Each State's Best IPA Beer - Value, Drinkability, Taste and Artwork (3 Viewers)

[urbanhack]

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.

It’s too malty for me. Similar to Revolution Anti Hero. both of those are really good beers…but those midwestern ipas have a little bit of extra malt. And they get you drunk quick…both of them

 

[Brony]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

 

[titusbramble]

OK, this is kind of an awkward one from a UK standpoint. The whole definition of an IPA, on account of it needed to be shipped longer distances, necessitated a higher than normal ABV than what a typical ale of the time was, and that is still kept today - here it would be extremely rare to describe an IPA as a session beer. If over the pond you're brewing things in a similar style, but without the restrictions of knowing that if it is not drunk in the time it takes to ship it a fair chunk around the world, it'd be spoiled, that's fine - it's likely just for all intents and purposes different nomenclature at this stage. But in terms of our best ales in this sort of style:

Jaipur (Thornbridge, 5.9%) - Definitely not session. Definitely something that drinks easier than its ABV. Thornbridge are pretty darned good at what they do regardless of strength (their Wild Swan, at 3.5%, would probably be my pick where if forced to drink nothing else for the rest of my life). Generally perceived as citrusy, it is simply peak IPA. If you are ever able to get a special version of this, do so immediately.

I would say that if you are wanting something in a general ale style, and want a session ale, not that you will likely ever see it in the US (at least on tap, I think they may bottle it), then Oakham's Jeffrey Hudson Bitter (3.8%) is another one where if forced to drink nothing more until the end of days I'd say "yeah, fine"

 

[Golden Gopher]

Tried many an IPA in CA, and three of my favorites are....

Lagunitas IPA (6.2%) - This one just stands the test of time. I've had other "favorites" come and go over the years. Lagunitas is still right near the top of my list of favorites, and it has been for more than a decade.

Space Dust - Elysian (8.2%) - Pretty smooth for being 8+ percent. But, proceed with caution.

Liquid Candy - Tarantula Hill (7%) - My current favorite. It's a hazy, but not super heavy like some.

 

[FairWarning]

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.

It’s too malty for me. Similar to Revolution Anti Hero. both of those are really good beers…but those midwestern ipas have a little bit of extra malt. And they get you drunk quick…both of them

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.

The Zombie Dust is a little more bitter, taste changed a little. It’s closer to a west-coast IPA than Bells IMO.

 

[Ilov80s]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

Most of the best hazys come in smaller batches from local places and are very fresh. M43 is sort of unique in that they figured how to really upscale it and get it in bars, stadiums, movie theaters, etc.

 

[The Gator]

CA

Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’

More power to you if that's your Session IPA.

I like what GM is going for here but drinkability <> session imo

That’s why this beer stands out for me. It drinks like a session even at 8%

 

[Parrothead]

I’ll represent western PA (and my opinion) that Fathead’s Headhunter IPA is worthy.

Troegs Nugget Nectar?? I always remember seeking this one out…but maybe it’s seasonal.

yes it is- and it is great (but not a session). matter of fact, I think it is being released soon

 

[FairWarning]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

I can get Half Acre in Indiana. It’s been awhile since I’ve had Daisy Cutter.

 

[urbanhack]

Tried many an IPA in CA, and three of my favorites are....

Lagunitas IPA (6.2%) - This one just stands the test of time. I've had other "favorites" come and go over the years. Lagunitas is still right near the top of my list of favorites, and it has been for more than a decade.

Space Dust - Elysian (8.2%) - Pretty smooth for being 8+ percent. But, proceed with caution.

Liquid Candy - Tarantula Hill (7%) - My current favorite. It's a hazy, but not super heavy like some.

Elysian is based in Seattle.

 

[Instinctive]

Community probably makes the best one in Texas but I'll do some more deep thinking and looking around.

 

[urbanhack]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

Most of the best hazys come in smaller batches from local places and are very fresh. M43 is sort of unique in that they figured how to really upscale it and get it in bars, stadiums, movie theaters, etc.

