Best IPA?
Hop heads, we would like to know what you think is the best India Pale Ale, also known as IPA. This beer comes in various forms depending on where you live in the world. It is one of the most popular styles at the moment, and seems to be picking up momentum as a commonplace at bars and restaurants. If you have steered away from this style, but are very curious, check out this impressive list, as well as the passionate write-ins below. You might be converted to a hop head before you know it.
Rules
- You can WRITE IN A VOTE FOR A BEER NOT LISTED in the comments section below.
- The beer can’t be an Imperial/Double IPA. Some beers like Stone Ruination or Dogfish Head 90/120 Minute have IPA in the name. They are Imperial, not regular/single IPAs. BA and RB will be used as references if there is a dispute.
- Cast your vote by July 30, 2010 at 5PM PDT.
- If you have trouble casting a vote, please use the Contact feature of our site.
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[poll id=”17″]
September 16, 2014 @ 7:18 pm
La Cumbre Elevated IPA from New Mexico (Albuquerque) isn’t available nationwide, but is superior to any of the above rated!!!
October 12, 2012 @ 5:04 pm
Odell’s is tops in my book
September 20, 2012 @ 10:56 am
Troegs Perpetual IPA.
Simply Awesome and highly recommended. It used to be a seasonal brew, but Troegs recently made a year-round.
August 22, 2012 @ 12:38 pm
Ranger in a can. Cans are best.
December 20, 2011 @ 10:36 am
Surly Furious, all time favorite.
November 29, 2011 @ 2:28 pm
Abita Jockamo get my vote.
May 12, 2011 @ 6:51 pm
Love Dogfish, Ithaca flower power,and Redhook Longhammer, but the best I
ever had was/is Penguin Pub IPA from Oregon.
April 8, 2011 @ 1:59 pm
BridgePort IPA is my “write in” vote. I think it might have been the first American craft IPA.
March 13, 2011 @ 8:05 pm
DUDES…
# 1 pliny the elder
# 2 skullllpin..
# 3 ruination
ALL FROM CALIFORNIA POWERHOUSE BREWERIES!!”
March 12, 2011 @ 7:57 pm
Hi,
I’ve just recently started drinking IPA’s. I’m really liking Goose Island IPA. I don’t see it listed on here. Is it a quality IPA or just a main stream one?
February 23, 2011 @ 9:22 am
After recently being introduced to the Sculpin IPA, it would get my vote for No. 1. However, I’m very surprised that my former No. 1, Coronado’s Islander IPA, didn’t get a vote. In fact, I’d put Green Flash in my top 5 along with Two-Hearted and Southern Tier, making 3 of my top 5 from San Diego. What’s up with San Diego?
February 19, 2011 @ 6:59 pm
Green Flash West Coast IPA!
February 3, 2011 @ 6:41 pm
Laurelwood – Workhorse (or any other IPA made by Chad Kennedy)
Lagunitas – Hop Stoopid
Double Mountain – Hop Lava
Astoria Brewing Co. – Bitter Bitch
Fire Mountain – Bad Henry
Bear Republic – Racer 5
Stone – Ruination
Ninkasi – Tricerihops
Ice Harbor – Hop Warrior
January 26, 2011 @ 2:36 pm
The best ipa in the syracuse new york area is Ithaca Flower Power,full of hops.
January 23, 2011 @ 2:59 pm
Heavy Seas Loose Cannon
Great Divide Titan
Boulder Mojo
West Coast Green Flash
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
Three Floyd’s Alpha King
That’s my six pack.
December 29, 2010 @ 7:23 pm
Caldera IPA!
August 15, 2010 @ 5:41 pm
Sweetwater is my favorite so far
August 3, 2010 @ 3:15 pm
Oops, got here too late to vote but did see somewhere above Ithaca Beer’s “Flower Power” got a mention. It. Is. Excellent!
