What beer defines an IPA for you?

Right now -- this or one of it's brothers or sisters is it for me. State of the art in terms of getting optimal flavor/aroma out of the latest hop varieties.

 

I would say Blind Pig from RR. But lately I have been digging those NEIPA's. (See Above)

 

My palate has shifted somewhat away from IPAs that are quite this bitter, but before it did Modus was indeed a beer that I loved. Even if it's not quite in my sweet spot these days it's one of the few things that I miss about living in central Illinois.

 

I think Modus Hoperandi is the most underrated IPA there is! You nailed the description of this IPA. The pine makes this beer and all the other elements just fall in line. However, there is no quintessential IPA for me because I'm continuing to find great IPAs all the time. Some of the most impressive IPAs I've had include, 3F Permanent Funeral, Fresh Sculpin on tap, TH Sap, Trillium Galaxy Hopped Fort Point, and OH City Slickers.

 

Maine Beer Company Hop Program Beer IV!

 

Though it has changed some over the years, Flower Power is that exemplar of an IPA to me.

 

West Coast: Russian River Blind Pig

Old School East Coast: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

New School East Coast: Trillium Melcher Street, Hill Farmstead Susan, Tree House Julius, or Toppling Goliath ZeeLander

Third Coast: Bells Two Hearted, Surly Todd the Axe Man (almost new NE style), or Three Floyds Zombie Dust (despite that they call it an APA)

English: Fuller's IPA

 

Tree House Green. For me it's the amazing balance of tropical juiciness with an awesome green herbaceous kick. And the mouthfeel is nuts. It is perfection.

 

I think IPA is the one beer style for which I cannot choose one that is the defining beer for me. It has such range. The hops can all be different as well as the mouthfeel. So many are memorable and all for differences.

 

Zombie dust or Sculpin

 

Bell's Two Hearted Ale is probably the most balanced beer that I've ever had. The balance between hops and malt is perfect. It's not too bitter and it's not an overpowering hop presence. It's probably my favorite beer just to drink. The quintessential "fridge beer". I can't give it enough accolades!! I only wish I was in NY and could get it more often.

 

I have to agree with @utopiajane, I have yet to find one I just want to drink in and out. I have to say though I hardly go a week without grabbing a Yellow Rose on tap somewhere. What I am really digging now is Head Hunter by Fat Head's. I don't usually bother anyone other than my kids to mule beer for me, but had a friend that went to Florida pick some up. Great beer

 

fresh Fat Heads Head Hunter

 

I'll go off the reservation here:

• Devil Anse (Greenbrier Valley)
• Exit 16 (Flying Fish)
• Union Jack (Firestone Walker)

Like @utopiajane said, there is such a range that it's hard to pick a defining one. However, these embody everything I love about IPAs.

If APAs are allowed in this conversation, then PseudoSue. Or Mosaic Dry Hopped PseudoSue.

 

Head Hunter was my first. Blind Pig came next, then Todd the Axe Man...a little later and Trillium and then (locally, thankfully) Brew Gentlemen. The evolution hasn't demoted any to second tier, just a clearer (if not broadening) representation of the favored style, though these examples remains my significant touchpoints.

 

Union Jack comes to mind. It's by no means my favorite IPA but it pretty much encapsulates everything good about the style, in my opinion.

 

Greene King IPA.

 

Although I haven't had it in forever, Odell IPA.