aroma, flavor and bittering is complimented by a firm, medium body of rich but not cloying caramelized grain sweetness.
IPA's often have intense flavors and strong bittering (hopefully anyway) which may be a bit overwhelming to the uninitiated. Some of this intensity can mellow in bottled IPA's over time, and many people cellar or age these beers for 6 months to many years and enjoy the softer bittering and rounder flavors that develop over time. The brewers of IPA's as a rule suggest you drink thier beer as fresh as possible to appreciate the fresh hop character and aromas the style is famous for. I like them both ways - certain beers I like one way or the other. It's all good.
The term "balance" in terms of tasting beer, just like "taste", "bitterness" and "flavor" are subjective because everyones sensitivity to these sensations is slightly different. For this reason when my tasting notes say a beer is "too bitter" or "out of balance" it's only my perception and you may drink the same beer and have a different experience and opinion. Some of my reviews below imply some disdain for a beer being too hoppy, bitter or again, out of balance. I really dont mean it harshly as the IPA style by definition is an out-of-balance beer, with the emphisis on the Hop, its many varieties and how they add a complex array of flavors and unique signature to a beer.
Rich fruit and spice aroma, lush, light candy sweetness up front, glides seemlessly into mild honey and citrus flavors with hints of pine and herbs on warm buscuits, finishing with a smoldering citrus bittering and hint of residual toffee - and a tickle of alcohol warmth.
That describes a really great IPA for me.
The IPA or India Pale Ale is a liquid love song to the Hop. Hops release certain acids into the beer during the boil of the brewing process. Hops impart the bitter, dry finish associated with most beers,and the IPA style uses a higher ratio than most other styles and is a showcase of these bittering and flavoring properties. Hops also give beer the spicey, herbal, citrus and/or floral aromas found in craft brewed beers. IPA's ( good examples )have strong hoppy aromas and flavor due to late additions of hops near the end of the boil, and from "dry hopping".
Dry hopping is a very traditional brewing technique first used in the first IPA of the late 1700's in England where large amounts of fresh hop cones (flowers)were put in the barrels for shipping to thirsty colonies in India. These Pale Ales, a strong variation of the traditional Bitter
style, were named for thier destination and the India Pale Ale was established as a distinct style of ale.
The relatively low alcohol "Bitters" and "Porters" of the day also typically had low hop rates so many early shipments of these beers arrived spoiled and sour. The extra hops used in brewing and kegging IPA's allowed thier associated acids to act as a preservative in the casks, keeping the beer fresh upon arrival 3-5 months later. The bonus was a wonderful herbal aroma and flavor from the hops direct contact with the ale during it's transport and conditioning period.
Another characteristic of the first IPA's is thier somewhat elevated alcohol content. Aside from the obvious benifits, this was done to help preserve the beer for shipping just as the dry hopping and increased hop content in the boil. Higher alcohol was already known to inhibit the growth of many bacteria and molds that regularly spoiled the the low alcohol, every day ales of this era. A new style was born out of need for a beer that could withstand the varying conditions of a long ocean voyage.
The often intense hop character of IPA's can sometimes overshadow the boost in malt needed to attain the 6%-7% alcohol by volume typical of the style. The best examples of IPA's ( my opinions - your results may vary - which is as it should be ) have pronounced hop aromas and excellent balance - that is, the hop aroma, flavor and bittering is complimented by a firm, medium body of rich but not cloying caramelized grain sweetness.
IPA's often have intense flavors and strong bittering (hopefully anyway) which may be a bit overwhelming to the uninitiated. Some of this intensity can mellow in bottled IPA's over time, and many people cellar or age these beers for 6 months to many years and enjoy the softer bittering and rounder flavors that develop over time. The brewers of IPA's as a rule suggest you drink thier beer as fresh as possible to appreciate the fresh hop character and aromas the style is famous for. I like them both ways - certain beers I like one way or the other. It's all good.
The term "balance" in terms of tasting beer, just like "taste", "bitterness" and "flavor" are subjective because everyones sensitivity to these sensations is slightly different. For this reason when my tasting notes say a beer is "too bitter" or "out of balance" it's only my perception and you may drink the same beer and have a different experience and opinion. Some of my reviews below imply some disdain for a beer being too hoppy, bitter or again, out of balance. I really dont mean it harshly as the IPA style by definition is an out-of-balance beer, with the emphisis on the Hop, its many varieties and how they add a complex array of flavors and unique signature to a beer.
Rich fruit and spice aroma, lush, light candy sweetness up front, glides seemlessly into mild honey and citrus flavors with hints of pine and herbs on warm buscuits, finishing with a smoldering citrus bittering and hint of residual toffee - and a tickle of alcohol warmth.
That describes a really great IPA for me.
IPA Reviews
Tasting Notes and Reviews for different IPA's I've enjoyed.
These beers are not listed in any particular order. More reviews will be added so please come back to check out the updates. Maybe we will both find our new favorite IPA!
The complex flavors that develop from a well balanced IPA offer an excellent compliment to a variety of foods. Read the reviews and then try one of them with a dish you think will pair well with the flavors described.
Cheers!
The complex flavors that develop from a well balanced IPA offer an excellent compliment to a variety of foods. Read the reviews and then try one of them with a dish you think will pair well with the flavors described.
