Hail to the Pale Ale

The India Pale Ale or IPA if you will, has quickly gained notoriety as one of the best styles beers available. Not for the faint of heart, IPAs are easily distinguished by their strong hoppy and bitter taste which is balanced by a smooth malty spine. IPAs are generally crafted with either an earthy or citrus taste in mind and the best have been masterfully brewed to contain a touch of both. Ranging from a light or golden amber to a deep copper hue, the IPA is easily distinguishable among beers and to many is the holy grail of brewing. I have complied a list of the five best and most memorable IPA I have tasted. With each pint I looked for taste, aroma, head, color, and overall impressiveness before making my final decision. I hope that you will enjoy each and everyone of these delicious IPAs as much as I have writing and drinking them. Cheers!

5. The Immortal IPA
The Immortal comes to us from Elysian Brewing Company out of Washington. This is a great place to begin for anyone who is new to IPAs or drinking beers other than domestics. The first thing you will notice about the Immortal is its yellow-amber color and fluffy head. The Immortal has a nice balanced hop taste with a dry finish that won't leave you with an overwhelming bitter taste that is common to most IPAs. The brew has an ABV of 6.2 percent and does not leave the drinker filling full or overwhelmed. Overall the Immortal is a great place to start when first experimenting with IPAs. I have had great success in finding it on tap and in a bottle throughout the Pacific North-west and in all the beer sections of Central Market Stores.

4. Wolavers India Pale Ale
Wolavers is brewed in Vermont at the Otter Creek Brewing Company and can be found bottle throughout the East and West coasts. This is a great beer that I really have come to enjoy. Wolavers has a toasted caramel and malt taste that can also sometimes hint at a light chocolate undertone. At 6.5 percent ABV Wolavers is about average for an IPA. I have found that I really enjoy Wolavers taste with pizza or a meal that has a lot of garlic or cheese. The beer has the consistent bitterness associated with IPA throughout its entire course. Unlike some IPAs the bitterness is mild and does not surprise or sneak up on the drinker.

3. 60 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery out of Delaware is known for its extensive line of IPAs and the 60 Minute is my favorite. Unlike Dogfish's 90 and 120 Minute IPAs the 60 Minute is more friendly to the casual IPA drinker or someone who wishes to enjoy more than one beverage. The 60 Minute is characterized by a pale golden pour and light head. It has a distinguished bitter kick at the end of each drink and is beautifully flavored with a bright hoppy and citrus combination. The 60 Minute is a great IPA for someone who is looking for the true bitterness of an IPA but still wants to retain a smooth and rich flavor. The IPA sits at around 6 percent ABV and if you are willing to take a little risk and bump up the alcohol content the 90 Minute and 120 Minute IPAs from Dogfish Head Brewery are right up your alley. I have had great success in finding all of the Dogfish Head products at either Central or World Market and specialized pubs that also sell micro-brews to-go.

2. Stone India Pale Ale
Stone Brewing Company out of Escondido,CA brews this hearty and bitter IPA. Stone has a crisp and bitter dry-hopped taste that will leave a memorable impression on your taste buds. This a beer that is not ashamed of being an IPA and from the first whiff of its sweet and strong aroma you will believe it. At almost 7 percent ABV, Stone is a fine example of brewing craftsmanship and a great example of what all IPAs should strive to be. If you experience Stone IPA on-tap you will notice that it hazy a deep hazy amber color and a good head which makes it a formidable drink. Stone is typically available in 22oz bottles and you won't need many to truly discover this great tasting IPA.

1. Russian River Pliny the Younger
Imperial Double IPA at its finest. Brewed at Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, CA for your drinking pleasure. Beware, this IPA is not for the faint of heart or beginner. Pliny the Younger weighs in at an impressive 11 percent ABV and is dry hopped four times before being bottled. This brew is defined by its rich gold and orange color crowned with a dense and fluffy head. Initially you will enjoy its aroma that is laced with hints of honey, malt, and grapefruit. Pliny packs a nice bitter hop taste at the end of each mouthful and it resonates within the taste buds throughout the experience. Russian River also brews another Double IPA called Pliny the Elder which is also delicious and worthy of note, but falls just short of the extravagance of the Younger. If you are only going to experience an IPA once and want to go all out then Pliny the Younger is definitely a challenge worth undertaking.