With it being National India Pale Ale Day, we want to share with you our top ten favorite beers. Collected from breweries all over the nation, each IPA has a unique flavor or ingredient that makes it just that—unique. And take it from us; they’re worth the buy.
So as the craft brewery boom continues to thrive, celebrate today with one (or all) of what we consider to be the best brews.
- Russian River Blind Pig
Located in sunny Santa Rosa, CA, the Russian River Brewery grows its own hops right on location. With at least three awards already won from the Great American Beer Festival, Bling Pig is the ultimate full-bodied IPA.
- Ballast Point Sculpin
Hopped at 5 different stages, Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA lives up to its sterling reputation; it’s earned the top prize in competitions such as the World Beer Cup, Great Japan Beer Festival, and the European Beer Stars Awards. With its rich citrus flavor and bold, fruity aroma, you’ll be hooked on this IPA’s flavor after one sip.
- Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA
This West Coast-style IPA represents notes of sweet stone fruit and tart grapefruit, earning itself multiple gold awards at the Great American Beer Festival. If you purchase this brew, you must consume it within 120 days (not really a problem) due to it being double dry-hopped and unpasteurized.
- Bell’s Beer Two Hearted Ale
Brewed in the Pacific Northwest, Two Hearted Ale has made quite a name for itself. The Northwest region’s hops and yeast give the beer a piney and citrus taste, one that we guarantee you will find more than refreshing.
- Surly Furious
Named after the temperament of one of its brew masters, Surly Brewing Co.’s Furious beer is made from warrior hops. This IPA is on the sweeter side, but the flavors of orange and pineapple counteract perfectly with its base malt, making it one of the best beers in a can.
- Bear Republic Racer 5
An unfiltered brew, Racer 5 IPA took a gold award at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival and has recently expanded into several other sub-IPA’s. Its herbal, hoppy taste is one that you won’t want to put down.
- Alpine Beer Company Duet
Alpine Beer Co.’s “tiny” brewery created this bottle with a bold taste, and with a 98 rating on Beer Advocate, it’s no wonder this brew is nearly impossible to find. If you happen to scout out a six-pack, you’ll be able to experience Duet’s double hop taste, containing flavors such as melon, mango, citrus and other harmonious notes.
- Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
Using a special stainless steel hop filter called the “Hot Torpedo,” Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo Extra IPA is ideal for any hop craving. The essence of pinecone, cedar, and citrus comes from a combination of three different hop varieties, making this “extra” IPA extra delicious.
- Sierra Nevada Celebration
This seasonal beer contains fresh hops that are used within 7 days of being picked at peak freshness in September and October. While most fresh-hopped brews taste rather grassy, this IPA has hints of only the purest of American hops.
- Lagunitas IPA
As the sixth largest craft brewery in the nation, Lagunitas created this IPA in 1995, making it now almost old enough to drink itself. It has a warm, nutty taste complimented by both malt and a mix of spicy, bitter hops from the West coast.
Which IPA will you be drinking today?