Exploring the Evolution of IPAs: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Last week, I had the incredible fortune of receiving a few hard-to-find Hill Farmstead IPAs from my friend Shannon, who was visiting Vermont. As I savored each sip, a thought crossed my mind – while these IPAs were undeniably superb, they didn’t excite me as much as some IPAs from years gone by. Perhaps my palate has evolved over time, as is the case for everyone, but I believe there are also other factors at play.

My personal preference leans towards West Coast IPAs, a style that seems to have taken a backseat to the current hazy New England IPA craze, which now dominates beer shelves and tap lines. Furthermore, the sheer abundance of IPAs in the market makes it increasingly difficult for any single beer to truly distinguish itself. Although this isn’t to say that exceptions don’t exist, they have become rather rare in my personal taste experience.

Given these musings, I decided to take a nostalgic journey and compile a list of my top 10 historical IPAs. Of course, this list is purely subjective, but I’m confident that many of you will resonate with my choices. I made a conscious decision to exclude any local IPAs to prevent the perception of regional bias or favoritism towards brewers I know personally. Additionally, I even went so far as to rank them in order:

1. Pretty Things Meadowlark IPA: This gem was the brainchild of Dann and Martha Paquette during their tenure at the Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project. It struck the perfect balance of floral hops, subtly juicy citrus notes, and hints of summer fruits. For me, it remains the epitome of a flawless beer.

2. Stone 10th Anniversary IPA: This beast of a beer boasted intense dank and resiny aromas and flavors. Despite its hefty 10% ABV, the alcohol burn was surprisingly subdued, allowing the beer’s complexity to shine through. A truly satisfying brew.

3. Dogfish Head 75-minute IPA: While the 90-minute IPA held a special place in my heart for a time, this beauty of a beer changed everything. Pine and fresh grass notes, accompanied by a touch of maple, established this brew as a timeless classic.

4. Green Flash West Coast IPA: Emphasizing grapefruit as the dominant flavor, with undertones of pine, this IPA represents the quintessential West Coast style. It may not cater to those who crave a prominent malt backbone, but in my opinion, great IPAs don’t always require it.

5. Rogue I2PA: One of the first hefty IPAs that I genuinely enjoyed on a regular basis. Though not as explosively hoppy as some contemporary hop bombs, the delightful combination of Cascade and Saaz hops made this beer truly special.

6. Haverhill Brewery (The Tap) LeatherLips IPA: I’ll admit feeling a tad sheepish about including a second Dann Paquette creation on this list, but I must remain true to my taste memories. This IPA was as phenomenal as any beer I’ve ever had. With only 5% ABV, it delivered an explosion of flavor without overwhelming you with alcohol content.

7. Ballast Point Sculpin: While there have been numerous offshoots and variations of this renowned IPA, I am referring to the original incarnation from circa 2005. Bursting with a cornucopia of juicy fruit notes ranging from lemon to mango, it’s the perfect summer IPA.

8. Bear Republic Racer 5: A beer that played a pivotal role in shaping the concept of the West Coast IPA. Racer 5 garnered countless awards for its impeccably balanced hop-forward recipe during a time when such a style was still novel.

9. Anchor Liberty Ale: Perhaps this inclusion is driven by sentiment, but the first-ever craft IPA deserves a mention. It delighted with subtle grapefruit flavors, a well-balanced taste, and an incredibly clean finish.

10. Lagunitas IPA: In the spirit of fairness, this entry would have ideally been Russian River’s Pliny the Elder, had I been able to locate my notes on it. Nonetheless, Lagunitas IPA stands tall as a worthy substitute. Abundant citrus flavors, albeit with slightly more sweetness than most IPAs, make it a delight to savor.

Have I missed your favorite IPA? Let me know by reaching out to me via email at geolenker@yahoo.com. I always love discovering new beer recommendations and engage in spirited discussions. Remember, if you choose to purchase a product or register for an account through any of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. When browsing this site, your information may be shared with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.