Cheers!
- Ipswich IPA -Mercury Brewing Co. Ipswich MA.
Inversion IPA -Deschutes Brewery, Bend Oregon
Elissa -Saint Arnold Brewing Company Houston Texas
Rocky Mt. -Fort Collins Brewing Colorodo
Green Flash West Coast Style -Green Flash Brewing Co. California
Finest Kind -Smuttynose Brewing Co. Portsmith NH.
St. George IPA -St. George Brewing Co. Virginia
Indica IPA -Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe California
Acme California IPA -North Coast Brewing Fort Bragg CA.
Blind Faith -Magic Hat Brewing Co. Burlington VT
Hops Infusion -Weyerbacher Brewing Co. PA
Horny Toad -Mogollon Brewing Co. Arizona
IPA#2 -Basserie Bierophilie Quebec Canada
60 Minute IPA -Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Maryland
Racer 5 -Bear Republic Brewing Co. Healdsburg CA
Hop Devil -Victory Brewing Co. Downington PA
Snake Dog -Flying Dog Brewing Co. Maryland
Celebration Ale -Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. CA
Wolavers Organic -Wolavers/Otter Creek Brewery Middlebury VT
Bitter + Twisted -Harviestoun Brewery Scotland UK
Southern Tier IPA -Southern Tier Brewing Co. Lakeville NY
Lagunitas IPA -Lagunitas Brweing Petaluna CA
Immortal IPA - Elysian Brewing Co. Seattle WA.
New Igo GREEN Tip of the Day
Ipswich India Pale Ale (I.P.A.)
Mercury Brewing Co. Ipswich MA.
This beer pours a dark, orange amber color - a bit dark for style, with a tall, pale tan head of dense foam. Lacing all around and excellent retention above a cloudy chill hazed liquid.
Aromas are eathy and sweet - a great blend of woodsy hop and doghnutty malt.
Grain sweetness comes thru as it warms, but grassy hop flavors and firm bittering dominate without being way out of balance.
Mouthfeel is medium full with sweet bread flavor coating the mouth around the complex hop core.
Extremely drinkable IPA from the East that can stand toe to toe with the best from the West.
Aromas are eathy and sweet - a great blend of woodsy hop and doghnutty malt.
Grain sweetness comes thru as it warms, but grassy hop flavors and firm bittering dominate without being way out of balance.
Mouthfeel is medium full with sweet bread flavor coating the mouth around the complex hop core.
Extremely drinkable IPA from the East that can stand toe to toe with the best from the West.
Inversion IPA
Deschutes Brewery, Bend Oregon
Always a treat when one of my friends gifts me a Deschutes beer after a left coast trip.
This one poured into a pint glass churned up a thick, gooey tan head with clumps and smears of lace which slumped to a dense cover over the amber beer that looked like an acne scarred complexion. The murky protien haze and tenatious head retention indicates little filtration which often sucks some life out of the beer in favor of clarity. Give me haze any day.
Malty aromas of honey and caramel malt and a mild floral hop nose. Very inviting.
Soft, sweet flavors up front are quickly over powered by a sharp hop bite and intense grapefruit notes.
Malt is all but subdued mid way through but the strong hop character is excellent if somewhat out of balance.
Finish is more grapefruit sting and a long, bitter aftertaste but slightly harsh.
A nice IPA from this great OR brewery in the classic west coast style.
This one poured into a pint glass churned up a thick, gooey tan head with clumps and smears of lace which slumped to a dense cover over the amber beer that looked like an acne scarred complexion. The murky protien haze and tenatious head retention indicates little filtration which often sucks some life out of the beer in favor of clarity. Give me haze any day.
Malty aromas of honey and caramel malt and a mild floral hop nose. Very inviting.
Soft, sweet flavors up front are quickly over powered by a sharp hop bite and intense grapefruit notes.
Malt is all but subdued mid way through but the strong hop character is excellent if somewhat out of balance.
Finish is more grapefruit sting and a long, bitter aftertaste but slightly harsh.
A nice IPA from this great OR brewery in the classic west coast style.
Saint Arnold Elissa IPA
Saint Arnold Brewing Company Houston Texas
My annual St. Arnolds Christmas gift this year was again Elissa.
Bright orange / amber color with a sparse but persistant film of white foam and specks of lace.
Aromas of freshly squeezed blood oranges and doughy malt. Sugar and citrus with grassy notes - more sweet than sharp.
Flavors of the same blood oranges and some grapfruit tang mingle w/ a tasty nutty grain character. Malt is in blance with the high alpha hop bite in a firm, medium bodied IPA.
A very nice session IPA with excellent balance.
* Yeast trub in bottle leads me to wonder if these are bottle conditioned - nothing says either way on the botle. In this age of over filtered micros that have thier complexity screened out, its nice to see a little sedement in a relatively fresh, true craft beer.
Bright orange / amber color with a sparse but persistant film of white foam and specks of lace.
Aromas of freshly squeezed blood oranges and doughy malt. Sugar and citrus with grassy notes - more sweet than sharp.
Flavors of the same blood oranges and some grapfruit tang mingle w/ a tasty nutty grain character. Malt is in blance with the high alpha hop bite in a firm, medium bodied IPA.
