520810 Mon May 19 17:26:50 -0700 2008 62 35 Beer 0 3703066 I am an IPA guy through and through. Dogfish Head 60 minute is tops for me, although I recently had a Snake Dog and thought it was pretty close. Harpoon IPA is my staple. I also love Sierra Nevada Pale Ale which doesn't claim to be an IPA, but nonetheless. Other votes? Mon May 19 17:26:51 -0700 2008 182807 podence 1 3703326 Lots of responses in these fairly recent threads: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/310115 http://www.chowhound.com/topics/509623 Mon May 19 18:56:43 -0700 2008 3703066 84331 ultramagnetic 1 3704347 Check out Green Flash WC IPA (recently became available in MA) while its still fresh. Original shipment is about to turn the corner - after another month, you'll never know which ones are fresh and which ones aren't since they're not dated. Bear Republic Racer 5 is a great IPA - but I haven't purchased any bottles - I just drink it whenever its on tap at Redbones. This year's Smuttynose Big A IPA was just released last week if you like them big. And if you do, head to CBC ASAP while this year's Red God is still flowing. Tue May 20 07:20:38 -0700 2008 3703066 12014 LStaff 1 3704425 There have been recent threads on this but it is always a worthy topic to start fresh in my opinion. Had the pleasure of opening and drinking a Bells Big Head IPA last night, mind blowing to say the least. here are my all time favorites (not all typical IPAs, some double..etc) Dogfish 90 minute Bells Hopslam Stone Arrogant Bastard Goose Island IPA Victory Hop Devil Troegs Nugget Nectar Alesmith IPA Founders Harvest Bells Two Hearted Surly Furious Weyerbacher Double Simcoe Urthel Hop-It Tue May 20 07:42:59 -0700 2008 3703066 101707 yankeefan 2 3704698 Arrogant Bastard is technically an amber, not an IPA. Stone's IPA, and their Ruination DIPA, are stellar examples of the IPA style. Bell's Two Hearted is an amazing beer. Tue May 20 08:53:06 -0700 2008 3704425 10809 Josh 3 3706598 Youre right, I personally taste it being an IPA and thats why I listed. Also, Nugget Nectar is technically an 'imperial amber' but by all means is an IPA in my opinion. Both are absolutely tremendous. Didnt list Sierra Celebration, also not listed but I would find it hard to argue against this also tasting like a top notch IPA. Just writing about IPAs makes my mouth water. Tue May 20 17:05:36 -0700 2008 3704698 101707 yankeefan 3 3706990 How exactly can a DIPA be a "stellar example" of an IPA? I expect something very different from the two. And from the suggestions given so far it looks as though we are discussing AIPA (with the exception of Urthel which is made closer to the American style). Thanks Tue May 20 19:50:09 -0700 2008 3704698 26180 Chinon00 4 3707084 I just had a bottle of the Urthel Hop It and do not see how it could be compared to an AIPA. Tasted like a Belgian blonde with some residual bitterness and a color midway between a Sierra PA and Miller Lite. As for great IPAs, I will gladly take a Racer 5, Green Flash WC IPA, Firstone Union Jack, RR Blind Pig, Port Wipeout, or 21st Ammendment 21A IPA. Now I am thirsty. Tue May 20 20:34:17 -0700 2008 3706990 28834 pininex 5 3707146 Per their website Urthel Hop-it is a "Superior Hoppy Blonde Ale". And to be clear I stated that is made "closer to the American style" of IPA. Also from the site: "[f]ollowing a visit to the American Northwest in January, 2005, Hildegard returned to Belgium enthusiastic about of the different IPA's (Indian Pale Ale) she had tasted. With her passion for barley, yeast and especially hops, she wanted to brew an IPA of her own. It had to be special, an hommage to hops in the style of American Craft Brewers, but with a real Flemish touch. Her touch! " Thanks Tue May 20 20:58:55 -0700 2008 3707084 26180 Chinon00 4 3707372 Funny, after I typed that I had a