My Three Favorite IPAs Right Now

**Techichi** · 05-10-2012, 03:00 PM

Ballast Point Sculpin - The definition of clean. Probably the most smooth IPA I've ever had (even more so than Pliny the Elder). The flavors simply meld together perfectly. Not a trace of alcohol on the pallet. Oranges, pine, lemon grass, and caramel balance. Believe the hype on this beer. Must try!! If you can't get this in your town...trade with someone! The bottle I just had was a couple of months old. This item fresh...will blow the hop fiend's mind!

Shmaltz He'brew Hop Manna - Another clean IPA. This one isn't as complex as the Ballast Point. Not that the Ballast Point is as complex as a Belgian Quad or anything...but still. Lots of pale malt, fruity hops, and a slick mouth feel make this my second favorite beer right now.

St. Arnold Endeavour - This is actually a DIPA. But it isn't heavy. It's more like a IPA and 1/2. Tons of pine and orange flavored hops. A pretty big helping of pale malts and just a bit of caramel balance. There is a bit of alcohol warmth as well...but nothing offensive. Freagin' Fantastic, well melded IPA!!

These three beers are remarkably close in terms of color and flavor. They are all clean and hoppy...perfect summer time beers.

**BigBull** · 05-10-2012, 03:02 PM

That Hop Manna is in my top 3 as well. Although, I live in Florida so it's appropriate year round. Finding it is another story.

**Techichi** · 05-10-2012, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by BigBull

That Hop Manna is in my top 3 as well. Although, I live in Florida so it's appropriate year round. Finding it is another story.

I've been lucky enough to buy two bombers of this beer. I may just go back for 2 more. Divine!

**benvh** · 05-10-2012, 05:32 PM

I like Port Brewing's Mongo IPA. I think you get a crazy good beer for the relatively cheap price. Back when I lived in SD I think they were less than $5 for a 22oz. Also like Idiot IPA from Coronado Brewing.

Ben

**Lucius** · 05-10-2012, 06:27 PM

I'm not a hop head but my three favorite are probably Bell's Two Hearted, Dogfish Head 60 minute, and Smuttynose IPA. Smuttynose being the favorite of three.

**Big_OC** · 05-11-2012, 09:54 AM

I finally had the Ballast Point Sculpin about two months ago. The buzz around it is well deserved. Firestone Walker Double Jack is up there as well and I think it's available year round now.I recenlty had the Oskar Blues Deviant Dale's IPA. Very nice, and....it comes in 16oz tallboys!!

**benvh** · 05-11-2012, 04:48 PM

Good call on the Two Hearted...

**jdo** · 05-15-2012, 05:20 AM

My two favorite IPAs are Firestone Walker's Union Jack and Stone IPA. I have also recently been enjoying 21st Amendment's Brew Free or Die IPA.

Jason

**Acmemfg** · 05-15-2012, 05:27 AM

Sweetwater IPA "The Beer you have been training for"
Lost Coast Brewing's Indicus

...and the Mac Daddy....
Half Pint Brewing's Little Scrapper IPA. Brewed in Winnipeg. Available ONLY in Canada...sigh......

**EricBNC** · 05-15-2012, 09:31 PM

Pulled 6 12 hr shifts - they call it 2 weeks worth of work, I call it Miller time by Tuesday evening - well, Hoptimum by Sierra Nevada along with Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A. time...

Forgot to mention - these buzz the s___ out of me and that makes me happy.

**TnutsShave** · 05-16-2012, 04:46 AM

You guys tried the seasonal "Dig" IPA by New Beligium? It's a pretty solid beer IMO. I've been on the IPA kick myself as of late. Picked up a six pack of Stone IPA, but that one is even a bit too much for me. I may have to try that Ballast Point though. That sounds good!

**Techichi** · 05-16-2012, 06:32 AM

I haven't tried Dig yet. Although I've been happy with several of NB's releases. Especially their pale ale seasonal releases.

**kelton** · 05-17-2012, 02:06 PM

I'm addicted to HEAVY SEA'S - LOOSE CANNON, and I am not really a IPA fan. The local packie said they "can't keep it on the shelves, they keep selling out." I've had to start going early afternoon so I can get some.

**Mr.StrangeQuark** · 06-02-2012, 08:49 PM

I recently had stone ipa and it very well might have been the best beer i've ever had.

**jesseix** · 06-06-2012, 11:39 AM

Big fan of the Sculpin and the Dogfish Head IPA's as well. Also like the Stone and Green Flash IPA's.
San Diego is making some great brews!

**Matt S** · 06-08-2012, 09:26 AM

I like the Victory Hop Wallop, Stone Ruination, and Two Hearted from my recent purchases. I have a Founders Centennial IPA waiting for Saturday night. Founders Porter was exceptional, so I am hoping for the same from the IPA.

**pdillon** · 06-08-2012, 10:01 AM

This year I'm really digging the Deschutes Hop Henge Experimental IPA and the Sierra Nevada Hoptimum (mentioned earlier). Last year, I loved the Avery Maharaja.

A little disappointed by Bell's Hopslam this year, I must say.

Also like the Stone and Green Flash IPA's.

A lot of the beers mentioned in this thread are not available in STL. But within the last twelves months we got these two breweries in Missouri. I am in love with Green Flash. I think the Rayon Vert may be my favorite beer of the moment. It's basically an American Orval.

**ImTheGluestick** · 06-08-2012, 10:06 AM

That Hop Henge is great! You can get Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi in STL--comes in cans (!) and is a great cascade-hopped IPA.

Originally Posted by pdillon

This year I'm really digging the Deschutes Hop Henge Experimental IPA and the Sierra Nevada Hoptimum (mentioned earlier). Last year, I loved the Avery Maharaja.

A little disappointed by Bell's Hopslam this year, I must say.

A lot of the beers mentioned in this thread are not available in STL. But within the last twelves months we got these two breweries in Missouri. I am in love with Green Flash. I think the Rayon Vert may be my favorite beer of the moment. It's basically an American Orval.

**joelmole** · 06-09-2012, 01:34 PM

I'm really glad to hear your recommendation for St. Arnold Endeavor. I think there was a lot of excitement among St. Arnold fans here in Houston when it was released. St. Arnold beers tend to be solid, but not very exciting, but Endeavor definitely raised the bar. You can get it on draft at the brewery tours but it costs two tokens instead of one (so worth it)

**Techichi** · 06-21-2012, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by joelmole

I'm really glad to hear your recommendation for St. Arnold Endeavor. I think there was a lot of excitement among St. Arnold fans here in Houston when it was released. St. Arnold beers tend to be solid, but not very exciting, but Endeavor definitely raised the bar. You can get it on draft at the brewery tours but it costs two tokens instead of one (so worth it)

St. Arnold's IPAs continue to impress. I just had the Home Front IPA. All I think of when I drink is orange marmalade. If you get a chance, try it. It's fantastic. Perfectly balanced.

Just had the Ballast Point Big Eye IPA as well. Competes with the Sculpin. Similar in many ways.