What's up with the IPA fad?

[Brewmenn]

I like IPA's so I'm pretty happy that they are popular. It seemed like when craft/micro brewing was first getting going that what was most popular was the thick chewy porters and stouts which I don't particularly care for.

But life's too shout to worry about what you don't like. Brew and drink what you like, don't worry about the rest.

 

[cjgenever]

Stores stock what sells. Some people drink them because they are the cool thing. Some drink them because it is hard to find a good easy drinking beer with a lot of alcohol that's not an iipa. Some drink it because they love hops.

About 75% of what I drink (brew) is ipa. I love hops, always have. Sometimes I'll snack on some warrior or simcoe pellets. Yummy

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[GarageDweller]

"hophead" "malthead"

Some people are so simple.

Imagine a life without these types of boundaries. A world where everyone just enjoys what they will and cares not what someone else would choose; as long as it doesn't have any direct negative affect on them. A world where we don't view our differences as a way to divide and judge with a false since of superiority. Imagine all the people...living life in peace.

You may say I'm a dreamer...

 

[Teromous]

Maybe your bottle shop is not well stocked. Where do you live? Perhaps we can point you in the direction of one with a better selection. The one I go to is relatively small but they have everything from Belgian, German, English, Scottish, Irish, even Italian Imports. There's plenty of breweries out there that make a ton of non-IPA beers like Rogue, Ommegang, New Belgium, DuClaw, Hoppin' Frog, Terrapin, Schlafly, Bell's...I mean really can you only find IPA's? You mentioned Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA, but usually when I talk to people about Rogue the first beer out of their mouth is "Dead Guy Ale" which is a Maibock...

It sounds more like you're angry at IPA lovers for liking IPA's, and I'm not sure why it should matter to you what another person likes. I see this on the forum all the time..."I don't get Belgian Beers" ... "I don't like IPA's" ... "I don't like sours" ... if you don't like it then just don't drink it. Besides, it's Spring and a lot of breweries put out seasonal IPA's around this time. It's like finding pumpkin beers in the fall (and we do get some "I don't like pumpkin beer" threads around that time).

 

[dobe12]

"hophead" "malthead"

Some people are so simple.

Imagine a life without these types of boundaries. A world where everyone just enjoys what they will and cares not what someone else would choose; as long as it doesn't have any direct negative affect on them. A world where we don't view our differences as a way to divide and judge with a false since of superiority. Imagine all the people...living life in peace.

You may say I'm a dreamer...

Jeez.....

It's not a boundary as much as a description, no? No one said "I'm a hop head so I must only drink IPAs". What I'm reading is "I like IPAs so that's what I tend to drink."

And I don't think anyone here thinks they are superior. Or maybe I missed that post. This is just a discussion on personal taste and popularity of IPAs. Don't take it so seriously.

 

[balrog]

We've had several of these types of threads lately, and it isn't very friendly or welcoming to other people who may actually have different taste than someone else.
...
Let's not keep up this type of arrogance. We all have different tastes. We can all express what we like without denigrating others.

^^^^^ +1 This

I only started brewing recently, & honestly felt a bit anxious around local brewers as well as online since I was more of a session (low ABV) English ale or Bock person than a "true high AVB hophead brewer". Well, fine, were I making something for that crowd I'm not averse to trying but I'll always make what I like and not worry about it.

Taste is a funny thing, and personal. I'll go for balanced any time. I didn't think I liked PA or IPA but there are stellar balanced examples out there that have changed my mind (Tuckerman's Pale Ale from NH). Open mind, live and let live, believe in what you will, but realize everyone is different.

 

[jbaysurfer]

Maybe I'm missing something but I don't understand the IPA frenzy that's going around. At my local stores there's a ton of IPA's. I go looking for beer I haven't tried for inspiration and because I like to try new beers between homebrews, but it seems all anyone is making is new types of IPAs or spin offs.

I've tried well over 40 different IPAs in my life time and never saw the big deal. Every single one packs pretty much the same experience. Its like dragging my tongue across a dirty carpet floor. After about 2 they become more appealing but I've never enjoyed them and have never been amazed by the taste of one.

