Still not an IPA guy

[EllisTX]

IPA lover usually start out as pale ale lovers looking for something more out of the beer. If you do not like the bitterness of an IPA then just stick to APAs until you hit that point where the APA seems a little tame for your taste. Same thing applies to malt forward beer lovers. Not everyone starts out loving big stouts and porters you usually have to build up to them. Seems like now a days breweries are just putting out bigger and bigger beers to stand out which is really making it harder to find those beers that many of us drank when we first got hooked on the style.

Agreed.

Lagunitas New Dogtown Pale Ale sucked me into the hoppy beer world. Up to that point I thought the more malty the better. From the first sip I knew my life was changed forever. I've gone through the cycle of finding the most big and bitter ipa I could find to now where I'm doing everything I can to pack my beers full of hop flavor and aroma while staying pretty low on the bitterness.

I could personally care less if the OP likes IPAs or not. His tastes in no way affect how I'm going to enjoy my beer. I personally haven't met a beer style I couldn't get along with(other than most Belgians). RDWHAHB

 

[bobbrews]

Well by definition, if one group and the group opposing the group are the same group, then there really is no opposition, and only one group. So i guess everyone is happy and sings kumbaya?

If this was a serious question, then I guess all I can say is I did not understand the question as you phrased it.

Yes, there are two schools of opinions about the same single style of beer. The industry doesn't help matters by offering both sticky sweet and bracingly dry... both extremely bitter and extremely malty... both full bodied and light bodied... and both balanced and un-balanced versions.

This isn't about labeling one of those collective opinions as wrong. But rather properly defining the style of beer we are both discussing, which seems to fall on completely opposite ends of the spectrum.

 

[BrewKnurd]

Yes, there are two schools of opinions about the same single style of beer. The industry doesn't help matters by offering both sticky sweet and bracingly dry... both extremely bitter and extremely malty... both full body and light body... and both balanced and un-balanced versions.

This isn't about labeling one of those collective opinions as wrong. But rather properly defining the style of beer we are both discussing that seem to fall on completely opposite ends of the spectrum.

Oh, i see what you mean. Yes, that complicates things. Doesn't at all change my point about people commenting in a condescending manner about what is "wrong" with the people that don't like what they like, which is all I was attempting to address. I don't see why there is any problem with the industry offering both sweet and dry versions of a style. The wine world seems to have embraced the concept without things falling apart.

 

[bobbrews]

Doesn't at all change my point about people commenting in a condescending manner about what is "wrong" with the people that don't like what they like, which is all I was attempting to address.

No one did that.

I'm simply pointing out that the only descriptor both groups can agree on is that all American IPA's are "hoppy"... which is an extremely vague term. It's about as useless as saying "X" style is always malty.

I don't see why there is any problem with the industry offering both sweet and dry versions of a style. The wine world seems to have embraced the concept without things falling apart.

In the wine world, the individual styles are much more loosely based, such as on a single grape or a blend of grapes. They also usually say dry, semi-dry, sweet, or something along those lines such as a Riesling Trocken vs a Riesling Auslese. We don't do this with beer. We can use German Pilsener malt, English 2-row, American hops, Belgian yeast, and it can finish at 1.018 or 1.010 and still be labeled it as an American IPA. The freedom is great. And everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions. I'm simply pointing out the high level of obscurity.... which I think is completely relavent to discuss considering the OP's original concern about not liking IPAs.

 

[BrewKnurd]

No one did that.

Really? You find nothing condescending about saying either that those who apperciate IPAs have no taste buds, or that people who don't appreciate IPAs have not yet accustomed their tastes buds to appreciating bitterness?

They're opinions, and you're both entitled to yours, but they are opinions I find condescending.

I feel like the people who like IPA's are the ones who drink so much coffee that they have no taste buds anymore.

I feel like the people who dislike IPA's are the ones who have not yet accustomed their taste buds to appreciating bitterness.

 

[bobbrews]

It was a joke. Go back and look at what the original poster said. I took his comment and switched out a few words. So no... that wasn't my intent. It was his intent. I just switched the sides to illustrate that both statements are highly opinionated statements that reveal the two groups of people and neither is based on absolute fact.

But all kidding aside, bitterness is one of the last flavors to be enjoyed by people. We favor sweet, salty, sour, etc. before we favor bitterness. So there is some truth to that.

 

[BrewKnurd]

It was a joke. Go back and look at what the original poster said. I took his comment and switched out a few words. So no... that wasn't my intent. It was his intent. I just switched the sides to illustrate that both statements are highly opinionated statements that reveal the two groups of people and neither is based on absolute fact.

Ok, so now you agree that someone was in fact being condescending, it just wasn't you, because you were just parodying the person that was? Cool.

 

[phenry]

Oh, i see what you mean. Yes, that complicates things. Doesn't at all change my point about people commenting in a condescending manner about what is "wrong" with the people that don't like what they like, which is all I was attempting to address. I don't see why there is any problem with the industry offering both sweet and dry versions of a style. The wine world seems to have embraced the concept without things falling apart.

