IPA, known as India Pale Ale, has become one of the most beloved and diverse styles of beer in the craft beer world. Known for their hop-forward flavors and aromas, IPAs come in various forms, each offering its own unique twist on what makes this style so exciting. At Saucy Brew Works, we’re passionate about creating IPAs that stand out in a crowded field, and we want to help you explore the different types of IPAs so you can find your next favorite brew. Let’s dive into the world of IPAs and take a closer look at some of the most popular and exciting styles, including Saucy Brew Works’ own signature beers like Sesh, Juicy Asap, and Love You Bye. Whether you’re a hop enthusiast or new to the IPA scene, we’ve got something for you.
Session IPA: The Easy-Drinking, Hop-Packed Brew
If you’re looking for a hop-heavy beer that doesn’t weigh you down, the Session IPA is a perfect choice. This style of IPA is known for its low ABV (typically around 3-5%) while still offering those bright and bold hop flavors that IPA lovers crave. The reduced alcohol content makes it easier to drink multiple pints without feeling overwhelmed by the alcohol.
Saucy Brew Works’ Sesh – Hazy Session IPA is an ideal example of this style. Light and crisp, it delivers a balanced hop profile with hints of citrus and pine. It’s perfect for long, sunny afternoons or when you want to enjoy a flavorful beer without the heavy hit of alcohol.
Traditional IPA: A Classic, Bold IPA with a Balanced Hop Kick
The traditional IPA is all about the hop experience—bitter, bold, and full of flavor. Traditional IPAs often have a more pronounced bitterness from the hops, with a balanced malt backbone to round out the flavor. This style usually sits at around 6-7% ABV, providing a satisfying but not overpowering experience.
Juicy Asap IPA from Saucy Brew Works is a modern take on the classic IPA, delivering juicy, hop-forward flavors with citrusy and tropical fruit notes. Its medium ABV makes it the perfect beer for those who appreciate the bitterness and complexity of a traditional IPA but want something a little more accessible. The hop aroma of Juicy ASAP is intense, the flavor is bold, and the finish is crisp—just what you’d expect from a stellar IPA.
Hazy IPA: Juicy, Smooth, and Bursting with Flavor
Hazy IPAs have become a fan favorite in the craft beer world, and for good reason. These beers are all about delivering bold, juicy flavors with a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Unfiltered and hazy in appearance, they feature generous amounts of hops that emphasize fruity, tropical notes like mango, pineapple, and citrus, while keeping bitterness in check. The hallmark of a Hazy IPA is its soft, pillowy body, often achieved through the use of oats and wheat in the brewing process. This creates a beer that’s as satisfying to drink as it is visually striking. Whether you’re new to IPAs or a seasoned craft beer enthusiast, the approachable nature of Hazy IPAs makes them a hit for anyone looking to enjoy big flavors without an overpowering bitterness.
Love You, Bye from Saucy Brew Works is a prime example of a Hazy Imperial IPA. At a higher ABV (8%), this beer is bursting with tropical fruit notes, including mango, pineapple, and citrus. The hazy body gives it a silky mouthfeel, while the intense hop bitterness is balanced with a malt backbone that supports its bigger ABV. The finish of Love You, Bye is smooth, with lingering hop flavors that will leave you reaching for another sip.
West Coast IPA: Clean, Crisp, and Bitter
If you enjoy a beer with a more pronounced hop bitterness and a clean, dry finish, the West Coast IPA is likely your style. Known for its clear appearance, bold hop bitterness, and piney, resinous flavors, this IPA style is a throwback to the early days of the IPA movement. West Coast IPAs are typically brewed with a higher dose of bittering hops, which can make them a bit sharper on the palate.
The West Coast IPA typically features a maltier backbone than other IPAs, but the hops remain the star of the show. This style has become less popular in recent years due to the rise of hazy IPAs, but it still has a devoted following. For lovers of clean, bitter, and aromatic beers, the West Coast IPA is a timeless classic.
Electric Lettuce from Saucy Brew Works is a quintessential West Coast IPA. It features a bright and refreshing flavor profile with notes of grapefruit, pine, and a hint of candy-like sweetness. Its clean body and moderate ABV make it a go-to for fans of crisp, bold beers.
Double (or Imperial) IPA: Stronger and More Intense
The Double IPA (also known as Imperial IPA) takes everything you love about a traditional IPA and cranks it up a notch. With ABVs typically ranging from 7.5% to 10%, these beers pack a punch both in alcohol and in flavor. DIPA’s are known for their intense hop character, bold malt flavors, and higher alcohol content. These beers are meant to be savored and enjoyed slowly, often with a stronger malt backbone to balance the high levels of bitterness. While Love You Bye is a fantastic example of a Hazy Imperial IPA, there are also clean, crisp versions of DIPAs that showcase just how complex and rewarding this style can be. The high ABV offers a satisfying warmth, and the flavor profile can range from piney and resinous to juicy and tropical, depending on the hops used. Why You’ll Love It:
Black IPA: Dark, Bold, and Hoppy
The Black IPA (also known as a Cascadian Dark Ale) is a style that blends the bold hoppiness of an IPA with the dark, roasty malts of a stout or porter. The result is a beer that’s both rich and complex, with the dark malt flavors complementing the usual hop bitterness of an IPA. Black IPAs tend to have a deep brown or black color, but they still maintain a hoppy profile with notes of citrus, pine, and sometimes tropical fruit. Though not as widely known as other IPA styles, Black IPAs have earned a niche following. If you’re looking for something that combines the best of both worlds—the rich, roasty flavors of dark beers and the bright, hoppy aromas of IPAs—this is a style worth exploring.
Final Thoughts
India Pale Ales are diverse, exciting, and ever evolving, with a wide range of flavors to explore. Whether you’re reaching for something light and sessionable like Sesh, craving a juicy and refreshing IPA like Juicy Asap, or wanting to indulge in a bigger, hazy brew like Love You Bye, Saucy Brew Works has something to suit every palate.
Explore the different IPA styles and find the one that best fits your taste. Cheers to discovering bold, hoppy goodness at the #1 Brewery in Cleveland!