Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Styles

The Changing Definition of Style

India Pale Ale (IPA)

India pale ales are deep gold to amber in color and are usually characterized by floral hop aromas and a distinctive hop bitterness on the finish. India pale ales were originally brewed by British brewers in the 19th century, when British troops and colonizers depended upon supplies of beer shipped from England. Standard ales did not survive the journey; hence, brewers developed high gravity, highly hopped ales that survived shipment in casks to their largest market, India. This style, probably not anywhere near as bitter as it was when destined for India, continues to be brewed in a toned-down manner in the United Kingdom and is undergoing a mini-revival at present. However, U.S. craft brewers have claimed the style as their own, and often brew it with assertive Pacific Northwestern hop varieties that give such examples a hugely aromatic hop accent.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

97 Ram’s Head India Pale Ale, Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (NC). 6.9% ABV (2/13)

Beautiful sunset red, copper color. Earthy toasted crumpet and marmalade aromas suggest a British affair. Supple and dry-yet-fruity with a medium-to-full body and a tangy fruit, praline and peppery spice-accented finish. A spot-on English style IPA with plenty of vim and vigor.

96 Workhorse India Pale Ale, Laurelwood Brewing Co. (OR). 7.5% ABV (3/12)

Brilliant amber color. Rich aromas of apricot and grapefruit jams, baguette and pine needle with a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a long, lush, grilled turnip, peppery arugula and honeyed grapefruit hop flourish. Wonderfully rich and balanced.

95 Three Frogs India Pale Ale, Elevator Brewing Co. (OH). 7.6% ABV (2/13)

Amber color. Interesting aromas of honeyed grilled grapefruit, peach yogurt and sweet pickle relish with a supple, fruity medium-to-full body and a host of citrus and stone fruit marmalades on rye toast with sautéed greens and nuts round out the velvet brick finish.

93 Organic Hopworks IPA, Hopworks Urban Brewery (OR). 6.6% ABV (3/12)

Aromas of peach chutney on bruschetta, aromatic herbs and grapefruit sorbet with a rich, frothy, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and long, cascading finish of grilled root vegetable, dried fruits and peppery, spicy, barky hops. Great vitality and balance.

93 200 Meter Ale, Track Town (OR). 5.8% ABV (3/12)

Deep amber color. Aromas and flavors of orange-pineapple marmalade on brioche with a creamy, fruity medium-to-full body and a lush, balanced citrus peel and peppered mesclun-like finish. Great style and balance.

93 India Pale Ale, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 5.9% ABV (3/12)

Deep old gold color. Very bright golden amber color. Bold aromas of grapefruit and apricot jam on spicy rye with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a rich, grilled root vegetable, relish and peppery, earthy hop finish. A powerful IPA.

93 He’Brew Hop Manna IPA, Shmaltz Brewing Co. (NY). 6.8% ABV (3/12)

Rich copper color. Bold pine, grilled citrus, peach jam and honeyed nut toast aromas with a chewy, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a dried apricot, kale, beet, peppery hop and salty pretzel-like finish. Rich and delicious.

93 Whole Hog Six Hop India Pale Ale, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 8.5% ABV (3/13)

Deep amber color. Aromas of lightly floral bath talc, corn pudding and peach pastry with a chewy, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a stimulating ripe citrus and stone fruit sorbet, arugula and peppery hop finish. A delicious exploration of vibrant hop nuances.

93 India Pale Ale, Caldera Brewing Co. (OR). 6.1% ABV (3/13)

Deep amber color with a lacy head. Attractive sweet ruby grapefruit sorbet and gooseberry jam on toast aromas are reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with a silky, frothy dry-yet-fruity, medium-to-full body and a butter-roasted nut, pepper bread and arugula-like finish. A fun, decidedly different IPA.

92 Meantime India Pale Ale, Meantime Brewing Co. (England). 7.5% ABV (3/11)

Deep golden amber color. Fruity aromas and peach cobbler, cashew butter and pattypan squash with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, zesty citrus, leafy greens and grassy hop finish. Excellent depth and balance; will lord over the table.

92 Wheat IPA, Reuben’s Brews (WA). 6.9% ABV (2/13)

Golden amber color. Enticing aromas of lavender, jasmine rice and peach pastries with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a grapefruit crème brûlée and grassy hop-driven finish. This is really delicious and a great fusion of styles. A great choice for spicy curries.