Because there's people like me who hate sweet IPAs and don't want to unknowingly buy a 6 pack of hop syrup. The BJCP even notes that an American IPA should have a dry to moderately-dry finish. Not a beer you feel like you need a glass of water afterwards to rinse out your mouth because you feel like you might get a cavity from all the residual sugar.

Edit: If the brewery notes on the label/6 pack that it's a malty example of the style that's fine, I'll know to avoid it. But when all you have to go off of is "India Pale Ale," you really have no idea what you're buying it seems.

 

[bobbrews]

Ok, so now you agree that someone was in fact being condescending, it just wasn't you, because you were just parodying the person that was? Cool.

I suggest you relax and have a beer

 

[BrewKnurd]

Because there's people like me who hate sweet IPAs and don't want to unknowingly buy a 6 pack of hop syrup. The BJCP even notes that an American IPA should have a dry to moderately-dry finish. Not a beer you feel like you need a glass of water afterwards to rinse out your mouth because you feel like you might get a cavity from all the residual sugar.

While I understand your frustration with getting a beer you don't like when you expected something else... I will say that the expectation that a commercial beer should necessarily adhere to the style guidelines set forth for homebrew competitions is probably a recipe for regular disappointment.

 

[BrewKnurd]

I suggest you relax and have a beer

I suggest you not presume to know anything about my level of relaxation. The beer thing seems like a pretty bad idea since I'm at work. But I'll get right on it when I get home.

 

[bobbrews]

You seem stressed. Are animals allowed at work? Perhaps a "Bring Your Dog" to work day is in order.

 

[strongarm]

IPA's are usually the last beer style I go for. I prefer stouts, porters, Belgians, all on the darker and malty side. However if I do get an IPA I prefer something not on the bitter side but on the aroma/sweeter side. 2 harted was mentioned, Pliny the elder. I can usually only handle 1 and that's enough hop for me.

 

[BrewKnurd]

IPA's are usually the last beer style I go for. I prefer stouts, porters, Belgians, all on the darker and malty side. However if I do get an IPA I prefer something not on the bitter side but on the aroma/sweeter side. 2 harted was mentioned, Pliny the elder. I can usually only handle 1 and that's enough hop for me.

I think I could drink pliny all day.

 

[davekippen]

I was always a malt forward guy up until recently when I tried a few IPA's that I really liked (Two Hearted, Hopdevil, Racer 5). I have challenged myself to try 100 different IPA's this summer. I figured that I would learn a lot and expand my tastes. Im at 25 so far this year, and I already find myself craving hops (and even a little bitterness) after a few malty beers!

 

[BrewKnurd]

I was always a malt forward guy up until recently when I tried a few IPA's that I really liked (Two Hearted, Hopdevil, Racer 5). I have challenged myself to try 100 different IPA's this summer. I figured that I would learn a lot and expand my tastes. Im at 25 so far this year, and I already find myself craving hops (and even a little bitterness) after a few malty beers!

Holy bejeezus. I wouldn't have access to 100 ipas. I wish you luck in your quest. Keep drinking malty beers every once in a while to reset your lupulin threshold.

 

[MrManifesto]

Wow, the PC police are strong in this thread.

IPA's aren't supposed to be balanced, but there's gotta be some malt in there. I like them fairly bitter myself, I think the dogfish head stuff are like weird experiments with the style. Tasty but not like "real" IPA's. That's the whole point of them, which I like, thinking outside the box.

 

[shelly_belly]

Sadly, most of the good IPAs aren't available in Alabama yet. I do drink lot's of 2 Hearted Ale, especially when it's $7.99 a 6-pack. Definitely give Sweetwater IPA a try. It should be in just about any store that sales beer. Avondale Brewing Co. in Birmingham makes a really good IPA called Battlefield. All of their beers are good, definitely try them out. Good People's IPA is not too good, however, there double IPA - Snake Handler is really good. But, @ $12 a 4-pack, it's not that good.

 

[BrewKnurd]

Sadly, most of the good IPAs aren't available in Alabama yet. I do drink lot's of 2 Hearted Ale, especially when it's $7.99 a 6-pack. Definitely give Sweetwater IPA a try. It should be in just about any store that sales beer. Avondale Brewing Co. in Birmingham makes a really good IPA called Battlefield. All of their beers are good, definitely try them out. Good People's IPA is not too good, however, there double IPA - Snake Handler is really good. But, @ $12 a 4-pack, it's not that good.

Wait, seriously... you get Bell's in Alabama? That gives me hope that someday Louisiana will get some love. Maybe.

 

[blakelyc]

I come to beer via wine. So, while I can say my beer palate is evolving I can say that I have zero issues tasting, describing flavors with emotionless abandon, and describing my likes and dislikes with the painstaking detail (and occasional haughty verbiage) of a true wine geek. It also means that I exercise those skills by tasting. A lot.

For me, IPAs are like Torrontes. I Do not enjoy them categorically, but it doesn't stop me from doing what OP did and tasting a bunch periodically. If anything, it will at least inform you of the stylistic evolution and you may occasionally find one you do like. Lagunitas little sumpin' sumpin' is an example of an ipa I do actually like, but that doesn't stop me from saying that I don't like IPAs in general.