I went into my local beverage lounge recently and asked if they had anything new. Said nothing on your pallette, its all IPAs. Long story short, a couple of guys over heard and talked about all their favorite IPAs and how they were "hopheads". I tried everyone they mentioned and did not care for them. I couldn't help but notice while talking to these guys, they would make weird faces every time they took a drink. It was almost like the Miller bitter beer face commercials back in the day ( I think Miller is dirt beer for the record). One was drinking Rogues Yellow Snow IPA which I've had and will pass over any day.

Anyone else anti-IPA or am I truly a minority?

You are truly a minority, even if other people agree with your position. Why do you think that retailer had so many IPAs for sale? Market demand.

The "bitter beer face" thing sounds like you trying to confirm your anti-IPA bias...but I'm pretty sure the beer isn't as popular as it is just because people are really good at deluding themselves. They probably drink it because they actually really like hops!

 

[bannerj]

For anyone who says they must have had only bad ipas: are you tasting only bottled beers or fresh on tap?

Also, you should try...
lagunitas' sucks brown sugar substitute
Victory's dirt wolf
Shorts' controversial ale
Dark horse's crooked tree
Founders' red's rye
Bells' two hearted
3 floyd's zombie dust

If you've tried two or three of those, and aren't won over...then shoot darn...I believe you dont like ipas I guess.

 

[kcmobrewer]

I'm definitely a hop head, I'd say I drink at least 60% IPAs. However, I do really enjoy a lot of other styles but they have to have a lot of good complex flavors.

Stouts like the w00t Stout are a good example, I can drink something like that just as easily as an IPA. I do take a break from them occasionally to reset my taste buds though lol.

 

[CavScout]

First off, IPAs are old, so are sours, so are saisons. There really is no new style of beer jumping on the market. The word fad doesn't really apply. They aren't going anywhere either, because they are GOOD. This is why the style is around. I can appreciate nearly every style, so do many people, which is why they have carried on for 100+ years, at least.

Also, most of this is not brewery driven...its driven by the consumer. If you don't like IPAs, dont buy them, but be sure to buy other styles. If the demand is up, breweries will make it. Same goes for the store. They put beer on the shelf that sells. They are a business that needs to succeed.

Finally, it sounds like some people have really crappy bars and beer stores. I suggest finding a nice one that has a lot of variety. Stick with them. My local watering hole is very balanced with nearly every style, about 5-10 beers in each. Even the tap selection varies considerably. My craft beer store is amazing. Whole section for imports of all types, very evenly spread. I'd even say that IPAs are a minority in the store.

And to prove my point about sales driving "fads" the beer manager was screaming at his distributor one day when they said they couldn't get him Mike's Hard Lemonade anymore. This is a nice craft beer store and the distributor looked a little puzzled. The manager explained that one dude buys nearly a case a day of the stuff, let alone anyone else that buys it. He buys what sells.

The fad thing is referencing to IPAs that are brewed so hopped up that it takes your taste buds a little bit to cecouperate. I forget which one I tried, but I remember I couldn't taste my dinner after drinking one while waiting in a resteraunt.

Second I live in WV, all about American domestics. The whole import and micro thing just took off here a couple years ago. The gas station down the street just put in a beer cave. Its 60% budweiser, 20%, miller, 10-15% Coors, 5% other american domestics like yuengling, Milwaukee's, Strohs. Then another 5% heinikan, corona, and Sam Adams. My shops for decent beer are limited. 2 stores and 2 resteraunts( 2 are 10 min away the other 2 are 30)Thank god I travel and get to try other things.

 

[CavScout]

You may like it. I've never had a commercial saison I liked, but two of my buddies brew them and I love what they make.


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I've had homebrew and commercial ones I like. I've had some commercial ones that I didn't care for but liked all the homebrews.

 

[bob1852]

If you have't already, try these: dales pale ale by Oskar blues, troegs pale ale, or Sierra Nevadas pale ale. Those are the only three IPAs I'll buy at this point.

But, those three are American Pale Ales, not India Pale Ales.

 

[jbaysurfer]

But, those three are American Pale Ales, not India Pale Ales.

Per the style guidelines, Dales is indeed an IPA...although I've heard there's inertia for a "Strong Pale Ale" category in the next BJCP iteration where Dales certainly would fit better.

I actually figured this out when I provided Dales as a calibration beer for a Pale Ale contest our club did. LOL....oops!

