Overview: India pale ales, or IPAs, are some of the most divisive beers on the market, yet innovation has created a whole world of approachable options for newcomers. Experts recommend Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing and Bell’s Two Hearted Ale as the best brews for beginners, ranging from mild and approachable to classic gateway styles.
The Full Story
Originally brewed in the 18th century, most notably at George Hodgson’s Bow Brewery in London, IPAs were specifically designed to survive long journeys by sea. In time, they’d be tapped and imbibed by employees of the British East India Company. The original IPAs were brewed stronger and used more hops than other beers, both methods of natural preservation. But as a result, IPAs are also big on flavor. Every variety tastes different, but notes of bitterness, citrus, and pine are common.
That said, these brews have their dedicated fans, and IPAs have undergone lots of innovation at craft breweries across the world. There’s a whole world of approachable IPAs out there if you know what to look for. So, if you’re new to the world of IPAs, or beer in general, experts recommend specific brews for beginners. Their suggestions make up a perfect starter course for IPA beginners, ranging from the mild and approachable to the big and bold.
Production & Profile
Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing is among the most approachable subcategories of IPAs. According to Jesse Filkins, beverage director at Chicago’s Atomic Hospitality, Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing is the “easiest introduction” to this IPA subcategory and a ‘great place to start’ for beginners. The beer comes in at just 35 international bitterness units (IBUs). It’s brewed with a blend of Citra, El Dorado, Magnum, Mosaic, and Simcoe varieties of hops, all of which are prized for their citrusy and fruity flavor profiles.
Once you’ve warmed up with a hazy IPA, the slightly bolder Two Hearted IPA from the Michigan-based Bell’s Brewery is recommended. “Two Hearted IPA is frequently considered a benchmark American IPA thanks to its balance and drinkability,” says Christine O’Connell, director of beer and hard beverages at Total Wine & More. Two Hearted is brewed with Centennial hops, a well-rounded variety with notes of orange blossom, lime, cherry, and pine. At 55 IBUs, it’s noticeably more bitter than some of the other variants on this list.
Brand & Industry History
The history of the style dates back to the 18th century when George Hodgson brewed at Bow Brewery in London. IPAs were specifically designed to survive long journeys by sea and would be tapped and imbibed by employees of the British East India Company. The original IPAs were brewed stronger and used more hops than other beers, both methods of natural preservation. But as a result, IPAs are also big on flavor.
What This Means
IPAs have undergone lots of innovation at craft breweries across the world. There’s a whole world of approachable IPAs out there if you know what to look for. The hazy/juicy option adds a bright, almost tropical flavor profile that makes it more palatable. “IPA’ doesn’t necessarily mean bitter,” Filkins says. “The bitterness or hoppiness that makes IPAs so good can be off-putting to someone not looking for that flavor profile.” This shift allows consumers seeking a bigger, fruit-forward IPA experience to find options that are smooth and refreshing.
Consumer Takeaway
For the drinker, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing offers 35 IBUs and 6.7% ABV with a blend of Citra, El Dorado, Magnum, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale provides 55 IBUs and 7% ABV brewed with Centennial hops featuring notes of orange blossom, lime, cherry, and pine. These brews offer the easiest introduction to hazy IPAs or serve as a classic gateway IPA for newcomers.
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