The Ultimate Guide to IPA Styles: From West Coast to New England

India Pale Ale, or IPA, is the most popular craft beer style in the world, but not all IPAs are created equal. From the piney, bitter West Coast versions to the juicy, hazy New England IPAs, each substyle offers a unique experience. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right beer for any occasion and deepen your appreciation for the brewer’s art.

In this guide, we break down the major IPA styles, their defining characteristics, and how to pair them with food. Whether you are a seasoned hophead or a curious newcomer, you will discover new favorites and learn what makes each style special.

West Coast IPA: The Original Hop Bomb

The West Coast IPA emerged from California and the Pacific Northwest in the 1990s and 2000s. It is defined by aggressive bitterness, a clean malt backbone, and intense hop flavors and aromas. Expect notes of pine, resin, grapefruit, and orange zest, with a dry, crisp finish. These beers are highly carbonated and often have a lower final gravity, making them refreshing despite high alcohol content.

Brewers use classic American hops like Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe, often adding them late in the boil or dry-hopping for maximum aroma. The result is a beer that showcases hop character without the haze or sweetness of other styles. For a modern take on this classic, try our Action Direct, which balances bold citrus hops with a clean, bitter finish.

• High bitterness (60-100+ IBUs)
• Clear or slightly hazy appearance
• Dry finish with low residual sweetness

New England IPA: The Hazy Juicy Revolution

The New England IPA (NEIPA) turned the beer world upside down by prioritizing hop flavor and aroma over bitterness. These beers are intentionally hazy, often opaque, and loaded with fruit-forward notes like mango, pineapple, peach, and passion fruit. They have a soft, creamy mouthfeel from the use of oats and wheat, and a low bitterness that makes them incredibly drinkable.

NEIPAs are dry-hopped heavily during active fermentation to capture volatile hop compounds that would otherwise be lost. The result is a beer that tastes more like a fruit juice than a traditional IPA. For a perfect example of this style, look no further than our Tropical Rumble, which bursts with tropical fruit flavors and a velvety smooth finish.

• Low to moderate bitterness (30-50 IBUs)
• Hazy, opaque appearance
• Juicy, fruit-forward hop profile

Session IPA: Big Flavor, Lower Alcohol

Session IPAs are designed for extended drinking sessions, typically with an ABV of 4-5%. They pack all the hop character of a full-strength IPA into a lighter, more refreshing body. The key is balancing hop flavor and bitterness so that the beer remains crisp and drinkable without becoming cloying or harsh.

Brewers often use a combination of high-alpha and aromatic hops to maximize flavor while keeping bitterness in check. The malt bill is kept light to avoid adding sweetness. A great session IPA should be aromatic, bright, and finish clean. Our Openfaced is a stellar example, offering bright citrus and floral notes with a low ABV that invites another sip.

• ABV between 4.0% and 5.0%
• Moderate bitterness (30-50 IBUs)
• Light to medium body with crisp finish

Double IPA: Amplified Everything

Double IPAs (also called Imperial IPAs) take the West Coast or New England template and turn up the volume. Higher gravity means more malt backbone to support massive hop additions, resulting in a beer that is intensely flavorful, aromatic, and often higher in alcohol (7.5-10% ABV). The bitterness can be sharp, but modern versions often emphasize hop flavor over bite.

These beers are not for the faint of heart. They reward sipping and contemplation, with layers of hop complexity that evolve as the beer warms. For a bold, modern Double IPA, try our Stereo Mono Simcoe, which showcases a single hop variety in a powerful yet balanced package.

• ABV 7.5-10%+
• High bitterness (60-100+ IBUs)
• Full body with rich malt character

Whether you crave the crisp bitterness of a West Coast IPA or the juicy haze of a New England style, there is an IPA out there for you. Explore our curated selection of IPAs at To Øl and find your new favorite hop-forward brew. Start your journey with the tropical explosion of Tropical Rumble and taste the difference fresh, innovative brewing makes.