310115
Favorite IPAs?
Tue Jul 18 01:48:34 -0700 2006
158
35
Beer
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1750516
I've only recently learned to like IPAs, and it's been so damned hot that I've been drinking them quite a bit. I like the hoppiness and floral elements that the good ones have, but some of them have a sort of vegetal aftertaste to me -- and I don't like that. (Case in point: I have a Big Daddy from the Speakeasy brewery in SF in front of me now. The fading tastes remind me of rotting lettuce.)
Any suggestions for IPAs to try? (California availability a plus.)
Tue Jul 18 01:48:34 -0700 2006
18802
mudster
1
1750871
My favorite is Stone IPA. That's brewed in California, in San Marcos. It's got a very clean finish, no vegetal notes to speak of. Another good one is Anderson Valley Hop Ottin' IPA (also from California).
The absolute best, however, is Alpine's Pure Hoppiness. Tons of floral hops - simply an amazing beer. Unfortunately, it's only available in Alpine (east of San Diego), or in a couple of San Diego's better pubs.
Tue Jul 18 07:38:55 -0700 2006
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10809
Josh
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1757009
I'll join you on the Stone love. Racer 5 is excellent as well, but by me when I compare a $5 bomber to the $9 sixers of Stone then the Stone is going to win out damn near all the time.
For the English-style IPA's I really enjoy Brooklyn's East India Pale Ale: high gravity (1.068) nice fruity esters and floral Kent Goldings hops up the wazoo.
Thu Jul 20 19:40:09 -0700 2006
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TongoRad
2
1773824
guys and gals if you like a balanced IPA try the samuel Smith IPA. It is not over hopped like the american IPA's. It is very well balanced and goes great with food.
Fri Jul 28 18:55:30 -0700 2006
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beer dude
3
1774417
Overly hopped is in the palate of the taster. Once you get used to West Coast IPAs, the British ones tend to taste a little wimpy.
Stone's IPA is, to me, quite a balanced IPA. It's got a lot of floral notes from the hops, something I find really lacking in the British IPAs.
Fri Jul 28 22:34:28 -0700 2006
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10809
Josh
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1774949
"Overly hopped is in the palate of the taster."
Here, here Josh!
And further, the original poster, what with the California references, clearly enjoys West Coast IPA's.
That said, I enjoy Sam Smith's IPA, but you would barely know that you were drinking the same "type" -- (style? variety? breed? strain? appellation?) of beer if you were to put it side-by-side with a good California or Oregon IPA.
Does anyone else think this has something to do with the quality and intensity of flavor that is common among hops grown in the Pacific Northwest? I think that this is something from which the West Coast style might have flowed.
Just a thought.
Sat Jul 29 04:31:45 -0700 2006
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Clifford
5
1775099
There are several differences between typical British and American IPAs.
Americans often use a very clean-fermenting yeast, where a British yeast would likely leave more complex flavors.
It wouldn't be unusual for the American IPA to have more alcohol, although this difference might not be as pronounced as that between American and British barley wines. (I speak here of 'regular' IPAs, not the double and imperial versions. Weyerbacher recently came out with a 'triple' IPA. Where will it end?)
American hops tend to have those piney, grapefruit-like flavors, and are typically used in greater quantity.
Sat Jul 29 10:32:18 -0700 2006
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Jim Dorsch
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1775639
Sam Smith's is pretty good, but I have to say that I'd opt for Victory's Hop Devil over any British IPA if I want that English-style flavor. It's 1000 miles fresher, if nothing else. But you're right, the difference between the varieties is enough that a different name should be considered.
Some have suggested calling the uber-hopped IPAs San Diego Pale Ale, because the first person to really brew it was Vinnie Cilurzo of Blind Pig.
Sat Jul 29 21:19:04 -0700 2006
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Josh
5
1775650
I've never thought of Hop Devil as being in the English IPA style. I love the beer, but IMO it belongs in the American camp.
Sat Jul 29 21:27:56 -0700 2006
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brentk
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1775655
I dunno Brent - to me Hop Devil is very British tasting in style. It's malty, cloudy, and the hops are quite subdued and not at all citrusy. To me it tastes nothing like the American IPAs I am used to.
Sat Jul 29 21:29:44 -0700 2006
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10809
Josh
5
1775826
Josh -
I agree with you that there is a difference, but I would characterize it as an East Coast IPA vs. a West Coast IPA. To me, the West Coast style is very citrusy - some taste like ruby red grapefruit, while the East Coast style leans toward a piney flavor.
To me, English IPAs are more earthy and subtle.
I like them all, but I think the Americans are trying to push the envelope. Particularly, as every great brewery such as Victory or Stone has a Double IPA version of their brew, as well.
Sun Jul 30 00:16:00 -0700 2006
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brentk
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1787353
Josh, Thanks for the tip. We stopped in at the Alpine brewery yesterday. I told them of your recommedation, and they were going to get onto chowhound pronto.
We bought a growler of the IPA, and it was magnificent. (We also tried the Manderine Wit bier, and the Irish red, and we got a growler of stout.) Alll were fantastic. Thanks again.
peace, jill
Fri Aug 04 14:17:10 -0700 2006
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jill kibler
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1787520
Glad to hear it. Pat will literally spend years perfecting his recipes, and you can taste it in the finished product.
One of my favorites of his is called Willy, and is an American wheat beer. Very clean tasting, with a mild sweetness. He sometimes will age it with fruit or vanilla bean. I once got a growler of the stout mixed half-and-half with the vanilla Willy (apparently a common request). It was the hit of the party.
Fri Aug 04 15:28:02 -0700 2006
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Josh
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im a fan of bells 2hearted ale
Tue Oct 16 22:45:40 -0700 2007
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razberrie
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1750910
Stone is in their new brewery in Escondido now, with Pizza Port occupying their former premises in San Marcos.
Tue Jul 18 10:24:04 -0700 2006
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Jim Dorsch
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1750924
Bear Republic's Racer 5 is solid. Also, the Alchemist's Heady Topper is not one to be missed if you are near Waterbury VT.
Tue Jul 18 11:09:36 -0700 2006
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Chrispy75
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1750932
I'm a big fan of Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye, not an IPA but seriously hoppy.
Tue Jul 18 11:33:25 -0700 2006
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Jim Dorsch
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Racer 5, Racer 5, Racer 5. This beer is so good on draught. I like it better than Stone.
Thu Jul 20 03:54:19 -0700 2006
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Mrs Fang
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1750930
I love IPAs! If available, try Dogfish Head out of Delaware. It's terrific.
Tue Jul 18 11:31:45 -0700 2006
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Mutt
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1820274
The 120 minute.
The Rogue XS Imperial IPA is also incredible.
Sun Aug 20 04:01:55 -0700 2006
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beef
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2989084
I find the 90-minute to be more balanced and sessionable. It's always in the fridge.