August 2, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
This is a really nice list of IPAs. I’ve had all but three on the list, and I’ve had most of the others which people have mentioned in their comments. One of the ones I have not had is the Noble Ale Works IPA. A lot of comments mention that one, and it’s currently in the #4 position with almost 150 votes. I looked it up on the beer websites, and it only has four ratings on Rate Beer and one on Beer Advocate. Why does a beer that has almost no ratings on the major beer sites have such an unusually high amount of votes in this poll? I suspect individuals from the brewery and/or their friends have been voting excessively for it. I could be wrong, and perhaps the Noble Ale Works IPA is a legitimately good IPA, but something seems a bit fishy here.
August 2, 2010 @ 1:18 pm
I agree with Sculpin– though somehow I thought it was a DIPA. It has a flavor profile very similar to Pliny The Elder, which has a 1% higher ABV which IS a DIPA. Curious, though, why the very drinkable Ballast Point Big Eye isn’t on the list at all. Was is just one selection per brewery? And I do loves me the Two-Hearted Ale, which I get every time I’m back in the Midwest.
August 1, 2010 @ 11:22 am
I can’t believe Fulton Brewing’s Sweet Child of Vine hasn’t got a vote yet. Best IPA I’ve ever had!
July 30, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
Bootlegger’s Brewery (Fullerton, CA): Rustic Rye IPA
July 30, 2010 @ 9:00 am
I’m sure I will be called names, but Moon Man by New Glarus is absolutely DELICIOUS.
July 29, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
1 Ballast Point Sculpin
2 Bells Two Hearted
3 Four Peaks Hop Knot
4 Russian River Blind Pig
July 29, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Fitgers Brewhouse’ (Duluth) El Nino is one d*mn fine beer and needs serious consideration
July 29, 2010 @ 2:41 pm
Flat Earth’s Northwest Passage!
@bierfesten, at least one beer on that list is a brewpub beer only available in growlers.
July 29, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
Summit IPA needs to be added… it rocks!!!
July 29, 2010 @ 12:57 pm
Great Lakes Comodore Perry, Founder’s Centennial and Boulder’s Mojo in that order…Furious is never a bad idea either.
July 29, 2010 @ 7:48 am
Alpine is awesome and ODell needs to be on the list!
July 29, 2010 @ 5:35 am
Love me some Torpedo.
July 28, 2010 @ 7:15 pm
3 Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
July 28, 2010 @ 6:25 pm
Laurelwood Workhorse IPA
July 28, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
Without a doubt… it’s Mojo IPA all the way!
July 28, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
I voted for Two-Hearted, with Furious, Torpedo, Union Jack and 60 Minute getting serious consideration as well.
as a write-in, I’d like to see Maui Brewing Big Swell IPA, Goose Island IPA and Ska Modus Hoperandi added to the list.
July 28, 2010 @ 1:18 pm
Hangar 24 IPA
July 28, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
Alpine Nelson! Best IPA I have ever had by a good margin, and I’ve had most of this list with the exception of 3-4. Cheers!
July 28, 2010 @ 12:41 pm
Ithaca Flower Power is boss
I cant believe that Pliny the Elder and Hopslam aren’t on here either
July 28, 2010 @ 10:37 am
Mojo by Boulder Beer is my favorite.
July 28, 2010 @ 8:02 am
How can this list be compiled without Boulder Beer’s Mojo IPA? Citrusy, sharp and quaffable!
July 28, 2010 @ 8:01 am
Heavy Seas Loose Cannon
July 28, 2010 @ 7:17 am
Vortex, Fort George Brewing, OR
Hoppyum, Foothills Brewing, NC
July 27, 2010 @ 11:05 pm
Ninkasi Total Domination IPA (Eugene, OR)
July 27, 2010 @ 10:26 pm
Mojo! From Boulder Beer Co, crisp, clean and delicious!
July 27, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
Sweetwater IPA
July 27, 2010 @ 7:57 pm
Highland Kashmire IPA from Ashville, NC. #1 in my book!
July 27, 2010 @ 6:22 pm
Sweetwater IPA
July 27, 2010 @ 4:43 pm
Pliny the Elder from Russian River. Voted #1 beer in the US 2 years in a row by Zymurgy. Delightful!
July 27, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
Stone RUINATION!!!!
July 27, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
While Smuttynose makes one of the best IPA’s I’ve ever tasted – #1 on my personal Top 5 list that is, I’m surprised to see that Redhook’s Longhammer IPA didn’t make the cut. Fine example of an IPA.
