Across the United States, a new generation of craft IPAs is reshaping the definition of "hoppy." The 2025 Beverage Testing Institute World Beer Championship showcased a range of top-rated IPAs, illustrating the vast diversity in style and approach among American brewers. From soft and hazy to bold and bitter, these selections highlight how innovative techniques and unique ingredients shape modern IPAs.

Top IPA Selections

1. Fremont Brewing Head Full of Dynomite Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV)

   • Description: This rotating hazy series features a variable hop recipe that emphasizes tropical fruit aromas like mango and pineapple, complemented by floral notes and a soft, creamy mouthfeel thanks to oats and wheat.

2. Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue New England–Style IPA (5.8% ABV)

   • Description: A single-hop Citra showcase, this beer balances juicy notes of grapefruit and mango with a clean finish, offering a harmonious mix of hazy fruitiness and mild bitterness.

3. Prison City Mass Riot New England IPA (6.8% ABV)

   • Description: This flagship hazy IPA combines Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops for a complex profile rich in tropical fruit flavors, delivering a smooth and slightly sweet palate with an elusive bitterness.

4. Salt Flats Brewing Co. Slipstream Double IPA (9.0% ABV)

   • Description: A bold West Coast-style DIPA, it showcases robust grapefruit and orange notes complemented by caramel malt for a well-rounded, slightly sweet finish, offering a classic bitter punch.

5. Toppling Goliath Cyber Sue American-Style IPA (7.2% ABV)

   • Description: Aiming to combat dull IPAs, it boasts a tropical fruit aroma along with moderate bitterness, creating a clean and dry palate experience.

6. Cape May Brewing Co. Cape May IPA (6.3% ABV)

   • Description: This West Coast IPA stands out with a blend of citrus and floral hop characteristics, presenting a crisp, nuanced flavor profile that appeals to traditional IPA drinkers.

7. Toppling Goliath King Sue Double Hazy IPA (8.2% ABV)

   • Description: Known for its vibrant tropical flavors, it was built exclusively on Citra hops, resulting in a smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a warm, lingering finish.

8. Ike & Oak Brewing Co. Mount Massive Double New England Style IPA (8.1% ABV)

   • Description: With a combination of Falconer’s Flight, Citra, and Amarillo hops, this hazy imperial IPA delivers a luscious array of fruity and floral notes, underlined by a gentle bitterness.

These selections demonstrate that there is no singular path to crafting outstanding IPAs. Different breweries take unique approaches to showcase the diverse spectrum of hop flavors. From rich and velvety to clean and crisp, this variety ensures there’s an IPA for every palate. Whether you favor hazy textures or assertive bitterness, these celebrated brews offer a captivating tour through the ever-evolving landscape of American craft beer.

For further exploration of this topic, you can revisit the Beverage Testing Institute for more insights on craft beers and their ratings.

After an extensive seven-year investigation, scientists at ETH Zurich have discovered the long-sought formula for stable beer foam, often referred to as the "holy grail" of brewing. This research provides insights into the different physical mechanisms that contribute to the durability of foam across various beer types.

The project, led by Professor Jan Vermant, was inspired by a fundamental question posed to a Belgian brewer: "How do you control brewing?" The response was telling—"By watching the foam." This interaction led the researchers to explore the forces and structures behind the foam stability that keeps beer enjoyable from the first sip to the last.

Their findings, published in Physics of Fluids, reveal a clear hierarchy in foam stability among different Belgian ales. The "Tripel" style produced the most stable foam, followed by "Dubbel," with "Singel" beers exhibiting significantly less durability owing to milder fermentation processes and lower alcohol levels.

In examining two lagers from large Swiss breweries, the team noted that while these lagers can achieve stable foam akin to Belgian ales, the underlying physical principles differ. One lager’s performance was less impressive than anticipated, highlighting potential for further improvement.

Traditionally, foam stability was largely attributed to protein-rich layers forming around bubbles, derived from barley malt. However, this study uncovers a complex interplay of factors influencing foam longevity, especially depending on the type of beer.

In lagers, foam stability is determined by surface viscoelasticity, significantly influenced by protein amounts and their behavior. In "Tripel" beers, stability is maintained through Marangoni stresses—movement caused by surface tension variations. This can be illustrated with a simple analogy: when soap is added to a surface of crushed tea leaves on water, the leaves are drawn outward by swirling currents, which can help stabilize foam similarly to "Tripel" beers.

Researchers discovered that the structural behavior of proteins surrounding the bubbles differs for each beer type. In "Singel" beers, these proteins create a densely packed formation, while "Dubbel" beers develop a mesh-like structure that enhances stability. In contrast, "Tripel" beers mimic properties of surfactants used in various products.

The ETH team has partnered with a leading brewery to delve deeper into the foam stability issue and ascertain the factors that keep beer foam from collapsing. Vermant asserts that enhancing foam quality requires a careful, structured approach rather than a one-size-fits-all method.

Beyond brewing, the research has wider implications. For instance, in electric vehicles, foams in lubricants can pose risks, and the team has begun collaborating with Shell to explore solutions for foam management. Additionally, they are studying the use of environmentally friendly surfactants and investigating the stabilization properties of foams in various contexts, emphasizing the valuable insights gained from their beer research.

In summary, this comprehensive study enriches our understanding of beer foam stability and paves the way for advancements not just in brewing but across various industries.

• ETH Zurich Research
• Physics of Fluids Journal Reference: DOI: 10.1063/5.0274943

As winter approaches, festive events centered around beer, wine, and spirits are filling up the calendar in the Bay Area. Here’s a roundup of exciting activities to consider during the holiday season.

Upcoming Events:

• Paint and Pints: Enjoy a craft beer while painting festive artwork at Gilman Brewing Co. in Berkeley, on Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Event Details

• Brewery Yoga: Relax with a yoga session at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing in Santa Cruz on Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Follow it up with some refreshing beer for $18. Event Details

• Cab Franc Day: On Dec. 4 at Bankhead Theater in Livermore, wine lovers can indulge in tastings from thirteen local wineries accompanied by complimentary snacks. Event Details

• Holiday Charcuterie Workshop: Learn how to create a stunning charcuterie board while sipping wine from Dante Robere Vineyards on Dec. 4, for $95. Event Details

• St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Release: Join Tiger’s Taproom in Oakland on Dec. 5 from 5-10 p.m. for the one-night release of this legendary Belgian ale. Free entry. Event Details

• Champagne Christmas: Celebrate the holiday season with bubbly and live music at Dalé Vino in Pittsburg on December 6, following the local Holiday Parade. Free, table reservations are encouraged. Event Details

• Merry Martini Mixer: Enjoy three festive gin cocktails at the AC Hotel in Sunnyvale, paired with a live DJ on Dec. 10, from 5-7 p.m. Free event. Event Details

These events showcase the amazing local craft beverage scene and are perfect opportunities to celebrate the season with friends and family. Enjoy the holiday spirit while tasting some new favorites or indulging in seasonal traditions.