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East Meets West: The Duel of the IPAs – West Coast vs. New England

B. Kline — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:59:02 +0000

East Meets West: The Duel of the IPAs – West Coast vs. New England

New England “Hazy” IPA versus West Coast IPAs. Whats the differences?

New England – or Hazy – IPAs and West Coast IPAs are similar, but yet so very different. Both are IPAs (or India Pale Ales), but both are also very different. Its akin to saying Fiction and Non-Fiction books are similar. Both are books, but both are so very different.

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of craft beer, few styles have sparked as much debate, devotion, and innovation as the India Pale Ale (IPA). Within this beloved category, two sub-styles stand out, representing not just geographical distinctions but also contrasting brewing philosophies, flavor profiles, and cultural identities: the West Coast IPA and the New England IPA (NEIPA). Let’s dive into the hoppy heart of these brews to explore what sets them apart and why beer enthusiasts might pledge their allegiance to one over the other.

The West Coast IPA: The Pioneer Spirit

Torpedo IP by Sierra Nevada Brewing.

The West Coast IPA is the elder of the two, born from the American craft beer revolution that gained momentum in the late 20th century. This style is a testament to the pioneering spirit of West Coast brewers, who embraced and amplified the bold, aromatic potential of hops. Characterized by its clear, golden to amber hue and a penchant for high bitterness, the West Coast IPA is a beacon of the “hop-forward” approach.

Flavor Profile: The hallmark of the West Coast IPA is its crisp, assertive bitterness, derived from generous hop additions. These beers often feature piney, citrusy, and resinous hop flavors, with a clean malt backbone that steps aside to let the hops shine. The finish is dry, encouraging another sip.

Aroma: Aromatically, these IPAs burst with the scents of grapefruit, pine, and herbal notes, inviting the drinker to plunge into their hoppy depths.

Appearance: Clarity is king, with these brews sporting a transparent body that ranges from light golden to deep amber.

Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel tends to be medium-bodied and refreshing, with a carbonation level that complements the beer’s crisp finish.

The New England IPA: The Hazy Revolution

A juicy looking hazy New England IPA.

The NEIPA is a more recent innovation, rising to prominence in the 2010s and quickly becoming a darling of the craft beer world. This style is marked by its hazy appearance and a radical shift in hop utilization, focusing on late addition and dry hopping techniques that emphasize hop aroma and flavor over bitterness.

Flavor Profile: NEIPAs are known for their juicy, fruit-forward hop flavors. Think mango, peach, orange, and other tropical fruits, with a soft, rounded bitterness that takes a backseat to the hop-driven fruitiness. The malt profile is often slightly sweeter, adding to the perception of juiciness.

Aroma: The aroma of a NEIPA is akin to sticking your nose into a bag of fresh hops or a bowl of ripe tropical fruits. It’s all about the explosive, aromatic hop character.

Appearance: Haze for days is the motto here. NEIPAs are typically unfiltered and opaquely hazy, ranging in color from pale straw to deep orange.

Mouthfeel: Soft, smooth, and almost creamy, with a full body that coats the palate. The carbonation is moderate, balancing the mouthfeel without detracting from the lush texture.

The Clash of IPAs: A Matter of Taste

Choosing between a West Coast IPA and a NEIPA often comes down to personal preference in bitterness, clarity, and flavor profile. West Coast IPA enthusiasts might crave the bracing bitterness and clear, piney sips, while devotees of the NEIPA could prefer the soft, fruity embrace of a hazy brew.

In the grand tapestry of craft beer, both styles represent the innovative spirit of brewers and the diverse palates of beer lovers. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp, bitter edge of the West Coast or the juicy haze of New England, the world of IPAs offers a rich landscape to explore.

As the debate between these two IPA titans continues, it’s clear that the real winner is the beer drinker, who gets to enjoy the fruits of this friendly rivalry. So, next time you’re at your local brewery or bottle shop, why not grab one of each and celebrate the incredible diversity and creativity of the craft beer

community? Whether you’re Team West Coast, Team NEIPA, or somewhere in between, there’s no denying the impact these styles have had on the beer world. As brewers continue to experiment and evolve, who knows what new variations await us on the horizon? One thing’s for sure: in the quest for hoppy perfection, the journey is just as thrilling as the destination.

Cheers to the IPA, in all its glorious forms!