July 27, 2010 @ 3:08 pm
Boulevard Single Wide IPA
July 27, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
I can’t believe that HeadHunter IPA from Fat Head’s Brewery in Cleveland is not listed. It won the Gold medal at the Bistro’s IPA festival in California. It won best IPA in the Nation in the National IPA competition in the Brewing News, and it was named in Draft Magazine’s top 25 beers in the world. If I can’t vote for Headhunter, I’m not voting. It’s the best!
July 27, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
1. Stone Ruination IPA
2. Thomas Hooker Hop Meadow IPA
July 27, 2010 @ 1:09 pm
Goose Island IPA. The definitive entry in the English-style IPA category.
July 27, 2010 @ 1:02 pm
Birmingham’s Good People Hitchhiker IPA.
July 27, 2010 @ 12:48 pm
Odells IPA.
July 27, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
Mojo IPA by Boulder Beer !
July 27, 2010 @ 11:55 am
Boulevard’s Single-Wide IPA gets my vote.
July 27, 2010 @ 11:14 am
Titan IPA from Great Divide and of course Odell IPA!
July 27, 2010 @ 11:05 am
My vote is Mojo from Boulder Beer
July 27, 2010 @ 11:01 am
Just got back from an extensive baseball park trip. Tasted MANY IPA’s. Noble IPA beats them all hands down & bottoms up!
July 27, 2010 @ 10:03 am
Boulders MoJo.
July 27, 2010 @ 10:01 am
Mojo ipa from Boulder Beer Co
July 27, 2010 @ 9:24 am
I’m a major hophead and Boulder’s Mountain Sun Brewery’s FYIPA can’t be beat IMHO.
July 27, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Best IPA I have ever had! No they dont bottle so you have to go to Western Pacific Brewing and Dining. Very simply Chilcoot IPA IS THE BEST!
July 27, 2010 @ 9:19 am
No Long Hammer IPA from Redhook?
July 27, 2010 @ 9:13 am
My vote is for the Smuttynose FinestKind. It’s always in the fridge.
But wish I could get a taste of a lot of those west coast brews. Distribution laws being what they are, no dice:(
July 27, 2010 @ 8:44 am
It is a shame beers these beers were not on the list and were overlooked
Odell-IPA
Great Divide-Titan IPA
Ska-Modus Hoperandi
Ithaca-Flower Power
People who voted for NB-Ranger IPA have yet to try what a real IPA is. That beer can barely pass as an APA. I do not know it made the list
July 27, 2010 @ 8:32 am
Where is Short’s Huma Lupa?
July 27, 2010 @ 6:27 am
Single IPA rankings from a hoppy Dead Head:
1. Schlafly A IPA (St Louis)
2. Ska Modus Hoperandi (Durango) in a can!
3. O’Dell IPA (Ft Collins)
4. Bell’s 2-Hearted (Kalamazoo?)
5. Boulevard Singlewide (Kansas City)
6. New Belgium Ranger (Ft Collins)
Does Oskar make a fulltime “single” IPA? I love Gubna and Gordon
July 27, 2010 @ 6:22 am
Ninkasi Total Domination IPA.
July 26, 2010 @ 10:50 pm
Blue Corn Brewery’s ROAD RUNNER IPA in Santa Fe!!!
July 26, 2010 @ 9:38 pm
Hopworks IPA. Few finer.
July 26, 2010 @ 9:19 pm
Noble Ale Works IPA Quick-go get me some more!
July 26, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
NOBLE ALE WORKS Best IPA & Red out there
July 26, 2010 @ 7:55 pm
Denver’s Great Divide Brewery – Titan IPA.
July 26, 2010 @ 7:38 pm
Too many comments referring to double or imperial IPAs. Read the Rules, please.
July 26, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
I would like to see founders centennial make the list
July 26, 2010 @ 6:08 pm
Founder’s Centennial. Wondering why Harvest Ale is on the poll instead.
July 26, 2010 @ 5:57 pm
Ithaca Flower Power!! It is hands down my fave IPA.. people need to get familiar!!
