The Many Faces of IPA

Let’s get one thing straight—IPAs are the Marmite of the beer world. You either love them, or you pretend to love them while secretly wishing you had ordered a lager. But for the true hopheads, there’s nothing better than a bold, bitter, beautifully over-hopped IPA. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a certified beer snob, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about IPAs, from what makes them special to which ones will test your taste buds’ limits.

What Is an IPA, and Why Does It Taste Like a Pine Tree?

India Pale Ale (IPA) dates back to the 18th century, when British brewers added extra hops to preserve their beer for the long trip to India. Fast forward a few hundred years, and now brewers are adding hops to see just how bitter they can make you regret your life choices.

So why does it taste the way it does? Hops. Lots and lots of hops. The more hops, the more intense the flavor—whether it’s citrusy, floral, piney, or straight-up bitter enough to make your grandma cry.

The Many Faces of IPA

Not all IPAs are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the main IPA styles so you can impress your beer-snob friends at the brewery:

🍺 West Coast IPA – The classic. Bold, bitter, and unapologetically hoppy. Tastes like pine trees, citrus, and confidence.

🍺 New England IPA (Hazy IPA) – Less bitter, juicier than a Florida orange grove, and hazy enough to make you wonder if your beer has a fog machine inside.

🍺 Double/Imperial IPA – Because regular IPAs weren’t intense enough, someone decided to crank the hops to 11 and give you a higher ABV to regret the next morning.

🍺 Session IPA – Like an IPA, but weaker. For people who love hops but also have responsibilities the next day.

🍺 Milkshake IPA – Yes, this exists. Brewed with lactose for a creamier texture, because nothing says "beer" like an aftertaste of milk.

Best IPAs for Beginners (A.K.A. "Hop Training Wheels")

If you’re new to IPAs and don’t want to feel like you’re licking a pinecone, start here:

🍻 Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – Technically a pale ale, but a solid intro to hoppy beers without the full IPA punch.

🍻 Lagunitas IPA – Hoppy but balanced. A good "starter IPA" before diving into the deep end.

🍻 All Day IPA (Founders) – A session IPA that lets you enjoy hops without questioning your life decisions.

IPA Lovers & Their Merch

IPA drinkers are a unique breed. They rate beers on apps, talk about IBUs like normal people talk about the weather, and will fight you if you say "all IPAs taste the same." If that sounds like you (or someone you know), you need a beer shirt that matches your dedication.

Check out our IPA Lot When I Drink and other IPA shirts; and other beer lover tees now!

Final Thoughts (and Final Pints)

Whether you sip your IPAs with pride or just pretend to like them for the street cred, we salute you. Keep chasing that perfect balance of hops, bitterness, and regret, and never let anyone tell you that your beer tastes like a Christmas tree air freshener.

🍻 Drop your favorite IPA in the comments & rep your love for beer with Beer Strong gear!