Keep the hazies away from me. No longer a fan. Don't like the way they make me feel and a lot of times they just aren't very well made.

 

[BassNBrew]

CA

Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’

More power to you if that's your Session IPA.

I like what GM is going for here but drinkability <> session imo

That’s why this beer stands out for me. It drinks like a session even at 8%

Me after session drinking Little Sumpin'

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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Parrothead]

Was in Vermont over the summer and went to Fiddlehead- they make a solid IPA

 

[Ilov80s]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

Most of the best hazys come in smaller batches from local places and are very fresh. M43 is sort of unique in that they figured how to really upscale it and get it in bars, stadiums, movie theaters, etc.

Keep the hazies away from me. No longer a fan. Don't like the way they make me feel and a lot of times they just aren't very well made.

Yeah I have to get the good stuff. Lots of poorly made ones looking to cash in. Most of the big breweries make very bad versions.

 

[Zow]

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.

Elevated IPA | La Cumbre Brewing Co.

Elevated IPA is a American IPA style beer brewed by La Cumbre Brewing Co. in Albuquerque, NM. Score: 96 with 1,645 ratings and reviews. Last update: 05-01-2025.

www.beeradvocate.com

Asking my buddy in Taos about this one. Great artwork!

Elevated is damn good.

 

[Zow]

When I have more time I'll go back through my untappd app and try to pin down my highest ranked IPAs for each state.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I think for North Carolina it would have to be Surf Wax from Burial. Or really anything from Burial. I like Pernicious and it's readily available. But Burial is special.

 

[Joe Bryant]

For California, I guess it has to be something from Russian River but here in Tennessee, I can easily get Stone's IPA and that's my go to.

 

[Joe Bryant]

For Washington, Elysian Space Dust is my pick.

 

[tommyGunZ]

it’s not the cool IPA any longer, but I randomly stopped in a Cantina in rural North San Diego Sunday night after a long day coaching baseball, and the 22 oz Pliny the Elder went down so smooth. Forever my go to whenever it’s on tap.

Societe’s “The Pupil” is probably the canned IPA I bring home the most.

 

[General Malaise]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

Correct. I'm after the IPAs that are affordable, available and don't put you to sleep after 3.

And Half Acre is going to get a mention here real soon.

 

[Joe Bryant]

it’s not the cool IPA any longer, but I randomly stopped in a Cantina in rural North San Diego Sunday night after a long day coaching baseball, and the 22 oz Pliny the Elder went down so smooth. Forever my go to whenever it’s on tap.

Societe’s “The Pupil” is probably the canned IPA I bring home the most.

A fan of both.

 

[Zow]

For California, I guess it has to be something from Russian River but here in Tennessee, I can easily get Stone's IPA and that's my go to.

Yeah, Pliny the Elder would be my California vote.

 

[General Malaise]

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.

It’s too malty for me. Similar to Revolution Anti Hero. both of those are really good beers…but those midwestern ipas have a little bit of extra malt. And they get you drunk quick…both of them

This is like when Siskle and Ebert disagreed on a movie! I know you have great taste and way above average intelligence but how can be so wrong on a beer?

 

[Zow]

it’s not the cool IPA any longer, but I randomly stopped in a Cantina in rural North San Diego Sunday night after a long day coaching baseball, and the 22 oz Pliny the Elder went down so smooth. Forever my go to whenever it’s on tap.

Societe’s “The Pupil” is probably the canned IPA I bring home the most.

There's a convenience store in your neighborhood that sells bottled Pliny.

 

[Zow]

@Joe Bryant knows beer!

 

[General Malaise]

OK, this is kind of an awkward one from a UK standpoint. The whole definition of an IPA, on account of it needed to be shipped longer distances, necessitated a higher than normal ABV than what a typical ale of the time was, and that is still kept today - here it would be extremely rare to describe an IPA as a session beer. If over the pond you're brewing things in a similar style, but without the restrictions of knowing that if it is not drunk in the time it takes to ship it a fair chunk around the world, it'd be spoiled, that's fine - it's likely just for all intents and purposes different nomenclature at this stage. But in terms of our best ales in this sort of style:

Jaipur (Thornbridge, 5.9%) - Definitely not session. Definitely something that drinks easier than its ABV. Thornbridge are pretty darned good at what they do regardless of strength (their Wild Swan, at 3.5%, would probably be my pick where if forced to drink nothing else for the rest of my life). Generally perceived as citrusy, it is simply peak IPA. If you are ever able to get a special version of this, do so immediately.

