IPA 101

Last Updated: March 7, 2024

The IPA is the most popular craft beer style thanks to it’s bold, bitter, and fruity hop flavor. It seems like every craft brewery has their own take on the style, but what is IPA? First off, IPA stands for India Pale Ale. Some of the most talked about beers in the American craft beer movement are IPAs, and for good reason.

But why are IPAs so bitter? Well, they aren’t all over hopped and bitter. The best IPAs are both hop forward and balanced with citrus and tropical fruit flavors. VinePair’s narrowed down some of the best IPAs out there. If you find one you like drink it fast though, because yes, IPAs do expire.

Read Our Full India Pale Ale 101 Guide

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