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Experts tell us the IPAs they always drink

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IPA
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While there’s no wrong season for a balanced, piney, hoppy IPA, there’s no denying this beer’s appeal during the warmer months. There are few things better than sitting alongside a lake, pond, or large body of water while you feel the sun and breeze, while sipping a well-made IPA.

West Coast IPAs, New England-Style IPAs, milkshake IPAs, and even fruit IPAs, I love them all. In my two decades of writing about beer professionally, I’ve imbibed my fair share of IPAs and have quite an affinity for the style.

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But there are more than 9,000 breweries (you read that right) currently operating in the US, and most make at least one (if not more) IPAs. That’s an awful lot of IPAs to choose from and enough to make many drinkers decide to never branch out into new pine-centric territory.

What is an IPA?

IPA
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Before we get into the must-try IPAs, it’s important to give a little background on the beer itself. Also referred to as the India Pale Ale, this beer was first brewed in the 1700s for the British colonists in India. Extra hops were added so the beer didn’t spoil during the months-long journey from England to India (hence the name). It’s well-known for its hop-centric flavor profile.

But, if you’re new to IPAs, you might assume they’re all piney and bitter. This is the definition of a classic West Coast IPA. Others are herbal, earthy, dank, citrusy, and downright juicy and fruity, depending on the IPA style. While the aforementioned West Coast IPA is the most well-known style, there are also New England-style (hazy) IPAs, English IPAs, Double (Imperial), Triple IPAs, and more.

Beer experts go-to IPAs

IPA
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Now that I’ve regaled you with the appeal of drinking an IPA on a hot spring or summer day, it’s time to actually find some to add to your fridge. Since I’m not interested in making you spend days or weeks trying to find the right IPA for you, I went to the experts for help. I tasked some well-known beer experts, bartenders, and brewing professionals to tell us the best IPAs they like to drink. Below, you’ll find all of their picks with an explanation about why they chose each one.

These are the beers they stock in their refrigerators, and so should you. Some are well-known, award-winning, popular IPAs, and others are lesser-known, smaller brands. All are worth adding to your fridge or cooler for the warmer months ahead. Keep scrolling to see these beers in all of their resinous, dank, piney, hoppy glory.

Goose Island Hazy Beer Hug

Goose Island Hazy Beer Hug
Goose Island

“For IPA, I like them hazy. Hazy Beer Hug from Goose Island Brewery has been my go-to lately. It has a juicy overall mouthfeel, and it is not overpowered by bitter hops. While you get a lot of hop flavor in this beer, it is on the robust, fruit-forward side. Stone fruit and tropical fruits are flavors I taste in this beer.” – Sarah Clark,  Assistant GM and Beverage Director at The Dearborn in Chicago

Buy it here

Bell’s Two Hearted IPA

Bell’s Two Hearted IPA
Bell’s

“For IPA, I lean toward Bell’s Two Hearted IPA. It’s a classic for a reason. It’s got that bright citrus and pine profile from Centennial hops, but it’s not overly aggressive or palate-wrecking like some newer IPAs. There’s a nice balance between grapefruit, orange peel, and a subtle malt backbone that keeps it grounded. It’s flavorful but still approachable, which is what I look for.” – Sam Yeakley, Bar Lead at The Foundry in Dayton, Ohio

Buy it here

Elysian Space Dust

Elysian Space Dust
Elysian

“Elysian Space Dust IPA – When I’m craving a bold, hop‑forward beer, Elysian Space Dust IPA is one I often reach for. It features bright citrus and tropical hop notes layered with pine, with a dry finish and noticeable bitterness. It’s unapologetically hoppy and delivers exactly what I’m looking for when I’m in the mood for an intense and flavorful IPA.” – Christine O’Connell, Director of Beer & Hard Beverages at Total Wine & More

Buy it here

Spiteful IPA

Spiteful IPA
Spiteful

“Keeping it local, I have to go with Spiteful’s IPA out of Lincoln Square, Chicago. Shout out to Calvin!! Their IPA has a more forward citrus expression, which I find more approachable than the earthy, piney, and bitter profiles most associated with IPAs. While these flavors are still present, they are subtly refined, with a distinct malt and caramel element that provides a pronounced finish without overwhelming my palate, making it an ideal companion for food pairings. I’m always hesitant to order IPAs with my dinner because I worry they may overload my palate and compromise my ability to fully taste my food. But every once in a while, I need a hearty beer to complement my meal, and Spiteful’s IPA does this in a way that doesn’t make my meal feel like it’s been laundered through barley and hops.” – Justin Young, Head Bartender at Farm Bar in Chicago

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Christopher Osburn
Christopher Osburn
Writer
Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He's been writing professional
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