How to Tell the Difference Between a New England and West Coast IPA

Ever walked into a brewery that offered 5+ IPAs to choose from? Confused about where to start and what to try first? We’re here to tell you how to spot the difference between the two major IPA styles: West Coast IPAs and New England IPAs. Plus, we’ll take you through which flavor profiles to look for to best suit your taste.

The West Coast IPA

If you tend to gravitate more towards bitter, malty beer styles, the West Coast IPA might be for you. With an amber color and aromatics of pine, this style of beer is often bitter and slightly sweet. During the process of brewing a West Coast style IPA, the variation and addition of hops used produce a punch of delicious bitterness. This style of beer is very hop-forward with a complex flavor profile.

Being an American version of an Old English tradition, the IPA was re-discovered in America in the 1980’s. West Coast IPAs came to name shortly after and helped shape the NEIPA. Without our piney friends, our hazy, juicy beers might be non-existent. Many breweries have perfected their West Coast IPAs to become their current flagship beer. Terrapin Hopsecutioner and Stone IPA ring a bell? Both these West Coast IPAs are incredibly popular with a diverse group of people. If you’re into bold flavor, malty pine, and heavy hops, this is the India Pale Ale style for you. Give our