feeling someone would make mention of it. Stone's Ruination is a very early DIPA in terms of the style, so I think it's much closer to an IPA than what a DIPA has evolved into. It's "only" around 8% alcohol, and is very, very hoppy, and not especially malty. When I think of the modern DIPA, I think of a beer with substantial malt, as well as substantial hops. I believe the Ruination is classified as DIPA because it does have more alcohol than a typical IPA, and is hoppier, but it doesn't have that same high level of maltiness. If you taste the Ruination side-by-side with the IPA, you'll see what I mean. Tue May 20 23:32:59 -0700 2008 3706990 10809 Josh 5 3707752 My comments are not directed primarily at you but I’ve noticed that on here and on other food oriented websites whenever favorite IPAs are requested often an equal (and sometimes greater) number of DIPA will be suggested. Well, I think that we need to learn, appreciate and respect each style as defined otherwise I don’t see the point of having styles at all. And when an ~8%abv IPA (and at 100 IBUs) is NOT considered as extreme or “imperial” or “double” but rather I guess “typical” then where have we drifted to? Thanks Wed May 21 06:26:26 -0700 2008 3707372 26180 Chinon00 6 3709150 Well, I've seen a number of standard IPAs come in around 6-7%. So to me an additional percentage point doesn't seem that significant, especially when a number of the doubles start hitting 9 and 10%. You make a good point, I'm not really disagreeing with you. Sometimes at the extreme ends of given styles, there's enough overlap that someone who likes one might also like the other. I wouldn't hesitate to give an IPA fan a glass of Pliny the Elder, because as DIPAs go, it's quite approachable and very similar to a standard IPA. Wed May 21 13:11:50 -0700 2008 3707752 10809 Josh 7 3765830 Speaking of Piney the Elder, I had it tonight, and to me Piney the Younger is a better beer. I know its a Triple IPA and we are suppose to be talking about just IPA's, but it has yet to be mentioned. It is a must try if your local bar can get a hold of a it. I know Alesmith's IPA has been mentioned before, but it is a great IPA and worth a try for those who haven't had it. Tue Jun 10 00:43:45 -0700 2008 3709150 168798 JonDough 8 3765872 In your opinion, outside of scale, what to you makes "Younger" better than "Elder"? Thanks Tue Jun 10 02:25:50 -0700 2008 3765830 26180 Chinon00 9 3766869 I guess it comes down to preference, I haven't had the chance to taste them side by side yet. This is all my opinion, so I am sure someone will disagree with me. The Younger is less bitter and the taste of pine is less pronounced, it actually tastes less hoppy to me. The Elder is more of a hop-bomb, with a bitter finish. I really like the citrus flavors of grapefruit, orange, lemon, apricot, the malt backbone and the dry finish of the Younger. The Younger seems to be better balanced and carbonated as well . It doesn't taste like a beer that is 11% alcohol. Tue Jun 10 10:28:11 -0700 2008 3765872 168798 JonDough 10 3767188 Interesting. I prefer the Elder for pretty much the same reasons. I find the Younger too malty for my tastes, and don't like the high level of alcohol. I like the crisp, piney, citrusy zing of the Elder quite a bit. Tue Jun 10 11:42:18 -0700 2008 3766869 10809 Josh 11 3767311 I am with you on that. The Younger is a bit too sweet and alcohol laden for me. Still its very good, you just cannt have more than two. Tue Jun 10 12:14:17 -0700 2008 3767188 12484 MVNYC 12 4833981 Let's not forgot Blind Pig, another outstanding IPA from Russian River. Mon Jul 06 13:02:58 -0700 2009 3767311 163246 tofuburrito 10 3768981 I'm with you on that but truth be told I love them both. I actually like Alpine's Exponential Hoppiness more than Pure Hoppiness for similar reasons. Tue Jun 10 21:07:08 -0700 2008 3766869 72231 DougOLis 4 3707786 Just a friendly discussion here, no need to get overly technical.