Sat Sep 29 16:40:00 -0700 2007
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yellowmix
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3199493
Haven't been able to find 120 or 90 min. But 60 min IPA is great as well.
Tue Dec 11 14:54:47 -0800 2007
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baekster
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3202534
The 60 is good hop juice. The 90 also has a delicious malt character. Actually, it's in the Aprihop to an extent as well. Aprihop -- now there's a fruit beer that works, because they use real fruit and use it subtlely.
Wed Dec 12 13:23:55 -0800 2007
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Kenji
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1751037
Not sure if it would be available in California, but Blue Point Hoptical Illusion is wonderful. Once had it out of a beer pump, and it was awesome. Out of a tap, it's only wonderful.
Tue Jul 18 13:37:13 -0700 2006
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Captain
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1751386
First let me say that there is a difference in IPA's depending on which coast you are on. East coast IPA's tend to be more in the English style - english yeasts tend to leave beer a little sweeter and maltier and many (too many for my tastes) believe their should be a strong balance between malt and hops. West coasters tend to make their IPA's a bit drier with a balance on the hop side (bitterness,flavor, and aroma) with just enough malt to balance the hops a little. So suggesting East Coast IPA's probably will not satisfy someone used to drinking West coast IPA's (not to mention that most microbrewies on the east coast just don't distribute to the west coast).
That being said, I think Alesmith IPA is one of the better ones made in CA and fits your description for floral elements. Stone IPA is great also. Bear Republic Racer 5, and hop rod rye are delicious also. Anderson Valley Hop Ottin is great when it is fresh. You could also check out Medocino White hawk, Lagunitas IPA, Sierra Nevada Celebration (late fall/early winter), Lost Coast Indica IPA, ACME IPA, Moylan's IPA, or Marin IPA. If it makes its way down to you check out Bridgeport IPA - its subtle, but quite interesting floral aroma.
Stepping up to the Double/Imperial IPA range Moylan's makes two- Moylander and Hopsickle. Stone Ruination, Lagaunitas Maximus, AleSmith Yulesmith, Marin White Knuckle, Bear Republic Racer X, Pizza Port(Solana beach) hop suey and Hop 15 are good too but the Pliny's (the Elder and the Younger) from Russian River are the standards for the style.
I understand what you are saying about the vegetal flavors. Could be that they are not all that fresh. I find that hops oxidize pretty quickly (especially at room temp) in IPA's and give it a grassy/vegetal/caramel type flavor that is unpleasant. Unfortunately there is way too much unfresh microbrewed beer dieing on warm store shelves while quicker moving macrobrews needlesly take up too much cooler space.
Tue Jul 18 16:12:13 -0700 2006
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LStaff
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1773840
Bridgeport IPA.
My favorite brand of my favorite type of beer.
Fri Jul 28 19:00:45 -0700 2006
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Clifford
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1751541
Can't believe I forgot Pliny the Elder. Too bad that's not available in bottles.
LStaff, if you ever make it down to San Diego, make sure to give Pure Hoppiness a try. Exponential Hoppiness is good too, but is definitely more of a double IPA.
Tue Jul 18 17:03:44 -0700 2006
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Josh
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1751980
Oh man this thread is making me thirsty.
Tue Jul 18 19:23:49 -0700 2006
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MVNYC
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1752877
Exponential Hoppiness is my favorite beer of all time.
Just wish I had more excuses to get to San Diego to get my hands on it.
Great Divide's Titan IPA is another nice one that I have been drinking a bit lately.
Wed Jul 19 01:26:19 -0700 2006
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brentk
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1753025
for sentimental purposes you got to throw Ballantine's XXX on the to drink list.
Wed Jul 19 03:18:39 -0700 2006
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byrd
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1753314
You mean Ballantine IPA? I haven't seen it many years. Use to be able to get cans of Ballantine Ale around here, but the distributor dropped it. The IPA was great to find back in the bad old days before we had lots of craft beer on the east coast.
Wed Jul 19 09:36:35 -0700 2006
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Jim Dorsch
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3360643
I used tp get it in little green bottles (ponies) that I believe were six ounces. It was a whole different brew from the stuff in the twelve ounce cans. I think that it was actually aged in wooden kegs. It would match any of the IPA made today.
Sun Feb 03 06:50:31 -0800 2008
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BluPlateSpec
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3360888
Ballantine XXX Ale and Ballantine India Pale Ale were indeed two different beers. While both were available over the years in 7 and 12 ounce bottles (and kegs), only the XXX was sold in cans (still is, a least a pale imitation of it, via Miller's contract to brew it for Pabst).
Pabst (which got the brand when Falstaff -which has owned the brand since 1972- bought Pabst in the 1980's) dropped the IPA in mid-1990's, after years of "dumbing down" the ale in terms of ABV, IBU and aging time.
Sun Feb 03 08:56:50 -0800 2008
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JessKidden
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1753317
A great IPA in my area is Climax IPA from Climax Breing Co. in Roselle Park, N.J. They make the best beer in N.J. Their IPA is in the English Style.
Wed Jul 19 10:01:02 -0700 2006
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hotdoglover
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1753358
I almost agree w/ LStaff about E Coast vs. W Coast, but I think you just have to try an IPA to find out where it falls. Many IPAs that I've had from New England have fit this description. But then Dogfish Head's 60/90/120 Minute ones blow that away, and they can probably heave a stone into the Atlantic from outside the brewery.
Several of my favorites have been mentioned- Sierra Celebration, Great Divide Titan, et al. But since we can't get Stone, Moylan's, Bear Republic, Dogfish Head, etc in GA (well, yet, at least), I drink locally. Sweetwater's IPA has really stepped up with citrusy hops and finally admitting that they were always around 6% (which was illegal in GA until just a few years ago). That and it's *cheap* compared to getting out-of-state beers, generally.
Wed Jul 19 12:05:55 -0700 2006
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ted
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1754248
Not sure that I agree with the East Coast vs. West Coast distinction, but even if it were true, there are some many exceptions that I think I'd be trying as many of them as I could anyway. What a daunting task? Maybe I will have to begrudgingly take part of it on. My wife won't be happy with what it does to my waist line.
I do notice that many of the American IPAs, in general, tend to do without the fruity esters common in the traditional English IPAs. Also, the American IPAs do tend to through in a lot more aroma and flavor hops. Many of the English brewers seem to only use hops to add bitterness, choosing not to add any more after they begin to boil their wort.
The one thing that helped me realize all the different tastes that go into beer was homebrewing and tasting everything before it went into the brew pot. Nothing like chewing on different kinds of hops to teach you about thier flavors, etc.
Wed Jul 19 18:46:31 -0700 2006
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Captain
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1755135
Sixpoint Craft Ales' BENGALI TIGER IPA, it's on cask at The Spotted Pig in NYC. Can't beat that with a stick (or hops vine).
