Hoppy Beers - Pale Ales, India Pale Ales (IPAs), American Pale Ales (APAs)
All beers have hops (even Coors), but Pale Ales are characterized by having lots of hops (India Pale Ales having the most). There are tons of different types of hops, but generally speaking they add bitterness to beer. It can be too much for some people. You might not like them from first sip, but keep an open mind and try to identify the floral, citrus, and/or piney notes. Once you develop a palate and appreciation for good hoppy beers, you'll rarely look back.
All beers have hops (even Coors), but Pale Ales are characterized by having lots of hops (India Pale Ales having the most). There are tons of different types of hops, but generally speaking they add bitterness to beer. It can be too much for some people. You might not like them from first sip, but keep an open mind and try to identify the floral, citrus, and/or piney notes. Once you develop a palate and appreciation for good hoppy beers, you'll rarely look back.
Hopalicious (APA) - Ale Asylum, Madison - great intro to pale ales. Not overwhelmingly hoppy but flavor is very present with a bit of malt sweetness for balance. Highly drinkable; refreshing even. A common go-to for me when I want something a bit easier on the palate or plan to drink a good amount ;-)
Beer Advocate Rating: 89
Beer Advocate Rating: 89
*NOTE - If you can't find Hopalicious, look for Moon Man from New Glarus. It's very similar in style and preferred by some people. I think Hopalicious is slightly better, though.
Ranger IPA - New Belgium, Colorado - LOTS of isolated hop flavor present with very little malt backbone. Floral and citrusy pine flavors present with good bitterness. Great floral aroma. A great beer for getting a sense of what hops are all about. One of my favorite IPAs.
Beer Advocate Rating: 86
Drink this after Hopalicious. As a general principle, when drinking varying hoppy beers you want to go drink them in order of least to most hoppy. If you start with the high-hopped ones, you won't get as much flavor out of the lower-hopped varieties.
Drink this after Hopalicious. As a general principle, when drinking varying hoppy beers you want to go drink them in order of least to most hoppy. If you start with the high-hopped ones, you won't get as much flavor out of the lower-hopped varieties.
**BONUS BEER**
2 Hearted Ale - Bells Brewery, Michigan - Incredible beer. 2 Hearted Ale is the beer that made me a beer fan. Large amount of hops balanced with a sweeter malty backbone. The balance found in this beer is impeccable. Widely loved, you should be able to find this at any liquor store worth its weight in shit.
Beer Advocate Rating: 95
Beer Advocate Rating: 95
Try this after Ranger and you'll immediately notice the difference between an IPA that lacks malt and one that doesn't. Look for the unassuming orange-outlined label with the ever-iconic fish on it.
