Today I figured I would debut a new segment on my website: a top 5 list. Over the past several months I have been writing about all sorts of beer types, but have consistently explained that my favorite type is the Double IPA (DIPA). Many ask what the difference between a regular IPA, DIPA and a triple IPA are. The short answer is that there isn't much of a definition. It appears that when IPAs reach a 7.5% or 8% level, people begin calling them DIPAs. When they reach above 10%, they all of a sudden become Triple IPAs. Granted some breweries do different things, but this is typically how I define them.
Today I want to do a top 5 of my current favorite Double IPAs, counting backwards. I have reviewed all five of them already (since I buy them often!). I would love to hear thoughts.
Honorable Mention: Green Flash West Coast IPA, Firestone Walker Double Jack, Sixpoint Hi-Res, Bell's Hopslam, Great Divide Hercules DIPA
Today I want to do a top 5 of my current favorite Double IPAs, counting backwards. I have reviewed all five of them already (since I buy them often!). I would love to hear thoughts.
Honorable Mention: Green Flash West Coast IPA, Firestone Walker Double Jack, Sixpoint Hi-Res, Bell's Hopslam, Great Divide Hercules DIPA
5. Bear Republic Apex Special IPA.
I had this for the first time in a bottle in the beginning of June, and have only seen it a few times in stores. I had the opportunity to try it on tap on June 30th, and find it incredibly crisp, refreshing and drinkable. The flavors are citrusy, but extremely hoppy. The head really stood out to me, as it was almost creamy, and maintained its consistency the whole way down the glass.
I had this for the first time in a bottle in the beginning of June, and have only seen it a few times in stores. I had the opportunity to try it on tap on June 30th, and find it incredibly crisp, refreshing and drinkable. The flavors are citrusy, but extremely hoppy. The head really stood out to me, as it was almost creamy, and maintained its consistency the whole way down the glass.
4. Stone RuinTen
This is the tenth anniversary beer for Stone's Ruination IPA, an incredibly bitter and hoppy DIPA. It was first put out in 2012, and was so popular that they made it again in 2014. I have had the opportunity to have it in a bottle twice, and on tap twice since it came out a little over a month ago. Bravo Stone!
This is the tenth anniversary beer for Stone's Ruination IPA, an incredibly bitter and hoppy DIPA. It was first put out in 2012, and was so popular that they made it again in 2014. I have had the opportunity to have it in a bottle twice, and on tap twice since it came out a little over a month ago. Bravo Stone!
3. Stone Enjoy By IPA
This beer is a favorite of mine, and I buy it every time it is released (though I have not yet found the August edition in NYC!) Stone brews this DIPA fresh, and the date on the bottle is the date when one should consume this beer by. It is unfiltered and tastes incredibly hoppy, bitter, citrusy and is the definition of fresh. Buy it whenever you find it (as long as it is before the date!)
This beer is a favorite of mine, and I buy it every time it is released (though I have not yet found the August edition in NYC!) Stone brews this DIPA fresh, and the date on the bottle is the date when one should consume this beer by. It is unfiltered and tastes incredibly hoppy, bitter, citrusy and is the definition of fresh. Buy it whenever you find it (as long as it is before the date!)
2. Wormtown Hopulence
The number 2 and 1 slot have caused my great anxiety. For a time when I first discovered Hopulence, I proclaimed it the best beer I have ever had. Each time I drink the number 1, however, it causes me to switch back. Hopulence is a phenomenal beer and one that I will continue to buy whenever I have the opportunity. It is a beautiful blend of citrus, floral and earthy hops with an incredibly bitterness that somehow converts into a crisp and refreshing beer. Everybody I have given this to has enjoyed it, and is shocked that they have never heard of it or seen it. Surprisingly, it only scores a 92 on Beer Advocate, which is shocking to me. It is on par with the number one on this list, which should be no surprise to anyone.
The number 2 and 1 slot have caused my great anxiety. For a time when I first discovered Hopulence, I proclaimed it the best beer I have ever had. Each time I drink the number 1, however, it causes me to switch back. Hopulence is a phenomenal beer and one that I will continue to buy whenever I have the opportunity. It is a beautiful blend of citrus, floral and earthy hops with an incredibly bitterness that somehow converts into a crisp and refreshing beer. Everybody I have given this to has enjoyed it, and is shocked that they have never heard of it or seen it. Surprisingly, it only scores a 92 on Beer Advocate, which is shocking to me. It is on par with the number one on this list, which should be no surprise to anyone.
1. Heady Topper
Was there ever any doubt? The number one beer on Beer Advocate and holy grail of American craft beer fanatics. It is so similar to Hopulence but just edges it out. Clocking in at 120+ IBUs, this is another unfiltered beer that tastes incredibly fresh. I have been lucky to have tried it close to 10 times, and have a few waiting in the pipeline. Grab this whenever you can, and try to trade for it if possible. Remember: drink from the can and drink fresh!
Hope everyone enjoyed this post. As always, please let me know thoughts. I am constantly looking for new beers to try and hope that this list will constantly evolve!
Cheers!
Scott
RSS Feed