The Life, Tailored Guide to IPA’s

We at Life, Tailored enjoy a good beer, and now that summer is on its way, we thought we’d impart some wisdom about India Pale Ale. The hoppy, malty, bitter brew is something everyone should drink at least once in their lifetime. Here’s where to start. We poured over the lists and sampled the best of the best, and these are decidedly the IPA’s you’ll want to try (in no specific order):

Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing Company

O.G. (Original Gravity): 1.070

ABV: 8.00%

Pliny the Elder is one of the most revered Double IPAs. With hints of floral, citrus, and pine flavoring, this bitter (in the best way) tasting beer is as legendary as the real Pliny the Elder from 23 A.D. Russian River also has a famed Blind Pig IPA that we recommend as well!

 HopSlam by Bell’s Brewery

O.G.: 1.078

ABV: 10.00%

Another Douple IPA, HopSlam has hints of grapefruit, stone fruit and floral notes, as well as taste of honey. The perfect summer drink if you ask me.

Source: http://www.bellsbeer.com/brands/19-Hopslam+Ale

Sculpin by Ballast Point Brewing Company

O.G.:  Not listed

ABV: 7.00%

The award winning Sculpin has flavors of peach, lemon, mango, and apricot. With that signature IPA bitterness balanced out by the fruity flavors, Ballast Point created the ultimate beach beer. The website even has ideal food to pair the IPA with.

Source:http://www.ballastpoint.com/beer/sculpin/

Elevated IPA by La Cumbre Brewing Co.

O.G.: 1.013

ABV: 7.20%

Winner of the 2011 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal, Elevated IPA speaks for itself. It’s feature taste: hops. Just as you like it, just as it should be with an India Pale Ale. Hints of citrus fruits.

Source: http://lacumbrebrewing.com/ourbrews.html

Abner by Hill Farmstead Brewery

O.G.: Not listed

ABV: 8.20%

Abner is just one of many excellent IPAs by Hill Farmstead Brewery. We chose to feature Abner because of its rating of 100 on www.beeradvocate.com. Named after the founders’ great grandfather, this Double IPA has notes of floral, pine and citrus fruits.

Source: http://www.hillfarmstead.com/ancestral-series/

Lunch by Maine Beer Company

O.G.: 1.059

ABV: 7.00%

An Orange colored IPA named after a whale by the same name. This IPA is as unique as the origin of its name. A sweet malt taste juxtaposed against the bitter hops flavor, with hints of pine and citrus. The design of the bottle is also a selling point. It looks as good as it tastes.

Source: http://www.mainebeercompany.com/our-beers/lunch/

Photo courtesy of: www.beerfm.com

Furious by Surly Brewing Co.

O.G.: 1.060

ABV: 6.20%

Furious features flavors of caramel toffee. If you really need more information than that, the IPA also features hints of citrus and pine, and is a blend of American hops and Scottish malt.

Source: http://surlybrewing.com/index.php?id=10

Nelson by Alpine Brewing Company

O.G.: 1.065

ABV: 7.00%

New Zealand hops, European Rye. Nelson Sauvin is a seasonal beer so make sure to get it while you can!

Source: http://www.alpinebeerco.com/the_beers.html

Photo courtesy of: http://definitionale.com/2010/12/

IPA by AleSmith Brewing Company

O.G.: 1.066

ABV: 7.25%

Hands down the coolest bottle of beer I’ve ever seen. The sleek, all-black bottle contains an IPA with pine and citrus flavors and grapefruit and tangerine aromas. I want to be seen holding this drink, that’s all I’m saying.

Source: http://alesmith.com/beers/alesmith-ipa/

Celebration by Sierra Nevada

O.G.: Not listed

ABV: 6.80%

Dating back to 1981, Celebration has strong citrus flavors and pine notes. Described by Sierra Nevada as “bold and intense.” Sounds right up our alley. (Seasonal beer, available in winter.)

Source: http://www.sierranevada.com/beer/seasonal/celebration-ale

Now that you’re informed, get drinking! Tell us what you think, agree or disagree. Let us know if we missed your favorite, or just rave about the ones we listed. Your call.