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Each State's Best IPA Beer - Value, Drinkability, Taste and Artwork (2 Viewers)

General Malaise

Footballguy
This is a thread dedicated to IPA Beer. More to the point, drinkable and affordable IPAs - a Session IPA if you will. If you're a lager guy or you prefer heavy stouts, this might not be the best place for you, but ALL input welcome.

I haven't sampled them all so this is limited to my experience - I would love for others to chime in with their favorite IPA from {insert US state name here}.

To start, I'm going to go with my home state - Oregon. IMO, the best, most drinkable and the greatest value out there is Boneyard RPM from Bend, Oregon. It's my go-to at home and on tap if it's at a bar or restaurant. The beer is delicious, start to finish with no lingering, punishing after-taste that comes with some of the hoppy IPAs brewed in the great beer producing state of Oregon. Currently, 12-packs are being sold for under $20 regularly and a six-pack at Trader Joes is $10.99. There's not a better IPA value out there, in my mind.

Two thumbs ENTHUSIASTCIALLY up for Boneyard RPM IPA. https://boneyardbeer.com/cdn/shop/files/RPM-12ozCan.webp?v=1715719680

Up next, a neighboring state.....stay tuned.

ETA: I'd also like to consider the design of the bottle/can for this. Hard to top Boneyard RPM for design work.

Moving south to the great state of California, which - if you've ever driving through it length wise, ain't so great in many parts. But the parts that are great are fantastic, especially up north if you visit the amazing Redwoods. It was there that I discovered Lost Coast IPA from Eureka, CA. Is it the best beer California has to offer? No. But I was able to find it in almost every store for a reasonable price and it's crisp, refreshing and goes down smoothly. At 6.5% ABV it packs a little bit of a punch but won't put you out or make you fight your relatives. I was delighted when I went to a convenience store in Eugene, OR and found a 12 pack of Lost Coast which I took back to my son's apartment and shared with him and his roommates and friends. They are now fans too! The can design could be better, but it's easy to spot in the beer fridge which is an important feature for guys like me who have trouble locating things at stores....or anywhere else for that matter.

As I move left to right from Oregon to Idaho, it was the summer of 2020 and COVID had essentially shut most everything down. Well, most everything with the exception of the state of Idaho, where COVID wasn't viewed in the same light and masks were about as common as a Cowboys' fan in Philadelphia. Staying near the town of McCall, I stumbled upon an IPA from Sockeye Brewing out of Boise and became an immediate fan of their Dagger Falls IPA. The design work isn't great - the fish looks like something a kid might draw for a fantasy football website - but the beer is splendid. Another 6.5% ABV offering which might just be my sweet spot. If you're enjoying more than one, this is a fine choice.

As I look up from Oregon, the state of Washington looks back down on me and while I think our state has the better beers, there's no shame in Washington's game. Now this next beer is a fun one - well, fun for anybody who was a fan of the original Point Break movie with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze. If you stumble upon an orange can of beer from Georgetown Brewing in Seattle, chances are you're holding a Bodhizafa IPA named after Swayze's character from the film. Now just look at this can! Is this thing awesome or what? The beer is a little pricier than I would like, but Trader Joes sells it for $11.99 a six and that's fine by me. It's a terrific adult beverage though a little higher on the alcohol side than my other selections at 6.9%. But if I'm cheating on my home state, I'm cheating with a Bohdi because who in their right mind would turn down the great Patrick Swayze in his prime?

Alright, let's get to Arizona, where I spent 11 days this past summer and on top of now knowing what it will feel like to be cremated, I was able to numb some of the pain with several Hop Knot IPAs from Four Peaks. They were easy to find, affordable and on a scorching hot July day by the pool, they go down smooth and easy, offering refreshment with a kick. 6.7% so right in line of where I like to live and while the design work is pretty basic, I love the colors. It's kind of nice knowing precisely what I'll order the next time I'm in Woz and Bobby Sac's backyard. No hesitation needed, one Hop Knot, please. Super duper cold!