 

[civilbrando]

IPA's are my favorite hands down. I don't think its a fad, though it may be the "go to" craft beer for most people.

But really, I like all beers. There are some beers that I will never drink again (Tap Room 21-all styles) but I've never encountered a beer that I had to pour out or send back.

Just like wine, beer taste comes down to personal preferences. I can't stand white wine, but I do enjoy some reds.

 

[bob1852]

Per the style guidelines, Dales is indeed an IPA...

 

[PackerfaninSanDiego]

So, you don't like IPA's. Nothing wrong with that.

From BJCP Guidelines:

FYI Heady Topper is my fav so far

 

[Disintegr8or]

Maybe I'm missing something but I don't understand the IPA frenzy that's going around. At my local stores there's a ton of IPA's. I go looking for beer I haven't tried for inspiration and because I like to try new beers between homebrews, but it seems all anyone is making is new types of IPAs or spin offs.

I've tried well over 40 different IPAs in my life time and never saw the big deal. Every single one packs pretty much the same experience. Its like dragging my tongue across a dirty carpet floor. After about 2 they become more appealing but I've never enjoyed them and have never been amazed by the taste of one.

I went into my local beverage lounge recently and asked if they had anything new. Said nothing on your pallette, its all IPAs. Long story short, a couple of guys over heard and talked about all their favorite IPAs and how they were "hopheads". I tried everyone they mentioned and did not care for them. I couldn't help but notice while talking to these guys, they would make weird faces every time they took a drink. It was almost like the Miller bitter beer face commercials back in the day ( I think Miller is dirt beer for the record). One was drinking Rogues Yellow Snow IPA which I've had and will pass over any day.

Anyone else anti-IPA or am I truly a minority?

Why brew an IPA if you don't like them?

Originally Posted By CavScout:
I have 2.5gal of IPA brewing and another 5gal of Summer Ale brewing and just bottled 5gal of American Light Ale a week ago. This was my first and its going great so far.

 

[zardozap]

Love a good IPA. I had Lagunitas Hop Stoopid Saturday. I enjoyed it. Usually, however, I think what makes a good IPA is what makes good beer in general--balance. IBUs need a malt backbone.

I agree with this. From time to time, in the recipe section I'll see the usual "What do you think of this IPA" recipe post, and there's usually someone who suggests dumping or reducing a malt addition, and boosting the hops. I think a lot of the complaints about the "cat piss" smell some people get comes from a lack of a decent malt backbone simply because of the overpowering of hops. Balance, definitely is what is needed in a good IPA.

 

[DanzigsMISFITS]

I either really like an IPA or really don't. Im also a porter and stout fan myself.

 

[Nightshade]

I went through the IPA thing for a few years but honestly they bore me now. don't get me wrong I drink them regularly but I have a much higher appreciation for a well made Stout or Porter than even the best IPA available.

 

[Crafty_Brewer]

I absolutely LOVE a good oatmeal stout. But when I drink IPAs.... the hops had better jump up out of the glass, reach up, wrap my tongue around my head, and slap me in the face. If they don't, they didn't add enough hops. You either love hops, or you don't. Anyone who says they don't like hops, needs to taste a FRESH beer with a lot of aroma hops, and a good dry hop. More hops at the end of the boil...like the last 5 minutes. You need to get the flavor, and the aroma...not just the bitter. (but I do like bitter). Most people that say they don't like IPAs probably haven't had a good freshly hopped IPA.

 

[h0psnobery]

I really enjoy a good IPA, but I understand where the OP is coming from. My favorite bar has 40 beers on tap, but only a few dark beers are to be found. Many other styles have been crowed out by APA's, IPA's, and IIPA's. If you want a dopplebock, you are going to have to buy something imported from the bottle shop. I'm also really tired of the ridiculous ways breweries are trying to out do one another with the way they add hops. "This beer has been dry hopped in the bottle, this beer has had hops continuously added via vibrating football table, this beer only uses hops that were watered with lyger tears and dried with unicorn farts."

 

[Flipadelphia]

They taste good, I imagine that's why they're popular.

 

[downtown3641]

Lad, you are running a little late. The latest thing is Saison. Look for it in the best bottle shops.

I just noticed that, with the spring beers coming out, there are a lot more saisons on the market than in previous years. I love saisons. I was excited until I thought about all the bad ones I was going to have to sift through.