\ to avoid this conflict, lets maybe describe this thread as your favorite hoppy beers, annoys me when technicalities enter. Its all in good fun. Wed May 21 06:40:10 -0700 2008 3706990 101707 yankeefan 5 3708589 Pointing out that we might be confusing and melding two different styles is "get[ting] overly technical"? And reducing the conversation to "favorite hoppy beers" as you suggest is more simplistic than where the original post could have taken us. To respond to the OP, Weyerbacher Hops Infusion I think is a solid example of a very good AIPA. Per their website they use seven types of hops: Simcoe, Magnum, Cascade, Liberty, Saaz, Fuggles and E. Kent Goldings. Once it warms a bit the complexity kicks in and the beer becomes very interesting I find. Thanks Wed May 21 10:42:47 -0700 2008 3707786 26180 Chinon00 6 3708764 Thats fair, I wasnt trying to be difficult. Always do like your insights on this but Im not much into forcing beers into a category. but yum.... Simcoe.. I want to invent a new category for Nugget Nectar: DSA- delicious strong amber Wed May 21 11:34:02 -0700 2008 3708589 101707 yankeefan 1 3710130 No one's mentioned Anchor Liberty....that's another I'd put on the good list. Wed May 21 18:20:00 -0700 2008 3703066 182807 podence 2 3711604 Tell us what you like about it. Thanks Thu May 22 09:19:55 -0700 2008 3710130 26180 Chinon00 3 3713373 Probably what I like most is that I first had one with Fritz Maytag the owner of Anchor Brewing after a very cool, low key tour of the brewery about 25 years ago. But you don't need that experience to enjoy it. Good head, good carbonation. Medium body. Crisp, bitter, slightly citrus flavor. Probably not the hoppiest, but certainly hoppy. Cool looking label. Thu May 22 17:49:00 -0700 2008 3711604 182807 podence 2 3714789 Not sure why my comment was removed, but no matter how you slice it Liberty Ale isn't an IPA. That's a fact, not an opinion. It's classified as an American Pale Ale. Sorry if this offends anyone. Fri May 23 09:17:20 -0700 2008 3710130 10809 Josh 3 3714963 You are absolutely right. I often wonder why some of my comments are removed as well. Fri May 23 10:06:18 -0700 2008 3714789 10395 brentk 3 3716976 Well, since the beginning of my "good beer" experience pre-dates the craft era and the ensuing beer style explosion (some of it driven by home brew competition, which I feel doesn't always "work" with commercial beers) and its sub-sub-styles, I try not to get involved in "What style beer is this?" arguments. I was just noting (on another beer site) that the early Michael Jackson- who is pretty much the "father" of many beer style classifications- books (World Guide, Pocket Guide), listed only 20-25 beer styles and now there are that many "American Ale" styles listed on BA. I *like* the fact that the many beer styles can assist me in shopping a new brand but I don't like the rigidity some feel is necessary. I like to think of beer styles as closer to a color wheel, than sorting mail into pigeon holes. When one's over in the "torquise" section, when does "green" become "blue"? Sometimes its just the eye of the beholder. Certainly, with beer styles there are "mis-files", by both brewers (Alexander Keith's IPA, Miller Lite a "pilsener") AND by the two biggest beer website (when I first started paying attention to the rating sites, Rolling Rock was listed as a "pale ale" on one of them- no doubt by a rater confused by the term "pale lager" on the label). Too, there are IPA's not labeled as such by the brewer- S-N calls both "Celebration" and "Anniversary" ales "IPA's" on their website, but not their label. Note, too, that BA and RB style lists aren't the same and in many cases a beer's style