IPA Styles Every Beer Lover Should Know

Curious about what’s on tap at your favorite brewery or want to up your beer game before your next brewery tour? The world of IPAs (India Pale Ales) is bigger, bolder, and tastier than you might expect. With so many styles waiting to be explored—from classic English IPAs to tropical milkshake variants and even non-alcoholic options—there’s an IPA flavor adventure for every beer lover! This guide will take you through the most notable IPA styles, help you talk like a true beer enthusiast, and reveal why every IPA lover should make the trip to their local breweries for the freshest pours.

What Makes IPA the Star of the Craft Beer Scene

IPA isn’t just one type of beer. It’s a full spectrum. From traditional recipes rooted in history to experimental brews spinning the craft beer compass, IPAs have become a symbol of the creativity behind many local breweries. For beer lovers booking a brewery tour, understanding the IPA landscape opens a world of new flavors and stories.

IPAs generally stand out for their aroma, hop-forward flavors, and wide range of bitterness levels (measured in IBUs, or International Bittering Units). But what really sets them apart is how each substyle captures a unique region, story, and taste.

The Roots of IPA

IPA began its story centuries ago with the English IPA. Brewers fortified pale ales with extra hops and alcohol so they could survive the long, hot shipment from England to India during colonial times. Modern IPAs still honor that hop-forward tradition, but the styles have diversified into a collection as colorful as the hop fields themselves.

The Must-Know IPA Styles

Let's explore the core IPA styles, their unique characteristics, and what you might find at North Texas breweries and beyond.

English IPA

• Stats: 40–60 IBUs; 5–7.5% ABV; golden amber to light copper
• Flavor: Floral, earthy hops; maltiness with biscuit and subtle toffee
• The Experience: Gentle, well-balanced. Try one to taste the origins of IPA before American hops changed the game.

American IPA

• Stats: 40–70 IBUs; 5.5–7.5% ABV; medium gold to copper
• Flavor: Pine, resin, grapefruit, citrus zest; often a subtle malt backbone
• The Experience: Brighter, more hop-centric than English IPAs. Iconic options like Bell’s Two Hearted Ale set the standard.

Belgian IPA

• Stats: 50–100 IBUs; 6.2–9.5% ABV; light gold to amber
• Flavor: American hop punch meets fruity, spicy Belgian yeast (think banana, pear, clove, pepper)
• The Experience: Unique, complex, sometimes hard to find—but worth seeking out at specialty local breweries.

White IPA

• Stats: 40–70 IBUs; 5.5–7% ABV; pale to deep gold
• Flavor: Merges IPA’s citrus hops with the spice and zest of Belgian Witbier
• The Experience: Crisp, aromatic, refreshing; perfect for those looking for something different on a brewery tour.

Red IPA

• Stats: 40–70 IBUs; 5.5–7.5% ABV; reddish-amber to dark copper
• Flavor: Toasty caramel malts elevating classic hops
• The Experience: For those who love the balance of maltiness with bold hop flavor.

Black IPA (Cascadian Dark Ale)

• Stats: 50–90 IBUs; 5.5–9% ABV; dark brown to black
• Flavor: Roasty hints of coffee and chocolate with a hop-forward finish
• The Experience: Imagine a hybrid of stout and IPA; rich yet hop-centric.

Rye IPA

• Stats: 50–75 IBUs; 5.5–8% ABV; gold to light amber
• Flavor: Earthy, peppery rye bread kick enhances hop bitterness
• The Experience: Spicy, complex, underrated. Keep an eye out at experimental local breweries.

West Coast IPA

• Stats: Varies, often drier and more aggressively bitter than American IPA
• Flavor: Pine, resin, citrus, with pronounced hop bitterness and a dry finish
• The Experience: Classic “hop bomb” for true IPAlovers. Visit a DFW brewery for a fresh, resinous pour.

