IPA advice

Where in AR are you located?

SNPA and Diamond Bear Pale Ale are both widely available here and a little gentler entry to hops. If you're in NWA, go pull up a barstool at Apple Blossom and try their APA or the Paleo Ale at Fossil Cove

 

I also recommend these newer IPAs that are bursting with hop aroma/flavor and not so fixated on the bitterness. P.S. I like Fresh Squeezed.

 

Like others have said, american pale ales and session IPAs can be a good way to get your foot in the door, if you really feel a need to develop a taste for this style. Unlike some comments in this thread, i would posit that Dirtwolf and Founder's Centennial are not "approachable" IPAs for a hop novice. To me, they are bitter and piney and all up in my face. (Sheeeeit...duz dirtwolf even have malt in it?) I would second the Stone Go To IPA comment. It has plenty of hops to go round, but they read mostly as peach/apricot/juicyness, not piney/oniony/bitter. Although I dislike English style IPAs, they are certainly mellower than many of their American counterparts and that might be the way to go if you can find some. All in all, i would just let your tastes progress naturally and not worry if you like IPAs even though many people like IPAs. I don't like canteloupe or honeydew. Yet I don't feel the need to keep on trying new melons every time I'm at the produce stand. It's OK

 

I know that a lot of people are talking about IPAs being an acquired taste...and starter IPAs and all that jazz. Here's the deal: There are several typical flavors and flavor profiles that individual IPAs have. Honestly- I would read reviews before trying another. That's my #1 recommendation. Read the context of a few reliable reviewers- and if the qualities described of a beer don't sound like something you would like- then don't buy it.

No-not all IPAs are bitter.

I have had 3/4 IPAs on your list- I personally like NB ranger and Torpedo-but not so much the Rebel IPA.

The typical "west coast IPA" profile I find to be full of white grapefruit and pine- a lot of other BAs will report a ton of tropical fruit flavors as well.

There are also IPAs that can be very earthy/grassy in flavor, some have more of a spicy flavor, and some are more floral.

The first IPA that I liked was Dogfishead 90 minute IPA. (the 2nd was victory Hop Devil) Burton Baton is also great-but harder to find and more costly. 90 Minute is readily available and not too much of an investment if you don't like it. It generally isn't bitter and has a nice caramel malt backbone to it.

I didn't like a lot of "starter" IPAs because they lacked complexity to me and I don't like tropical fruit flavor so much-besides the finish was bitter with no reward in the front.

 

Try Anchor Liberty Ale if you get the chance. It is my gateway beer into hops

 

Very good advice. Also, look for "Session IPAs" which are very similar to regular pale ales. They are lighter in hop bitterness but still have some good hop flavor and aroma. And super easy to drink. I recommend Founders All Day IPA.

 

Kinda weird reading some of the responses. Cuz it felt like I was coming home when I first started drinking IPA's. It was like, "this is what beer should taste like". First IPA's I had was brooklyn blast! Very smooth and with a good kick.

 

Here is a perspective from a stout lover regarding IPAs, they are an acquired taste. You need to find a good IPA that appeals to you. The first IPA I had that caught my attention was Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, followed by Pliny the Elder, and Firestone Walker Union Jack, along with Sierra Nevada Torpedo, Ballast Point Sculpin, and a few others. All IPAs are bitter.

 

This is the best answer. Lock yourself in a room with the beast until you come out victorious!!!!