Say, you know who has two thumbs and got to spend 10 days in December in the tropics of Michigan? THIS GUY! :mellow:

Actually, it wasn't too bad; the weather wasn't as bad as it could have been, so that was nice. Even better was being able to enjoy many Bell's Two Hearted IPAs, a beer I've been a fan of ever since my wife started dragging me to her home state. Some will prefer the Founders over Bell's IPA but not me. In fact, I'd say Bell's Two Hearted could compete with anything Oregon has to offer from a large scale produced IPA. And the can/bottle? Best one out there, IMO. Beautiful color and that fish is menacing looking, like he's about to rip your lungs out, Jim. At 7% ABV it is a touch on the higher end for me, but I don't feel overly impacted by it. Just a delicious beer start to finish and the cost is right too. On occasion, I'll find it out here in Oregon, but the stores price gouge it. Still, I'd put this drinkable IPA up against just about any in the country.

Memories are a little fuzzy, but I *THINK* I went to Half Acre Brewery with @Aaron Rudnicki followed by some late night antics at my friends condo near Wrigley. My wife and two older boys took the train from Pontiac to Chicago to check the city out and man, WHAT A CITY. I fell in love with Chicago and can't wait to go back. For when I do, I'm going to find Bodem IPA in a tall can and enjoy a fine Illinois IPA. Great design, delicious beer, very easy to drink at 6.7%. And because I didn't know, I searched out the word "Bodem" and learned it means ground, or more specifically, the solid surface of the earth. Which makes sense for a brewery named "Half Acre". Between the food, culture, beer and people, Chicago is just an amazing city.

Updated List:

Oregon - Boneyard RPM IPA, Bend, OR
California - Lost Coast Brewery IPA, Eureka, CA
Idaho - Dagger Falls IPA by Sockeye Brewing, Boise, ID
Washington - Bodhizafa IPA from Georgetown Brewing Company, Seattle, WA
Arizona - Hop Knot IPA from Four Peaks, Tempe, AZ
Michigan - Bell's Two Hearted IPA, Kalamazoo, MI
Illinois - Bodem IPA, Half Acre Brewery, Chicago, IL
 
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Love a good IPA, especially in hot weather. The more bitter it is, the better.

Here in North Carolina, my favorite local is Pernicious IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville. A bit over 7% so it's not exactly session-able, but it's not crazy either. Just have 2 instead of 3.

I tried a bunch of lower alcohol session IPA's, and most of them are little lacking in the taste department. If you drink an All Day IPA after a Pernicious, you know it.
 
New Jersey

I've turned away a bit on IPAs but my favorite local one is Kane Brewery's Head High:


It's really good but has highish alcohol content and is a little heavy -but the hops are light - so I don't drink it as much as I used to.
 
I went into the grocery store this last weekend and 90% of the microbrews were IPA.

I thought the IPA craze jumped the shark years ago, but i keep getting proved wrong and a higher and higher percentage of beers keeps being IPA.

So many good beer types and the one that we like in America is based off of one of the largest monopolies in the history of the world and their easy to deliver beer.
 
My Virginia favorite IPA is the Aslin Double Orange Starfish. Also a fan of Aslin’s Master of Karate and the Triple Orange Starfish. Main brewery is in my town of Alexandria, VA — was just over there Sunday to pick up some beers.

 
My Virginia favorite IPA is the Aslin Double Orange Starfish. Also a fan of Aslin’s Master of Karate and the Triple Orange Starfish. Main brewery is in my town of Alexandria, VA — was just over there Sunday to pick up some beers.

Aslin and The Veil (hype!) probably neck and neck for most people, but I prefer The Answer over both.
 
My Virginia favorite IPA is the Aslin Double Orange Starfish. Also a fan of Aslin’s Master of Karate and the Triple Orange Starfish. Main brewery is in my town of Alexandria, VA — was just over there Sunday to pick up some beers.

Aslin and The Veil (hype!) probably neck and neck for most people, but I prefer The Answer over both.
I like Veil too. I have not heard of The Answer. Will look that one up.
 
i dont even drink anymore and am three years sober but i know damn well that michigans is bells two hearted ale and ill fight anyone who says otherwise take that to the bank bromigos
100% for Michigan. Love this beer.
 
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Love a good IPA, especially in hot weather. The more bitter it is, the better.

Here in North Carolina, my favorite local is Pernicious IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville. A bit over 7% so it's not exactly session-able, but it's not crazy either. Just have 2 instead of 3.

I tried a bunch of lower alcohol session IPA's, and most of them are little lacking in the taste department. If you drink an All Day IPA after a Pernicious, you know it.
My North Carolina pick is NoDa Hop Drop n Roll. (Not actually a double IPA. Just thought it was being 7.2%). They make Jam Session which is lighter, but I just prefer this taste. Glad they have them back in the stadium.
 