A very nice session IPA with excellent balance.
* Yeast trub in bottle leads me to wonder if these are bottle conditioned - nothing says either way on the botle. In this age of over filtered micros that have thier complexity screened out, its nice to see a little sedement in a relatively fresh, true craft beer.
Rocky Mountain IPA
Fort Collins Brewing Colorodo
I like the funky label but it has no information or freshness dating to make reading it worthwhile.
The color is a deep, red / amber sporting a tall clotted off white head with lots of cling. The beer is crystal clear and not a single carbonation bubble is visable. hmmm....
Aroma is a terrific perfumey blend of spruce and crushed flowers and an underlying malt sweetness. Very inviting.
Soft malt up front is washed away too quickly by the surprisingly watery mouthfeel. Sharp metalic bitterness doninates with very little body and malt character to even things out.
Nice lingering bitter aftertaste with a mild sting of alcohol. An ok session IPA but this bottle lacked any carbonation and seemed to have had any residual sweetness and protiens stripped and filtered out.
The color is a deep, red / amber sporting a tall clotted off white head with lots of cling. The beer is crystal clear and not a single carbonation bubble is visable. hmmm....
Aroma is a terrific perfumey blend of spruce and crushed flowers and an underlying malt sweetness. Very inviting.
Soft malt up front is washed away too quickly by the surprisingly watery mouthfeel. Sharp metalic bitterness doninates with very little body and malt character to even things out.
Nice lingering bitter aftertaste with a mild sting of alcohol. An ok session IPA but this bottle lacked any carbonation and seemed to have had any residual sweetness and protiens stripped and filtered out.
Green Flash West Coast I.P.A.
Green Flash Brewing Co. California
Glowing orange -amber color under a firm cap of tight "antique white" foam. Great lace cling and retention but no visible carbonation through the fog of protien haze.
Awsome hop aromas - like freshly cut Christmas trees dripping in tangerine juice. Some husky grain notes and faint hint of white sugary malt are noted but only if you sniff past the hop barrage - which is okfine in my IPA ty.
Hops bite the tip of the tongue and back of the lips right up front and continue to rake thier bitter claws all along the roof and back of the throat with searingly sharp, moisture sucking bitterness. Some sweet malt slides around the sides to give a bit of ying to the hop YANG but barely in a walk on role. Strong grapefruit flavors dominate the middle and keeps any attempts of complexity from the malt firmly in check.
Body is less than medium as attenuation seems high and any mouth feel seems stripped away by the intensely dry, tongue stranglingly bitter finish.
I love hoppy IPA's but you CAN go overboard, and for me at least this one does. Dont mis understand - I liked it and would drink it again, but it sure aint making my top 10 IPA list.
Awsome hop aromas - like freshly cut Christmas trees dripping in tangerine juice. Some husky grain notes and faint hint of white sugary malt are noted but only if you sniff past the hop barrage - which is okfine in my IPA ty.
Hops bite the tip of the tongue and back of the lips right up front and continue to rake thier bitter claws all along the roof and back of the throat with searingly sharp, moisture sucking bitterness. Some sweet malt slides around the sides to give a bit of ying to the hop YANG but barely in a walk on role. Strong grapefruit flavors dominate the middle and keeps any attempts of complexity from the malt firmly in check.
Body is less than medium as attenuation seems high and any mouth feel seems stripped away by the intensely dry, tongue stranglingly bitter finish.
I love hoppy IPA's but you CAN go overboard, and for me at least this one does. Dont mis understand - I liked it and would drink it again, but it sure aint making my top 10 IPA list.
Smuttynose IPA "Finest Kind"
Smuttynose Brewing Co. Portsmith NH.
Hazy, bright orange tinted beer with a thin clotted white head, which persisted right to the end.
Intense citrus aroma - sharp grapefruit and blood orange with a hint of honey sweetness. Very west coast.
Flavor was sharp up front with powerful hop character and little malt to balance. Served a bit too cold, some grain sweetness came thru as it came up to temp.
Again, flavors seemed out of balance but the freshness and soft carbonation made this hop exstavaganza very tasty and highy drinkable. Long, hop finish is firmly bitter but not overwhelming or puckery.
Excellent session IPA for the Hop Head - fresh tasting with a wonderful soft mouth feel from the subdued, natural carbonation.
Intense citrus aroma - sharp grapefruit and blood orange with a hint of honey sweetness. Very west coast.
Flavor was sharp up front with powerful hop character and little malt to balance. Served a bit too cold, some grain sweetness came thru as it came up to temp.
Again, flavors seemed out of balance but the freshness and soft carbonation made this hop exstavaganza very tasty and highy drinkable. Long, hop finish is firmly bitter but not overwhelming or puckery.
Excellent session IPA for the Hop Head - fresh tasting with a wonderful soft mouth feel from the subdued, natural carbonation.
St. George IPA
St. George Brewing Co. Virginia
Clear, orange amber color w/ a thin sheet of white foam for head and moderate carbonation.
Aroma is low key - no burst of citrus, just a soft honey malt and a mild floral hop thing goin on.
Sharp, bitter bite on the tongue up front followed by chewy toffee and grain flavors. Earthy hop dryness compliments the bready malt. Medium to full bodied with good balance and firm but not strong bitter finish.