is simply what the first lister decides it is. So, as much as I hate to do it, Josh, I'll disagree (sorta) that it's a "fact" that Liberty is an "APA" rather than an "IPA". I'll say that it *is* generally recognized by most beer people as an APA but I do have a problem with the word "fact". I agree that it's not simply one's "opinion" that determines a beer style ("informed opinion" is needed, at least) but there's always going to be a "grey" area where the styles overlap or when a beer pre-dates- or creates- a later recognized beer style. Seems I recall a Maytag interview with beer writer Lew Bryson where he was specifically ask that question and he said (paraphasing) that an IPA wasn't necessarily what he was aiming at but the results (hoppy, all malt ale) were pretty much along the lines of what craft IPA's were to start from. I suppose one could also say that Liberty pretty much *created* the "American Pale Ale" style (in some of his books, Jackson just calls them "American Ales"). Obviously, the 20+ "American Ale" styles didn't exist in the 1970's when Maytag created Liberty Ale (20 US *ales* probably didn't exist then) and, perhaps somewhat relative, the term "India Pale Ale" was still listed in industry magazines as a *brand name* owned by Falstaff, brewers of Ballantine India Pale Ale (which, by current style guidelines *could* fall into the "double/imperial IPA" pigeonhole based on ABV). Brewers Digest's annual "Brewery Guide" listed it as such as late as 1984- around the same time Bert Grant's IPA- generally recognized as the "first" craft IPA. I suppose part of my "rejection" of rigid beer style classification is that often (like in music and other fields) the most interesting beers are often ones that step outside the box and "violate" a rule or jump a boundary line. Going back to a beer like Thomas Hardy's (which has been called a number of styles- old ale, barleywine, etc) or a "bastard" style like porter (originally brewed as an ale, brewed with lager yeast in the US and the Baltic countries- well, sometimes -g- ), etc. But, I agree, don't know *why* your comment would have been deleted and I, too, find it extremely frustrating when the friendly debates are cut off without explanation. (When it's happened to me, it's usually a longer post that I put some thought into like...oh, damn... the above). Sat May 24 04:36:23 -0700 2008 3714789 11059 JessKidden 4 3717313 Great post. In some respects I agree with you, but in this case I am sticking to my guns mainly because Liberty Ale has never tasted IPA-ish to me at all. Its hop profile is simply not pronounced enough for that designation to make sense to me. The differences between APA and IPA are pretty distinct, IMO. APA is usually an easier-drinking beer, with less astringency and bitterness than an IPA, and less alcohol. I freely admit I probably care more about categorization than many people do. It's in my nature, and is something of a curse at times. Sat May 24 09:06:21 -0700 2008 3716976 10809 Josh 4 3769820 Quote from JessKidden "I suppose part of my "rejection" of rigid beer style classification is that often (like in music and other fields) the most interesting beers are often ones that step outside the box and "violate" a rule or jump a boundary line" I was going to suggest Bear Republic's Hop Rod Rye, but I knew it didn't fit the guidelines. The styles have changed so much over the years that most people think the hops have to be extreme to be an IPA, not just more pronounced. For homebrewers Liberty is listed as a commercial example of the style From the BJCP site Commercial Examples: Stone IPA, Victory Hop Devil, Anderson Valley Hop Ottin', Anchor Liberty Ale, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, Three Floyds Alpha King, Harpoon IPA, Bell's Two-Hearted Ale, Avery IPA, Founder's Centennial