IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a popular beer style that is known for its strong hop flavor and high alcohol content. The origins of IPA can be traced back to the 18th century, when British brewers began exporting beer to the troops stationed in India. In order to preserve the beer during the long voyage, brewers added extra hops and increased the alcohol content.

The key characteristic of an IPA is the hop flavor, which can range from piney and resinous to fruity and tropical. This is achieved by adding hops at different stages of the brewing process, including during boiling, fermentation, and aging. The hops also contribute to the beer's bitterness, which can range from moderate to very high.

Another important aspect of IPA is the malt profile. The malt provides the backbone for the beer and can add sweetness, nuttiness, or breadiness to the flavor. Some IPAs are made with a light malt profile to allow the hops to shine through, while others use a more complex malt bill to provide a balance to the hops.

IPA's come in different types and variations, a few of them are listed below:

American IPA: This is the most popular and widespread version of IPA, known for its bold hop flavor and high alcohol content (usually around 6-7% ABV). American IPAs often feature citrusy and piney hop notes and a clean, crisp finish.

Our Favorite American IPAs:

"60 Minute IPA" by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery - This beer is continuously hopped for 60 minutes during the brewing process, giving it a strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 6% ABV.

"Pliny the Elder" by Russian River Brewing Company - This beer is considered a classic American IPA and is known for its strong hop flavor and high level of bitterness. It has an alcohol content of 8% ABV.

"Hopslam" by Bell's Brewery - This beer is made with six different hop varieties and has a high level of alcohol content of 10% ABV. It is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma.

"Heady Topper" by The Alchemist - This beer is considered one of the best American IPAs and is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 8% ABV.

"Grapefruit Sculpin" by Ballast Point Brewing Company - This beer is a variation of Ballast Point's popular Sculpin IPA, but with the addition of grapefruit flavor. It has an alcohol content of 7% ABV.

"Founders All Day IPA" by Founders Brewing Co. - This beer is a session IPA with a lower alcohol content of 4.7% ABV, making it easy to drink. It has a strong hop flavor and aroma.

"IPA" by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - This beer is considered a classic American IPA and is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 6.5% ABV.

"Racer 5" by Bear Republic Brewing Co. - This beer is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma and high level of bitterness. It has an alcohol content of 7.5% ABV.

"Union Jack" by Firestone Walker Brewing Co. - This beer is considered a classic American IPA and is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 7.5% ABV.

"Zombie Dust" by Three Floyds Brewing Co. - This beer is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma and high level of bitterness. It has an alcohol content of 6.2% ABV.

New England IPA (NEIPA): This is a newer style of IPA that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unlike traditional IPAs, NEIPAs are hazy and unfiltered, which gives them a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. They often have a fruity and juicy hop flavor, with low bitterness and a high level of sweetness.

Our Favorite New England IPAs:

"Fuzzy Baby Ducks" by Trillium Brewing Company - This beer is known for its hazy, unfiltered appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 6.5% ABV.

"Heady Topper" by The Alchemist - This beer is considered one of the best New England IPAs and is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 8% ABV.

"Julius" by Tree House Brewing Company - This beer is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 6.8% ABV.

"Dankbot" by Bissell Brothers Brewing Company - This beer is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 7% ABV.

"Haze" by Tired Hands Brewing Company - This beer is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 7% ABV.

"Vortex I" by Other Half Brewing - This beer is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 7.3% ABV.

"Green" by Lawson's Finest Liquids - This beer is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 8% ABV.

"King JJJuliusss" by Tree House Brewing Company - This beer is a variation of their popular Julius NEIPA, but with even more juicy and fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 8% ABV.

"Focal Banger" by The Alchemist - This beer is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavor. It has an alcohol content of 7% ABV.

Double IPA (DIPA): As the name suggests, a double IPA is an even stronger version of an IPA, with an alcohol content of 8-10% ABV. DIPAs are known for their intense hop flavor and aroma, as well as their high level of bitterness.

Our Favorite Double IPAs:

"Pliny the Younger" by Russian River Brewing Company - This beer is a stronger version of their popular Pliny the Elder DIPA, with an even higher alcohol content of 11% ABV. It is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma.

"120 Minute IPA" by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery - This beer is continuously hopped for 120 minutes during the brewing process, giving it a very strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 15-20% ABV.

"Mornin' Delight" by Toppling Goliath Brewing Company - This beer is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma and high level of sweetness. It has an alcohol content of 12% ABV.

"Sculpin" by Ballast Point Brewing Company - This beer is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma and high level of bitterness. It has an alcohol content of 7% ABV.

"HopSlam" by Bell's Brewery - This beer is made with six different hop varieties and has a high level of alcohol content of 10% ABV. It is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma.

"The Abyss" by Deschutes Brewery - This beer is aged in oak barrels and is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma, as well as its complex malt profile. It has an alcohol content of 11% ABV.

"Dragon's Milk" by New Holland Brewing - This beer is aged in oak barrels and is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma, as well as its complex malt profile. It has an alcohol content of 11% ABV.

"King Sue" by Toppling Goliath Brewing Company - This beer is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma and high level of sweetness. It has an alcohol content of 7.8% ABV.

"Greater Pumpkin" by Heavy Seas Beer - This beer is a variation of their popular Great Pumpkin beer, but with an even stronger hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 8.5% ABV.

"Double Jack" by Firestone Walker Brewing Co. - This beer is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma and high level of bitterness. It has an alcohol content of 9.5% ABV.

Session IPA: A session IPA is a lower alcohol version of the regular IPA, usually around 4-5% ABV. They are meant to be light and easy to drink, while still featuring a noticeable hop character and bitterness.

Top Rated Session IPAs:

"All Day IPA" by Founders Brewing Co. - This beer is a session IPA with a lower alcohol content of 4.7% ABV, making it easy to drink. It has a strong hop flavor and aroma.

"Sculpin" by Ballast Point Brewing Company - This beer is a session IPA that is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 7% ABV.

"DayTime" by Lagunitas Brewing Company - This beer is a session IPA that is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 4.65% ABV.

"Easy Jack" by Firestone Walker Brewing Co. - This beer is a session IPA that is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV.

"Session Lager" by Full Sail Brewing Co. - This beer is a session IPA that is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV.

"Session Fest" by Ninkasi Brewing Company - This beer is a session IPA that is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV.

"Dawn Patrol" by Breakside Brewery - This beer is a session IPA that is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV.

"Loose Cannon" by Heavy Seas Beer - This beer is a session IPA that is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma. It has an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV.

"Sublimely Self-Righteous" by Stone Brewing - This beer is a session IPA that is known for its strong hop flavor and aroma.

When it comes to pairing IPA with food, the strong hop flavor and bitterness make it a great match for spicy and flavorful dishes, such as Indian or Mexican cuisine. The beer's carbonation also helps to cut through rich and creamy foods, making it a great choice for pairing with cheese or grilled meats.

Overall, IPA is a versatile and complex beer style that offers a wide range of flavors and aromas. Whether you prefer a classic American IPA or a newer, hazy NEIPA, there is an IPA out there for every beer drinker. So next time you're at the bar or store, consider picking up an IPA and experiencing the diverse world of this classic beer style.