Well balanced and in the British style. Lacks complexity but is a solid, straight forward example of a (UK) IPA. Good session ale and very dry and refreshing in the heat.
Aroma is low key - no burst of citrus, just a soft honey malt and a mild floral hop thing goin on.
Sharp, bitter bite on the tongue up front followed by chewy toffee and grain flavors. Earthy hop dryness compliments the bready malt. Medium to full bodied with good balance and firm but not strong bitter finish.
Well balanced and in the British style. Lacks complexity but is a solid, straight forward example of a (UK) IPA. Good session ale and very dry and refreshing in the heat.
Indica India Pale Ale
Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe California
This is a solid example of a Left Coast IPA. The lable seems to have offended some members of the Hindu faith, so look or a change in appearence soon. The word Indica caught my eye, but I digress...
Bright golden orange color with a tight, white head and nice smears of lace. Carbonation is moderate and steady.
Aroma is typical and quite strong - all grapefruit and honey sweet malt in harmony. Maybe there are some cascades in there but are not obvious. While the aroma is hop forward, malt comes thru and mingles quite sociably.
Malt sweetness up front is hefty on the tongue as strong hop flavors muscle thier way in and take charge. More intense, puckering grapefruit flavors in the middle, the malt body holds its own, but any fruity sweetness trying to fight it way into the mix loses the battle.
Medium bodied with a serious hop kick at the finish - long, strong bitterness w/ a hint of lemon candy hangs in looong after swallowing. Maybe a bit heavy handed on the hop rate for my tatse but a very good - excellent IPA IMHO.
Bright golden orange color with a tight, white head and nice smears of lace. Carbonation is moderate and steady.
Aroma is typical and quite strong - all grapefruit and honey sweet malt in harmony. Maybe there are some cascades in there but are not obvious. While the aroma is hop forward, malt comes thru and mingles quite sociably.
Malt sweetness up front is hefty on the tongue as strong hop flavors muscle thier way in and take charge. More intense, puckering grapefruit flavors in the middle, the malt body holds its own, but any fruity sweetness trying to fight it way into the mix loses the battle.
Medium bodied with a serious hop kick at the finish - long, strong bitterness w/ a hint of lemon candy hangs in looong after swallowing. Maybe a bit heavy handed on the hop rate for my tatse but a very good - excellent IPA IMHO.
ACME California IPA
North Coast Brewing Co. Fort Bragg California
Pretty glass of beer - bright, clear golden amber w/ streaming carbonation. Frothy white head slumps to a persistant film and lots of lacing.
Aroma is dissapointing for me, note of earth and alcohol and a spritz of grapefruit. Doesnt smell like cascade, which in its self is a welcome change, but not powerfull enough to impress as an IPA.
Its nicely soft up front with some sugary malt to pave the way for strong hop flavors. High alpha bittering for sure and again, intersesting change from the typical west coast IPA profile. Chewy wet hay and grass flavors, sharp peppery bite on the tongue but little malt body to back it up. Hides the 7% very well, but the balance is missing in the light/ medium body.
Finish is a tasty mix of roof of mouth bitter and side mouth fruit - the malt comes thru a bit at the end.
A fine session IPA somewhat outside the norm of most left coast breweries.
Aroma is dissapointing for me, note of earth and alcohol and a spritz of grapefruit. Doesnt smell like cascade, which in its self is a welcome change, but not powerfull enough to impress as an IPA.
Its nicely soft up front with some sugary malt to pave the way for strong hop flavors. High alpha bittering for sure and again, intersesting change from the typical west coast IPA profile. Chewy wet hay and grass flavors, sharp peppery bite on the tongue but little malt body to back it up. Hides the 7% very well, but the balance is missing in the light/ medium body.
Finish is a tasty mix of roof of mouth bitter and side mouth fruit - the malt comes thru a bit at the end.
A fine session IPA somewhat outside the norm of most left coast breweries.
Blind Faith
Magic Hat Brewing Co. Burlington VT
Very pretty to look at - medium amber color , steady carbonation and a gooey off white head with good cling and retention.
The aroma is...almost non existant. There is a faint earthy , herbal smell and a bit of malt sweetness along with some not so appropriate butterscotchy notes. Not very IPA-ish to me. Im being kind giving it a 3.
Flavors are subdued - watered down. Some malt comes thru up front as sourdough bread, and the slight sourness continues throughout. Sharp metalic flavors take over quickly and the initial sweetness is swallowed by strong bittering ...balanced by nothing.
Very thin in body for style , even for and English IPA, and lacking any residual sweetness to back up the boiling hops. This beer just seems thin overall and very over attenuated. IMHO, this and Harpoon IPA are more Pale Ales than IPA's , and I would enjoy them more if they were, simply because I wouldnt be expecting the "more" that a well made IPA provides. Having said that, I understand it is not meant to be an American ie; West Coast style IPA and its a decent session beer and more than simply drinkable.
It lacks the balance, complexity and "Bigness" of many of the IPA's available these days.
The aroma is...almost non existant. There is a faint earthy , herbal smell and a bit of malt sweetness along with some not so appropriate butterscotchy notes. Not very IPA-ish to me. Im being kind giving it a 3.
