Few styles have evolved faster than IPA. Much of what sells in this hugely popular category is virtually unrecognizable compared to the beers that defined it a mere decade ago. But in this era of softness, haze, and rethought fruit-forward West Coast iterations, what beers do brewers themselves like to drink? We asked five for their faves.
Highland Park Hello LA
Evan Price, co-owner and brewer, Green Cheek Beer in Orange, California
“Drinking Bob’s beers might just make you rethink your profession. The guy is good at making every beer style, which is absolute bullshit, and this clear and bitter IPA from him is no different. Punchy on the aromatics and flavor, with a firm bitterness that is never harsh. Dude is one of the greats. I give up.”
Widowmaker Blue Comet
Dino Funari, cofounder, Vitamin Sea Brewing in Weymouth, Massachusetts
“Blue Comet from Widowmaker Brewing in Braintree, Massachusetts, is an IPA that I search out whenever they release it. We’re fortunate that they are close by to us, so we get our hands on it regularly. Packed with Simcoe, Comet, and a kiss of Citra hops, it’s like a NEIPA with West Coast roots. Two-row, white wheat, flaked oats, and Golden Promise round out the malt bill to produce a crisp, clean, easy-drinking IPA. Don’t sleep on this up-and-coming brewery!”