I’m an unabashed hop head, although I like things in balance. Over-the-top, super-hopped, syrupy-sweet IIPAs and Triple IPAs generally don’t do it for me. I prefer floral, fruity IPAs. With all of the discussions of regional beer preferences and the necessity to trade to get some of those beers, I was wondering what you all though was the best IPA with pretty significant distribution around the country? Does it have to be in every market, everywhere? No. Rather, by “significant” I mean that it’s likely available in most large cities with a little digging.
My choice: Stone Enjoy By IPA (they vary a bit from release to release, but they’re almost always excellent). Do these make it to the East Coast?
Do you get Toppling Goliath where you are? Their Nugget is that profile. Boulder Beer Hazed and Infused was a dry hopped ipa I used to see around. Very fragrant if fresh. Ballast Point Sculpin (not with the grapefruit adjunct)
The majority of the beers mentioned are not available in the PNW. Just for fun I referenced a list of the nations best IPAs. Not one was nationally distributed, which is what I think the craft brewing movement is all about.
That said, Stone, from the OP is far better than average, and Bell’s Two Hearted is the kind of beer that has mass appeal without being boring.
YES!!! I do, too, and love when I find it on draft around here. Bodhi seems to be their preferred sell, though, because I’m seeing it more often than Lucille. That’s too bad. I’m positive it doesn’t make it out of the PacNW, though.
I find the Bodhi better balanced than the Lucille, though they are both plenty good for an IPA. Not my favorite style, however, as I prefer sours, etc.
Well, no sh*t. I won’t argue that a bit. However, my question is simply for conversations sake, not saying that I’m seeking one that would better than some of the micro regional IPAs so many of us love.
Peter - I rememer seeing Green Flash all over the place, but I ahven’t seen it much lately now that you mention it.
Good call above with the Ballast Point Sculpin. I wonder if it makes its way East?