If you're a beer lover, there's no escaping IPAs. As the most popular craft beer style in recent years, India Pale Ales have conquered the craft beer world with their bold flavours and seemingly endless varieties. From classic West Coast bitterness to juicy East Coast sensations, IPAs offer a thrilling spectrum of flavours that can be a great way to ease your way from lagers and popular beers into the wider world of craft beer.

But navigating the world of IPAs can feel like entering a hop-filled jungle. Fear not, fellow beer explorers! This guide will dive into the diverse world of IPAs, helping you find the perfect hoppy brew for your palate.

A Brief History of IPA’s

The IPA's story begins with British brewers in the 18th century. To ensure their beers survived the long journey to India, they ramped up the hops (a natural preservative) and alcohol content. The result was a uniquely bitter, aromatic beer that thrived in the warmer climate and thus, the India Pale Ale was born.

Today, IPAs are a global phenomenon, reinterpreted and reinvented by brewers worldwide. While hops are their unifying force, IPAs embody a huge range of flavours and styles – and not all of them are bitter. Think juicy East Coast IPAs and even creamy Milkshake IPAs….yum!

IPA Styles and Recommendations


West Coast IPA: Sunshine and Bitterness

West Coast IPAs are the leaders of the modern hop revolution. They are known for their bold, resinous hop flavours and a bitterness that lingers delightfully on the palate. Imagine biting into the pith of a grapefruit – that's the kind of bracing bitterness these IPAs deliver. Aromas of fresh pine needles, resin, and bright citrus burst from the glass, giving way to a dry, crisp finish that cuts through rich food beautifully.

West Coast IPA Recommendations:

Whiplash Another Light West Coast IPA

Get back to basics with this classic West Coast IPA from Whiplash . This refreshingly crisp and aromatic IPA delivers bold floral and pine aromas with a hint of grapefruit, all backed by a satisfying bitterness in the finish.

Lough Gill Lost Armada West Coast IPA

Lough Gill Lost Armada West Coast IPA delivers a punch of classic American hop character – think bold pine, citrus, and a satisfying bitterness. A well-balanced malt backbone provides a smooth base for the hop explosion.

Western Herd Blue Jumper West Coast IPA

Inspired by the iconic Irish comedy, Father Ted, Blue Jumper delivers a classic West Coast IPA experience with a fun twist. Expect bright bursts of candied orange and peach, followed by a satisfyingly bitter finish.

West Coast IPA Food Pairings:

West Coast IPAs are incredibly food-friendly, thanks to their bold flavours and assertive bitterness. Their ability to cut through the heat of spicy dishes makes them ideal for pairing with curries, spicy tacos, or hot wings. With fatty foods like burgers, pizza, and anything fried, the IPA steps in as a palate cleanser, balancing the richness. For a delicious contrast, try pairing a West Coast IPA with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar, blue cheese, or goat cheese. They also complement bold desserts like carrot cake or those with strong fruit flavours like cherry or passionfruit. Finally, the hoppy character of a West Coast IPA pairs beautifully with the smoky, charred flavours of grilled meats like steaks, sausages, or kebabs.

East Coast IPA: A Tropical Beer Getaway

East Coast IPAs offer a softer, more approachable take on the IPA style. They whisper of tropical getaways, where waves of juicy flavours wash over your palate. Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe mango, or the sweetness of pineapple balanced with the subtle tang of stone fruits like peaches and apricots.

East Coast IPA Recommendations:

Kinnegar Big Bunny East Coast IPA

Kinnegar Big Bunny East Coast IPA is a best-seller for a reason! It bursts with juicy tropical flavours, delivering a satisfying citrus punch balanced by a creamy wheat mouthfeel. Think of it as the bolder, more adventurous sister of the beloved White Rabbit. And watch out - its higher 6% ABV packs a surprise for those accustomed to lighter lagers.