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I'd nominate:

1. Minnesota - Surly Furious
2. Wisconsin - New Glarus Spotted Cow
3. Arizona - The Shop Church Music
4. Delaware - Dogfishhead 90 minute

Lots to pick from in AZ. Tower Station, Hop Knot, etc. but I'll roll Church Music.
 
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Love a good IPA, especially in hot weather. The more bitter it is, the better.

Here in North Carolina, my favorite local is Pernicious IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville. A bit over 7% so it's not exactly session-able, but it's not crazy either. Just have 2 instead of 3.

I tried a bunch of lower alcohol session IPA's, and most of them are little lacking in the taste department. If you drink an All Day IPA after a Pernicious, you know it.

This is precisely why I started this thread - INFO! Now I know what to order when I'm in North Carolina. :thumbup:
 
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My best (most common) IPA in the state is Breakside Wanderlust.

Sticky Hands would be at the top, but it's considering IIPA and it's not the best value. But it's the best tasting IPA for me and definitely in my top 5 for the entire country.
 
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I'd nominate:

1. Minnesota - Surly Furious
2. Wisconsin - New Glarus Spotted Cow
3. Arizona - The Shop Church Music
4. Delaware - Dogfishhead 90 minute

Lots to pick from in AZ. Tower Station, Hop Knot, etc. but I'll roll Church Music.

I think you know what I'm selecting for AZ. ;)
 
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Michigan for session most popular is Founders All Day though it’s not my favorite. I’m still a 2 Hearted guy though it’s kind of strong for putting back a bunch of them. M43 by Old Nation is a great hazy.
Shorts down? (pun intended)
 
Michigan for session most popular is Founders All Day though it’s not my favorite. I’m still a 2 Hearted guy though it’s kind of strong for putting back a bunch of them. M43 by Old Nation is a great hazy.

One of these will by my Michigan choice. In fact, I have it ranked #2 in the nation behind Boneyard.
 
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New Jersey

I've turned away a bit on IPAs but my favorite local one is Kane Brewery's Head High:


It's really good but has highish alcohol content and is a little heavy -but the hops are light - so I don't drink it as much as I used to.

Not the best art design I've ever seen but I will definitely hunt for this next time I'm in the Garden State. :thumbup:
 
I went into the grocery store this last weekend and 90% of the microbrews were IPA.

I thought the IPA craze jumped the shark years ago, but i keep getting proved wrong and a higher and higher percentage of beers keeps being IPA.

So many good beer types and the one that we like in America is based off of one of the largest monopolies in the history of the world and their easy to deliver beer.

I do enjoy a good pilsner but it HAS to have a bite. My good friend @shuke has often said that his taste buds have evolved and he can't switch off the IPAs for lighter fare, despite growing up with it. For me, Coors Light/Miller Lite/Bud were mother's milk but I can't drink them anymore. I'd rather have water.

Same thing with coffee......if I can't get a dark roast, I don't want it. Weird.
 
Love a good IPA, especially in hot weather. The more bitter it is, the better.

Here in North Carolina, my favorite local is Pernicious IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville. A bit over 7% so it's not exactly session-able, but it's not crazy either. Just have 2 instead of 3.

I tried a bunch of lower alcohol session IPA's, and most of them are little lacking in the taste department. If you drink an All Day IPA after a Pernicious, you know it.

This is precisely why I started this thread - INFO! Now I know what to order when I'm in North Carolina. :thumbup:
A lot of folks stays away from Wicked Weed after being bought by AB Inbev. I still like them but like some of their other stuff a lot more (sours and some stouts).
 
Love a good IPA, especially in hot weather. The more bitter it is, the better.

Here in North Carolina, my favorite local is Pernicious IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville. A bit over 7% so it's not exactly session-able, but it's not crazy either. Just have 2 instead of 3.

I tried a bunch of lower alcohol session IPA's, and most of them are little lacking in the taste department. If you drink an All Day IPA after a Pernicious, you know it.

Love a good IPA, especially in hot weather. The more bitter it is, the better.

Here in North Carolina, my favorite local is Pernicious IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville. A bit over 7% so it's not exactly session-able, but it's not crazy either. Just have 2 instead of 3.