Flavors are subdued - watered down. Some malt comes thru up front as sourdough bread, and the slight sourness continues throughout. Sharp metalic flavors take over quickly and the initial sweetness is swallowed by strong bittering ...balanced by nothing.
Very thin in body for style , even for and English IPA, and lacking any residual sweetness to back up the boiling hops. This beer just seems thin overall and very over attenuated. IMHO, this and Harpoon IPA are more Pale Ales than IPA's , and I would enjoy them more if they were, simply because I wouldnt be expecting the "more" that a well made IPA provides. Having said that, I understand it is not meant to be an American ie; West Coast style IPA and its a decent session beer and more than simply drinkable.
It lacks the balance, complexity and "Bigness" of many of the IPA's available these days.
Hops Infusion
Weyerbacher Brewing Co. PA
No "Best Before" or " Bottling date on bottle newly arrived from the brewery.
This pours a very pretty, medium amber color with persistant and consistant head retention, steady carbonation and a few spatters of cream colored lace.
Aroma is weak to me for an IPA - somewhat floral and grassy with a hint of white icing. Certainly not offensive but not remarkable or unique in any way.
Ill be honest and say I like hop-heavy beers, so I like this one but people looking for some semblence of balance in an IPA may want to look elsewhere. There is very little malt presence in this beer as the "Hop Infusion" takes charge from front to back in this one. Grassy, earthy hop flavors dominate, but not in a bad way, just in an uninspiring way. Mouth feel and flavor lack depth, but you can tell you are drinking something with some alcohol " weight" to it.
Finish is nicely bitter if slightly sour, with no residual sweetness. A decent session IPA, but I would go looking for something more interesting after one.
This pours a very pretty, medium amber color with persistant and consistant head retention, steady carbonation and a few spatters of cream colored lace.
Aroma is weak to me for an IPA - somewhat floral and grassy with a hint of white icing. Certainly not offensive but not remarkable or unique in any way.
Ill be honest and say I like hop-heavy beers, so I like this one but people looking for some semblence of balance in an IPA may want to look elsewhere. There is very little malt presence in this beer as the "Hop Infusion" takes charge from front to back in this one. Grassy, earthy hop flavors dominate, but not in a bad way, just in an uninspiring way. Mouth feel and flavor lack depth, but you can tell you are drinking something with some alcohol " weight" to it.
Finish is nicely bitter if slightly sour, with no residual sweetness. A decent session IPA, but I would go looking for something more interesting after one.
Horny Toad IPA
Mogollon Brewing Co. Arizona
This beer wins for my favorite label of all time. Vibrantly colored Horny Toad with an angry eye, deep teal background and Apache style boarder.
The beer, is slightly hazy, orange amber color with steady carbonation. White head shows good retention and lots of lacing.
The aroma is all wild flowers and tangerines with a hint of glazed donut malt on the fringe. Wonderful and a bit different from other IPA's of the same "ilk". ( ie: Left coast)
Flavor is soft malt up front and then explosive hops thru the middle , end and long after. Bittering hops dominate and as it warms, some sharp pine flavors come thru along side a light caramel malt for an attempt at balance. Medium bodied mouth feel that feels lighter cold - let this one warm up to find the malt backbone.
The finish is hop, hop, hop.... and in a good way. This beer is a bit harsh ( even for me) and the hops tip the scales a bit too much to thier side. This was a fairly fresh bottle I think, and aging a year or two may soften and mellow this angry Toad out some.
Well worth a try, and a MUST for any bottle collector.
The beer, is slightly hazy, orange amber color with steady carbonation. White head shows good retention and lots of lacing.
The aroma is all wild flowers and tangerines with a hint of glazed donut malt on the fringe. Wonderful and a bit different from other IPA's of the same "ilk". ( ie: Left coast)
Flavor is soft malt up front and then explosive hops thru the middle , end and long after. Bittering hops dominate and as it warms, some sharp pine flavors come thru along side a light caramel malt for an attempt at balance. Medium bodied mouth feel that feels lighter cold - let this one warm up to find the malt backbone.
The finish is hop, hop, hop.... and in a good way. This beer is a bit harsh ( even for me) and the hops tip the scales a bit too much to thier side. This was a fairly fresh bottle I think, and aging a year or two may soften and mellow this angry Toad out some.
Well worth a try, and a MUST for any bottle collector.
IPA #2
Basserie Bierophilie Quebec Canada
According to the previous review and the picture, this is IPA #2 from Brasserie Bieropholie. No extra info, even in french on the lable, other than 6%a.c/vol and the web address. ( www.Bieropholie.com)
Color is a deep, rusty amber with loads of clotted foam and lace. Slow streams of carbonation rise thru the slightly chill hazed beer.
Aroma is awsome - bready caramel malt and floral hop, hints of wet straw and smoke. Not overly hoppy, but very inviting.
Up front , malty flavors of white cake and porridge flood the mouth with grainy sweetness - malt flavors and aromas are very unique. Strong, almost harsh hop flavor and bittering quickly dominate , sharp and grassy with hints of leather, wood and clover.
Bitterness is strong - this is the hoppiest Canadian beer Ive ever tasted! Finish is all grassy / piney hop at the back of the throat, and on the tongue, long and lingering.
It lacks a little body and malt to back up the huge hop profile, but I like it!
