5 Top IPAs According to The Beer Maven
My First taste of IPA was as a kid on P.E.I. Sneaking sips of the old mans Alexander Keiths. I found it nasty and never understood why he loved it so much. I’ve recently rediscovered IPA’s but on a whole new level. While I never became a fan of Keiths like Dad, these IPA’s are my top 5 must try for hop heads or those willing to give hops a chance. *( For hop beginners IBU stands for International Bitterness Units, the higher the number usually means the more hoppy bitterness present, while some low IBU's can be quite bitter because of dry hopping it is usually a good measure for taste)
By The Beer Maven Sondra Baker ( Apr. 10, 2015 ) As seen on JustBeer
1. 3rd Blind Mouse
by Phillips 10.5 % alcohol IBU 100
Only for serious IPA Lovers (or those with an adventurous palate) This triple IPA has intense hop drop with emphasis on intense. Hammered home with 10.5 % its strong and bitter just like your ex.
*3rd blind Mouse is no longer available as it was a one off from Phillips, I recommend any other of their IPA's
2. Total Eclipse of the Hop
by Howe Sound Brewing 8% alcohol IBU 92
The eclipse here is the hop passing through to a clean crisp finish. The deep amber color looks even more intense topped with the thick off white head. At 92 the hops are all muscle but Howe Sound brewed this beer with enough barley malt to offer just the right amount of balance and soften the hop hit.
3. Amnesiac Double IPA
by Phillips 8.5% alcohol IBU 85
Hop Addict ? Then get your fill here. Extreme hops give way to light floral notes and a bitter citrus finish. Caramel in color with an 8.5 % kicker it’s a gift in a gift like a beer turducken.
4. Double Daddy Imperial IPA
by Speakeasy Ales & Lagers 9.5% alcohol IBU 60
DD tastes like it smells, malty first then bitter with a surprisingly clean taste that doesn’t linger. This beautiful brew is cloudy with light caramel notes and a thick creamy head. Don’t let the 60b IBU’s fool you it’s a hops delight.<
5. Fat Tug IPA
by Driftwood Brewery 7% alcohol IBU 80
The Unique name grabbed my attention and I wasn’t let down. Fat Tug pours a deep amber color with a thin but creamy head. The first hit is all hops but that is soon replaced with fresh fruity notes and finishes smoother than what you’d expect from 80 IBU.