I would say that if you are wanting something in a general ale style, and want a session ale, not that you will likely ever see it in the US (at least on tap, I think they may bottle it), then Oakham's Jeffrey Hudson Bitter (3.8%) is another one where if forced to drink nothing more until the end of days I'd say "yeah, fine"

Love this so much. Your final sentence is exactly why I started this thread. *Chef's Kiss* That was perfect.

 

[General Malaise]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

Most of the best hazys come in smaller batches from local places and are very fresh. M43 is sort of unique in that they figured how to really upscale it and get it in bars, stadiums, movie theaters, etc.

Keep the hazies away from me. No longer a fan. Don't like the way they make me feel and a lot of times they just aren't very well made.

Hazy beer hurts my tummy. Not a fan.

 

[Gally]

CA

Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’

Think I'm going so surprise with my pick for CA. I've got one I L O V E love.

I am not an IPA guy and it gets frustrating going to various breweries and they have 10 beers on tap and 9 are IPA's. Ugh.

Anyway there are a few I like and my favorite by far for CA is Pliny the Elder. My daughter went to Sonoma St so every time we went for a visit I ended up at the Russian River Brewery and had to take a box home. Not a fan of most IPA's but really like Pliny.

 

[nirad3]

I'd nominate:

1. Minnesota - Surly Furious

Without question.

For California, I'll throw this out there... Hangar 24's Betty IPA

 

[tommyGunZ]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

Most of the best hazys come in smaller batches from local places and are very fresh. M43 is sort of unique in that they figured how to really upscale it and get it in bars, stadiums, movie theaters, etc.

Keep the hazies away from me. No longer a fan. Don't like the way they make me feel and a lot of times they just aren't very well made.

Some of the Hazys give me worse hangovers.

 

[nirad3]

Space Dust - Elysian (8.2%) - Pretty smooth for being 8+ percent. But, proceed with caution.

Yeah man, proceed with caution is right. You can manage 1-2 24oz'ers but once you hit #3 it's over. Been there, done that.

 

[BassNBrew]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

Most of the best hazys come in smaller batches from local places and are very fresh. M43 is sort of unique in that they figured how to really upscale it and get it in bars, stadiums, movie theaters, etc.

Keep the hazies away from me. No longer a fan. Don't like the way they make me feel and a lot of times they just aren't very well made.

Some of the Hazys give me worse hangovers.

Or acid reflux....

 

[nirad3]

From the replies above, seems like we're looking for readily available mid-level IPAs (as in not double IPAs nor session IPAs). For Illinois, I'd probably go with Daisy Cutter by Half Acre. There are dozens of Hazy IPAs or other IPA variants I'd put above that, but not in the same category nor not available year round.

Most of the best hazys come in smaller batches from local places and are very fresh. M43 is sort of unique in that they figured how to really upscale it and get it in bars, stadiums, movie theaters, etc.

Keep the hazies away from me. No longer a fan. Don't like the way they make me feel and a lot of times they just aren't very well made.

Some of the Hazys give me worse hangovers.

Same, but man I love them so much. I just have to make sure I drink a TON of Gatorade before bed and have some on tap for the next morning along with a trio of Advils.

 

[tommyGunZ]

it’s not the cool IPA any longer, but I randomly stopped in a Cantina in rural North San Diego Sunday night after a long day coaching baseball, and the 22 oz Pliny the Elder went down so smooth. Forever my go to whenever it’s on tap.

Societe’s “The Pupil” is probably the canned IPA I bring home the most.

There's a convenience store in your neighborhood that sells bottled Pliny.

