Hop Heaven: The Ultimate Guide to the Top 20 IPAs in the USA

Hop Heaven: The Ultimate Guide to the Top 20 IPAs in the USA

Introduction:

When it comes to craft beer, there’s one style that stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of popularity and flavor – the India Pale Ale (IPA). Bursting with hoppy goodness and a range of flavor profiles, IPAs have taken the American beer scene by storm. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve scoured the country to bring you the top 20 IPAs available in the USA. Whether you’re a seasoned hop-head or new to the world of craft beer, this list is your passport to hoppy bliss. Let’s dive in and explore the key statistics and reasons behind each of these phenomenal brews.

1. Pliny the Elder – Russian River Brewing Company

• ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 8%
• IBU (International Bitterness Units): 100+
• Reasoning: Pliny the Elder is a classic double IPA known for its balanced malt backbone and an explosion of hops, making it a top choice for hop enthusiasts.

2. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery

• ABV: 7%
• IBU: 55
• Reasoning: Two Hearted Ale is a well-balanced IPA with a focus on Centennial hops, offering floral and citrus notes that delight the palate.

3. Heady Topper – The Alchemist

• ABV: 8%
• IBU: N/A
• Reasoning: Heady Topper is a cult favorite, known for its hazy, unfiltered nature, and intense hoppy aroma. It’s a must-try for those in search of a hazy IPA.

4. Julius – Tree House Brewing Company

• ABV: 6.8%
• IBU: N/A
• Reasoning: Julius is a New England IPA with a tropical fruit explosion, making it one of the most sought-after beers in the country.

5. 90 Minute IPA – Dogfish Head Brewery

• ABV: 9%
• IBU: 90
• Reasoning: This iconic imperial IPA is continuously hopped for 90 minutes, resulting in a complex, bold flavor and aroma.

6. Hopslam – Bell’s Brewery

• ABV: 10%
• IBU: 70
• Reasoning: Hopslam is a double IPA that boasts a massive hop presence, balanced by a delightful honey sweetness.

7. Jai Alai – Cigar City Brewing

• ABV: 7.5%
• IBU: 70
• Reasoning: Jai Alai is a tropical IPA known for its citrus and caramel malt backbone, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

8. Enjoy By – Stone Brewing

• ABV: Varies by release
• IBU: Varies by release
• Reasoning: Enjoy By is a series of IPAs brewed to be consumed fresh, ensuring a bold hop character and a unique experience with each release.

9. Sculpin – Ballast Point Brewing Company

• ABV: 7%
• IBU: 70
• Reasoning: Sculpin is a world-class IPA, recognized for its bright and fresh flavors of apricot, peach, mango, and lemon.

10. Sip of Sunshine – Lawson’s Finest Liquids

• ABV: 8%
• IBU: N/A
• Reasoning: Sip of Sunshine is a double IPA with a juicy, hop-forward profile that brings a ray of sunshine to your taste buds.

11. Zombie Dust – 3 Floyds Brewing Co.

• ABV: 6.2%
• IBU: N/A
• Reasoning: Zombie Dust is a Citra-hopped American Pale Ale with a cult following, known for its perfect balance of hops and malt.

12. Stone IPA – Stone Brewing

• ABV: 6.9%
• IBU: 71
• Reasoning: Stone IPA is a well-balanced, citrusy, and piney classic that paved the way for the West Coast IPA style.

13. Pseudo Sue – Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.

• ABV: 6.8%
• IBU: N/A
• Reasoning: Pseudo Sue is a single-hop pale ale with Citra hops, celebrated for its bright, tropical fruit flavors.

14. 60 Minute IPA – Dogfish Head Brewery

• ABV: 6%
• IBU: 60
• Reasoning: The 60 Minute IPA is the sessionable sibling of the 90 Minute, offering a balanced hop experience.

15. Citra High – MadTree Brewing Co.

• ABV: 9.5%
• IBU: 90
• Reasoning: Citra High is a double IPA that showcases the Citra hop’s incredible tropical fruit and citrus qualities.

16. Hazy Little Thing – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

• ABV: 6.7%
• IBU: 35
• Reasoning: Hazy Little Thing is a hazy IPA for those who prefer a softer, juicier hop experience.

17. Bodhi – Columbus Brewing Company

• ABV: 8.5%
• IBU: 80
• Reasoning: Bodhi is a double IPA with a bold hop profile, showcasing pine, citrus, and tropical fruit notes.

18. Grapefruit Sculpin – Ballast Point Brewing Company

• ABV: 7%
• IBU: 70
• Reasoning: Grapefruit Sculpin combines the classic Sculpin with a burst of grapefruit, creating a zesty and refreshing IPA.

19. Stone Delicious IPA – Stone Brewing

• ABV: 7.7%
• IBU: 80
• Reasoning: Stone Delicious IPA is brewed with gluten-reduced ingredients, offering a bold hop experience without the gluten.

20. Green – Tree House Brewing Company

• ABV: 7.6%
• IBU: N/A
• Reasoning: Green is a double IPA with a robust hop presence and complex flavor, offering a fantastic finish to our list.

Conclusion:

With these top 20 IPAs, you’re in for a hoppy adventure that spans the entire hop flavor spectrum. Whether you crave the piney bitterness of a classic West Coast IPA or the juicy, hazy wonders of a New England IPA, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab a glass, savor the aroma, and enjoy the diverse world of American IPAs. Cheers to your next hop-filled journey!