Some Related IPA Articles

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The Lifespan of an IPA: Navigating the Freshness of Your Favorite Craft Beers

B. Kline — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 06:37:59 +0000

The Lifespan of an IPA: Navigating the Freshness of Your Favorite Craft Beers

A flight of Hazy IPAs.

In the ever-evolving world of craft beer, India Pale Ales (IPAs) have carved out a significant niche, captivating the palates of beer enthusiasts with their bold hop profiles, aromatic bouquets, and diverse flavor spectrums. From the aggressively hopped American IPAs to the more balanced and nuanced English styles, there’s an IPA out there for nearly every beer lover. However, one critical aspect often overlooked by casual drinkers and aficionados alike is the shelf life of these beloved brews. Understanding how long IPAs stay good is essential for experiencing them as the brewmasters intended. So, let’s dive into the factors that affect an IPA’s lifespan and how you can ensure you’re enjoying your beer at its peak.

The Importance of Freshness in IPAs

Freshness is paramount when it comes to IPAs. The style’s signature hop-forward character is highly sensitive to time. Hops, the soul of an IPA, contribute not just bitterness but a complex array of flavors and aromas ranging from citrus and pine to tropical fruits and floral notes. These compounds, especially the volatile oils responsible for aroma, begin to degrade the moment the beer is packaged, leading to a loss of the nuanced characteristics that make IPAs so appealing.

The Typical Shelf Life of an IPA

As a general rule of thumb, IPAs are best enjoyed as fresh as possible, ideally within three to six months of packaging. This window ensures that the hop flavors and aromas are still vibrant and pronounced. However, there are exceptions based on the specific style of IPA and its brewing process:

1. Standard American IPAs

These are best consumed within the three to six-month guideline. After this period, you’ll likely notice a decrease in the bright, hoppy punch that defines the style.

2. Double or Imperial IPAs

Thanks to their higher alcohol content and more robust malt backbone, these can sometimes age a bit longer while maintaining quality. Four to seven months is a safe range, though the hop character will still fade over time.

3. Session IPAs

With lower alcohol levels and a delicate hop balance, these are most vulnerable to the ravages of time. Aim to drink these within two to four months of packaging.

4. New England or Hazy IPAs

Famed for their juicy, fruit-forward hop presence and hazy appearance, these should be consumed as fresh as possible, ideally within three months, to preserve their unique profile.

Factors Influencing IPA Shelf Life

Storage Conditions: Light and heat are enemies of IPAs, accelerating the degradation of hop compounds. Always store your IPAs in a cool, dark place.
Packaging: Cans tend to protect beer from light better than bottles and may offer a slight edge in preserving freshness.
Brewer Practices: Some breweries utilize techniques like cold storage and reduced oxygen packaging to extend the freshness of their IPAs.

Tips for Enjoying IPAs at Their Best

Check the Packaging Date: Always look for a packaging date on the bottle, can, or keg. This date is your best indicator of freshness.
Buy Local: Local brews are less likely to have spent long periods in transit, reducing the time between packaging and consumption.
Proper Storage: Keep your IPAs in a cool, dark place, ideally refrigerated, to slow the aging process.

Embracing the Evolution

While fresh is generally best for IPAs, there’s something to be said for experiencing how a beer changes over time. Some beer lovers enjoy noting how the hop profile transforms, often giving way to more malt-forward flavors. If you’re curious, consider buying multiple cans or bottles of your favorite IPA to sample at different stages of its life.

Conclusion

The world of IPAs is as diverse as it is delicious, with freshness playing a crucial role in the enjoyment of these hop-centric brews. By understanding the factors that influence an IPA’s shelf life and following best practices for storage and consumption, you can ensure that you’re experiencing these beers in their prime. Whether you’re savoring a local session IPA or exploring the robust depths of an imperial version, remember that time is of the essence. So, grab a fresh IPA, pour it into your favorite glass, and toast to the fleeting beauty of hops in their prime. Cheers!

Some Related IPA Articles

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MAPS OF BREWERIES

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14 Great High Grade Octane IPAs You Should Be Trying

B. Kline — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:55:00 +0000

14 Great High Grade Octane IPAs You Should Be Trying

Fall is Fading Away

As autumn’s pumpkin spice craze gives way, it’s prime time for beer aficionados to circle back to the hop-infused delights that sparked our love for craft brews. With winter’s cozy warmers on the horizon and the decadent season of barrel-aged stouts soon to impact our holiday budgets and merry spirits, this November interlude is ideal for an IPA detox.