Color is a deep, rusty amber with loads of clotted foam and lace. Slow streams of carbonation rise thru the slightly chill hazed beer.
Aroma is awsome - bready caramel malt and floral hop, hints of wet straw and smoke. Not overly hoppy, but very inviting.
Up front , malty flavors of white cake and porridge flood the mouth with grainy sweetness - malt flavors and aromas are very unique. Strong, almost harsh hop flavor and bittering quickly dominate , sharp and grassy with hints of leather, wood and clover.
Bitterness is strong - this is the hoppiest Canadian beer Ive ever tasted! Finish is all grassy / piney hop at the back of the throat, and on the tongue, long and lingering.
It lacks a little body and malt to back up the huge hop profile, but I like it!
60 Minute IPA
Dodfish Head Craft Brewery Maryland
60 Minute pours a sparkling golden amber, with a dense, bright white cap. Sticky lace trails in erratic smears and chunks on the glass , leaving little floating on the beer.
The aroma is sharp and floral- a victory garden and freshly squeezed OJ - sugary malt is in the background, but not un-noticed. Intensly hoppy but somhow balanced aromas invites the alpha acid lover in for more.
Flavors of soft doughy malt up front fade and blend into amazing and complex hop flavors on all levels. The aroma plays a big role in the flavor of this beer as you can pick out and match the aromas and flavors that flood your senses.
Very mellow, medium mouth feel support the hop dominance and while slightly on the thin side, provides exceptional balance and drinkability. Bitterness throughout and in the finish are less than I expected and allows the lingering hop flavors to be enjoyed instead of being over powered as in many more heavily bittered IPA's.
Outstanding example of the style, with a Dogfish Head twist. A great beer for those looking to really tastes hop flavors.
The aroma is sharp and floral- a victory garden and freshly squeezed OJ - sugary malt is in the background, but not un-noticed. Intensly hoppy but somhow balanced aromas invites the alpha acid lover in for more.
Flavors of soft doughy malt up front fade and blend into amazing and complex hop flavors on all levels. The aroma plays a big role in the flavor of this beer as you can pick out and match the aromas and flavors that flood your senses.
Very mellow, medium mouth feel support the hop dominance and while slightly on the thin side, provides exceptional balance and drinkability. Bitterness throughout and in the finish are less than I expected and allows the lingering hop flavors to be enjoyed instead of being over powered as in many more heavily bittered IPA's.
Outstanding example of the style, with a Dogfish Head twist. A great beer for those looking to really tastes hop flavors.
Racer 5 India Pale Ale
Bear Republic Brewing Co. Healdsburg CA
Deep golden color, tall, off white head with excellent retention and lacing.
Aroma is BIG piney hop ( centennial Im thinkin) and marmalade on warm toast.
Great citrus and malty grain flavors up front with a sharp hop bite on the tongue. Malt sweetness doesnt hang around long as strong grass and pine needle hop takes over and dominates this outstanding IPA. Fresh raw grain character makes it taste just that; very fresh.
Medium - full mouth feel with a controlled, peppery bitter finish and a warming tickle of alcohol. Tasty hop burbs!
Aroma is BIG piney hop ( centennial Im thinkin) and marmalade on warm toast.
Great citrus and malty grain flavors up front with a sharp hop bite on the tongue. Malt sweetness doesnt hang around long as strong grass and pine needle hop takes over and dominates this outstanding IPA. Fresh raw grain character makes it taste just that; very fresh.
Medium - full mouth feel with a controlled, peppery bitter finish and a warming tickle of alcohol. Tasty hop burbs!
HopDevil Ale
Victory Brewing Co. Downington PA
This is one of the best IPA's being made in the US. Wonderful, deep amber color with excellent head retention and cling. Great balance and intensley hoppy, both in flavor and bitterness. Aroma is all pine and wildflowers. Carmalized fruit flavors and resinous hop blend perfectly. Lingering bitter hop aftertaste.
Is good... More please!
Is good... More please!
Snake Dog IPA
Flying Dog Brewing Co. Maryland
Appearance: Crystal clear orange/golden hue with an off white head that dissipates fast.
Aroma: Wonderful citrusy/earthy hop aroma dominates. Practically perfect.
Taste: Hops dominate. Fruity taste comes through with the hops and the malt tries to come out but fades quickly. Wet grass flavors come through as well with some slight citrus notes. Weak in overall flavor but tasty and drinkable.
Mouthfeel: Medium to light mouthfeel. Medium carbonation accentuates the flavors nicely. Light for style but refreshing and very dry.
Drinkability: Great drinkability but overall a sort of weak example of the style. An okay session beer with nice lingering bitterness.
Aroma: Wonderful citrusy/earthy hop aroma dominates. Practically perfect.
Taste: Hops dominate. Fruity taste comes through with the hops and the malt tries to come out but fades quickly. Wet grass flavors come through as well with some slight citrus notes. Weak in overall flavor but tasty and drinkable.
Mouthfeel: Medium to light mouthfeel. Medium carbonation accentuates the flavors nicely. Light for style but refreshing and very dry.
Drinkability: Great drinkability but overall a sort of weak example of the style. An okay session beer with nice lingering bitterness.
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. CA
Classic red amber color, comforting floral aroma with pine forest and vanilla notes.