IPA, Mendocino White Hawk Select IPA And Josh, I freely admit I'm less cocerned about categorization than most, and it is something of a curse at times. So I understand Wed Jun 11 07:40:56 -0700 2008 3716976 63643 niquejim 5 3770057 I'm more than happy to place Liberty on the border of IPA and APA; it's placement on the BJCP list is most likely a remnant of a bygone era. I remember many a 'discussion' among judges back about 15 or more years ago about why Liberty was an IPA when Sierra Nevada was an APA- it just seemed like a lot of hair splitting back then, and to me it still does. In the end it remains a quality beer. FWIW- we had Bob Brewer (Anchor rep extrodinaire) speak at our club a few times and he said that it was intended to be an IPA when it was brewed, and that they competed with it as an IPA at the GABF where it won Gold, so in his mind it was an IPA. Wed Jun 11 08:36:34 -0700 2008 3769820 12713 TongoRad 1 3717455 My two favorite IPAs are Great Divide's Hercules and Titan. I'm also very fond of Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale and IPA; and of Dogfish Head's assorted IPAs. Their 90-Minute is probably the DFH brew I enjoy the most. Harpoon IPA tastes pretty good, but as far as I'm concerned, it's a pale ale. Sat May 24 10:11:17 -0700 2008 3703066 90936 Kenji 2 3717946 Don't know if this distinction will interest you at all but Harpoon IPA is made in a less hop-forward, more English style of IPA (i.e. 42 IBU, 5.9% abv) and maybe that is why "as far as [you] are concerned it's a "pale ale". Thanks Sat May 24 14:17:58 -0700 2008 3717455 26180 Chinon00 3 3718255 I'm aware of that distinction. Most fans of Harpoon IPA I speak with tell me about the West Coast IPA/East Coast IPA distinction. Harpoon embodies the latter style, I'm told. I've actually had stints Down Under where breweries make "IPAs" with 4% ABV and *no* hop flavor! To my mind, these were misnamed milds. Others might suggest we must allow for the New Zealand IPA. Sat May 24 17:22:36 -0700 2008 3717946 90936 Kenji 4 3718373 I'll agree on it being an East Coast AIPA. I enjoy categorizing things but I know to some that it can become tiresome.. Thanks Sat May 24 18:32:13 -0700 2008 3718255 26180 Chinon00 3 3724041 >Don't know if this distinction will interest you at all but Harpoon IPA is made in a less hop-forward, more English style of IPA Didn't used to be - at least back in '98 when I started drinking it. Used to very hop-forward. Tue May 27 11:09:13 -0700 2008 3717946 12014 LStaff 4 3764159 >Don't know if this distinction will interest you at all but Harpoon IPA is made in a less hop-forward, more English style of IPA < The English have seemingly forgotten what IPA is, or perhaps don't brew to strength due to the high taxation rate in the UK...I've yet to taste one from England that has anywhere near the hop level or strength that the traditional definition of the style would indicate. The best ones seem to be made in the US, The best one ever was made by a large brewing company and hasn't been available for at least 20 years. Mon Jun 09 13:18:33 -0700 2008 3724041 116047 The Professor 1 4822045 Amazing IPA's....in no particular order.....hope I listed a few that haven't been mentioned.... 1) Three Floyds Dreadnaught (bready yeasty peach mango grapefruit) 2) Flossmoor Station Brewer's Whim Series IPA's (uniquely creamy in aroma/flavor--lactose sugar?) 3) Three Floyds Apocalypse Cow (definitely lactose sugar--creamy & citrusy) 3) Bells Hopslam (similar to dreadnaught.....awesome balance of huge malt and hops--citrus and tropical fruit) 4) Bells Two Hearted Ale (perhaps a more acquired taste--soapy lemon pledge flowery extremely refreshing) 5) Three Floyds Alpha King (king of pale ales--more like an IPA w/ the 66 IBU's, maltier now than it used to be? prefer the grassier/citrus-dominated version of old) 6) Stone IPA (classic) 7) Alesmith IPA (very dry grapefruit and belgiany tasting yeast presence--amazing rocky bone-white head) 8) O'Dells IPA (remember this one being incredible--similar to Alesmith IPA--on the drier side) 9) Goose Island XXX IPA (italian dessert wine--white grape, pear, orange?) 