On topic, shelves are filled with IPAs because that's what people want to drink and stores are most people's main source of beer. Breweries are going to distribute what sales. If you want variety, go to the source. A lot of breweries serve a wider variety on site than they distribute.

I enjoy IPAs, but I feel I have to be diligent when it comes to checking sale by and brewed on dates. If it's not fresh, it's not worth spending $10 on. So, most of the time, it's just smarter to go with a different style.

 

[uatuba]

I hated IPAs until December of last year. Got a cold, couldn't taste anything, bought some Hopsecutioner...yada yada yada...my last several batches have been IPAs. I know this doesn't help you, but I really like them now.

I do enjoy a good Nut Brown and Amber Ale, too.


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[zardozap]

Used to hate IPA's, but a friend of mine was a big fan of DFH 120 minute IPA's, but had a very hard time finding it more often than not. So I brewed up a clone of it that was so close to the mark, it was amazing.

 

[copyright1997]

Given this is HOMEBREW talk, who cares what the stores are carrying? You should be caring about what YOU ARE brewing! I love my IPA's, but about the only time I buy one is if I'm out someplace or buying stuff that I've never tried to see if I'd like to BREW it.

 

[Flipadelphia]

Given this is HOMEBREW talk, who cares what the stores are carrying? You should be caring about what YOU ARE brewing! I love my IPA's, but about the only time I buy one is if I'm out someplace or buying stuff that I've never tried to see if I'd like to BREW it.

The 'I don't get the love of IPA's' thread pops up here about once a month.

 

[BugAC]

I'm what you would consider a "Hophead". I love IPA's. Probably my favorite style. As a beginner in craft beer, I hated IPA's. But then, a few Sierra nevada pale ale's down, and i started appreciating hops more, and now i'm where i'm at today. Now i will admit, there are a lot of bad IPA's out there. Many companies brew them just to have an iPA in their rotation, IMO, with little care on taste, or complexity. It is hard to find good IPA's here in Louisiana. But when they come along, they are outstanding.

The problem, i find, is that some brewer's muddle up their IPA's too much. They add too many hops without thinking about how they taste together. However, a lot of the new proprietary hops (citra, simcoe, galaxy, mosaic, amarillo, etc...) have expanded the reaches of what an IPA can be.

Now granted, my love for IPA's have gone so far as being considered snobby, i guess. Once favored IPA's, are now undrinkable. Whereas before i used to love a beer such as Terrapin Hopsecutioner, now that it is in Louisiana, i find it pretty average. And now that one of our local breweries, Parish Brewery, came out with a double IPA last month that sold out in a couple days, I fiend for more. But as others say, if you can't find an IPA you like, just brew your own.

I'm brewing one Sunday that i brewed last year, that was phenomenal, and got my buddies urging me to start a brewery myself. This year's version includes more IBU's, and an additional hop variety.

 

[dobe12]

The problem, i find, is that some brewer's muddle up their IPA's too much. They add too many hops without thinking about how they taste together. However, a lot of the new proprietary hops (citra, simcoe, galaxy, mosaic, amarillo, etc...) have expanded the reaches of what an IPA can be.

I personally feel that home brewers are notorious for this. I personally very much enjoy single hopped pale ales and will usually add no more than 2-3 hop varieties in most of my IPAs and most of my beers in general. I may use a neutral bittering hop then 2-3 finishing hops... but that's it. I see recipes posted on here with 5, 6, 7 different hops and think one thing... muddled. I'm not saying you can't make a good beer with that many hops. I'm just saying I prefer the simplicity of only 1-3 different hops.

 

[wfd336]

Stores stock what sells. I happen to love IPAs, and drink mostly APAs, IPAs, and sometimes American reds, so that would be a great store for me.



I don't think it's a "fad"- it's just what a lot of beer geeks like.



I don't like Belgians or sours, and lots of people like those.

In most states, stores do NOT stock what sells. They stock whatever the distributor puts in those places. Remember that the big 3 own 90% of the shelf space in most major markets. They control the market.