Thu Jul 20 00:02:09 -0700 2006
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harlanturk
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1755425
If you're ever in Halifax, Nova Scotia (or somehow get access to the stuff) you owe it to yourself to try Propeller Brewing Company's new IPA. It runs at 6.5% but is really smooth and well-balanced -- hoppy, but not too much so as to make it overly bitter. Served very cold, it is a wonderfully refreshing brew. Highly recommended.
Thu Jul 20 01:55:19 -0700 2006
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Greg B
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1759545
In the Chicago area, Three Floyds is making some awesome IPAs. Dreadnaught, a double IPA, is amazing. Their Alpha King pale ale (7.2%, huge on hops, so basically an IPA) is excellent as well. I believe Binny's ships it, they are a Chicago chain.
Do you look at Beeradvocate.com or ratebeer.com? There are some great reviewers on there. They usually give me a good idea of what to look for when tasting so I consult the site when I get a new beer.
Fri Jul 21 20:37:50 -0700 2006
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Danimal
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1759979
Beeradvocate is also my site of choice for beer reviews. Alpha King is my favorite beer right now. Dreadnaught is not available here, and when my daughter stopped at the brewery last month on her way home from Michigan, the brewery didn't have any. I was so sad. Did finally get to try Gumballhead. Wow. That's some good stuff too. Never tasted such a hoppy wheat.
Fri Jul 21 23:53:23 -0700 2006
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Bobfrmia
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1761027
If 3F doesn't have it again, Pat's on 20 in Porter, IN always has bombers of the stuff. They also have great brews from Upland, Backroad, Founders, and New Holland.
Sat Jul 22 20:38:48 -0700 2006
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Danimal
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1759992
Harpoon IPA
Fri Jul 21 23:58:23 -0700 2006
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ipsofatso
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1787534
I second this. Tasty and easy to come by in the Boston area. Though I also agree that the Victory Hop Devil is pretty good.
Fri Aug 04 15:33:07 -0700 2006
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carfoodie
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1884522
When I lived in Quincy I drank Harpoon almost exclusively, by bottle or tap (at The Fours). Even occasionally went up to the brewery to get a growler. Moved to Pittsburgh 5 yrs ago and asked the closest distributor here to order some, since they weren't stocking any. It didn't taste the same - could be age, could be shipping in heat or poor storage, but after three cases, I gave up on it, sad to say.
Mon Sep 18 19:09:21 -0700 2006
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Panini Guy
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2986898
I just moved to southie and can walk to the harpoon brewery to fill up my growlers. I think I'm in heaven.
Fri Sep 28 15:01:36 -0700 2007
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joth68
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1760906
My husband and I love Hop Rod Rye and Stone. The former is a bit stronger, though.
Sat Jul 22 18:57:18 -0700 2006
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Dizzyginger
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1772066
From your profile, it looks like you may be somewhat near the Bay Area, or at at least the middle to northern part of the state. If that's the case, then you owe it to yourself to make it to one of the IPA Festivals put on by The Bistro in Hayward. The Double IPA Fest is usually in February and the IPA Fest is in the summer. Turns out it's coming up on August 12th this year. I'm a huge IPA head and go to both every year. The Bistro (a beer bar) hosts breweries from all over the West Coast, presenting their IPA of choice. It is an IPA drinkers dream - every IPA mentioned here on the West Coast is available. Pizza Port, Pliney the Elder, Racer 5...
Ohhh, I can't wait!!!
http://www.the-bistro.com/events.htm
Thu Jul 27 23:01:04 -0700 2006
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oaklandfoodie
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1774432
Great Divide Brewing Company's Hercules Double IPA is incredible. 85 IBUs. 9.1% alcohol. It comes in 22-oz. bottles. Not recommended for drinking by oneself in one sitting ... trust me!
Fri Jul 28 22:42:20 -0700 2006
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Kirk
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1793528
I have to agree with Hercules a very solid double ipa, as is Stone ruination, and unearthly an insanely hoppy beer out of new York( probably the hoppiest i've ever had) but I can never remember the Brewery.
Tue Aug 08 00:12:42 -0700 2006
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phatchris
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1896404
Totally agree on the Hercules. On tap it's a big juicy monster. Any IPA is worth a try, but the trend towards the double IPA's makes the saying drink less but drink better especially relevant.
Sat Sep 23 01:45:47 -0700 2006
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QXSTER1
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1787754
I'm a fan of Lagunitas IPA
Fri Aug 04 17:00:08 -0700 2006
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withalonge
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1792462
The other night my buddy and I split a bottle of Rogue's Imperial IPA. It was awesome. Comes in a big, black ceramic bottle. Not excessively bitter, and a really nice robust maltiness. Highly recommended.
Mon Aug 07 17:21:34 -0700 2006
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Josh
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1869830
Rouge is a favorite IPA since I bicycled through the PacNW in 1992. Rouge maintains a branded pub in San Francisco (North Beach). It is decidedly a tourist location, so it seems to me it gets over-looked. Or at least that is why I always forget about it.
Tue Sep 12 00:44:58 -0700 2006
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neil
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1817210
Just got some Smuttynose IPA (NH) at a local grocery store in Queens, NY (surprise!) and it was excellent...grapefruit/piney scents, very hoppy with bitter finish but excellent balance. The hop strength is along the lines of Hop Devil (which I also like) but less overwhelmingly hoppified because there are more complex fruity flavors, in my opinion.
Fri Aug 18 16:06:41 -0700 2006
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kenito799
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1817289
I like the Smuttynose as well and I'm not much on IPAs. It's gotten easier to find around the city--I've been seeing it around a lot more often.
Fri Aug 18 16:28:19 -0700 2006
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erikka
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1820175
Smuttynose IPA is unfiltered, which I think helps round out the flavor.
Sun Aug 20 02:30:12 -0700 2006
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10998
Jim Dorsch
1
1817863
Yards IPA
Dogfish Head 60 & 90 Minute IPA
Victory HopDevil
Russian River Pliny the Elder
Fri Aug 18 19:30:46 -0700 2006
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G Goo
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1820193
New Amsterdam IPA, made in Utica, NY. The only problem is I haven't seen any New Amsterdam sold in NYC for a few years.
Sun Aug 20 02:44:54 -0700 2006
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bigmackdaddy
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1841564
No one mentioned the beer that brought IPA to the mainstream? Sierra Nevada
Tue Aug 29 21:32:55 -0700 2006
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18686
Billy Bob
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1841635
I'm not aware of Sierra Nevada doing any such thing. I recall Grant's being early in the game.
Tue Aug 29 21:55:09 -0700 2006
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Jim Dorsch
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1853437
Nice to see Grant's get a mention. He was the first modern American microbrewer and brewpub operator. But the first ales from there were called "Scottish," not India Pales, though not at all Scottish by my standards. But they were still too dark to fit my view of an IPA. In the last few years, I have enjoyed a good IPA brewed by Grant's, but in the early 80s, I had never run into it. Also he does one called Hop Harvest (or something like that) just featuring fresh Cascade hops from the most recent harvest. It is only available (if it is still available) right after harvest.
ed
Mon Sep 04 20:58:47 -0700 2006
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Phoo D
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1853489
Grant's flagship was indeed a Scottish ale, but he also did an IPA, one of the first from a modern microbrewer. Grant's closed maybe a year ago, and Bert passed away a few years before, of course.
