First up: The Basics
We’ve covered the origin story of the original IPA on page 24, so let’s start with the other two.
Both NEIPA and West Coast IPA are classed as American IPAs, as you might expect considering their origins. New England IPA (NEIPA) is named after the region where it originated - New England, in the northeastern corner of the U.S, specifically Vermont. The style was pioneered in the 2000s by The Alchemist Brewery with their famous Heady Topper - an interpretation of an American Double IPA - which introduced a hazy, juicy, and less bitter take on the traditional IPA. The style gained widespread popularity after 2015, leading to the "haze craze" that took over the craft beer scene.
West Coast IPA, on the other hand, is a crisp, bitter and piney take on the IPA, originating in The San Francisco Bay Area, California - on the West Coast of the USA.
| Feature | UK IPA | West Coast | NEIPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear amber to copper | Clear, amber to deep gold | Hazy, often opaque; golden to deep orange |
| Aroma | Earthy, floral, herbal | Piney, resinous, citrus (grapefruit, orange peel) | Intense fruit-forward notes (tropical, citrus, stone fruit) |
| Flavour | Balanced malt and bitterness, slightly toasty | Sharp bitterness, crisp malt backbone, dank resinous hops | Juicy, soft bitterness, emphasis on hop aroma |
| Mouthfeel | Medium bodied, slightly dry | Dry, crisp, medium carbonation | Smooth, creamy, soft carbonation |
| Bitterness | Moderate | High, lingering bitterness | Low to moderate |
| Hops Used | English varieties (East Kent Goldings, Fuggles, Challenger) | Classic American varieties (Cascade, Centennial, Simcoe, Chinook) | Fruity varieties (Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, El Dorado) |
| Malt Profile | Balanced, biscuity, caramel notes | Balanced with caramel malts for structure | Minimal malt presence, often with oats or wheat for body |
| Yeast | English ale yeasts add a slight fruitiness | Clean-fermenting strains (California Ale) for clarity | Low-flocculating strains (often London Ale III) for haze |
| ABV Range | 5-7% | 5-8% (can go higher for Double IPAs) | 5-8% (can go higher for Double IPAs) |
| Finish | Dry, slightly malty | Dry, crisp, lingering bitterness | Smooth, slightly sweet |
| Best Pairings | Roasted dishes, aged cheese, and savoury pies | Grilled dishes, sharp cheeses, salty snacks | Spicy foods, creamy cheeses, and tropical dishes |