The craft beer scene might witness a feigned weariness towards hop-centric beverages, yet India Pale Ales remain the reigning choice for the discerning crowd. The rise of the ‘session IPA’—a lower alcohol iteration designed for extended hop enjoyment—has skyrocketed, becoming the trendiest addition to the craft beer repertoire.

Conversely, the high-alcohol end of the spectrum is where IPA artisans excel, infusing maximum flavor into every bottle. While double and triple IPAs fetch top ratings and prices, a discerning choice in this premium category ensures a rewarding experience. Below is a curated list of twelve exceptional, potent IPAs that perfectly complement the shorter days and cozy evenings of the season.

14 Great High Grade Octane IPAs You Should Be Trying

Here are fourteen examples of some high octane (high ABV) IPAs you should be trying this fall / winter season. They will certainly keep you warm in the cold months, and keep the hop heads amongst all of us happy.

Avery Maharaja (Boulder, CO, 10-12% ABV):

Avery Maharaja (Boulder, CO, 10-12% ABV)

Avery’s Dictator Series offers the Maharaja, a giant among IPAs, crafted with traditional hops like Centennial and Columbus, and paired with the contemporary Simcoe. This concoction delivers a symphony of citrus, tropical, and pine notes, harmonized with a caramel malt foundation. With time, the Maharaja’s complexity unfolds, revealing almond and toffee nuances, setting it apart in the ultra-IPA market.

Green Flash Green Bullet (San Diego, CA; 10.1% ABV):

Green Flash Green Bullet (San Diego, CA; 10.1% ABV)

This seasonal offering from Green Flash utilizes New Zealand hops to deliver a spiced-up IPA experience with a classic pine resin profile.

Other Half All Green Everything (Brooklyn, NY, 10.5% ABV):

Other Half All Green Everything (Brooklyn, NY, 10.5% ABV)

All Green Everything is a testament to Other Half’s reputation as New York’s buzzworthy brewery. This modern hop behemoth, while acknowledging the virtues of moderation, predominates with grapefruit, mango, and pineapple flavors, crowned with a resinous finish. Its less sugary profile elevates it above its East Coast imperial IPA counterparts.

Stone RuinTen (Escondido, CA, 10.8% ABV):

Stone RuinTen (Escondido, CA, 10.8% ABV)

Stone’s triple IPA, RuinTen, balances the tartness of Citra hops with Columbus’s spicy notes and Centennial’s floral essence. Despite its strength, it’s not overwhelmingly bitter, offering layers of brown sugar and chocolate amidst the expected fruity and resinous undertones. This harmony distinguishes RuinTen within Stone’s acclaimed IPA lineup.

Dogfish Head 120 Minute (Milton, DE, 15-20% ABV):

Dogfish Head 120 Minute (Milton, DE, 15-20% ABV)

The iconic Dogfish Head’s Minute IPA series is headlined by the 120 Minute IPA, a trailblazer in the extreme IPA category since its debut in 2003. At an arresting 18% ABV, its potent alcohol content is expertly paired with a bitter yet fruity hop profile. Regarded as a beer that matures well, the 120 Minute is an investment in both flavor and a spirited buzz.

MadTree Galaxy High (Cincinnati, OH; 10.2% ABV):

MadTree Galaxy High (Cincinnati, OH; 10.2% ABV)

MadTree’s imperial IPA taps into Southern Hemisphere hops to present a fruit-forward flavor palette, marked by notes of peach, orange, and mango, balanced against a backdrop of pine.

Port Hop 15 (San Marcos, CA; 10% ABV):

Port Hop 15 (San Marcos, CA; 10% ABV)

Port’s Hop 15 is a masterpiece, blending 15 hop varieties added at 15-minute intervals, producing a complex brew where tropical and citrus notes meet biscuit and caramel for a balanced taste.

Founder’s Devil Dancer (Grand Rapids, MI; 12% ABV):

Founder’s Devil Dancer (Grand Rapids, MI; 12% ABV)

Released annually, Founder’s Devil Dancer is a testament to the longevity of hoppy beers, offering a rich tapestry of tropical, earthy, and citrus hop flavors supported by a robust malt base.

