It’s no secret that the IPA dominates the craft beer landscape. Step into any bottle shop and you will have plenty to choose from. Or pop into any brewery and there are sure to be close to several different options on the list.
With such a wide variety in front of you, and so many options to choose from it can be a bit overwhelming. So where do you start? Well, to answer the question we went to the experts and asked them; “What are the best Pennsylvania IPA’s for beginners?”
“Troegs Perpetual for an old school somewhat maltier IPA and Tired Hands Alien church for a good introduction to New England style IPAs.”
Wade Leedy, Co-Owner Fourscore Beer
“Victory Hop Devil: it’s a classic. If you are just starting out, you can’t go wrong. Conshohoken Brewing Blood Orange IPA. Well balanced and the blood orange really comes through.”
James McGowan, Head Brewer Great Barn Brewery
“Yards IPA- This is the winner by a landslide! A juggernaut for correctness, Yards IPA offers the consumer a textbook IPA in the traditional English style showcasing a dynamic malt bill, iconic bitterness, chew, and balance- the key that unlocks various extremes for the drinkers future journeys. Before the haze craze, Southern hemisphere hops, or 100+ IBU palate wreckers, the English IPA was the golden standard and nobody this side of the Atlantic is more acclimated with English Ale than Tom Kehoe.”
Robert Colianni, QC and Fermentation Manager 2SP Brewing
“The one brewed closest to where your feet are placed. Drink local.”
Dan Woodske, Owner Beaver Brewing Company
“I believe if you’re just getting into IPA’s I would first start with a Hazy IPA. They are soft, flavorful, and can have many tropical flavors. I would ask your favorite local brewery if they have a Hazy IPA and give it a shot! If in distro go for any Hazy IPA from New Trail.”
Ryan Seiz, Brewmaster Warwick Farm Brewing
“General Braddock’s (Brew Gentlemen), False Kingdom (Old Thunder), Perpetual (Troegs) are all great choices”
Ben Steffen, Owner/Brewer Arboretum Trail Brewing
“Broken Heels- Hazy (New Trail) is an easy gateway to craft. Perpetual (Troegs)- Solid American IPA for people to try west coast and easily available. Lustration- extremely approachable pale ale”
Mike LaRosa, Director Of Brewing Operations New Trail Brewing
“This is a tough one because you have to decide if a fruitier, less bitter IPA is more ‘beginner’ friendly, or if a simpler, truer bitter IPA is the best starting point. For those readily available now, and easy to find state-wide, I guess I would say Yards Pale, Neshaminy Creek County Line, and maybe Free Will Cloudy With A Chance Of Charcuterie. They all have big distro, and each represents a niche – the Pale is super drinkable and less bitter, County Line is more biting and resiny as a West Coast IPA, and Cloudy With a Chance is a nice intro Hazy.”
Mike LaCouture, Co-Owner Broken Goblet Brewing
“Troegs Perpetual is an approachable and well done take on the style. There are so many versions of IPA that it’s hard to pin one down. If a beginner is looking for hazy IPAs, I’d suggest getting the freshest one from your local brewery – fresh is always best for that style.”
Ian Staab, Owner/Founder Yellow Bridge Brewing
“Robot Factory (Animated Brewing), Alien Church (Tired Hands), Broken Heels (New Trail), Cloudy and Cumbersome (Levante).”
Tom DiObilda, Investor/Owner Animated Brewing
“For a legit West Coast IPA, I recommend Perpetual from Troegs. For a New England Style, Philthy from Yards.”
Dave Wood, Production Manager/Brewer The Ways Restaurant and Brewery
“Not an IPA, but definitely Yards Philly Pale Ale. It has a great hop character, and it’s a classic PA beer. I’d also lean towards Troegs Perpetual and Nugget Nectar. I look forward to NN every year, it’s amazing and has been a PA staple for many years. Finally, I’d say Tired Hands Alien Church. They were one of, if not, the first hazy IPA brewery in the state (and country), and Alien Church is one of their best offerings (imo). And finally/most obviously, the most recent IPA release from Second Sin.”
Jake Howell, Head Brewer and Co-Owner Second Sin Brewing Company
“Man I think Troegs perpetual and Victory hop devil should be on this list.”
Jason Lavery, President Lavery Brewing
“I would say the best IPA’s for beginners are the ones that are at your local brewery. I find the best way to approach new beers and styles are to check out your local brewery and sit down and chat with the bartender. They’re usually super knowledgeable and 9/10 there’s someone there that’s responsible for making that beer. So chatting with them and starting a conversation and learning about the style and getting their input on what you might like. Personally I would say starting with Hazy IPA’s would be a sold start for a beginner. They’re usually not as intense and have a little sweetness that’s super approachable for any palate in my opinion.”
Matt Nitchke, Head Brewer Ten7 Brewing
“General Braddocks. It’s light and approachable to the style for beginners. It’s a great introduction to the style.”
Zach Waltz, Owner Union Brothers Brewing