East Coast IPA Food Pairings:

East Coast IPAs, with their juicy, tropical hop character, are a natural match for cuisines that embrace similar bright flavours. Think mango salsas, coconut-based curries, or dishes featuring pineapple and citrus – the IPA will enhance the fruitiness and create a delightful taste experience. Seafood, whether grilled, fried, or in tacos, finds a perfect pairing with the juicy hop flavours. Light and fresh salads, especially those with fruit, citrus dressings, or creamy goat cheese, are beautifully complemented by the IPA's tropical notes.

Try an East Coast IPA with tandoori chicken or sweet and spicy glazed chicken wings – the IPA will balance the heat and complement the sweetness. Finish your meal with a fruit-forward dessert like peach cobbler, mango sorbet, or key lime pie; the tropical character of the IPA will harmonise perfectly with these sweet treats.


New England IPA: Juicy and Hazy

New England IPAs are like sunshine in a glass - a burst of tropical fruit flavours so intense, you'll swear you're sipping on a smoothie from a faraway island. These juicy wonders feature a velvety-smooth mouthfeel, downplaying bitterness in favour of an explosion of mango, pineapple, passion fruit, and other exotic hop-driven sensations. Their signature haze creates a visually appealing softness that mirrors the pillowy, full-bodied drinking experience.

New England IPA Recommendations:

Tiny Rebel Electric Boogaloo Passionfruit

This Passion Fruit Lil' NEIPA from Tiny Rebel delivers a burst of sunshine with its juicy passionfruit, mango, and papaya flavours. Its medium-dry body provides a satisfying base for the tropical fruitiness.

White Hag Atlantean 440ml New England IPA

White Hag Atlantean is full of juicy fruitiness, balanced by a creamy mouthfeel from oats and lactose. Expect a hazy appearance, a fluffy head, and an incredibly smooth drinking experience.

O'Hara's 51st State IPA

O'Hara's 51st State IPA is unfiltered brew, inspired by the hazy New England IPA style, boasts a vibrant burst of grapefruit, passionfruit, and peach flavours. Expect a velvety smooth mouthfeel and a refreshingly mild bitterness that lingers gently on the palate.

New England IPA Food Pairings:

New England IPAs , with their smooth texture, juicy flavours, and soft bitterness, are incredibly versatile at the table. Their creaminess finds a perfect match in dishes like mac and cheese, creamy pasta sauces, or rich seafood chowders. The NEIPA adds a delightful tropical twist to brunch favourites like pancakes, waffles, eggs Benedict, or avocado toast. Pair them with mild cheeses like mozzarella, brie, or Havarti; their subtle flavours won't compete with the juicy hop character.

Fruity desserts like peach cobbler, berry crumble, or pineapple upside-down cake sing alongside the tropical hop profile of the NEIPA. Finally, light and fresh seafood dishes, whether grilled shrimp, ceviche, or fish tacos with mango salsa, find a delicious companion in the NEIPA's juicy character.


Session IPA: Hoppy, Refreshing, Lower ABV

Session IPAs are the perfect answer when you crave bold IPA flavours without the commitment to higher alcohol content. They're like your favourite IPA dialed down a notch, delivering all the hoppy goodness – citrus, pine, tropical notes – in a lighter form. Think of them as the ideal companion for long afternoons with friends, backyard hangouts, or whenever you want to enjoy an IPA without the heavy-hitting buzz. Plus, if you're new to craft beers and find the intense flavours a bit overwhelming, Session IPAs are a fantastic way to dip your toes into the wider world of hoppy brews!

Session IPA Recommendations:

O'Hara's Session IPA

Crafted with 100% malt and a trio of classic hops, O'Hara's Session IPA delivers a delightful citrusy punch, balanced by a crisp, clean finish. Ideal for backyard hangouts, parties, or whenever you want a flavourful, easy-drinking IPA.