Mon Sep 04 21:28:18 -0700 2006
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Jim Dorsch
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3215399
You're probably thinking of Grant's Fresh Hop ale -- it was part of a line of seasonal beers that Grant's put out starting in '97 or so. My favorite of that lot was probably their Winter Ale, which was dark and strongish and flavored with honey and Mt. Hood hops. I thought the FHA was fine, but not especially hoppy.
As Jim mentions, Grant did have his take on an IPA out quite early indeed -- by the mid-80s at least, and probably earlier than that. Grant's was the first IPA I ever tasted. He also put out what he called an imperial stout. Both brews were flavorful, and I bought them regularly in the 80s and 90s, but both were also very low in ABV for their respective styles. The IPA had around 4.2% ABV; the Imperial Stout had 6% ABV.
Mon Dec 17 10:27:14 -0800 2007
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Kenji
4
3215741
I would bet that Grant came out with his Scottish Ale, IPA, and Imperial Stout at about the same time, in the early 80s. (I'll bet they're mentioned in Jackson's '82 Pocket Guide to Beer.)
Jackson was a big proponent of Grant's brews, but he admitted that they were laws unto themselves. He found the Scottish Ale far too hoppy for the style, and wrote that when he pressed Grant as to what made the beer Scottish, Grant replied that he had been born in Scotland! A classic genetic fallacy. But I enjoyed the beers.
Mon Dec 17 11:59:54 -0800 2007
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Kenji
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1841650
Sierra Nevada's big beer isn't IPA, it's a standard pale ale. Not sure who really deserves credit for mainstreaming American IPA, but it's not Sierra Nevada.
Tue Aug 29 22:01:29 -0700 2006
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10809
Josh
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1841658
my bad, I had forgotten Sierra Nevada is just a Pale Ale and not an IPA
Tue Aug 29 22:04:11 -0700 2006
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18686
Billy Bob
4
3215409
But Sierra Nevada's legendary Celebration Ale is an IPA. (When did it first appear? I first tasted it in '87 or '88.) They also started bottling a paler (English-style?) IPA a few years back -- obviously, however, this is a relatively recent offering from SN.
Mon Dec 17 10:29:06 -0800 2007
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90936
Kenji
3
3240784
Harpoon IPA!
Thu Dec 27 14:16:33 -0800 2007
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punkdom
2
1842188
An Anchor rep who gave a few talks to my homebrew club in the early 90's was pretty adament that their Liberty Ale was conceived of as an IPA when it was first released (1976). People may not look at that beer as an IPA these days, but I am more than happy to give them (and Fritz) their props for opening many doors including that one.
Then again, depending on what you mean by 'mainstream', Ballantine almost certainly predates Liberty.
I love my SN, but I wouldn't give them that credit.
Wed Aug 30 02:50:07 -0700 2006
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TongoRad
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1841645
Why do you think it is that Americans are so obsessed with obscenely hoppy beers? Now, don't get me wrong -- I enjoy Stone's IPA on occasion, but pretty much all of the double and triple IPAs I've tried I've considered just "novelty" beers and not very drinkable.
I sort of chalk this up to a) a not very well disguised desire to get quickly inebriated (hoppy beers tend to be more alcoholic, I think) and b) that typical American anti-traditionalist, “f*ck-you” attitude.
My favourite IPAs tend to be the East Coast versions -- I like Berkshire and Brooklyn the most, but Victory and Smuttynose are also quite good.
Tue Aug 29 21:59:16 -0700 2006
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Fozzie_Bear
2
1842016
I don't think it's a desire for alcohol so much as the big flavors that tend to travel with it. I've often thought that Americans are enjoying the novelty of hugely hopped beers, something they didn't see much of before the late 1970s. And I've often wondered if Americans will eventually get over it, at least just a bit, and show more appreciation for balance and subtlety. I'm afraid I haven't gotten over it at all!
Wed Aug 30 01:06:31 -0700 2006
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10998
Jim Dorsch
2
1842086
I'd disagree with you on the double IPA assessment. I've had several that are delicious and quite drinkable indeed. Rogue's Imperial IPA is great, as is Stone's Ruination. Alpine's Pure Hoppiness and Exponential Hoppiness are also stellar beers.
They are an acquired taste, to be sure. When I first tasted Stone IPA I hated it - it's now one of my top "go to" beers.
Wed Aug 30 01:48:19 -0700 2006
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10809
Josh
3
1842177
Haven't tried the Alpine's -- I'll see if I can find it somewhere.
Wed Aug 30 02:38:12 -0700 2006
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26793
Fozzie_Bear
3
1842481
When I was in San Diego for a week earlier this year, I spent many a cocktail hour at the Liars Club going through their extraordinary list of beers on tap. At the pinnacle of an awesome list was Alpine's Exponential Hoppiness.
Wed Aug 30 08:56:28 -0700 2006
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brentk
1
1841692
Yes, but Sierra Nevada does now make an IPA, which is good.
The OP asked for best IPAs. For purposes of this response, I will not include Double (or Imperial) IPAs, as they are sort of IPAs on steroids, which puts them in a different category. My favorite ten IPAs:
1) Bell's Two Hearted Ale
2) Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (sort of an IPA)
3) Smuttynose IPA
4) Racer 5 IPA
5) Stone IPA
6) Sierra Nevada IPA
7) Dogfishhead 60 Minute IPA (but only if on tap)
8) Goose Island IPA
9) Anchor Liberty (but only if on tap)
10) Blind Pig IPA, Russian River Brewing
Tue Aug 29 22:19:17 -0700 2006
1750516
25851
John Galt
2
3240794
You are right. Some people are getting off the topic with some over the top hoppers that fall into the gray IPA area. Lately I have been enjoying Leather Lips from the Tap in Haverhill (pronounced Haverill) MA. If you ever come to Boston I'll be happy to take a ride up there with you and we can even see live punk rock and buys used vinyl a few doors down the street.
Thu Dec 27 14:19:18 -0800 2007
1841692
152693
punkdom
2
3346066
Oh geez.Never mind. 2 years old?
Tue Jan 29 15:59:07 -0800 2008
1841692
10809
Josh
1
1842239
Alpine is local to San Diego. If you're not in SD, don't bother, you won't find it.
Even in SD, there's only a few pubs that have it regularly.
Wed Aug 30 03:30:10 -0700 2006
1750516
10809
Josh
1
1844612
Racer 5 ia a Phat IPA mucho bueno, also dogfish 60 is very nice, Some of my other favs are hopdevil from victory and a nice mojo IPA.
