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