92 Gearhead India Pale Ale, Laurelwood Brewing Co. (OR). 6.5% ABV (3/12)

Deep amber color. Rich aromas of apricot butter on rye, grapefruit and pine sap with a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a spicy radish, earthy kale and grapefruit rind-like hop flourish. Nicely balanced.

92 Stormcloud India Pale Ale, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. (TX). 6% ABV (3/12)

Bright copper penny color. Aromas of nuts, apricot and tangerine with a supple, dryish medium body with a long honeycomb, grilled vegetable and pine-accented finish. Nice balance of vibrancy and drinkability.

92 Commodore Perry IPA, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (OH). 7.5% ABV (3/11)

Bright light amber color. Aromas of floral honey, cashew brittle, peach butter and pine-planked path in forest with a soft, satiny dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, sumptuously plush roasted root vegetable and escarole-accented finish with peppery, citrusy hops. Fantastically fresh, drinkable and stylish.

92 Brockton IPA, Granville Island Brewing Co. (Canada). 6% ABV (7/12)

Rich amber color. Biscuity malt, honey butter and delicate baking spice aromas with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a crisp, piney, fruit pastry, almond cookie and watercress-accented finish. Very British and malt-driven in style and quite tasty, balanced and refreshing.

91 Yellow Snow IPA, Rogue Ales (OR). 6% ABV (3/13)

Amber color. Mild aromas of fresh focaccia, citrus peel, chicken, and pepper with a supple, dryish medium body and a tangy, grapefruit zest, stone fruit compote on toasted rye, and bitter rapini like hop finish. A well-hopped very food friendly IPA. Try with bruschetta.

91 Flight Delay IPA, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 7.2% ABV (3/11)

Deep copper color. Grilled grapefruit, chestnut honey, dried peach and pine aromas with a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a long, lemon pepper, okra and escarole finish.

91 Daddy Fat Sacks IPA, Roy-Pitz Brewing Co. (PA). 7.5% ABV (3/11)

Deep copper color. Aromas of peach custard pastry and grilled grapefruit with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with a honeydew melon, rye toast and peppery arugula-like hops. Delicious and rich.

91 Apocalypse IPA, 10 Barrel Brewing (OR). 6.5% ABV (3/12)

Deep amber color. Aromas of peach marmalade and lemon peel with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, smooth sweet citrus and peppered kale-accented finish. Very tasty and well balanced.

91 IPA, Sweetwater Brewing Co. (GA). 6.3% ABV (3/12)

Deep amber color. Apricot, pineapple and rye toast aromas with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy, smooth, citrus and peppery arugula finish. An effortlessly drinkable IPA.

91 Oak-Aged Bumper Crop IPA, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 6.87% ABV (3/12)

Minutely hazy deep amber color. Buttery peach pastry and custard aromas with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body with a creamy vanilla tapioca, dried citrus and balancing leafy, peppery hops. A successful marriage of oak, malt and hops. Very nice.

91 FIGJAM IPA, Burleigh Brewing Co. (Australia). 7% ABV (10/12)

Pale amber color. Enticing aromas of toasted cinnamon raisin and fig breads, chocolate crème brûlée and wood-toned hops with a crisp, lively dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tangy, grilled orange, kiwi, sweet spice, grass and peppercorn-driven finish. A decidedly different, very zesty IPA.

91 IPA, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 6% ABV (3/13)

Golden amber color. Aromas of citrus and apricot marmalades on toast with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a zesty, candied citrus and grassy hop finish. Delicious and balanced.

91 Deviant Dale’s IPA, Oskar Blues Brewery (CO). 8% ABV (3/13)

Copper color. Explosively hoppy aromas of orange, mango and apricot marmalades on Hawaiian toast, grilled parsnip and spruce with a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a long, exotic peppercorn and grilled radicchio-like hop finish. A vivacious IPA for hopheads.

90 Portland State IPA, Rogue Ales (OR). 6% ABV (3/13)

Meaty aromas of dried apricot, pineapple yogurt, artichoke heart with a tangy, dryish medium body and a bitter grilled nectarine and grain, arugula, and grassy hop finish. An earthy, visceral IPA that will be good with food.

