Best Black and Specialty IPAs
Beyond the mainstream styles lies a more adventurous corner of the IPA family: dark, spiced, soured, fruited, and fermented-differently beers that take the hop-forward template somewhere unexpected. This note collects critic's picks for the Black IPA and the broader world of Specialty and Experimental IPAs.
A weird beer is not automatically a good one. Per How These Were Selected, these picks earn their place by being well-made and distinctive — the twist has to actually improve the drink.
#Black IPAs
The Black IPA — also called Cascadian Dark Ale — pairs IPA hopping with dark malt that contributes color and a light roast without heavy bitterness.
| Beer | Brewery | Location | ABV | Why it's notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sublimely Self-Righteous | Stone | Escondido, CA | ~8.7% | An early, influential strong black IPA |
| Wookey Jack | Firestone Walker | Paso Robles, CA | ~8.3% | A Rye IPA/black IPA hybrid; peppery and resinous |
| Back in Black | 21st Amendment | San Leandro, CA | ~6.8% | A clean, widely available reference black IPA |
#Specialty and experimental picks
| Beer | Brewery | Location | ABV | Style twist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo* / strong specials | BrewDog | Ellon, Scotland | varies | Extreme experimental imperial beers |
| Le Freak | Green Flash | San Diego, CA | ~9.2% | A Belgian IPA — IPA hopping, Belgian yeast |
| Hop Drop 'n Roll | NoDa | Charlotte, NC | ~7.2% | An award-winning showcase of Galaxy and Citra |
The black IPA peaked around 2011 and has since faded. Critics still rate the best examples highly — proof that Modern IPA Diversification produces styles that deserve survival even when fashion moves on.
#What links these beers
Specialty IPAs change one variable while keeping the hop focus. A Black IPA adds dehusked dark malt; a Rye IPA adds spicy rye; a Red IPA adds caramel malt; a White IPA, Brett IPA, or Belgian IPA changes the yeast; a Milkshake IPA or Sour IPA alters body or acidity; a Brut IPA or Cold IPA reengineers fermentation. Each is a controlled experiment in what "IPA" can mean.
Specialty IPAs vary wildly. Reading an IPA Label and a quick check of the IPA Style Comparison Table will tell you what you're about to drink.
#Continue Reading
- Specialty and Experimental IPAs — the full overview
- Black IPA — the style profile
- Modern IPA Diversification — how these styles arose
- IPA Family Tree — how every IPA style relates