O Brother The Dreamcatcher New England Session IPA

Experience the juicy, hazy goodness of a New England IPA in a lighter form. The Dreamcatcher bursts with grapefruit, orange, and tropical fruit flavours, offering a refreshing hop kick at a manageable 4.2% ABV.

Lough Gill Shaka Session IPA

Discover a light and flavourful Session IPA from Lough Gill Brewery . Amarillo and Azacca hops deliver a burst of refreshing orange citrus and tropical fruit aromas while oats and dextrin malts create a smooth, satisfying mouthfeel, making it incredibly easy to drink.

Session IPA Food Pairings:

Session IPAs are the perfect partners for casual dining. Their satisfying hop character and lower alcohol content make them a great match for classic comfort foods like fish and chips, burgers, tacos, or pizza. They shine alongside appetisers and snacks like pretzels, cheese and crackers, wings, or nachos – perfect for sharing and socialising.

Session IPAs also pair beautifully with spicy dishes, their balanced hops and lighter body tempering the heat for a refreshing combination. Opt for lighter fare like salads, grilled chicken, or seafood dishes, where the Session IPA complements the flavours without overpowering them. Finish with a simple dessert like fruit sorbet, cookies, or vanilla ice cream for a light and refreshing end.

Double IPA: Not for the Faint of Hop-Heart

Double IPAs are not for the faint of heart. They're a whirlwind of hop intensity – a bold and unapologetic celebration of everything hop-heads crave. Imagine your favourite IPA, then double the bitterness, double the hop aroma, and crank up the alcohol content. DIPAs deliver a knockout punch of resinous pine, citrus zest, and tropical fruit flavours that linger long after each sip. These potent brews are best enjoyed slowly, savouring the complex symphony of hop-driven sensations.


White IPA: A Refreshing Summertime Brew

White IPAs are a delightful hybrid, offering a unique and refreshing twist on the classic IPA. Imagine the lightness and subtle spice of a Belgian witbier infused with the bright, citrusy hop character of an IPA. These beers embody balance, with notes of coriander and orange peel dancing alongside a gentle hoppiness. They're light-bodied, effervescent, and incredibly easy to drink, making them a perfect choice for warm weather or when you're seeking something a little different.

White IPA Recommendations:

Rascals Yankee White IPA

Discover the World Beer Award-winning Rascals Yankee White IPA , a delightful fusion of American IPA boldness and Belgian Witbier charm. Get ready for a burst of citrus and peach flavours, balanced perfectly with a hint of spice from the Belgian Wit yeast. This crisp, refreshing brew is an ideal choice for any season.

White IPA Food Pairings:

White IPAs, with their subtle spice, citrus notes, and refreshing character, offer delightful pairings for a variety of dishes. Delicate flavours like grilled white fish, shrimp scampi, or seafood salads find a perfect complement in the White IPA. It also pairs beautifully with creamy chicken dishes, such as those featuring white wine sauces, piccata, or pasta, where the subtle bitterness cuts through the richness. The refreshing nature of a White IPA makes it a great choice for fresh salads, especially those with grilled chicken, citrus elements, or creamy dressings.

Enjoy a White IPA with mildly spiced Thai or Vietnamese cuisine; the spice notes and refreshing character harmonise with the balance of sweet and heat. Finish your meal with a fruity dessert like lemon bars, berry tarts, or a fruit-forward crumble – the White IPA's subtle citrus and spice will complement these flavours beautifully.


Hazy IPA: A Tropical Escape for Your Senses

Hazy IPAs are a pure sensory delight. Their vibrant colors, pillowy texture, and explosive fruit-forward aromas create a drinking experience unlike any other. Imagine stepping into a tropical fruit market – that's the kind of adventure Hazy IPAs offer. These unfiltered brews are packed with juicy, floral hop notes, boasting minimal bitterness for an incredibly smooth and approachable drinking experience. Whether you're a hop aficionado or new to the IPA scene, Hazy IPAs offer a welcoming gateway into a world of pure hop-driven bliss.

