What do you think of when you imagine an IPA? It’s probably a thirst-quencher loaded with flavors like citrus peels and dank, resinous, borderline aggressive hop bitterness, right? If that’s the case, you’re more than likely thinking specifically about the timeless West Coast IPA.
In my years of writing about beer, I’ve had an up-and-down relationship with the West Coast IPA. Sometimes I’ve absolutely loved it for its over-the-top bitterness and epic hop aroma and flavor. Other times, I’ve found it a bit much and opted for a lighter, crisp pilsner or wheat beer instead. But I also go back. It’s the combination of orange, tangerine, grapefruit, fresh cut grass, hay, honey, and dank, pleasantly bitter pine that always brings me back.
When made well, there’s so much more to the West Coast IPA than hop bitterness. It’s balanced, fruity, refreshing, and has a nice kick of piney bitterness at the finish. It’s the whole package and perfect for a hot, humid, sunny day (or the dead of winter as a respite for malty, darker beers).
What is a West Coast IPA?
Before we go any further, it’s important to define what a West Coast IPA is because it’s more than just a bitter hop bomb.
A West Coast IPA is a style of beer characterized by a clear, golden appearance, high hop bitterness, and intense aromas of citrus, pine, and resin. Originating in the US West Coast craft beer scene (notably San Diego and the Bay Area), it features a dry finish, clean fermentation, and a low malt presence. These beers are commonly dry-hopped and typically have an ABV between 6% and 7.5%
Popular West Coast IPA hops deliver intense pine, resinous, and citrus (grapefruit) notes, frequently using classic “C” hops like Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, and Columbus. Modern iterations often incorporate Simcoe, Mosaic, and Citra for added tropical fruit complexity, while maintaining high bitterness.
Stone IPA
When it comes to the intersection of over-the-top pine and classic West Coast IPAs, nothing beats the legendary Stone
Ninkasi Total Domination IPA
With a name like Ninkasi Total Domination, you better believe you’re in for a pine flavor explosion when you crack open one of these cans. This 7% ABV West Coast IPA is brewed with 2-Row malt, white wheat, and dextrose. It’s hopped with Simcoe Cryo, Amarillo, Crystal, and HBC 586. The result is a dry, crisp, clean, surprisingly light and drinkable
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
If you’re a fan of Sierra Nevada’s classic Pale Ale and you’re looking for something pine-centric, you’ll love Sierra Nevada Torpedo. This “Extra” IPA is brewed with ale yeast, two-row pale malt, Caramel malt, and whole-cone Citra, Crystal, and Magnum hops. This creates a memorable, balanced, 7.2% ABV
Alpine Duet IPA
Available year-round, this popular 7% ABV West Coast IPA is brewed with ale yeast, 2-row Pale malt, Caramel, Cryrstal 40L, Carapils, and wheat malt. It gets its hop aroma and flavor from the liberal use of Simcoe and Amarillo hops. This creates a complex, balanced
Green Flash West Coast IPA
If you only purchase one West Coast beer on this list, make it Green Flash West Coast IPA. Brewed with Simcoe, Columbus, Centennial, Citra, and Cascade hops, this beer is as classic as West Coast IPAs get. The result is a memorable, 7% ABV