90 Alphadelic IPA, Hop Valley Brewing Co. (OR). 6.7% ABV (3/11)

Bright pure grapefruit and pine needle aromas and flavors with a frothy, soft, dryish medium-to-full body and a long, peppered arugula, nutshell, dusty carrot skin finish with citrus pith and mossy earthy hops. An in-your-face yet very charming American IPA

90 Double Decker IPA, Vancouver Island Brewery (Canada). 6.5% ABV (6/11)

Pale amber color. Aromas of fresh orange and grapefruit peels and honeyed date bread with a round dryish medium body and a balanced, nicely astringent nutskin and earthy hop refrain. A dry and sophisticated British style IPA.

90 Tsunami IPA, Mehana Brewing Co. (HI). 7.2% ABV (3/12)

Brilliant pale copper color. Grain sack, saw dust, dried apricot and orange aromas with a sourish, frothy medium-to-full body and a pungently peppery and bark-like, peach, dandelion and herbal hop finish.

90 British IPA, Quidi Vidi Brewing Co. (Canada). 5.7% ABV (3/12)

Beautiful deep amber color. Savory grainy bread, dusty root vegetable and Swiss chard aromas and flavors with a crisp, frothy medium body and a nicely astringent, honeyed citrus and minerally, leafy hop finish. A very nice food beer that really nails the British IPA hop profile.

90 India Ale, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (10/12)

Pale amber color. Aromas of Bit-O-Honey candy, toasted raisin nut bread, root vegetable and delicate leafy hops with a supple dry-yet-fruity medium body and a sumptuous balanced marmalade, pepper bread and earth nuanced finish. Superbly balanced British IPA flavors.

90 Tasman Red, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 7% ABV (3/13)

Murky deep reddish brown. Vibrant aromas of fresh herbs, chocolate nuts, sarsaparilla and citrus compote with a velvety fruity-yet-dry, medium-to-full body and a long fruity, zesty peppery finish. Delicious and well-balanced malt and hops.

90 Samuel Adams Latitude 48 IPA, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 6% ABV (3/13)

Copper. Aromas of nut toast, dried citrus and stone fruits and cocoa with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a tangy, chewy medium-to-full body and a melon, nut and peppery hop flourish on the finish. A precise and delicious hop ride.

89 Dragonfly IPA, Upland Brewing (IN). 6.5% ABV (4/11)

Brilliant amber color. Aromas of toasted nuts, grilled pineapple and lemon aromas with supple, frothy dry-yet-fruity, medium-to-full body and an astringent citrus custard, melba toast and peppered broccoli rabe-accented finish.

89 Bumper Crop IPA, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 6.7% ABV (3/12)

Pale amber color. Aromas of dried apricot, lemon muffin and savory herbal soufflé with a dryish medium-to-full body and an arugula and grilled orange and beet-like finish. Very nice and super quaffable.

89 East India Pale Ale, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 6.9% ABV (3/12)

Pale amber color. Earthy and fruity aromas of soy, roasted root vegetable, honeyed orange with a supple dryish medium-to-full body and a peppered spinach and succotash-like hop and malt finish. A nice food beer.

89 Hop Explosion IPA, Fegley’s Brew Works (PA). 7% ABV (3/12)

Golden amber color. Rich fruit danish and peppery, spicy hop aromas with a supple, dryish medium body and a grilled parsnip and a grassy, radish-like hop finish.

89 Fishladder IPA, Grand Rapids Brewing Co. (MI). 7.2% ABV (2/13)

Pale amber color. Aromas of dark nut toast and lemon curd with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a honeyed peach and peppered citrus finish. A rock solid IPA for all occasions.

88 Sisters of the Moon IPA, Mother Earth Brewing (NC). 7% ABV (3/11)

Bright light golden amber color. Aromas of grapefruit, lemon yogurt, pound cake and pine cone with a crisp, round, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tangy, honeyed peach, succotash and peppery, piney hop finish.

88 Fish Tale Organic India Pale Ale, Fish Brewing Co. (WA). 6.5% ABV (6/11)

Amber color. Interesting aromas of papaya, lemon soap and fig bread with a soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a floral white potpourri, golden beet and honeyed ruby grapefruit finish. Different. Not too hoppy, but tasty.

88 Marin I.P.A, Marin Brewing Co. (CA). 7% ABV (3/12)

Slightly hazy amber color. Compacted grain, honeyed quince and sourdough aromas with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a slightly sour and tangy, tropical citrus, cocoa, honeyed radish and spice finish. Nice earthiness for the table.

