The range and diversity of the IPA style has made it a favorite of craft-beer consumers and brewers alike. Here, we’ve asked five respected brewers what they reach for when they’re in the mood for something hoppy.
Josh Pfriem
Brewmaster and Cofounder at pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, Oregon
Firestone Walker Union Jack (Paso Robles, California) has been an inspiring beer since its release. Most brewers consider it the standard for West Coast IPA. It is bright, hops-forward, fruity, clean, and fresh, with lots of citrus, just enough malt, and an incredible balance. It is an inspiring and delicious IPA!
Brant Dubovick
Head Brewer at DryHop Brewers & Corridor Brewery & Provisions, Chicago, Illinois
Fat Head’s Head Hunter (Middleburg Heights, Ohio)—I love the aggressive and resiny hops profile in this classic West Coast IPA. Strong notes of pine, tropical fruit, and citrus are there aplenty. However, for such an aggressively hopped beer, the malt profile is present. The dry bitter finish leaves me wanting another sip every time without fail. It’s the one beer in the country that I miss having easy access to. There’s a reason that Matt Cole and his crew are consistent medal winners in the American IPA category. Now I want to drive to Cleveland. Anyone up for a road trip?
Gretchen Foster
Brewer at Great Storm Brewing, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Ska Brewing’s Modus Hoperandi (Durango, Colorado) is probably my favorite right now. I love the balance of the citrus and piney hops and the fact that even though it is incredibly hoppy it finishes clean.
Sean Burke
Head Brewer at Commons Brewery, Portland, Oregon
What I love about Breakside Brewery’s IPA (Portland, Oregon), is that I have had the chance to see it develop. It’s always been a good IPA, but I know those guys really dissected that beer a while ago, and the end result is everything I look for in a well-crafted IPA. It’s not overly bitter; it explodes with hops flavor and aroma, and it has a nice dry finish that isn’t cloyingly sweet. There is a reason it’s a gold medal winner. Oh, and I can get it really fresh.
Jeremy Tofte
Founder at Melvin Brewing, Jackson, Wyoming
I find myself reaching for Barley Brown’s Pallet Jack (Baker City, Oregon). I get to taste it only a few times a year, and every time I swear it’s even better than the last time. It’s got the tropical notes I like, and it’s pretty sessionable. To top it off, they have figured out the fifth ingredient: CO2.