Oskar Blues Gubna (Longmont, CO; 10% ABV):

Oskar Blues Gubna (Longmont, CO; 10% ABV)

Oskar Blues’ Gubna, an annual changing brew, is notable for its unique combination of spicy rye malt and Sorachi Ace hops, offering a distinctive taste worth trying even out of season.

Ballast Point Dorado (San Diego, CA; 10% ABV):

Ballast Point Dorado (San Diego, CA; 10% ABV)

Known for the popular Sculpin IPA, Ballast Point’s Dorado is a gift to hop lovers, with a resinous, fruity profile and a smooth finish, concealing its alcohol content with finesse.

Starr Hill Hopfetti (Crozet, VA; 10.2% ABV):

Starr Hill Hopfetti (Crozet, VA; 10.2% ABV)

Celebrating Starr Hill’s anniversary, the Hopfetti is a harmonious mix of six hops and golden oats, resulting in a creamy, slightly sour tropical profile with a hint of vanilla.

Harpoon Leviathan (Boston, MA, 10% ABV):

Harpoon Leviathan (Boston, MA, 10%ABV)

With its roots in the East Coast IPA movement, Harpoon’s Leviathan is a powerful double IPA that combines classic and modern hops for a citrus-pine flavor blend.

Aslin Pinkies Up (Alexandra, VA, 18.4% ABV):

Aslin Pinkies Up (Alexandra, VA, 18.4% ABV)

Aslin’s Pinkies Up Quadruple IPA has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 18.4% If you’re seeking an IPA that breaks from tradition and offers a unique tasting adventure, Aslin Beer Company’s Pinkies Up is a must-try. This innovative brew captures the imagination with its unexpected twists on the IPA genre. Crafted with a blend of premium hops and a creative twist of ingredients, Pinkies Up tantalizes the taste buds with a symphony of flavors that both challenge and delight. Each sip delivers a sophisticated profile of nuanced hop bitterness, complemented by an undercurrent of subtle fruit and floral notes. It’s a beer designed not just for casual sipping but for those moments when you want to indulge in something a cut above the ordinary. As the name suggests, Pinkies Up is about elevating your beer experience, inviting you to enjoy a brew that’s crafted with a touch of finesse and a nod to the connoisseurs of the craft beer world.

Troegs Independent Brewing – Scratch 501: Triple Perpetual IPA (Hershey, PA, 12% ABV)

Tröegs Independent Brewing’s Scratch #501, also known as Triple Perpetual IPA, elevates their esteemed Perpetual IPA to new heights. As part of their momentous Scratch series, this iteration arrives as their boldest yet, boasting a robust 12% ABV. This Triple IPA amalgamates a myriad of beloved hops, resulting in a sticky, citrusy hop explosion that delivers an artisanal and mechanical marvel. It’s a brew that commemorates the journey from their first Scratch offering to this 501st creation, embodying a craft that’s as audacious and complex as it is grounded in brewing tradition. They released it at the same time as Scratch 500 – Double Perpetual IPA. It is a limited scratch beer, so no word on if they will re-make or re-brew it. It is still currently available in their tasting room and general store on draft; and for crowler and growler fills.

High Octane IPAs

High-octane IPAs stand as titans in the craft beer landscape, catering to those who seek both intensity in flavor and potency. From the aromatic hop fields to the artful brewers’ tanks, these robust IPAs—like Avery Maharaja’s complex citrus notes, Stone RuinTen’s balanced bitterness, and the innovative hop profiles of Other Half All Green Everything—have defined a new pinnacle of beer craftsmanship. Including the unparalleled strength of Aslin’s Pinkies Up and the boldness of Tröegs Triple Perpetual IPA, these brews are not just drinks but experiences, crafted for moments of bold indulgence and savoring the zenith of brewing alchemy.

Check Out Our Recent High ABV Article

Looking for other brews that are high ABV? Then check out our recent article:

Sipping on the Edge: Exploring the Top 5 Highest ABV Beers

A Series of Craft Beer Articles

This is just one of several in a series of over arching ‘craft beer’ related articles. Several alone in a ‘flagship’ series. In the next few weeks there will be some more that come out as well. I would like to have this general level of different ‘craft beer articles’ that everyone can kind of jump to and read and use for informative purposes, and give a better understanding for the other articles on the site.

Some of these articles are about definitions (like “What is Craft Beer?“) and others are about Craft Breweries in general like the Top 50 Producing Craft Breweries, etc.

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.