88 Thumper American IPA, Rhinelander Brewing Co. (WI). 6.8% ABV (3/12)

Deep reddish amber color. Aromas of peach, gingerbread and candied orange with a zesty fruity medium-to-full body and a spicy fruity cake and honeyed kiwi, nut and grassy hop finish. A fun, flavorful IPA that will be great with Thai food.

88 Stegmaier India Pale Ale, The Lion Brewery (PA). 6.7% ABV (3/12)

Pure amber color. Fruity pineapple danish and baklava aromas with a frothy, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a grilled citrus, honeyed apple, mineral and watercress-like finish with floral pine blossom-like hops. A tasty IPA for pub grub.

88 Mike Crowe IPA, Faust Brewing Co. (TX). 5.8% ABV (2/13)

Pure amber color. Aromas of apricot jam on butter cookie with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a chorus of fruit and vegetable compotes, peppered gherkins and greens and barky forest tones. Packs a whollop, but fun; have to try with hot chili.

88 Deorganizer IPA, High Noon Saloon & Brewery (KS). 6.2% ABV (2/13)

Pretty orange copper color. Dense aromas of roasted citrus, root vegetables and rubber tire with a fruity, slightly sour medium body and a very astringent tangerine juice, pine and peppered mesclun-like finish. Intense.

87 Ice Pick Ale FCB, Silverton Brewery (CO). 6.8% ABV (2/11)

Bright light copper color. Attractive aromas of toasty bread pudding, mocha crème brûlée and citrus with a crisp, supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a polite okra, mineral and grass-accented finish.

87 Big Swell IPA, Maui Brewing Co. (HI). 6.8% ABV (6/11)

Amber. Aromas of oily cashew brittle, dried peaches and grapefruits and pepper with a supple fruity-yet-dry medium body a stewed okra, orange marmalade and radicchio finish.

87 English Style India Pale Ale, Frankenmuth Brewery (MI). 5.94% ABV (5/11)

Hazy amber copper color. Aromas of butter nut brittle, grilled romaine and toasted corn bread with a supple, dryish medium body and a tangy grilled citrus, root vegetable and peppery hop finish. A savory, session food beer.

87 India Pale Ale, Wild Range (USA). 6.3% ABV (3/12)

Pale amber color. Aromas of honeyed pumpernickel toast and delicate citrus with a soft, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a crisp, dried veggie and watercress-like finish.

87 Bad Moon Ryeizen IPA, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). (3/12)

Deep amber copper color. Aromas of buttered multigrain toast and faint marinate okra with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and honey baked orange and pineapple, kale and peppery hop finish.

87 India Pale Ale, Double Take (USA). 6.9% ABV (3/13)

Engaging aromas of crème brûlée, roasted nut, clay, dried citrus and stone fruits with a supple, fruity medium-to-full body and a juicy fruit cake, bubblegum, pepper and grassy hop finish. A nice fruity IPA that is a pleasure to drink and will be good with pub grub.

86 Brutal IPA, Rogue Ales (OR). 6% ABV (3/13)

Amber color. Pungent herbal, pine blossom, and grapefruit rind hops aromas with layer of stewed root vegetables underneath. Supple and dryish with a medium-to-full body and a honeyed sweet potato, pepper, and bitter radicchio like hop finish. A big time hop assault, but fun.

86 India Pale Ale, Wingwalker (USA). 6.9% ABV (3/12)

Light amber color. Aromas of spicy honey, grilled citrus and vegetables with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a crisp, stone fruit, pepper, grassy hop finish. Nice earthy hoppy bite will be good with pub food.

86 India Pale Ale, Cable Car (USA). 6.3% ABV (3/12)

Pale amber color. Ginger-orange marmalade and English muffin aromas with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a honey and root vegetable-accented finish. A pleasant, easy-drinking IPA.

86 India Pale Ale, Roscoe’s Hop House (USA). 6.3% ABV (3/12)

Pale golden amber color. Aromas of lemon herb lozenge, buttery praline and honeyed tea with a soft, fruity medium body and a tangy honeyed citrus, peach custard and minty hop finish.

86 Joker IPA, Williams Bros. Brewing Co. (Scotland). 5% ABV (7/12)

Pure golden amber color. Pine bark, buttery peach honey pasty and pickled okra aromas and flavors with a supple, dryish medium body and a tangy citrus marmalade, praline, peach and pepper accent finish.