Point is, it is a great big world and not everyone needs to enjoy every kind of beer and that's okay

 

[phenry]

While I understand your frustration with getting a beer you don't like when you expected something else... I will say that the expectation that a commercial beer should necessarily adhere to the style guidelines set forth for homebrew competitions is probably a recipe for regular disappointment.

It actually works out pretty well for me believe it or not. It's usually just the small breweries that are hit or miss. True, the BJCP has absolutely no say in how commercial breweries should brew their beer, but the guidelines set forth are instead a pretty good interpretation of what the successful breweries are putting out. It seems that Stone, Bell's, SN, Green Flash, and Firestone Walker, among others, all brew fantastic IPAs according to lots of people (myself included), and I'd take a gander that they would score well in a BJCP competition. Not entirely what I'd call coincidence.

If a brewery wants to label an under-hopped over-malty beer as an IPA they can do as they please. Doesn't mean I'll enjoy it, nor will I probably buy anything from that brewery in the future.

 

[homebrewdad]

Wait, seriously... you get Bell's in Alabama? That gives me hope that someday Louisiana will get some love. Maybe.

We do, indeed. I'm a fan of both their brown and amber ales. For my money, Bells has to be one of the better "widely available" commercial brews.

 

[corkybstewart]

Try some traditional British IPA's, they are much mellower than their American counterparts. Unfortunately my beer addled brain is failing to come up with any specific beers but I,m sure some body cam help you out.
Where in Bama are you, I'm headed to Mobile tomorrow. Since FTH won, the beer selection in Bama is incredible.
EDIT: Now I see you're in B'ham.

 

[BrewKnurd]

It actually works out pretty well for me believe it or not. It's usually just the small breweries that are hit or miss. True, the BJCP has absolutely no say in how commercial breweries should brew their beer, but the guidelines set forth are instead a pretty good interpretation of what the successful breweries are putting out. It seems that Stone, Bell's, SN, Green Flash, and Firestone Walker, among others, all brew fantastic IPAs according to lots of people (myself included), and I'd take a gander that they would score well in a BJCP competition. Not entirely what I'd call coincidence.

If a brewery wants to label an under-hopped over-malty beer as an IPA they can do as they please. Doesn't mean I'll enjoy it, nor will I probably buy anything from that brewery in the future.

Yeah, i really shouldn't have said regular disappointment. Occasional disappointment would have been better. As you rightly point out, a large number of breweries put out beers that are indeed in line (or at least not far out of line) with BJCP guidelines.

 

[ktblunden]

Ruthless is a particularly bitter IPA and I find I have to really be in the mood for it or I end up pouring most of it out.

Just wanted to quote my own post here and say that I just finished off a Ruthless Rye and it really hit the spot this evening. However, a week or two ago I got a few sips in and ended up pouring out the rest. It really seems to make a difference what kind of mood I'm in.

 

[shelly_belly]

Here's some more that I like and that I've purchased before at Whole Foods in Mountainbrook - the last 2 being seasonals.

Left Hand 400 Pound Monkey
Cigar City Jai Alai
Green Flash West Coast IPA
Founders Centennial IPA
North Coast ACME California IPA
Founders Red's Rye PA
New Belgium Ranger IPA
Rogue Yellow Snow IPA
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

 

[homebrewdad]

Here's some more that I like and that I've purchased before at Whole Foods in Mountainbrook - the last 2 being seasonals.

Left Hand 400 Pound Monkey
Cigar City Jai Alai
Green Flash West Coast IPA
Founders Centennial IPA
North Coast ACME California IPA
Founders Red's Rye PA
New Belgium Ranger IPA
Rogue Yellow Snow IPA
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

Thanks, that Whole Foods is not far from where I work - I might have to check out their selection!

However, what I really ought to do is head down to Vulcan Beverage; they've been doing the "build your own six pack" thing for ages now, and I understand that their selection is perhaps the best it has ever been. As I mentioned in post #1, I have no interest in picking up a sixer of a beer I may not care for... man, am I glad I don't have six Ruthless Ryes to choke down!

Better for me to pick up, say, one (maybe two) IPAs in a given mixed sixer.

 

[shelly_belly]

Whole Foods has the 'build your own' too, however, the selection is limited. I've been to Vulcan 3 times and left empty handed each time - I was turned off by their prices. They do have some nice stuff on draft though.

 

[Wakadaka]

i didn't like IPAs at first either. i thought (and still do kinda) that 60 min. was terrible. 90 is a bit better but still nothing special. I didn't really like them until I brewed one. a lot of bottles sit on the shelf for a while, so all you get is bitter and very little flavor. thats what turned me off of them for so long.


New Belgium Ranger is my go to IPA, but i love IIPA's when i have the money.

If you like malty beers but want to give hops a chance, go for a stone arrogant bastard ale. it has a huge malt and hop character, and while it isn't technically an IPA i thought it was the first time i had it. it clearly isn't an IPA when lined up against ruination or something, but it has a decent amount of hop flavor to it