Thu Aug 31 00:39:01 -0700 2006
1750516
16672
phatchris
2
3051385
I'm glad to see another Mojo fan on here
Fri Oct 19 18:34:30 -0700 2007
1844612
16399
Biggie
1
1853580
If anyone's still reading this long thread, what do you think of Bison's IPA?
Here's an interesting interview:
http://www.brew-monkey.com/articles/interview.php?id=13
What does "dry hop an IPA" mean?
I know nothing about IPA's, but this topic got me interested. Of course when I was in the store, I couldn't remember one IPA mentioned, so I picked up Bison. My opinion means nothing as this is not my area of expertise, so I was wondering what you folks think.
Mon Sep 04 22:11:16 -0700 2006
1750516
10264
rworange
2
1853655
Hops contain bittering compounds that require an extensive boil to release. They also have flavor and aroma components, but these volatilize easily. Dry-hopping is the addition of hops after the boil, to enhance flavor and aroma.
Mon Sep 04 22:45:03 -0700 2006
1853580
10998
Jim Dorsch
2
2006282
Dry hopping is essentially like making tea. The brewer will take a large bag full of fresh, dry hops and dunk it in the vat of beer. It gives the beer an extra kick and the typical IPA "floralness".
Wed Nov 08 18:42:42 -0800 2006
1853580
42270
HaagenDazs
1
1913945
Anything with a huge dose of Cascade hops will do it for me. I just love that floral nose. Although not an IPA, Speakeasy Prohibition used to be a favorite of mine, but it does develop an off flavor as one of the posters pointed out. I used to wonder what it was! Now I only get it on tap. Racer 5 and Ross are two other favorites. Really hard to get in six-packs though.
Sun Oct 01 00:58:30 -0700 2006
1750516
17998
dolcetto
1
1973099
There are a whole bunch of great IPA's made in the midwest that you are missing. Go to the Great Taste of the Midwest beer festival in Madison in August and try em all in one day! Three Floyds Alpha King, Tyranea Bitter Woman IPA, Buckeye, it goes on and on....
Thu Oct 26 01:00:12 -0700 2006
1750516
48066
Brewnoser
1
1974165
recently tried - Green Flash West Coast IPA, very nice.
Thu Oct 26 15:35:16 -0700 2006
1750516
13165
VegaCarpio
1
2004593
Wachusett 30-Minute IPA is the best out there...Boston Area
Tue Nov 07 23:29:55 -0800 2006
1750516
51489
Jimbosox04
1
2009164
Jamaica IPA from Mad River Brewery in Blue Lake (Humboldt Co.) is always in my fridge. Indica IPA from Lost Coast in Eureka is good also.
Thu Nov 09 19:02:03 -0800 2006
1750516
48107
exbarkeep
1
2012485
I know I'm seconding or thirding or eighthing or something, but Dogfish Head's 90 minute is brilliant. I was recently introduced to it so I've not tried their 120 minute yet, but the 90 has big, thick malt character that balances the wonderful and substantial hoppiness. Love it.
Fri Nov 10 21:54:30 -0800 2006
1750516
47324
jeremey
1
2012972
The Abbey Brewing Company in South Beach makes a fine IPA. Check it out on 16th St just East of Alton Road...look for the green neon "BAR" sign. Other great beers they contract brew are their Stout, Porter, Brown and Seasonals.
Keg only.
Cheers form SOBE!
Sat Nov 11 02:17:23 -0800 2006
1750516
14634
netmover
2
2910985
Touche salesman...a righteous IPA.
Tue Sep 04 19:28:25 -0700 2007
2012972
124766
mreiss08
1
2910982
If you are new to the IPA mountain, a good one to try is the Fish Tale Organic IPA: a sure pleaser...
Tue Sep 04 19:26:39 -0700 2007
1750516
124766
mreiss08
1
2911691
My new favorite IPA is Bell's Two Hearted. Super aromatics, aggressive bitterness, but well-balanced.
Wed Sep 05 05:54:34 -0700 2007
1750516
16728
kenito799
1
2914890
Lagunitas Maximus. Actually, I had their Imperial Red last week and, while not an IPA, it is very hoppy and delicious.
Deschutes Hop Henge and Hop Trip, though not sure if those are still available - definitely worth doing a bit of searching for.
Speakeasy Double Daddy Imperial IPA.
Bridgeport IPA.
Marin Brew Co. IPA. Also, their White Knuckle Double IPA is incredible - if you can find any at BevMo or Whole Foods or wherever you buy your microbrews, get it.
Wed Sep 05 20:45:02 -0700 2007
1750516
124894
nosestuckinbook
2
2915048
My favorite IPA's"
Alesmith IPA - simply the best.
Bells Two Hearted Ale - really good, nearly perfect.
Russian River Pliny the Elder - Actually a "Double IPA", but the best IIPA I have ever had.
Port Hop 15 - Super nice hoppy flavor with a strong malt presence.
Lost Coast Indica IPA - Drinkable, almost sessionable. Lovely floral hop flavors.
Oskar Blues Dales pale ale - Perfection in a can.
Green Flash West Coast IPA - super hoppy, bitter and intense.
Wed Sep 05 21:59:57 -0700 2007
2914890
66898
naven
3
2917241
Wow -- that list is very close to my own.
RRBC Pliny the Elder (okay a double, but still the best....that is readily available)
Stone 10th Anniversary (that's the best)
Pizza Port Hop 15 (fantastic)
Stone Ruination IPA (better than the regular IPA)
Bear Republic Racer 5 (the old standby)
Green Flash West Coast IPA (the newcomer)
Alesmith Yulesmith (okay, it's a DIPA, but too good not to include)
I know there are more....also like Moylan's DIPA, Marin's White Knuckle, Big Daddy, Double Daddy, Blind Pig.
Thu Sep 06 13:35:21 -0700 2007
2915048
14367
The Dive
4
2952785
Great choices although 4 of your top 7 ar enot available anywhere near DC. If you can get it I can not say enough about 3 Floyds Dreadnaught. It is the best DIPA I have ever had bar none. FFF Alpha King is the best Pale Ale made as well, although I would call it an IPA.
Tue Sep 18 12:13:09 -0700 2007
2917241
128280
hopaddict
5
2953842
Three Floyds does make a good beer, no doubt. Although, my experience with Dreadnaught has been both amazing and a severe let down. I don't know why, but something about that beer demands that it be extremely fresh, because I have never had a beer that lost so much character over a short period of time. Because im on the west coast, and can only get it through non-traditional means, I simply avoid it at the risk of getting another bad bottle. Alpha King is a great pale ale though. I do agree with you - it certainly has characteristics that make it an IPA.
Tue Sep 18 16:44:34 -0700 2007
2952785
66898
naven
5
2971383
Alpha King is top dog.
Three Floyds has cut back distribution. Only Indiana and parts of Illinois.
Terrible for the Iowa beer scene.
Then to make it worse, Bell's recently discontinued distribution of Two Hearted, Expedition, and Hopslam to Iowa.
