Decoding the IPA: Understanding West Coast, Hazy, and Session Styles

India Pale Ales (IPAs) have become a cornerstone of the craft beer movement, captivating enthusiasts with their diverse flavors and aromas. Among the various IPA styles, West Coast, Hazy, and Session IPAs stand out for their unique characteristics and brewing traditions.

West Coast IPA: A Crisp and Bitter Revival

Originating from California, West Coast IPAs are renowned for their clear appearance and pronounced bitterness. These beers typically showcase a dry finish with a crisp mouthfeel, highlighting the hop-forward flavors of pine, resin, and citrus. In recent years, there's been a resurgence of interest in this style, as many beer enthusiasts seek the refreshing qualities reminiscent of earlier IPA brews. Breweries are responding by reintroducing West Coast IPAs to their tap beer selections, offering a balanced alternative to the hazy counterparts. This revival has been particularly noticeable in beer bars and tap beer bars, where patrons appreciate the clarity and bitterness of these traditional IPAs.

Hazy IPA: Embracing the Juicy Trend

Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs, have surged in popularity due to their opaque appearance and juicy, fruity profiles. These beers are characterized by a fuller body and a soft mouthfeel, often featuring flavors of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and citrus. The haze results from the use of high-protein grains such as wheat and oats, combined with late hop additions that impart aroma without significant bitterness. Beer breweries have embraced this style, experimenting with various hop combinations to create unique and flavorful brews. Hazy IPAs have become a staple in beer gardens and tap beer bars, offering a refreshing and aromatic experience for beer enthusiasts.

Session IPA: Flavorful and Low-Alcohol

Session IPAs are designed for extended drinking sessions without overwhelming the palate or alcohol tolerance. These beers maintain the hop-forward flavors of traditional IPAs but with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV), typically around 3-5%. The result is a flavorful yet easy-drinking beer that allows consumers to enjoy multiple servings. Session IPAs have gained traction in beer bars and tap beer bars, catering to those who appreciate the complexity of IPAs without the higher alcohol content. This style has also found a place in beer gardens, where patrons can savor the taste of a well-crafted IPA over an extended period.

Did you know…?

The resurgence of West Coast IPAs has led to collaborations between breweries specializing in hazy IPAs and those with a history in clear, bitter styles, resulting in innovative brews that bridge the gap between these two IPA worlds.