I tried a bunch of lower alcohol session IPA's, and most of them are little lacking in the taste department. If you drink an All Day IPA after a Pernicious, you know it.

This is precisely why I started this thread - INFO! Now I know what to order when I'm in North Carolina. :thumbup:

Love a good IPA, especially in hot weather. The more bitter it is, the better.

Here in North Carolina, my favorite local is Pernicious IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville. A bit over 7% so it's not exactly session-able, but it's not crazy either. Just have 2 instead of 3.

I tried a bunch of lower alcohol session IPA's, and most of them are little lacking in the taste department. If you drink an All Day IPA after a Pernicious, you know it.

This is precisely why I started this thread - INFO! Now I know what to order when I'm in North Carolina. :thumbup:
A lot of folks stays away from Wicked Weed after being bought by AB Inbev. I still like them but like some of their other stuff a lot more (sours and some stouts).
Yup...pretty much a national beer now and not NC. Along those lines, Sierra Nevada has about a dozen ipa offerings which can be found on sale at Harris Teeter (Kroger) for $15.99 every 3-4 weeks.
 
I’ve spent a lot of time in New Mexico visiting wife’s family. For that one, I’ll go with La Cumbre’s Elevated IPA. Their Project Dank a close #2.

 
My Virginia favorite IPA is the Aslin Double Orange Starfish. Also a fan of Aslin’s Master of Karate and the Triple Orange Starfish. Main brewery is in my town of Alexandria, VA — was just over there Sunday to pick up some beers.


The design looks like Patrick Star from SpongeBob! :lmao:
 
i dont even drink anymore and am three years sober but i know damn well that michigans is bells two hearted ale and ill fight anyone who says otherwise take that to the bank bromigos

Proud of you, GB. And yes, I'll be going with Bell's for Michigan. As a man who loves to fish, you have to rank their art design highly. That is a super sexy can!
 
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My best (most common) IPA in the state is Breakside Wanderlust.

Sticky Hands would be at the top, but it's considering IIPA and it's not the best value. But it's the best tasting IPA for me and definitely in my top 5 for the entire country.

Wanderlust is my FIL's favorite IPA when he's visiting. Loves Breakside Beaverton. We need to visit there after a round. Soon.
 
Love a good IPA, especially in hot weather. The more bitter it is, the better.

Here in North Carolina, my favorite local is Pernicious IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville. A bit over 7% so it's not exactly session-able, but it's not crazy either. Just have 2 instead of 3.

I tried a bunch of lower alcohol session IPA's, and most of them are little lacking in the taste department. If you drink an All Day IPA after a Pernicious, you know it.

This is precisely why I started this thread - INFO! Now I know what to order when I'm in North Carolina. :thumbup:
A lot of folks stays away from Wicked Weed after being bought by AB Inbev. I still like them but like some of their other stuff a lot more (sours and some stouts).

This typically doesn't bother me if they leave the place alone and let them keep making the same beers. Pernicious is good!
 
I’ve spent a lot of time in New Mexico visiting wife’s family. For that one, I’ll go with La Cumbre’s Elevated IPA. Their Project Dank a close #2.


Asking my buddy in Taos about this one. Great artwork!
 
Michigan for session most popular is Founders All Day though it’s not my favorite. I’m still a 2 Hearted guy though it’s kind of strong for putting back a bunch of them. M43 by Old Nation is a great hazy.
I’ll second the M43. Two-hearted, can’t drink anymore

Technically it’s a pale ale, but I’ll nominate Three Floyd’s Zombie Dust. It’s my go-to, along with M43, and Wisconsin’s New Glarius Spotted Cow and Moon Man(anotherAPA), and Minn’s Surly Furious.
 
Michigan for session most popular is Founders All Day though it’s not my favorite. I’m still a 2 Hearted guy though it’s kind of strong for putting back a bunch of them. M43 by Old Nation is a great hazy.
I’ll second the M43. Two-hearted, can’t drink anymore

Technically it’s a pale ale, but I’ll nominate Three Floyd’s Zombie Dust. It’s my go-to, along with M43, and Wisconsin’s New Glarius Spotted Cow and Moon Man(anotherAPA), and Minn’s Surly Furious.

What turned you off Two Hearted? Is it because it rhymes with Who Farted? I think that's one of the best IPAs in the country.

Norm's Raggedy comes in 2nd for me. Griffin Claw is top tier.
 

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