It's getting tough to find a good hoppy beer around here.
Mon Sep 24 13:15:46 -0700 2007
2952785
10737
Bobfrmia
4
2954181
yulesmith is my top beer period. the rest of your choices are all greast too.
Tue Sep 18 18:48:03 -0700 2007
2917241
12484
MVNYC
5
2954678
If you haven't already, and if you can find it in your area, you should check out Rogue's DIPA sometime (in the black ceramic bottle). I haven't seen it here in a long time, unfortunately, but that rivaled YuleSmith IMO.
Tue Sep 18 22:34:23 -0700 2007
2954181
10809
Josh
6
2955557
I will check out the places by me, Rogue is distributed fairly well in NY
Wed Sep 19 09:05:51 -0700 2007
2954678
12484
MVNYC
6
2957247
Josh, the name escapes me, but the liquor store next door to Med Grill in Hillcrest had the Rogue DIPA as of a couple weeks ago. Don't know how fresh it is, but I did indeed see it on the shelf.
Wed Sep 19 15:48:35 -0700 2007
2954678
66898
naven
7
2957442
Cool, thanks for the tip. I will head down there and pick some up. I'm not too worried if it's been sitting awhile, the ceramic bottle should keep it in good shape.
Wed Sep 19 16:57:22 -0700 2007
2957247
10809
Josh
7
2957585
Servall Liquor.
Wed Sep 19 17:49:27 -0700 2007
2957247
84331
ultramagnetic
3
3240797
What about Gordon's in the can!?!
Thu Dec 27 14:20:10 -0800 2007
2915048
152693
punkdom
1
2961525
Toss up: Founders Centennial IPA and Dark Horse Crooked Tree.
Thu Sep 20 18:24:12 -0700 2007
1750516
128773
EddieGlick
1
2969623
ATWATER FROM DETROIT,DALES PALE ALE &REDHOOK IPA
Mon Sep 24 03:24:13 -0700 2007
1750516
129578
mentz
1
2970239
My favorite IPA is Great Divide's Titan; My top 2IPA is GD's Hercules.
For "regular" IPAs, I also like the ones made by Bear Republic, Sierra Nevada (I'd argue SN makes two IPAs, the one identified as such, and the darker Celebration Ale, whose style isn't spelled out on the label), Stone, Anderson Valley, Full Sail, Ipswich, and Brooklyn.
As far as 2IPAs, I'm eager to try Oskar Blues' Gordon. I love the other OB beers (neither of which is an IPA).
Mon Sep 24 08:55:25 -0700 2007
1750516
90936
Kenji
2
2970263
"I'd argue SN makes two IPAs, the one identified as such, and the darker Celebration Ale, whose style isn't spelled out on the label"
No need to argue <g> the "Celebration Ale is an IPA" concept, since Sierra Nevada has entered it in that catagory in contests and it's won medals as such.
http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/celebrationale.html
For that matter, they also call their recent "Anniversary Ale" an IPA, so that makes 3 bottled IPA's from S-N.
http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/anniversary.html
Mon Sep 24 09:03:42 -0700 2007
2970239
11059
JessKidden
1
2974797
Stone Ruination,
Pizza Port Hop 15,
Bear Republic Hop Rod,
Anderson Valley Hop ottin.
Just some of my favorites.
Tue Sep 25 11:58:12 -0700 2007
1750516
129936
mystiksc
1
2981955
My longtime favorite is Tuppers Hop Pocket Ale. Listed as an American IPA, it has a very delicate hoppiness that I really like. Pretty much east coast,with Michagan? listed as an available location. Brewed in Ashton,VA.
Thu Sep 27 09:35:37 -0700 2007
1750516
41726
Sam at Novas
2
2982087
"Tuppers Hop Pocket Ale...Brewed in Ashton,VA."
Not for very much longer...
http://tuppersbeers.com/TuppersBeer/News/News.html
Ash*burn*, VA., was the location of the contract brewery, Old Dominion, where THPA was brewed but they dropped a number of their "contractees", after the OD brewery was purchased, in part, by Anheuser Busch. Apparently, they only dropped Hop Pocket's Pils, but the owners then pulled out of the entire deal, since they didn't want to deal with two separate companies for their two beers.
Thu Sep 27 10:04:02 -0700 2007
2981955
11059
JessKidden
3
2986913
Hop Pocket Pils is divine.
Fri Sep 28 15:05:31 -0700 2007
2982087
20795
joth68
3
2992889
Oh No!! Not what I wanted to hear on a Monday. But thanks for the info update.
Mon Oct 01 10:43:05 -0700 2007
2982087
41726
Sam at Novas
1
2990710
Okay, maybe this isn't a true IPA but Hitachino's Japanese Classic Ale claims to have its roots from the IPAs that were "brought to Japan in the 19th Century."
It has alot of complexity and a nice hoppy finish that is more seductive compared to a typical IPA that snaps the back of my neck off with the first sip.
Sun Sep 30 14:16:32 -0700 2007
1750516
64003
bulavinaka
1
3038576
Attention Hopheads! I have found my absolute favorite IPA(for now that is)! BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY, Small Batch 471 IPA. Wow what a great sweet malt with a big mouthfull of double hopping. Try it, you will like it!
http://www.breckbrew.com/beer/smallbatch.html
Tue Oct 16 06:29:21 -0700 2007
1750516
41726
Sam at Novas
1
3051449
Try Avery IPA, or even their Imperial Pale, also known as Maharajah. My 2 favorites!
Fri Oct 19 19:21:35 -0700 2007
1750516
135830
powershour
1
3054961
A really nice one is done by Sierra Nevada this year in their Celebration Ale.
Also, not being a fan of most River Horse brews (Lambertville, NJ), I have to say that they do a tremendous IPA called Hop Hazard. Hasnt received the best reviews but I was very impressed by it.
Sun Oct 21 18:43:18 -0700 2007
1750516
101707
yankeefan
1
3150448
coast 2 coast you'll have to come for the ABC IPA @ Abbey Brewing Company in South Beach, MIA, FLA
bottoms up
Fri Nov 23 22:07:45 -0800 2007
1750516
14634
netmover
1
3150466
Full Sail IPA
Four Peaks Hopknot IPA
Fri Nov 23 22:36:40 -0800 2007
1750516
85615
misohungrychewlow
1
3152750
Must have if you get access to east coast is both the 60 minute and 90 minute put out by Dogfish.
Sun Nov 25 08:42:10 -0800 2007
1750516
101707
yankeefan
1
3158495
I could be wrong, but you probably can't get this in CA, but I really like the Elissa IPA from St. Arnolds (Houston). Very hoppy, but not too much for the non-hopheads.
You can get it cask conditioned(even better) at the certain bars (Gingerman in Houston and Dallas that I know of for sure).