Hazy IPA Recommendations:

Outer Place Sacred Cycles Hazy IPA

Get ready for a juicy, hazy adventure from Outer Place, the Kildare brewery for hop enthusiasts! Sacred Cycles is a flavour explosion, bursting with sweet citrus, dank tropical berries, and a funkiness reminiscent of ripe pineapple and Starburst candies. Strata and El Dorado hops headline this juicy banger, followed by a wave of Zappa hops for an extra layer of tropical delight. Curious to learn more about these hops and their unique flavour profiles? Check out our Hop Cheat Sheet !

White Hag Phantom Hazy IPA

From the folklore-inspired White Hag Brewery comes Phantom Hazy IPA , a captivating brew that blends classic IPA elements with hazy, juicy delights. Its hazy golden hue hints at the explosion of bold citrus flavours within, balanced by whispers of pine and dank undertones. This unique IPA is refreshing and hop-driven, yet surprisingly sessionable.

Bullhouse Brew Rolling Papers Hazy IPA

Roll into a hazy, juicy paradise with Bullhouse Brew's Rolling Papers Hazy IPA ! This immensely crushable brew explodes with tropical fruit flavours, thanks to multiple dry-hop additions and the fruity magic of Bullhouse's signature yeast blend. It's a taste of Belfast with a laid-back, hazy twist.

Hazy IPA Food Pairings

Hazy IPAs, with their explosion of tropical flavours and smooth texture, offer a delicious pairing experience. Dishes featuring mango, pineapple, coconut, or citrus will sing alongside the Hazy IPA's juicy, fruit-forward character. Try pairing with seafood like grilled shrimp, fish tacos with mango salsa, or a refreshing ceviche.

The Hazy IPA's smooth texture and juicy flavours also find a delightful balance with creamy dishes like mac and cheese, pasta, or a rich lobster bisque. Brunch favorites like fluffy pancakes, French toast, or eggs Benedict pair beautifully with the Hazy IPA's soft bitterness and tropical notes. Finish your meal with a fruity dessert – think peach cobbler, berry crumble, or a tropical fruit sorbet, for a harmonious end alongside the Hazy IPA's juicy profile.

IPA FAQs

What sets IPAs apart from other beer styles?

IPAs are all about hops! They deliver a signature bitterness, along with a wide array of aromas ranging from citrus and pine to tropical fruit and dankness. Hops are what define the IPA experience.

What makes a 'good' IPA beer?

While taste is subjective, balance is key in a great IPA. The bitterness should harmonise with the malt character and other hop-driven flavours, creating a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

Which IPA is more bitter?

Generally, these IPAs pack the biggest bitter punch:

  • West Coast IPAs : Known for their assertive bitterness and classic hop flavours.

  • Triple IPAs : Intense in both hops and alcohol, delivering a powerful flavour experience.

What's the best way to store IPAs?

For optimal freshness:

  • Keep them cold by storing your IPAs in the fridge.

  • Light can degrade hop flavours, so choose opaque packaging or store them in a dark place.

  • IPAs are best fresh so enjoy them as soon as possible.

What does IBU stand for in IPAs?

IBU stands for International Bitterness Units. While this scale measures a beer's potential bitterness, mainly from hops, how bitter the beer actually tastes can be quite different. So, don't let high IBU numbers scare you away! Many IPAs balance their bitterness with sweetness and other flavours, making them surprisingly approachable, even if you're not a fan of super bitter tastes.

Are all IPAs high in calories?

Not necessarily. While some IPAs, especially higher alcohol ones, can have more calories, there are plenty of options on the lighter side. Session IPAs and some modern IPAs focus on hop flavour without excessive calories.

Can I get gluten-free IPAs?

Yes. While traditional IPAs are made with barley (which contains gluten), there are brewers dedicated to creating gluten-free IPAs using alternative grains.