Are IPAs becoming less popular?

Nope, although read the latest and interesting editorial by the bros up-front in the new magazine copy of BA.

 

As soon as someone can figure out how to make a 100+ IBU Session IPA, you will see people lining up for it.

 

Not sure what the general consensus is currently but I've realized that personally I've been craving IPAs less and less.

 

The IPA in general, no.

I do however see a pretty major shift in preference happening.
The New England IPA is taking over

The outrageously bitter, piney IPA's are being reworked or overtaken by the glory that is the hazy, juicy, pure flavor/low bitterness style by the likes of The Alchemist (Heady Topper being the granddaddy of em all), Tree House, and Trillium

 

I saw Moorhouse's Black Cat at a Jungle Jim's once. Only once. The trip reduced it in flavor to what I imagine might run out of a well-used dirty gym sock when soaked in water and wrung.

So basically yes, I agree with your observations.

Unrelated side note more on topic, I'd be all for a decrease in at least the number of IPAs carried on tap lists and beer stores, but such a state of affairs seems to be naught but a dream for me.

 

Agree!

 

That would be awesome

 

I never get tired of trying one after the other. Got to throw a stout and or hippy lager in there occasionally

 

There was a time when you saw more than 1 Cali Common or a English Mild at your beer store in Ohio?

 

I don't think they are becoming less popular. I did think this at one time but it was just me realizing there is a lot of stuff out there, other than IPAs. And I think IPAs are what get people into micro. However, IPAs are my favorite but like many of you stated, you need to switch it up a little. A brewery near me makes great Pale Ales, which I switched over to as of recent.

 

No, on the contrary, they're increasing in popularity. There are still so many traditional lager and pilsner drinkers that are discovering, fresher, hoppier beers.

 

Still many consumers stick to this style year round and with gusto!!

 

A couple of years ago there were only a handful of really sought after IPA's (seemed like Pliny, Heady, and ZD), now that the selection has gotten so large I think it makes IPA's seem a little more diluted and we forget the level of improvement in this style.

 

All indications say... no.

 

In my opinion, no.

I think part of what's happening is that we are experiencing a re-emergence of certain styles that were not so popular when the initial craft beer wave really hit, along with many beer drinkers expressing an interest in those, and other, styles in general. Though we continue to see various types of IPAs released on a regular basis, they are no longer the "primary" craft beer so to speak.

 

I think tastes are starting to shift toward less bitter, more fruity IPAs, but IPAs as a whole are just as popular as ever, if not becoming even more popular. Personal tastes will shift, though. I've been starting to ease off on hop bombs myself. I'm really getting into more complex dark and/or malty beers--doppelbocks, scotch ales, old ales, stouts, etc.

 

That's not an indication of curren trends.

 

Ummm, I believe your second paragraph partially answered your first. There isn't any/enough demand for English Milds.

And as far as CA Common is concerned, if the big retailers in Dayton and Cincinnati don't carry more than 1 CA Common, it's perhaps low store demand and therefore a distributor issue, which are obviously tied together.

 

Thanks for the post, it reminded me to go to the basement fridge and grab an IPA!

 

Maybe not, but 19,000+ beers don't just go away overnight like some current trends seem to.