Tue Nov 27 10:03:43 -0800 2007
1750516
60603
TroyTempest
2
3204876
If I can find SN's IPA in Massachusetts, it can't be that hard to find. I think it's great, but I prefer the same brewery's other IPA, their Celebration Ale.
Thu Dec 13 09:36:02 -0800 2007
3158495
90936
Kenji
1
3172153
Faves include Mirror Pond, Bridgeport and Salt Lake City's own Squatter's, which crafts a lovely 6.0
On the California front, seek out Sierra Nevada's IPA. Hard to find, but worth the search.
Sun Dec 02 05:35:10 -0800 2007
1750516
10576
GroovinGourmet
1
3172174
Just had Roxy Rolles seasonal offering from Magichat, fully aware that this is not an actual IPA but very hoppy and surprisingly very very impressed.
Sun Dec 02 06:00:24 -0800 2007
1750516
101707
yankeefan
1
3175413
Pleasant surprise: Bubblejack IPA, from Rush River Brewing Co, River Falls, Wisconsin. Reminded me of Stone IPA.
Mon Dec 03 10:33:46 -0800 2007
1750516
16728
kenito799
1
3179901
I was at Slyfox Brewpub in Phoenixville, PA last Sunday and had their Magnum IPA. I really enjoyed it. According to the their website it includes a "pungent German hop variety". Kinda reminded me of a West Coast IPA though.
Anyway, they're having their annual "IPA Project" Dec 15th which features 15 different IPAs including their Odyssey Imperial IPA from 2007 and 2006. I will be in the house!
Tue Dec 04 16:53:55 -0800 2007
1750516
26180
Chinon00
2
3209912
Ok, as previously reported I did attend the IPA Project at Slyfox Brewpub in Phoenixville Friday evening. There were 15 of their IPAs and DIPAs offfered incuding:
Amarillo
Centennial
Chinook
First Gold
Galena
Pacific Jade
Magnum
Nelson Sauvin
Phoenix
Southern Cross
Target
Route 113 cask
Odyssey Imperial
Odyssey Imperial cask 07
Odyssey Imperial cask 06
I sampled all of the above except the Odyssey Imperial cask 07 which was sold out. All were fantastic. Note: The first 11 are single hop IPAs. The Target was particularly "bitey" in the finish but had a nice apple pie taste. I really enjoyed the Amarillo, Southern Cross, Pacific Jade and the Nelson Sauvin. These were the most complex and full flavored (I thought) of the IPAs offered. The DIPAs were very good as well with obviously more weight but to me were just not as "peculiar" as the single hop IPAs or the Route 113 cask.
The crowd was very knowledgeable as well and friendly and polite despite the fact that the place was mobbed. Thanks Slyfox for another great time!
Sat Dec 15 03:16:41 -0800 2007
3179901
26180
Chinon00
3
3210234
Chinon-
That sounds awesome, I wish I could have went there. I think Im going to stop off at River Horse today on the way down to New Hope and some shopping.
Not sure if I mentioned earlier, but I got some Bells Two-Hearted shipped to me. What an incredible IPA? It really is on caliber with 90 minute.
Sat Dec 15 08:22:46 -0800 2007
3209912
101707
yankeefan
4
3211947
I love Riverhorse's Hop Hazard. It's not an ipa (but close enough). My local had Two Hearted on tap. Very nice but very dry in comparison to 90 minute. 90 minute has a sticky, prickly, gooey, resiny thing working that isn't apparent in Two Hearted.
Sun Dec 16 00:33:12 -0800 2007
3210234
26180
Chinon00
5
3213040
Im a big fan of both and do agree with you on the description of the 90 minute. They are not the same beer but both achieve a high level of balance and deliciousness.
The Hop Hazard IMO is by far and away their best beer. Not a bad job on the tripel either- not a fan though of their winter freeze.
Sun Dec 16 13:00:26 -0800 2007
3211947
101707
yankeefan
1
3199297
I don't know about CA availability, but New England Brewing's Sea Hag IPA is great.
http://www.newenglandbrewing.com/
Tue Dec 11 14:08:34 -0800 2007
1750516
149369
EastRocker
1
3201084
I like Stone IPA but my two favorites are out of Oregon... Bridgeport IPA and McMenamin's Hammerhead. I don't know if the McMenamin's is an IPA strictly speaking, but a very hoppy pale ale...
Wed Dec 12 07:34:58 -0800 2007
1750516
128359
jcoz23
1
3203292
A few new ones this past weekend:
Avery Maharaja (flat out awesome)
Great Divide IPA (not bad)
Urthel Hop-It (great for a belgian version, not too wheaty)
Wed Dec 12 17:33:39 -0800 2007
1750516
101707
yankeefan
2
3204784
Avery's regular IPA is awesome as well. As a matter of fact I have been very impressed with their entire lineup from session to big.
Thu Dec 13 09:01:55 -0800 2007
3203292
12484
MVNYC
3
3204821
That was my first venture into Avery, and after that it will surely not be my last.
Ive always loved the hoppy stuff from dogfish/victory and avery is right up there.
Thu Dec 13 09:18:32 -0800 2007
3204784
101707
yankeefan
3
3206227
I completely agree. We've been fortunate to finally be seeing Avery in the Bay Area. I prefer their regular IPA to the Maharaja. The Avery 14 Anniversary and Avery Mephistophiles Stout are two of my beer highlights of the year.
Thu Dec 13 16:08:57 -0800 2007
3204784
14367
The Dive
4
3206261
I've never had Maharaja but have heard really great things about it. What to you gives their regular IPA the edge over Maharaja?
Thu Dec 13 16:19:51 -0800 2007
3206227
26180
Chinon00
5
3206325
I like them both (and tend to like imperials or doubles more). I find the regular IPA to be a bit more nuanced. The Maharaja is a bit more one-note to me (but this not really a complaint -- you have to try it).
Thu Dec 13 16:41:21 -0800 2007
3206261
14367
The Dive
1
3204864
Geez so negative on the Big Daddy. Its such a good beer tho. Anyway, 21st Amendment has to be among the top west-coast IPAs. Long live cascade hops!!!!!
Thu Dec 13 09:33:03 -0800 2007
1750516
115764
cashtexas
1
3208154
I just did a quick scan of favorites and did not notice Breckinridge "471". This is my fav when I can find it. It was advertised as a "small batch" brew on the package, so maybe it is no more. But if you see it,try it, youl'll like it! http://www.breckbrew.com/beer/smallbatch.html
Fri Dec 14 10:54:16 -0800 2007
1750516
41726
Sam at Novas
1
3213343
I have to represnt the Pacific NW on this one. After spending many years here I moved back to the east coast and as previous commentent have mentioned, to much malt. My plalate is devoted to the super, overly-hopped IPA's of the are.
My Favs:
Diamond Knot IPA
Snoqualmie IPA
Boundry Bay IPA
Maritime Dry Hop Pale (darn close to IPA)
IPA from Bend Brewing
I'll even throw Stone IPA in there (even if it is from So. Cal) because it is so tasty.
