There are beer fans, and then there are Beer People — those with the uncanny ability to detect the exact hop variety in a brew after a single sniff. Whether it’s alchemy or experience (probably both), these folks know their IPAs — and they’re here to help guide the rest of us through the crowded landscape of India Pale Ales.
From double IPAs to hazy hop bombs and classic West Coast bites, IPA styles have never been more diverse. Despite the rising popularity of lagers and sours, IPAs still dominate — a fact proven when the Homebrewer’s Association named IPAs as the top three beers in America last year. Love ’em or not, they’re the life of the beer party — bold, aromatic, and often packing a boozy punch.
We asked some of the most IPA-savvy professionals — brewers, bartenders, buyers — to weigh in with their go-to IPAs. Consider this your hop-forward roadmap.
Expert Picks: The Best IPAs You Should Be Drinking
Harpoon IPA — Harpoon Brewery
Recommended by: Matt Nickley, bartender (Savannah, GA)
This crisp, citrus-forward IPA finishes with a resinous pine bite and clocks in at a sessionable 5.9% ABV. Originally a seasonal, it’s now a year-round staple. Nickley calls it “trusty” — perfect whether you’re on the beach or holed up in a ski lodge.
Happy Hops IPA — Russian River Brewing Company
Recommended by: Natalie Cilurzo, brewery owner (Windsor, CA)
A dry, clear IPA with juicy aromas of stone fruit, citrus, and tropical fruit — without the hazy cloud. At 6.5% ABV, it delivers bold hop character without overwhelming alcohol warmth. Cilurzo says it’s all about balance and clarity.
Surf Wax — Burial Beer Co.
Recommended by: Hagin Owens, brewer (Sevierville, TN)
This Asheville favorite is rich in tropical fruit and piney dankness, with a complexity that never veers muddy. Owens praises the thoughtful balance of flavors and urges fresh consumption — no more than a month from packaging for peak taste.
Heady Topper — The Alchemist
Recommended by: Ryan Crossman, bartender (Brooklyn, NY)
A legendary double IPA from Vermont, this 8% ABV haze-bomb combines citrus, pine, and a distinct herbal “dank” aroma. Crossman calls it “fantastically balanced” — bold and bitter with honeyed floral notes. A craft beer icon worth hunting down.
Hippies and Cowboys — Tennessee Brew Works
Recommended by: Lucy Cleek, bartender (Maryville, TN)
This fruit-forward IPA is a local favorite in Tennessee. While perhaps not for everyone, it offers a refreshing change of pace with its Tennessee roots and juicy character. Cleek also points to TrimTab Brewing for those looking to branch out further.
60 Minute IPA — Dogfish Head Brewery
Recommended by: Carl Parker, bartender (Washington, D.C.)
A long-reigning classic, this 6% ABV brew is crisp, golden, and mildly bitter. Parker lauds its lightness and approachability, making it a dependable choice for IPA newcomers and veterans alike.
Field Drinker IPA — Strong Rope Brewery*
Recommended by: Troy Wennet, beer buyer (Brooklyn, NY)
A 4.2% ABV IPA brewed entirely with New York state ingredients, offering refreshing bitterness and clean drinkability. While this specific IPA may be on hiatus, Strong Rope’s current offerings (like Wolf Orbit) continue its fresh, local tradition.
Hopadillo IPA — Karbach Brewing Co.
Recommended by: Eric Warner, brewmaster (Galveston, TX)
A classic Texas IPA, Hopadillo boasts a trio of hop regions, offering bold aroma and a dry, clean finish. Warner emphasizes its balanced bitterness and the evolving IPA sub-styles — but insists that hop-forward flavor is non-negotiable.
Woods & Waters — Maine Beer Company
Recommended by: Anne Marisic, beer marketer (Freeport, ME)
Crafted to celebrate Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, this IPA is packed with Simcoe, Mosaic, Idaho 7, and more. Expect pink grapefruit, melon, and pine — all held together by a clean, dry structure.
Hop Peak IPA — Breckenridge Brewery
Recommended by: Carl Heinz, brewmaster (Littleton, CO)
This Colorado-crafted IPA is bursting with citrus and pine but steers clear of syrupy sweetness. Heinz highlights the labor-intensive dry hopping process and attention to detail that elevate Hop Peak beyond the ordinary.
Final Sip
From iconic hazy brews to crisp, bitter classics, these ten IPAs reflect the diverse flavor spectrum that defines the style today. Whether you’re chasing big citrus aromas, piney bitterness, or experimental blends, there’s an IPA out there for every palate. Just remember one golden rule from the pros — always check the can date, and drink fresh.