With that said, I do believe that anyone who brews an over hopped beer and sends it out for purchase, is merely labeling it an IPA, and the majority have gotten away from the true style. IMHO


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[jbaysurfer]

In most states, stores do NOT stock what sells. They stock whatever the distributor puts in those places. Remember that the big 3 own 90% of the shelf space in most major markets. They control the market.

With that said, I do believe that anyone who brews an over hopped beer and sends it out for purchase, is merely labeling it an IPA, and the majority have gotten away from the true style. IMHO


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What's the "true" style again? Because there's three IPA categories last I checked, English, American, and Imperial. I've had very few IPAs (labeled so) that didn't fit one of those style guidelines.

 

[ValonaBrewing]

I agree that here in California IPA has been a fad. I think east coast brewers have a lot more variety in their line up so many posters on here don't understand where the op is coming from. For example, I was recently went to a craft bar here in Oakland that boasted 40 taps, but 38 of them where ipa, double ipa, oaked IPA, black IPA, or Belgian ipa. I dont have a problem with IPA, but when i go out I like my beer to be sessionable, not 10% pallate bombs. Maybe thats whats popular, so be it. I used to like going out to brew pubs and festevals, but now I dont anymore because one style dominates everything. Things might be changing as I think a lot of brewers are sick of making nothing but IPA, and I think there is some pent up demand from people like myself. Firestone Pivo Pils is a good example of this.

 

[jbaysurfer]

I agree that here in California IPA has been a fad. I think east coast brewers have a lot more variety in their line up so many posters on here don't understand where the op is coming from. For example, I was recently went to a craft bar here in Oakland that boasted 40 taps, but 38 of them where ipa, double ipa, oaked IPA, black IPA, or Belgian ipa. I dont have a problem with IPA, but when i go out I like my beer to be sessionable, not 10% pallate bombs. Maybe thats whats popular, so be it. I used to like going out to brew pubs and festevals, but now I dont anymore because one style dominates everything. Things might be changing as I think a lot of brewers are sick of making nothing but IPA, and I think there is some pent up demand from people like myself. Firestone Pivo Pils is a good example of this.

That's not the norm. Sorry, it's just not. I commute this state to OR and back once a month and seek out every brewery and tap room along the way. Never have I see a tap room with 38 out of 40 beers being IPAs. Matt B of FW got the idea of Pivo Pils from a tiny italian brewer, and it's inception has absolutely nothing to do with him being tired of making IPAs.

I think that's a mischaracterization of this state our craft brew scene is SO much more then an IPA fest. Breweries like the Bruery or Telegraph brewing don't even make an IPA, and they're both growing hand over fist. The sour scene has evolved almost to the IPA level as well. Even Russian River, known for it's double IPA, only has 3 IPAs on tap and generally they have 30+ taps pouring.

There's a difference between a "fad" and a staple. I'm sorry OP doesn't like IPAs, but they're a staple, not a fad.

 

[IslandLizard]

Strange how I read this as iPad fad...

Sorry, no answers for that either.

 

[stpug]

...Even Russian River, known for it's double IPA, only has 3 IPAs on tap and generally they have 30+ taps pouring....

Or almost 20 taps, but who's counting

 

[neild5]

I mostly go for pale or brown ales along with porters and stouts. However a good IPA can be tasty on a summer day. It needs to be a true IPA and not an Americanized IPA that is in competition to see who can use the most hops.

 

[jbaysurfer]

Or almost 20 taps, but who's counting

I don't think my point is weakened by 20 vs. 30. but since we're playing gotcha, I'd point out that you're counting the number of beers they have on tap and not the actual tap handles....which, when I'm there next weekend, I'll be counting. :-D

 

[stpug]

I don't think my point is weakened by 20 vs. 30. but since we're playing gotcha, I'd point out that you're counting the number of beers they have on tap and not the actual tap handles....which, when I'm there next weekend, I'll be counting. :-D

Count away

But you did say 3 ipas to 30 taps (10%), and it looks like it might be 2 ipas to 20 taps (10%) so at least the ratio was accurate

 

[Crafty_Brewer]

I mostly go for pale or brown ales along with porters and stouts. However a good IPA can be tasty on a summer day. It needs to be a true IPA and not an Americanized IPA that is in competition to see who can use the most hops.

So drink an English IPA, not an American IPA. They are totally different. Oh btw...from what you describe I think you would like an Extra Special Bitter (ESB). I know I do.