Flavor is sugar coated tangerines in a doughy blanket. As usual, great balance of gritty malt and rough edged hop bite.
Finish is all about lingering resinous piney hop and a trickle of alcohol burn. Mouth feel is a bit light and dry - medium body is there, but the hops havent mellowed yet. Bottles need a few weeks/ months to reach peak IMHO.
IPA, Winter warmer, whatever you want to call it, SNCA is to me, one of the best large production beers available. A valid reason to look forward to Winter.
Flavor is sugar coated tangerines in a doughy blanket. As usual, great balance of gritty malt and rough edged hop bite.
Finish is all about lingering resinous piney hop and a trickle of alcohol burn. Mouth feel is a bit light and dry - medium body is there, but the hops havent mellowed yet. Bottles need a few weeks/ months to reach peak IMHO.
IPA, Winter warmer, whatever you want to call it, SNCA is to me, one of the best large production beers available. A valid reason to look forward to Winter.
Wolaver's India Pale Ale
Wolaver / Otter Creek Brewery Middlebury VT
Slightly hazy, golden amber with a bright, white head, sheets of drippy lace and steady trickles of carbonation.
Spritzy, lemon-grassy, German hop aroma , which throws me off- just not what I want for aroma in an IPA. Hints of honey and fruit jelly.
Medium bodied throughout, with great balance - sugary malt surrounds the tongue as prickly, peppery hops stab at the roof and back of my mouth. Rich malt finally glides down my throat leaving a smoldering, dry, hoppy aftertaste.
Not as complex and malty as the draft version but still an above average IPA. German hops are a unique twist I dont particularly care for. I liked it much better on tap. More sweetness and balance along with fuller mouth feel and less carb bite.
Spritzy, lemon-grassy, German hop aroma , which throws me off- just not what I want for aroma in an IPA. Hints of honey and fruit jelly.
Medium bodied throughout, with great balance - sugary malt surrounds the tongue as prickly, peppery hops stab at the roof and back of my mouth. Rich malt finally glides down my throat leaving a smoldering, dry, hoppy aftertaste.
Not as complex and malty as the draft version but still an above average IPA. German hops are a unique twist I dont particularly care for. I liked it much better on tap. More sweetness and balance along with fuller mouth feel and less carb bite.
Bitter & Twisted
Harviestoun Brewery Scotland UK
Pale straw color, faint film of trub fallout in the bottle. A bright white head falls quickly to a low sheet of foam that clings in bubbly clumps.
Very clear, with occasional bubbles that rise from the depths in slow motion. A faint ( I have a cold, it could be stronger) earthy hop aroma leads into a bready malt sweetness just before the tangy hop bites into your tingue with a tart, peppery snap. A relatively light ESB style, it drinks more like a session Bitter to me.
Very unique, soft, biscuits and butter mouth feel , great balance and long, mild bitter finish.
I hear this beer won " Best of Britain" this year.
Very clear, with occasional bubbles that rise from the depths in slow motion. A faint ( I have a cold, it could be stronger) earthy hop aroma leads into a bready malt sweetness just before the tangy hop bites into your tingue with a tart, peppery snap. A relatively light ESB style, it drinks more like a session Bitter to me.
Very unique, soft, biscuits and butter mouth feel , great balance and long, mild bitter finish.
I hear this beer won " Best of Britain" this year.
Southern Tier IPA
Southern Tier Brewing Co. Lakeville NY
This ale is a clear, bright golden amber color with a classic fresh hop aroma (centennial hops I think) and hints of honey and doughnuts. Steady carbonation (on tap) with good trails of white lace.
Flavor has a nice balance of hops and unique nutty/ sugary grain sweetness with the great aroma leading the way. Sharp, slightly metalic hop bitter blends in smoothly with the angel food cake-like sweetnes.
Slightly thin in body but the intense hop flavors dont beat back the malt, and this one stays in balance all the way. Finish is long and peppery with hnts on hony on the fringe.
This is an outstanding IPA with a bit more meat than many I have tried. Very good from the bottle but believe I enjoy the draft version even better. Worth finding and trying fer sure.
Flavor has a nice balance of hops and unique nutty/ sugary grain sweetness with the great aroma leading the way. Sharp, slightly metalic hop bitter blends in smoothly with the angel food cake-like sweetnes.
Slightly thin in body but the intense hop flavors dont beat back the malt, and this one stays in balance all the way. Finish is long and peppery with hnts on hony on the fringe.
This is an outstanding IPA with a bit more meat than many I have tried. Very good from the bottle but believe I enjoy the draft version even better. Worth finding and trying fer sure.
Lagunitas IPA
Lagunitas Brewing, Petaluna CA
Bright amber ale with a firm cap of white foam. Great clarity and lots of sticky lace left on the glass.
Aromas of pine needles and light citrus notes along side mild sugary sweetness. Not overpowering but fresh smelling and inviting.
Soft malt sweetness up front with sharp hop flavors of fresh cut grass and orange zest. Malt hangs in there to keep things in balance as the bittering takes charge on the finish.
Body is light to medium with a mouth coating sweetness.
A fine IPA overall and highly drinkable due to it's toned down hop rate compared to other west coast examples. Long, mellow bitter finish.