Sun Dec 16 15:16:11 -0800 2007
1750516
84691
passionfoodie
2
3214365
I had to add a few more from the Pac NW, as well as comment on those you mentioned.....
Diamond Knot and Snoqualmie are always winners. I think Boundary Bay's Imperial IPA is truly the nectar of the gods. I lived in Bellingham in 95-96, back when BB was the new, second best brewery in town (behind Orchard Street), and am just amazed by how good their products have gotten. Definitely the best in WA state, hands down.
In Portland, anything IPA from Laurelwood Brewing has been the gold standard for the last five years or so (assuming you like the floral, intesnse, West-Coast style, of course). Now that former Laurelwood brewmaster Christian Ettinger has headed out on his own with Hopworks, I expect the best IPA in Oregon may be found wherever he's at. Anybody tried Hopworks IPA? I understand it's being sold on draft to pubs, even though the Hopworks brewpub won't be open for awhile yet.......
I always though Terminal Gravity out in Enterprise came a pretty close second for the Best IPA in Oregon. Bridgeport is certainly tasty enough, especially on draft. I never cared for the one from Deschutes down in Bend, though. Seemed a little bland and watery compared to the others I mentioned.....
Regrettably, I have now moved to British Columbia.....which is great in all ways except for access to good IPA. Canadians love to pat themselves on the back about how their beer is so much better than American brew......which is true, I guess, if you are comparing Molson or Kokanee to Budweiser. But that's like guys on death row comparing the gas chamber to a firing squad.....one option may be better than the other, but they're both rather below-average. The IPA scene is BC is pretty underwhelming, with the possible exception of Steamworks' Empress IPA. Haven't tried the Victoria pubs yet, so I am holding out hope........
Washington's got some great IPA's -- but Oregon still has the best, IMO. Munich on the Columbia, baby!
Sun Dec 16 23:35:54 -0800 2007
3213343
150550
docpickett
3
3336752
The Hopworks Hub (I think that's their IPA) is really lovely, and thank you for letting me in on why! I always loved the beer at the Laurelwood. And I'll back you up on TG coming in close second.
A regional, not (technically) Portland favorite of mine that I haven't seen listed is the Broken Halo from Widmer.
Sat Jan 26 21:22:10 -0800 2008
3214365
151042
lpfaf
1
3216531
Full Sail -- available at Trader Joe's for $6 a six-pack. Very hoppy, very refreshing, no nasty aftertaste. Also from the same place right now (December) is their "Wassail," a very nice dark-but-not-sweet ale.
Mon Dec 17 15:57:43 -0800 2007
1750516
76480
ozhead
2
3216582
On the west coast, at any rate. FS's IPA and "Wassail" are fine brews; I wish they were available in MA.
Mon Dec 17 16:15:37 -0800 2007
3216531
90936
Kenji
1
3225660
Two that I have been let down by have been the Great Divide Titan and Stoudt's IPA.
Ive been wanting to try the SN Celebration, especially given the comments on this thread. Also been dying to hit up Surly's IPAs.
Curiousity question: I recently have read an analysis on ABV/Calories/Carbs by style of beer and they analyzed stouts, ales, lagers, etc.. I would assume that IPAs given the high quality and the usually higher ABVs would have higher calories. To me, more than worth it!!! (However, the wife who has just started enjoying floral hops is now scared off by the idea). I have to convince her the DFH 90 minute means its only 90 calories :)
Thu Dec 20 10:53:55 -0800 2007
1750516
101707
yankeefan
2
3240814
I find that although the calories may be higher I end up drinking less because the quality is better. By the time I am done with my sixpack of Harpoon IPA during the games Sunday my friends who drink bud have brushed off a twleve pack a piece.
Thu Dec 27 14:27:22 -0800 2007
3225660
152693
punkdom
1
3237732
Pliny the Elder rules all (IPA's).
Wed Dec 26 11:53:37 -0800 2007
1750516
13964
J T
2
3237977
Pliny is a Double IPA.
Wed Dec 26 13:27:33 -0800 2007
3237732
26180
Chinon00
1
3240805
If you are looking for a great source of beer info you should check out www.beeradvocate.com. You can find information on what to look for in a beer and lots of comments from people who have tried them, plus lots of food pairings and beer events.
Thu Dec 27 14:22:20 -0800 2007
1750516
152693
punkdom
1
3247935
I live in Eugene, Oregon. We are blessed with IPA's of every description. My long time favorite is Bombay Bomber, made by Steelhead Brewing Co.
I also am getting fond of the offerrings of the Rogue Brewing Co., have been drinking some of their limited release IPA's lately, very good.
Some folks in Ashland actually have distributed cans of their Caldera IPA. Nice to have Oregon IPA in a can at times.
Sun Dec 30 17:04:38 -0800 2007
1750516
148886
duck833
1
3336654
Long Trail IPA. Mega hoppy!
Red Hook Long Hammer
Harpoon IPA
Stone Coast 420
Shipyard Fuggles
...I'm a big fan of the East Coasters...
Sat Jan 26 20:24:12 -0800 2008
1750516
160926
Kinnexa
1
3345894
1) Avery IPA
2) Dogfish 60
3) Founders Centennial IPA
4) Mirror Pond
5) Goose Island IPA
6) Sierra Nevada IPA
you should be able to find those in CA except for the Founders and the Goose Island.
Tue Jan 29 15:03:49 -0800 2008
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158491
planojim
2
3351461
nice list, never gotten opportunity to try founders.
would have to add sn celebration, hopdevil and alesmith
Thu Jan 31 07:27:43 -0800 2008
3345894
101707
yankeefan
2
3358010
Wow...I've never seen the goose island ranked so high on a list like this! When I lived in the midwest, the IPA was only okay, and the Hex Nut brown was much easier to find. I'm glad they've come so far!
I also think Mirror Pond is only okay, too sweet/malty for (my tastes for) a really great IPA. Ninkasa Total Domination (probably a double IPA) is a great one out West Coast way, and for available-widely-in-bottles, I really truly love with all my heart the Widmer Broken Halo. Lagunitas is also pretty damn good. Both decent contenders for challenging the Dogfish 60. Sierra's damn good, but harder to find than the regular 'ol' green label pale ale, which I consider my this-is-a-good-beer yardstick.
Sat Feb 02 04:13:48 -0800 2008
3345894
151042
lpfaf
1
3359668
I haven't seen any recommendation for Great Lake's -Commodore Perry. I consider it to be a good balance between East Coast /West Coast styles and get nervous if there's less than 6 of these in my fridge. I'd guess you'd only find it in bottles in CA.
Sat Feb 02 17:24:26 -0800 2008
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139970
Harold Burt
1
3383719
Just had the pleasure of having a Bells Hopslam that was sent my way. All I have to say is WOW!!!!! what a beer experience.
Sun Feb 10 16:41:18 -0800 2008
1750516
101707
yankeefan