Hop heads, it’s finally here: a day dedicated to you! Why it’s IPA Day, of course! Us here at Craft Beers Delivered are hopping with joy as we race down our aisles picking out all our favourites to try.  


So, here’s the background for those beer nerds out there or those who might want a quick refresher on the style. Got your IPA of choice ready? Okay, here we go: 


IPA means India Pale Ale. There are numerous speculations as to the origins of the style. The most prevalent story is that the style came about as at the height of the British Empire, it had sailors and troops stationed around the world, with India being one of its important outposts. The hot climate meant brewing in India was not feasible, and so, brewers back in England began experimenting to see how they could supply reliable and steady beer to their fellow countrymen abroad. As it turns out, hops are a pretty good natural preservative, and through a long and complicated history, the modern-day IPA was born.


Today, IPA is a beer style that is almost synonymous with craft beer. Rewind the clock back just a little over a decade ago (those who would too young to remember, bear with this old timer for a few moments!). If you went to a pub and asked for an IPA, you might be answered with a blank, confused face or been left awkwardly standing at the bar while the bartender went rooting around the back for the one choice they have lying around somewhere. Today, IPAs have overtaken lagers as the most requested and favoured beer of craft drinkers. The style, as well, has branched out, as we now have New England IPA, West Coast IPA, East Coast IPA, Double IPA, even Milkshake IPAs to name but a few! 


So, what makes the IPA such a smash hit? For some, it’s that bitter, floral, earthy, citrusy, piney, and fruity flavours that make the IPA so irresistible. If those descriptors sound appealing, then congratulations: you’re most likely a fellow hop head.


Right, all that reading is probably making you thirsty so scroll down below and check out our top picks from our resident hop heads and craft beer enthusiasts. Cheers!

 



1. Beavertown Tropigamma Tropical IPA


It's back in all its tropical goodness! If we were to describe Tropigamma, think their popular Gamma Ray but add a few palm trees, a beach hat, and of course, lots of sun. Guava, pink papaya, mango, mandarin, and peach flavours from the hops take centre stage in this one and are amplified for a tropical fruit and hop combo that will leave your taste buds sizzling.


ABV: 5.4% | €4.00




2. Kinnegar Bucket and Spade IPA 


This one has been off our shelves for quite some time, and we’re over the moon to finally welcome it back! This session rye IPA has been made in collaboration with the second Kinnegar Brewing Academy. Overall, this one is an easy-going session rye IPA with wonderful citrus, malty, and biscuity notes. Perfect for those looking for a nice and chilled IPA without any aggressive hop flavours and a little spice kick to sip away on.


ABV: 4% | €3.05




3. Outer Place Particle Shower IPA


How does a mightily juicy IPA to get those taste buds popping sound? This is, hands down, one fluffy and smooth IPA. Double dry-hopped with Mosaic and Galaxy hops and finished off with HopBurst Mosaic hop oil for that little special x factor touch. This juicy brew is full of intense aromas and flavours of berry/currant jam, passionfruit, ripe peaches, and soft citrus. In other words: truly delightful!


ABV: 6% | €5.10




4. Sierra Nevada Dankful West Coast IPA 


We're very 'Dankful' for Sierra Nevada's new IPA and we know you’re going to be too! This resinous West Coast IPA helps fund the philanthropic work of the Sierra Nevada foundation which supports non-profits that stand up for social equality, economic well-being, and environmental protection. Here’s the flavour down low: this one is heavier on the hops than the previous choices in our list and lives up to its dankful name with its generous amount of hops used. Canned at a hefty 7.4% so it’s one to sip and take your time appreciating!


ABV: 7.4% | €2.60




5. DOT Brew Alto New England Double IPA 


May we interest you with a full-on fruity, double dry hopped IPA perchance? Then allow us to introduce you to this mighty fine delight. Despite being a DIPA (double IPA) and boasting a high 8% ABV, this one is surprisingly easy-drinking and has a tangy bite we can't get enough of! Great bit of summer fruits in there and a pillowy smooth head that stays with you until the last sip. 


ABV: 8% | €4.45


 


6. Wicklow Wolf West Side Story West Coast IPA


A love story for the ages... why it's West Side Story from Wicklow Wolf! Wicklow Wolf have cemented themselves as a favourite in the Irish craft beer scene and this release shows what makes them so popular. This latest edition in the Endangered Species is a modern take on the classic West Coast IPA style. Heavily dry hopped with new age hops: Strata, Idaho 7, and Talus to get all that hoppy goodness we oh-so-much love and enjoy!


ABV: 6.6% | €3.75



 

7. Rascals X Yeastie Boys Krush Groove IPA


Oh, we’re definitely feeling the groove this IPA from Rascals is putting out! This limited edition hop bomb extravaganza is made in collab between Dublin’s Rascals and New Zealander's Yeastie Boys. Packs a serious dollop of citrus and tropical flavours from the first sip until the last. A new school IPA made to be enjoyed to some old-school tunes. 


ABV: 7% | €5.50


 


8. Rye River Miami J IPA


Bringing you another limited edition, small batch delight with our next choice here from another well-known and award-winning Irish brewery. Made in collaboration between Rye River and BarthHaas X, this New England IPA is brewed as a love letter all about the softer side of hops and for those looking for a lighter IPA that still packs a decent ABV. Packed with Citra, Galaxy, Mosaic, and Amarillo. Stunning flavours of tropical fruit and berries. 


ABV: 6.5% | €4.75



 

9. White Hag Watermelon IPA 


This next choice is bound to catch your eye! Take a walk on the more experimental side of IPAs with White Hag who have gone all in with this bright green watermelon IPA we know you’re going to love. This brew offers all that juicy watermelon goodness with a solid bitter IPA backbone. The perfect green brew for when you want something a bit different! 


ABV: 5.5% | €2.55




10. Whiplash Rollover IPA 


A classic from Dublin’s Whiplash and for a good reason! To close out this list, we turned our attention to another classic Irish brewery who have been showing us how IPAs since 2016. This New England inspired Session IPA is far too drinkable with a very approachable ABV. Hazy and unfiltered, with plenty upon plenty of fruity hops. If you haven’t tried this one yet, add this to your next order!


ABV: 3.8% | €2.75



We hope you enjoyed our blog post! If you still can’t find that perfect beer, be sure to browse our range of Limited Editions, New In, and everything in between here at Craft Beers Delivered! Lastly, make sure to follow us on our Instagram, Facebook & Twitter to see our latest updates such as new in’s, sales, recommended brews, and competitions! Also, be sure to tag us and let us know what you're drinking! We love to see a good beer pic!


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