86 IPA, Barrel Trolley (USA). 6.3% ABV (3/13)

Pure amber color. Well integrated aromas of fruit, honey and grainy toast with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a clean, tropical fruit custard and baking spice-accented finish with a nice dash of grassy, earthy hops. A very nice, easy-drinking IPA that is sure to please.

86 Monumental I.P.A., Port City Brewing Co. (VA). 6.3% ABV (3/13)

Amber color. Aromas toasted muffin, orange vinaigrette, roasted corn and root vegetable and clay with a tangy, crisp, medium-to-full body and a tropical fruit custard yogurt, grilled romaine, nut and peppercorn-like hop finish.

86 Rocky Mountain IPA, Fort Collins Brewery (CO). 6.2% ABV (3/13)

Deep amber copper color. Aromas of sourdough, nut butter and overripe citrus with a chewy dryish medium-to-full body and a husky grainy grass, roasted root vegetable and pepper and finish.

85 Royal IPA, Bastone Brewery (MI). 7% ABV (6/11)

Pale amber color. Aromas of succotash, vanilla cookie and peach cobbler with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a creamy roasted root vegetable, honeyed grapefruit skin and radicchio finish. Interesting combination of fruity and savory qualities; best with food.

84 2 Fives (and a Stolen Coat) I.P.A., Main Street Grille and Brewing Co. (OH). 6.5% ABV (2/11)

Lightly hazy, light amber color. Aromas of crusty peach custard pie and piney hops with a supple, lightly chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tangy, citrus marmalade and leafy hop snap. Very nice.

84 Hop Harvest I.P.A., Delafield Brewhaus (WI). 6.5% ABV (2/11)

Lightly hazy deep amber color. Aromas of fruity caramel syrup, wheatgrass and yeasty pancake batter have a sweet worty edge with a supple, dryish medium body and stewed veggie, watercress and mint custard pastry-accented finish. Interesting and rather earthy, try with raw vegan foods

84 Batch 69 American India Pale Ale, Frankenmuth Brewery (MI). 6.9% ABV (5/11)

Hazy orange amber color. Peach, pine and orange pudding aromas and flavors with a slightly metallic burnt kale and pepper finish.

84 Hopicidal Maniac Centennial IPA, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 6.5% ABV (8/11)

Bold lightly musty hop, nut and haystack aromas and flavors with a biting grilled turnip, lemon pepper and grilled romaine lettuce finish.

84 IPA, Four in Hand (USA). 6.3% ABV (3/13)

Lightly hazy amber color. Aromas and flavors of fruit custard pastry, raisin bread and agave syrup with a supple, fruity medium body and a touch of jicama, caramel and grassy on the finish. A simple quaffer that could use a bit more hops for the category.

84 Hop Hog IPA, Lancaster Brewing Co. (PA). 7.9% ABV (3/13)

Bright copper penny color. Aromas of hominy, floral soap, honeydew and pepper corn bread with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a ripe kiwi, nectarine, turnip and mesclun-greens-like finish.

83 “The Corruption” India Pale Ale, DC Brau Brewing Co. (DC). 6.5% ABV (3/13)

Dense aromas pine cone, citrus compote and chocolate yogurt with a supple, dryish medium body and a mellow candied peach, lettuce greens and wheat grass-like finish.

82 Legend of Laguna IPA, Peter B’s Brewpub (CA). 5.7% ABV (3/13)

Golden amber color. Vibrant aromas and flavors of mango, pineapple and peach gelatos with a dollop of herbs with supple, dryish medium body and touch of crayon, clay and cannabis on the bitter peppery, charred nut and grass finish. A bit uneven.

81 Innocence IPA, City Steam Brewery Café (CT). 7.5% ABV (3/13)

Golden amber color. Aromas of corn chowder, toast and paprika with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a crisp, very astringent nutshell, grass and grilled citrus-like hop finish.

81 Wall-I P.A, Northwoods Brewing Corp. LLC (WI). 6% ABV (5/11)

Bright amber color. Bold aromas of wet linen, apricot marmalade on buttered lemon poppy seed muffin, moss and swimming pool with a soft, pliant dry medium body and a wispy peppered salad and green plum finish. Micro-hop character.

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