Light IPAs

It would be helpful if you could further qualify by what you mean by "Light". Do you mean something lower in calories (e.g., Low-Cal IPA) or lower in ABV (e.g., Session IPA) or lighter in body, or...?

Cheers!

 

If you are looking for an IPA that just feels lighter, and not really one of the new lo-cal beers, Troegs Field Study is a good option. I believe abv is around 6.2%, but this beer just feels light but still delivers good flavor.

 

IOW, you want an beer that has Great Taste and is Less Filling!

Wait... haven't I heard that before?

 

Bells light hearted.

 

I switch to PBR and Lone Star.

 

It's hard for me to quantify IPA's as filling. Maybe some NEIPA's. But I drink them so I specifically dont fill up. Theres tons or lists or posts on the lo-cal lighter IPA 's on the site.

 

I have yet to be satisfied with one 'light' or 'session' IPA. And I have tried many from the main craft brewers in the country. I think it's impossible to have a tasty, light IPA. IMO.

 

I agree as well sub 5% IPAs are hop water and I just don't care for any of them for the most part. Although there are some 5-6% Pale Ales and IPAs that are very flavorful and have a richness/heartiness to them that makes them feel big. Look for Pale Ales would be my suggestion.

 

I concur with this. Founder's All Day would probably be a good example for the OP, good flavor at only 4.7% ABV. But I need "oomph" in my IPA's. The light or session IPA's just don't have that oomph. It might be possible to have a tasty, light IPA, but show me one with oomph!

 

I am with you 100% here. I have read lots of advertising/claims made for these sorts of beers but for my palate they have all been lacking.

My suggestion for folks seeking to 'lessen' their drinking when it comes to hoppy beers like IPAs is to just enjoy one bottle/can of (insert your favorite IPA here) instead of drinking multiple bottles/cans of hop water.

Cheers!

 

NEIPAS IMO are a handful, when you add the wheat, or Oat flakes, or lactose they get get a bit filling and tedious. One and done, they lose points for drinkability.

The first beer of the day drink what you like, then switch over to any lager of some flavor. Or a lambic, they’re light and really refreshing.

 

These days a 6.2 % 12 oz IPA is considered “light.”

 

I mean...any esteemed WCIPA should do the trick. Compared to NEIPA, the grist is usually a bit simpler, attenuation is a bit higher, on paper it should definitely fill you up less.

But then again. It’s beer. It’s almost always gonna make you feel full anyway.

 

Boulevard used to make a fine ale and it was a session IPA, only 4.2% abv. It was called Frequent Flier, it was mighty tasty but they discontinued it. Was my favorite.

 

SN's Summerfest.

I could kill a 12 pack in one day.

Easy.... Don't tempt me.

 

Summerfest is a great, world class beer but there is nothing IPAish about it.

 

I agree: it's super refreshing, but isn't it a pilsner?

 

It's anything you want it to be.

 

Bell's Light Hearted Ale, Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, and Founders All Day IPA are all good options. Light but with a nice hoppiness.

I also second that a lot of West Coast IPAs are much lighter in body than New England IPAs. Try Lagunitas IPA. It's notably crisp and clean but impactful.