Beer Galaxy
American IPA — The Guide to the Classic US IPA
The American IPA is the modern, most iconic version of the India Pale Ale, as reinvented by the American craft revolution from the 1980s onward. Brewed with the signature American hops (Cascade, Centennial, Citra, Simcoe), it stands out for its bright, clear profile, marked bitterness and intense aromas of citrus (grapefruit), pine, resin and flowers. It is the matrix that gave birth to most modern IPA sub-styles — West Coast, Double, Session, Black IPA. For many enthusiasts, the American IPA remains the IPA par excellence.
Style characteristics
| Abv | 5.5% – 7.5% |
|---|---|
| Ibu | 40 – 70 |
| Ebc | 8 – 18 (golden yellow to light amber) |
| Appearance | Clear, bright, persistent white head |
| Signature_hops | Cascade, Centennial, Citra, Simcoe, Amarillo |
| Serving_temperature | 7 – 10 °C |
| Glass | IPA glass or tulip |
| Aromas | Citrus (grapefruit), pine, resin, subtle tropical fruit, flowers |
Sub-styles
- West Coast IPA The Californian archetype: drier, more bitter, clear and resinous. References: Stone IPA, Russian River Blind Pig.
- Modern American IPA Today’s contemporary standard: malt-hop balance, citrus and resin. References: Bell’s Two Hearted, Cigar City Jai Alai.
- West Coast vs Hazy The great modern divide: clear and bitter (West Coast) vs hazy and juicy (NEIPA/Hazy).
- Brut IPA An extremely dry variant using enzymes that ferment out residual sugars.
- Cold IPA A recent trend: lager fermentation for a crisper profile than the classic American IPA.
All American IPAs in our catalogue
5 beers in this family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an American IPA?
An American IPA is an India Pale Ale brewed in the American craft philosophy: aromatic American hops (Cascade, Citra, Simcoe), marked bitterness (40–70 IBU), a clear, bright profile, and aromas of citrus and resin. It is the modern, most widespread version of IPA, born in California in the late 1970s.
What is the difference between American IPA and English IPA?
English IPA (the original) is maltier and more balanced, with earthy and floral European hops (East Kent Goldings). American IPA is hoppier and more aromatic, with American hops delivering citrus and pine. American IPA is what relaunched the style from the 1980s onward.
American IPA vs West Coast IPA?
West Coast IPA is a sub-style of American IPA. The West Coast is drier, more bitter, clearer and more resinous — the pure Californian version. The generic American IPA also includes more balanced, maltier versions (East Coast for example).
Which American IPAs should I try to discover the style?
For West Coast: Stone IPA, Russian River Blind Pig, Sierra Nevada Torpedo. For the general style: Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, Cigar City Jai Alai, Lagunitas IPA. In Europe: Brewdog Punk IPA remains an excellent accessible entry point.
How should I serve an American IPA?
At 7–10 °C — not too cold, otherwise the hop aromas vanish. In an IPA glass or tulip that concentrates the aromas. Drink fresh (within 3 months of canning) because hop compounds oxidise quickly.