Aromas of pine needles and light citrus notes along side mild sugary sweetness. Not overpowering but fresh smelling and inviting.
Soft malt sweetness up front with sharp hop flavors of fresh cut grass and orange zest. Malt hangs in there to keep things in balance as the bittering takes charge on the finish.
Body is light to medium with a mouth coating sweetness.
A fine IPA overall and highly drinkable due to it's toned down hop rate compared to other west coast examples. Long, mellow bitter finish.
The Immortal IPA
Elysian Brewing Co. Seattle WA
Big bottle - not sure if thats Zeus or Odin lounging on the label but Im sure he'd be happier looking if he had a beer instead of a lightning bolt in his hand.
Bright, clear amber color with steady carbonation. Yeast trub in the bottle stayed locked down and didnt cloud the beer. It sprts a pretty white head that left lots of lace.
Aroma is spectacular! Fresh is my best description. Not overly hoppy with mild citrus and pine forest notes but the malt aromas of wort in full boil makes this a very delicious smelling beer. Some sweet yeasty notes blend in well with the grain and hops to develop a very unique and interesting nose.
The flavor is a mellow essay in balance. Nothing is over the top as the malt hangs in throughout - mostly because it isnt over bittered as alot of west coast IPA's can be. I like the over hooped ones just fine - its just nice to have a balanced IPA that doesnt suck the moisure right out of my mouth.
Medium+ body and smooth mouthfeel with mild hop flavors set up a firmly bitter finish that isnt over dry. All this being said it didnt inspire me to think it was an exceptional IPA but the excellent balance makes it highly drinkable.
A truly great if not quite outstanding session IPA.
Bright, clear amber color with steady carbonation. Yeast trub in the bottle stayed locked down and didnt cloud the beer. It sprts a pretty white head that left lots of lace.
Aroma is spectacular! Fresh is my best description. Not overly hoppy with mild citrus and pine forest notes but the malt aromas of wort in full boil makes this a very delicious smelling beer. Some sweet yeasty notes blend in well with the grain and hops to develop a very unique and interesting nose.
The flavor is a mellow essay in balance. Nothing is over the top as the malt hangs in throughout - mostly because it isnt over bittered as alot of west coast IPA's can be. I like the over hooped ones just fine - its just nice to have a balanced IPA that doesnt suck the moisure right out of my mouth.
Medium+ body and smooth mouthfeel with mild hop flavors set up a firmly bitter finish that isnt over dry. All this being said it didnt inspire me to think it was an exceptional IPA but the excellent balance makes it highly drinkable.
A truly great if not quite outstanding session IPA.
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- AleKing AleKing Jul 7, 2009 @ 11:15 am | in reply to access2
- Thanks for the comment! Fullers is indeed a good example - of a UK IPA - which is the standard by which typical IPA's should be judged. We get more ESB and London Pride from fullers than their IPA here in the US, and I prefer the examples from smaller UK breweries than Fullers usually. try the Harvestouns, or Trafalgar IPA! Red Hook ..? As you stated - a matter of opinion, but I believe it lacks depth and character - especially the beer coming out of the New Hampshire brewery AB helped build for Red Hook so they could access the Budweiser distribution channels. Business is bad for quality beer - again - just my opinion.
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- access2 access2 Mar 31, 2009 @ 9:06 am
- You missed Fuller's, which is the standard for judging IPAs. It's not necessarily the best -- that is a matter of personal taste. Since there's no accounting for taste, there must be some standard, and in the case of IPA, Fuller's is it. Redhook makes a nice IPA, too.
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- AleKing AleKing Mar 9, 2009 @ 10:31 am | in reply to j hodie
- Thanks for the kind words Hodie - and spelling does count! Thanks again.
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- j hodie j hodie Mar 3, 2009 @ 12:13 am
- expansive list, incitefull naratives, occasional mispellings oops me too! great lens aleking
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- fredo3303 fredo3303 Sep 17, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
- great lens on a great style of beer
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- jeffwend jeffwend Sep 11, 2008 @ 1:58 am
- I highly recommend two hearted ale from Bell's Brewery, awesome IPA
This is the perfect topic for a duel! Choose your IPA and back up your taste buds with passionate words!
Debate the merits of your fave IPA - cuz everybody is right here as what tastes good is completely subjective. Stand up for your IPA because you can't be wrong!
The Great IPA Debate. It has been going on for a long time and I hope breweries continue to make awsome IPA's because I dont want the battle to ever end. The "Best" IPA is a fictional thing and they are all ( well almost all ) are the "best" to somebody.
What is your favorite IPA?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byLagunitas IPA
AleKing says:
Best is a hard thing for me to call - so many great ones and I remember bells wwas awsome. Been a couple years since ive had one. Hard to find here in NY but thats ok - the best, freshest beer is always local.
I guess i gotta vote for Hop devil ....
Posted September 11, 2008
AleKing says:
Hope Devil by a nose. While Stone IA has an awsome hop aroma and sharp hop bittering it is a bit too hop heavy and grapefruity. Hop Devil is incredibly well balanced but still exhibits massive hop character along side the rich caramel malt. Just more drinkable and food friendlt in my opinion.
Posted September 04, 2008
Green Flash West Coast IPA
by AleKing
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