10) New Holland Existential Ale (barley wine-ish) 11) Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree (huge, but smooth and balanced 'triple ipa' = barley wine essentially...13% abv) 12) Avery Maharaja IPA (along the lines of Goose XXX IPA) 13) Founders Devil Dancer Triple IPA (perhaps the hoppiest beer on the market--but also contains a huge malt structure--caramelly, bourbony, bitter, super complex, needs age) 14) Three Floyds Broodoo (best fresh hop harvest ale on the market) 15) Three Floyds Blackheart (oak chips somehow give it a floral/fruity/herbal pinot noir wineyness....amazing) Wed Jul 01 13:15:18 -0700 2009 3703066 1090108 njmarkovich 2 4822134 Your list has giant "Pliny the Elder"- and "Blind Pig"-shaped holes in it. Wed Jul 01 13:36:52 -0700 2009 4822045 10809 Josh 3 4824992 The list appears to be very East Coast centric. The West Coast representatives (Alesmith & Stone) are good but some of the weaker ones in my opinion. There are quite a few off the top of my head I'd put above them: RR Pliny, RR Blind Pig, Green Flash West Coast, any of the Alpine beers, Ballast Point Sculpin, Ballast Point Dorado, Firestone Walker Union Jack, Port Wipeout, Port Hop Suey, etc.. Some of those were IIPAs but so were quite a few on his list. Thu Jul 02 11:57:55 -0700 2009 4822134 72231 DougOLis 4 4825009 "The list appears to be very East Coast centric." Huh? "njmarkovich's" list? There's not one East Coast brewery's IPA on that list. Thu Jul 02 12:05:58 -0700 2009 4824992 11059 JessKidden 5 4825067 sorry, Midwest. anything East of Colorado is East Coast to us West Coasters. ;) Thu Jul 02 12:30:16 -0700 2009 4825009 72231 DougOLis 4 4833993 And one of my favorites: Racer 5 from Bear Republic. Mon Jul 06 13:05:37 -0700 2009 4824992 163246 tofuburrito 2 4822278 I'd add ballast point sculpin IPA Wed Jul 01 14:14:11 -0700 2009 4822045 51760 joshekg 1 4832524 I saw someone said the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. It is a great beer. As is the 120 Minute if you are looking for something a little more boozy. I love the Stone Brewing Ruinition IPA. Mon Jul 06 05:47:13 -0700 2009 3703066 206877 jpc8015 1 4833743 Victory's Hopdevil IPA Mon Jul 06 12:03:24 -0700 2009 3703066 202497 MattInNJ 1 4834079 Sweetwater IPA! from Georgia(not former USSR) Mon Jul 06 13:26:46 -0700 2009 3703066 41726 Sam at Novas 1 4835437 Valley Brewery in Stockton, CA, makes an outstanding IPA, one of the best I've had, including Pliny, Stone, Firehouse Walker, Drakes, Dogfishhead, SN Torpedo, etc.. Speakeasy Big Daddy is also a very nice brew, and its bigger sibling, Double Daddy Mon Jul 06 22:12:46 -0700 2009 3703066 74192 chuckl 2 4920718 You hopheads will go nuts for Harpoon Leviathan Imperial IPA. Check it out. Wed Aug 05 14:41:39 -0700 2009 4835437 16566 FastEddie 1 4928509 Can't believe nothing from Lagunitas was mentioned. Their Classic IPA is incredible - great citrus/hop balance with just the right bitterness. Also, just had their hop-stoopid ale last night, was a very good special brew too, maybe just a tad malty for me. Also agree with the Bell's Hop Slam and Racer 5 fans. One last mention and still th emost affordable case of IPA's for under $30 is the Clipper City Loose Cannon, very similar to the Racer5..... Sat Aug 08 09:14:17 -0700 2009 3703066 1100110 JburghIPAMan 1 4938671 I just had my first Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, on tap in Vegas. Knocked me out. Very clean, crisp, a bit citrusy, but not fruity. Refreshing but with a