Beer style
Best hops for American IPA
Classic American IPA - assertive bitterness, intense citrus, pine and resinous aroma. Drier and clearer than NEIPA.
Typical ABV
5.5–7.5%
Typical IBU
50–70
Alpha acid range
4.5–18.0%
Dominant purpose
Dual purpose
Recommended hops for American IPA
7
Citra
USADual purpose2008IPAAPAPils
Alpha acid10–15%
Beta acid3–4.5%
Total oil1.5–3 mL
CitrusGrapefruitPeachMelon+5
Mosaic
USADual purpose2012IPAAPAPils
Alpha acid11.5–13.5%
Beta acid3.2–3.9%
Total oil1–1.5 mL
BlueberryTropicalCitrusGrassy+9
Simcoe
USADual purpose2000IPAAPAPils
Alpha acid11–15%
Beta acid3–5%
Total oil0.8–3.2 mL
FruityEarthyGrapefruitPassion fruit+5
Centennial
USADual purpose1990IPAAPAPils
Alpha acid7–12%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%
Total oil1–3 mL
PineCitrusFloralGrapefruit+1
Cascade
USADual purpose1972IPAAPAPils
Alpha acid4.5–9%
Beta acid4.8–7.5%
Total oil0.7–2.5 mL
GrapefruitFloralSpicyCitrus+1
Columbus
USADual purpose8230IPAAPAPils
Alpha acid14–18%
Beta acid4.5–6%
Total oil2.5–4.5 mL
EarthyBlack currantLicoriceCurry+6
Amarillo
USAAroma2014Pale AlePilsWitbier
Alpha acid7–11%
Beta acid5.5–8%
Total oil1–2.3 mL
FloralSpicyTropicalCitrus+7
How to brew American IPA
Base bitterness from Magnum or Columbus at the start of the boil. Aroma from whirlpool and dry hop. Medium-hard water emphasizing sulfates to accentuate bitterness.