July 26, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
Marin Brewing Co. IPA
July 26, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
ninkasi total domination ipa eugene, or & laurelwood workhorse ipa portland, or
July 26, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
The best that I have ever had…Odell IPA from Fort Collins Co…just wish they would bring it to California!
July 26, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
Yakima Craft Brewing IPA
July 26, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
+1 Sweetwater IPA
July 26, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
Dreadnaught!!!!!!! Is there any question that it’s the best?
July 26, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
Caldera IPA! Do cans count?? 🙂
July 26, 2010 @ 1:51 pm
FFF’s Dreadnaught
July 26, 2010 @ 2:10 pm
@Robert M — Dreadnaught is a Double IPA.
July 26, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
I have to say the unlisted, Old schoolhouse brewing, Ruud awaking IPA is the best.
July 26, 2010 @ 1:37 pm
It’s definitely a crime that Odell’s IPA has not been included in this list. Amazing beer.
July 26, 2010 @ 1:14 pm
Ninkasi Total Domination. “Newer” beer in the Northwest market, based out of Eugene, OR. It is fantastic.
July 26, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
Hopworks IPA!!! Love that amazing beer!!!
July 26, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
1. ODell IPA
2. New Belgium Ranger
3. Deschuttes Inversion
Honorable mention – Sierra Nevada Torpedo
July 26, 2010 @ 1:04 pm
Blue Dot is a DIPA! But it definitely is the best DIPA up against Pliny the Elder. It’s a little bit more harsh than Pliny IMO.
July 26, 2010 @ 12:50 pm
Laurelwood Green Mammoth Imperial IPA
July 26, 2010 @ 12:49 pm
Write in vote: Hair of the Dog – Blue Dot
July 26, 2010 @ 12:47 pm
I am sad to say that Root’s Woody IPA was the best! – But, a close second is Fort George!!!!
July 26, 2010 @ 12:47 pm
Odell IPA. The best I have had yet.
July 26, 2010 @ 12:44 pm
Odell IPA!!!
July 26, 2010 @ 12:42 pm
Boulder Beer Mojo IPA
July 26, 2010 @ 12:37 pm
Hopworks Urban Brewery IPA.
July 26, 2010 @ 12:33 pm
Russian River’s Blind Pig followed up by Alesmith’s IPA. For the money, Lagunitas IPA is definitely the way to go – best standby/don’t have much money on you IPA. I thought Torpedo was closer to a DIPA…? Celebration’s better anyhow.
July 26, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
Ska Modus Hoperandi
July 26, 2010 @ 11:46 am
Blue Corn Brewery Roadrunner IPA. Was in the top 8 in the NIPAC this year.
July 26, 2010 @ 9:30 am
Black Raven Trickster IPA.
July 25, 2010 @ 10:00 pm
I just love the creations over at Lagunitas Brewing. Their IPA is outstanding cold and very good if for some reason it warms up. Two thumbs up!
July 25, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
Best beer in the world – Lagunitas IPA (Locals pronounce it “eye-puh”, as in, “You ready for another eye-puh?
July 25, 2010 @ 9:38 am
The smell is amazing and the taste is delicious…yummy!
July 24, 2010 @ 6:55 pm
Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA
July 23, 2010 @ 10:18 am
Noble Ale Works IPA! More than just a beer, it’s a way of life.
Be Noble!
July 22, 2010 @ 2:06 pm
Eel River Brewing Company’s IPA!! As an English-style IPA it isn’t as hoppy as some of the California and westcoast IPAs. It’s more well-balanced and quite tasty 🙂
July 22, 2010 @ 9:41 am
Noble Ale’s IPA should get “rookie of the year” or something equivalent…very good IPA – check it out!!!
July 22, 2010 @ 8:52 am
1st – Noble Ale Works hands down my fave!
2nd – Bear Republic Racer 5!!!
3rd – Green Flash West coast!
July 22, 2010 @ 8:29 am
I love Noble IPA with my frickin chips…. Kip
July 22, 2010 @ 8:24 am
This Nobel Beer is the best IPA us Oklahoman’s ever drank. That’s sayin a lot cos we drink a lot!
