American India Pale Ale (IPA)

The American IPA is arguably the pinnacle of the American Craft Beer movement. They are the top-selling craft beer style in supermarkets and liquor stores across the U.S. and have led all other categories in the number of entries for the past six years in a row at the Great American Beer Festival. American IPA’s are a stronger, hoppier style of pale ale defined by a vibrant presence of American hop varieties in the aroma and taste. Hop flavors of citrus, pine, fruit, dank and resin are common as well as a high level of bitterness and just enough malt backbone to balance everything out.

Local Examples:

Barrelhouse – IPA
Figueroa Mountain – Lizard’s Mouth
Firestone – Union Jack
Tap It – IPA

Classic Examples:

Ballast Point – Sculpin
Bear Republic – Racer 5
Dogfish Head – 60 Minute
Stone – IPA

Notable Examples:

Alpine – Duet
Maine Beer Co. – Lunch
Russian River – Blind Pig
The Alchemist – Focal Banger