Dogfish Head a good place to start?

February is bit old for an IPA. 60 Minute also seems to fade rather quick but if it's fresh it is a solid place to start for IPA's.

 

Can't go wrong with DFH 60, but when I lived on the east coast I'd go after HS - Loose Cannon and FD -Snake Dog.

 

The guys telling you to check the date are on point. My advice is look for something that is made relatively close to where you live and has a date within 3 months or so on the bottle. Then you will taste the fresh hops that everyone goes wild for. A lot of people think IPAs are challenging because they have only had old stale ones. Really strong IPAs get pretty bitter if they sit for too long. Anything fresh and made well will get you hooked.

 

There are a ton of IPAs brewed in your home state. I would explore them if I were you.

 

I'm actually going to go the other way with this one. 60 minute is a classic IPA, but it's an "older" recipe that isn't along the same lines as many of the top IPAs today.

Certainly give 60 minute a whirl, but it's more bitter and piney. I would suggest one of the "tropical fruit" types. Maybe a Firestone Walker Union Jack or Sculpin. Years ago people would suggest "gateway" IPAs to prep the palate for a tongue scathing experience, and eventually upgrade yourself to something such as Ruination. But today, the top IPAs are dangerously drinkable, with mango and orange notes for example. And none are overly bitter. I don't believe you need a "gateway" with top shelf IPAs, they're all delicious.....there's a reason Heady Topper is rated 4.7 out of 5.

Whatever you try, whether it be 60 minute, Sculpin, or Union Jack, just make sure it's fresh. The fresher the better, we don't want you judging all IPAs on a six month old beer.

 

I cut my teeth on 90 Minute and it opened my eyes to the whole movement... 60 Minute is a great beer but grab a 90 Minute as well. You will thank me... as stated, check those bottle dates... grab whatever is fresh

 

Haha sorry to confuse you...had my first heady thanks to an awesome BA, so I made it my avatar for now.

 

A lot of people are saying try 60 minute as your first IPA, but I would go with 90 minute first. The beer has a great malt that balances out the hops and it really is hard to dislike it. For me it was one of the first craft beers I really loved.

 

90 min was my gateway beer, just be Carefull of the ABV!

 

Don't be a time waster...drink all the minutes!

 

60 Minute is a good start, but there's no reason it has to be your first IPA... Sweetwater IPA is tasty, approachable, and shouldn't be hard to find in your area. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/273/1493

If Bell's Two-Hearted is available in your area that's a must try: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/287/1093

 

Agreed! Freshness is key!

 

60 min is a great place to start also Two Hearted is pretty readily available at most grocery stores down here in Florida and it is also a great IPA

 

Founders session IPA is a good one to start with if its available in your area

 

DFH is one of the best brewies in the world. That does not mean that I like every they make or even eveything that I have sampled from them.

That said, DFH 60 is a perfect place to start. I'd agree with a few other posters and add Indian Brown to your initial list as well.

 

According to SeekABrew, Founders distributes in NC. Seek ye out some Centennial...