Exploring This Year’s Top-Rated IPAs

IPA lovers rejoice: this year’s lineup of India Pale Ales has brought innovation, bold hops, and incredible flavors to the market. Brewers have experimented with tropical hops, hazy appearances, and new yeast strains, pushing the IPA trend even further.

One standout is the hazy New England IPA, still dominating with juicy citrus aromas. Many brewers are experimenting with mango, pineapple, and passionfruit notes, creating beers that taste almost like smoothies.

Meanwhile, West Coast IPAs are making a comeback with a crisp, bitter profile that reminds drinkers of craft beer’s early days. The clarity and piney bite of these beers are refreshing after the haze craze.

Breweries are also playing with lower-alcohol “session IPAs” to appeal to those who want all the flavor without the high ABV. This innovation has opened IPA enjoyment to a wider audience.

As awards season comes to a close, one thing is clear: IPAs remain the darling of the craft beer world, and there’s something new for everyone to discover.