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India Pale Ale (IPA), a staple of American craft beer culture, has seen a tremendous rise in global popularity. The 2026 World Beer Awards highlighted this with an exciting twist; none of the top rankings in the IPA categories went to American breweries. Instead, breweries from Brazil, Japan, Germany, Canada, and China took home honors, showcasing the expansion of IPA’s reach beyond U.S. borders.

The World Beer Awards, which has been held annually since 2007, assesses commercially available beers through blind tastings. This global competition provides a platform for brewing talent from around the world to flourish, often highlighting beers that may not receive attention in American-centric contests like the Great American Beer Festival.

Here is a rundown of the seven exceptional IPAs that earned the title of World’s Best in their respective categories:

World’s Best Milkshake IPA/New England IPA

Landel Atrás do Bloco – Brazil
This 7.5% ABV hazy IPA not only secured the top award but also boasts a rich, tropical flavor thanks to a double dry-hopping with Mosaic, Cascade, and Citra hops. Atrás do Bloco has garnered multiple accolades within Brazilian beer circles, including a gold at the 2026 Concurso Brasileiro de Cerveja.

World’s Best American Style IPA

Derailleur Brew Works WC IPA – Japan
Originating from Osaka, this 7% ABV IPA channels classic West Coast vibes. It features an aromatic blend of tropical and citrus notes, culminating in a clean and bitter finish characteristic of American IPAs.

World’s Best Black IPA

Camba Black Shark – Germany
With an 8.5% ABV and 100 IBUs, Black Shark delivers a complex profile that combines the expected hop flavors of an IPA with roasted malt notes reminiscent of a stout, including hints of coffee and dark chocolate.

World’s Best English Style IPA

Therezópolis Jade – Brazil
This 6.5% ABV IPA marries floral and citrus aromas characteristic of traditional English IPAs while offering a uniquely Brazilian flair. Jade had previously won a World Beer Awards Gold in 2025.

World’s Best Imperial/Double IPA

Archibald Double IPA – Canada
Coming from Quebec, this 8.5% ABV brew is heavy on Amarillo, Simcoe, and El Dorado hops, exuding citrus, nectarine, and pineapple flavors while maintaining a robust bitterness.

World’s Best Session IPA

RichKat Craft Brewing Rebound – China
From Hong Kong, Rebound takes the Session IPA title. It is a lighter alternative to its previous Double IPA iteration, preserving the hop intensity while reducing the ABV for a more refreshing experience.

World’s Best Specialty IPA

Cervejaria Unika Orange Kush – Brazil
This innovative beer won in the eclectic Specialty IPA category, showcasing Brazil’s knack for creative brewing. Orange Kush is part of a vibrant scene that saw Brazilian breweries achieve three out of the seven World’s Best IPA titles this year.

The World Beer Awards exemplify the global evolution of the IPA, reminding beer enthusiasts that flavors and styles can vary widely, offering many new experiences. For those seeking to try these exceptional beers, considering a visit to these breweries could lead to delightful discoveries in the world of craft beer.