July 22, 2010 @ 7:55 am
Big fan of Noble IPA and Noble Red!
July 22, 2010 @ 7:40 am
Noble Ale Works IPA…..
July 22, 2010 @ 5:10 am
Two Brothers Resistance IPA
July 22, 2010 @ 2:43 am
Noble Ale Works IPA gets my vote!
July 21, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
I recently had Noble’s IPA and it’s so good I thought I was serving for her majesty in India!
July 21, 2010 @ 8:23 pm
If Noble Ale was on the list that would get my vote. Thats stuffs so good I put it on my breakfast cereal in the morning!
July 21, 2010 @ 9:31 pm
@Travis That will be considered your write in vote for Noble Ale.
July 21, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
Noble Ale Works IPA!!
July 21, 2010 @ 6:53 pm
how About MIDNIGHT SUN SOCKEYE RED IPA ?
THats my vote..
July 21, 2010 @ 5:40 pm
Red Racer IPA from Central City
July 21, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
why isn’t noble ale works ipa on this list? that stuff is insane!!
July 21, 2010 @ 5:11 pm
Noble Ale Works IPA. The Best!!!
July 21, 2010 @ 4:40 pm
noble ale works IPA
July 21, 2010 @ 4:35 pm
Noble Ale’s IPA has done me right too! Two votes since I’m double fisting…
July 21, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
Ithaca Flower Power IPA
July 20, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
I’d put Founders’ Centennial IPA up against any IPA in the country. That’s a phenomenal lineup though – I think I’d survive if I had to choose from your list.
July 20, 2010 @ 5:43 pm
ODELL IPA ! How could you leave this off. It won gold at GABF…and is awesome.
July 20, 2010 @ 6:40 am
Boulder Beer Mojo IPA
July 20, 2010 @ 6:06 am
Ithaca’s Flower Power IPA
July 19, 2010 @ 9:05 pm
Ballast Point Sculpin IPA ROCKS ALL!!!!! I love living in San Diego!!!!
July 19, 2010 @ 8:32 pm
Laurelwood Workhorse IPA.
July 19, 2010 @ 8:04 pm
Schlafly’s A-IPA (not their APA), is one of my top favorites. Hard to choose. Your list is good so far! So many great hoppy IPA’s, now if I could only get my hands on more of them!!
July 19, 2010 @ 6:25 pm
Hoptical Illusion from Blue Point Brewing Co
July 19, 2010 @ 5:40 pm
Kona Brewing’s Castaway IPA! It is only available on draft at their two brew pubs, but excellent nonetheless. I wish others could be lucky enough to try this exceptionally great beer. Sadly, this will probably its only vote. But whatever, it’s freakin’ great!
July 19, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
not a bad list to choose from…but it is incomplete…with out an “ipa”..from “iron springs brewery” in fairfax ca(“casey jones ipa” & their “crippla” come to mind)…they are making the best beer in the bay area..and i visit’em all..cheers!!
July 19, 2010 @ 5:20 pm
Where is the 90 Minute?!?!? Just go back up there and flip the 6 upside down. I ain’t askin for 120 min. just the 90. Do it!
July 19, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
Alpine Nelson is not listed but absolutely my choice.
July 19, 2010 @ 4:29 pm
Boundary Bay IPA is one of my favorites, but the brewpub in Washington doesn’t sell out of the state unfortunately.
July 19, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
Kern River Just Outstanding
July 19, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
@brian – if you would like to write in a beer that is not on the list you can do it right here in the comments section.
July 19, 2010 @ 12:56 pm
Raging Bitch is a Belgian IPA.
My vote for Alpine Nelson.
July 19, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
where do I write in my vote?
July 19, 2010 @ 12:15 pm
How about Sweetwater IPA? Far too under rated and kicks the crap out of quite a few of the beers on that list.
July 19, 2010 @ 11:54 am
Where is Raging Bitch? Bitch gets my vote.
July 19, 2010 @ 11:42 am
Stone’s IPA got my vote! Love that stuff. Any particular reason you left out Stone Cali-Belgique?
July 19, 2010 @ 11:36 am
Noble Ale Works IPA