Olive Tree?

 

[Zow]

it’s not the cool IPA any longer, but I randomly stopped in a Cantina in rural North San Diego Sunday night after a long day coaching baseball, and the 22 oz Pliny the Elder went down so smooth. Forever my go to whenever it’s on tap.

Societe’s “The Pupil” is probably the canned IPA I bring home the most.

There's a convenience store in your neighborhood that sells bottled Pliny.

Olive Tree?

Sounds right. I think it's on the same block as Hodad's.

 

[Golden Gopher]

Tried many an IPA in CA, and three of my favorites are....

Lagunitas IPA (6.2%) - This one just stands the test of time. I've had other "favorites" come and go over the years. Lagunitas is still right near the top of my list of favorites, and it has been for more than a decade.

Space Dust - Elysian (8.2%) - Pretty smooth for being 8+ percent. But, proceed with caution.

Liquid Candy - Tarantula Hill (7%) - My current favorite. It's a hazy, but not super heavy like some.

Elysian is based in Seattle.

Good catch.

 

[Frostillicus]

I'd nominate:

1. Minnesota - Surly Furious

This is correct.

 

[Gally]

it’s not the cool IPA any longer, but I randomly stopped in a Cantina in rural North San Diego Sunday night after a long day coaching baseball, and the 22 oz Pliny the Elder went down so smooth. Forever my go to whenever it’s on tap.

Societe’s “The Pupil” is probably the canned IPA I bring home the most.

There's a convenience store in your neighborhood that sells bottled Pliny.

Olive Tree?

Sounds right. I think it's on the same block as Hodad's.

Pliny has gotten to be a lot more available these days. When it first came out you had to go to the Russian River Brewery, stand in line, and then they only let you buy 2 bottles. The line was hours long.

 

[nirad3]

Tried many an IPA in CA, and three of my favorites are....

Lagunitas IPA (6.2%) - This one just stands the test of time. I've had other "favorites" come and go over the years. Lagunitas is still right near the top of my list of favorites, and it has been for more than a decade.

Space Dust - Elysian (8.2%) - Pretty smooth for being 8+ percent. But, proceed with caution.

Liquid Candy - Tarantula Hill (7%) - My current favorite. It's a hazy, but not super heavy like some.

Elysian is based in Seattle.

Good catch.

OMG I do the same thing. I think because when I hear Elysian I think Elysian Park in LA

 

[zamboni]

Was in Vermont over the summer and went to Fiddlehead- they make a solid IPA

Zero Gravity’s Madonna out of Burlington, VT is also very good.

 

[Frostillicus]

For Wisconsin, Dare Mighty Things by the Brewing Projekt is fantastic, and they make a bunch of varieties of IPA that are all very good.

 

[zamboni]

In Delaware, the widely available Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA is solid. Dependable, goes down easy - basically the Najee Harris of beers.

 

[Zow]

In Delaware, the widely available Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA is solid. Dependable, goes down easy - basically the Najee Harris of beers.

And 90 minute is the Saquon Barkley.

 

[nirad3]

In Delaware, the widely available Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA is solid. Dependable, goes down easy - basically the Najee Harris of beers.

And 90 minute is the Saquon Barkley.

I've heard that's a doozy.

 

[Don Quixote]

Was in Vermont over the summer and went to Fiddlehead- they make a solid IPA

Zero Gravity’s Madonna out of Burlington, VT is also very good.

Vermont has a lot of good options. Alchemist’s Heady Topper and Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine come to mind.

 

[Instinctive]

The internet and my friends seem to agree that Community's Mosaic IPA is the best in Texas.

 

[heckmanm]

I’ve drifted away from IPAs over the years. Still like one occasionally but the wear out my palate.

For Indiana, Daredevil Liftoff and 3 Floyds Alpha King and Zombie Dust are probably best known.

 

[The Gator]

In Delaware, the widely available Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA is solid. Dependable, goes down easy - basically the Najee Harris of beers.

And 90 minute is the Saquon Barkley.

My first east coast IiPA loved. Big fan