lot of body. Tue Aug 11 21:08:16 -0700 2009 3703066 215943 EarlyBird 2 4938734 You should track down some of the 90 minute IPA. It's even better. Tue Aug 11 22:04:29 -0700 2009 4938671 206877 jpc8015 3 4940031 What makes you say that "[i]t's even better"? Wed Aug 12 10:22:42 -0700 2009 4938734 26180 Chinon00 4 4941926 Chinon00, You do this a lot. Ask posters to qualify there comments. You've done it to me a couple times. It makes me think, and describe. It's what this site is all about. Thanks. Wed Aug 12 20:11:00 -0700 2009 4940031 10737 Bobfrmia 5 4942227 For someone like me who loves bitter beer it is the ultimate in brew. The 90 minute IPA is just a bit more hoppy and bitter than the 60 minute IPA but it maintains a crispness and refreshing flavor. Dogfish Head makes a 120 minute IPA as well but it is quite different than the other two. The 120 minute is done more in the style of the Utopias, I think it has like 22% alcohol. It is a great drink but not something I would want to quench my thirst on a summer day. For me, the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA and the Staone Brewing Ruinition are the two best IPAs available. Wed Aug 12 23:41:52 -0700 2009 4941926 206877 jpc8015 5 4942442 Agreed, kudos to Chinon00. That's why I don't like the 'worst beer' thread. Everyone just says Beer X is vile! Or something similar. And almost no one says why. It's like going back to conversations in my college dorm room. Thu Aug 13 05:17:45 -0700 2009 4941926 10998 Jim Dorsch 6 4942727 One of the characters on the show Weeds has been drinking Stone IPA. Odd to see since you usually don't get brand recognition of TV shows. I've been enjoying the 21st Amendment Brew Free or Die IPA. Probably only available on the West Coast but it's a good one and the cans are convenient. Thu Aug 13 07:12:00 -0700 2009 4942442 163246 tofuburrito 7 4944576 We get 21st Amendment in VA Thu Aug 13 15:20:33 -0700 2009 4942727 10998 Jim Dorsch 1 5022407 Ithaca Beer Flower Power (best ever) Ithaca Beer Cazcazilla Lagunitas Maximus (yummmmmmmm) Fri Sep 11 10:54:08 -0700 2009 3703066 36713 jlp8 2 5023362 Ithaca Beer recently raised the price on Flower Power, which is a shame, because if I'm paying $10.99 a six pack, I'm going with Stone IPA or DFH 60 Minute. Those two and Minneapolis's Surly Furious are my favorite IPAs, though I stick with Southern Tier IPA when I want something a little more affordable. Since I'm local I can head out to the brewery or to a few local shops and pick up the unfiltered version of Flower Power by the growler, and that might be the best IPA I've had. I'm not sure what it loses in the filtration process, but whatever it is is the difference between a pretty good IPA and a phenomenal one. As far as double IPAs go, Southern Tier Unearthly and Stone Ruination are my favorites. Fri Sep 11 16:31:30 -0700 2009 5022407 323691 writergeek313 3 5031657 Yes, the unfiltered Flower Power is wonderful. Gateway had it for quite a while but I am not sure if what is on tap there now is filtered or not. Had some last night down there......yum, can taste it now. :-) Tue Sep 15 10:42:50 -0700 2009 5023362 36713 jlp8 4 5032870 That's funny--I don't live too far from Gateway, and that's actually where I first had it, sometime over the summer. They still had it on tap at the brewery the weekend before last. I'm probably going to go out there Thursday or this weekend to see if they still do. Tue Sep 15 18:36:47 -0700 2009 5031657 323691 writergeek313 1 5031669 East Coast Bias is getting applied to beer, already is there for football. Rogue Track Town IPA - wonderful brew, a standard at Rogue outlets Bombay Bomber - Cult IPA created by Steelhead Brewery, been enjoying it for years. Come West for good wine and great beer! PS - And football Tue Sep 15 10:47:55 -0700 2009 3703066 148886 duck833