New England IPA (Hazy IPA)

• Stats: 25–60 IBUs; 6–9% ABV; straw to light orange
• Flavor: Juicy, tropical, hazy, low bitterness with lush aromas of mango, papaya, citrus
• The Experience: Soft, smooth, bursting with aroma; the hazy IPA has taken the craft world by storm and you’ll spot plenty at almost every brewerytour in Texas.

Milkshake IPA

• Stats: Similar to Hazy IPAs; varies with added lactose and fruits
• Flavor: Creamy, sweet, dessert-like with fruity additions and a milkshake mouthfeel
• The Experience: For those who crave bold experiments and unique flavors.

Double, Triple, and Imperial IPA

• Stats: 60–120 IBUs; 7.5–10% (or more!) ABV
• Flavor: Super-sized hops and malts; deceptively drinkable despite the punch
• The Experience: Bold, intense; perfect for adventurous beer lovers wanting a big flavor.

Session IPA

• Stats: Lower ABV (4–5%), hop-forward
• Flavor: All the IPA character in a lighter, more “drink more than one” format
• The Experience: Flavor without the heavy buzz. Ideal for brewery tour afternoons.

Non-Alcoholic IPA

• Stats: <0.5% ABV
• Flavor: Surprisingly hoppy with complex aromas
• The Experience: Modern techniques allow NA IPAs to keep pace with their boozy counterparts. Great for designated drivers or anyone looking for a sober sip.

Sour IPA

• Stats: Varies; blends tart, fruity character with hop flavor
• Flavor: Tangy, fruit-forward, with a hop aroma in the background
• The Experience: Unusual and adventurous; check which local breweries are experimenting!

Cold IPA

• Stats: 50–70 IBUs, 5–6% ABV; crisp and bright
• Flavor: Clean, lager-like crispness meets bold IPA hopping
• The Experience: A rising trend, perfect for Texas heat and brewery patios.

Brut IPA

• Stats: Bone-dry, sparkly, usually around 7% ABV
• Flavor: Very dry with Champagne-like bubbles, sharp hop aroma, little sweetness
• The Experience: For those who love crisp, sparkling drinks (although this style is rare).

Regional IPAs

• Flavor: Local twists using regional hops, yeast, water, or brewing customs
• The Experience: Each brewery puts its signature on IPAs. Be sure to ask your brewery tour guide which regional styles are locals’ favorites.

Why IPA is a Favorite for Every Beer lover

With so many ways to experience supercharged hops, juicy fruit, roasty malts, and exotic fermentation profiles, it’s no surprise IPA is the style that most excites the craft beer scene. Whether you crave a classic pint or are hunting for the next quirky flavor, IPA lovers can find something to cheer about.

That’s why brewery tours are the perfect way to experience the best of what local breweries have to offer. Exploring North Texas’ booming scene, you’ll taste IPAs from across the spectrum, crafted by passionate experts who are eager to share their secrets.

How to Get the Most from a Brewery tour

If you haven’t yet embarked on a brewery tour, you’re missing out on the ultimate beer lover experience. On a guided tour, you’ll:

• Sample a variety of IPAs and other beer styles (there’s something for every palate)
• Discover hidden-gem breweries and local favorites
• Travel with knowledgeable guides who love sharing fun stories and tasting notes
• Enjoy hassle-free transportation so you can focus on flavor, not parking

A brewery tour is ideal for groups, celebrations, or anyone eager to find their new favorite pour. Plus, you’ll go home with enough tasting tips and trivia to impress everyone at your next get-together.

Discover the Best Brews in North Texas

Dallas-Fort Worth is a craft beer hotspot, and its breweries are known for bold, creative IPAs you won’t find anywhere else. From time-honored classics to modern haze-bombs and everything in between, the local scene has it all.

Some popular North Texas breweries to add to your must-visit list:

• Community Beer Co.
• Deep Ellum Brewing Company
• Revolver Brewing
• Four Corners Brewing
• Peticolas Brewing Co.
• Armadillo Ale Works

Whether you’re team classic or want to try the latest taproom innovation, North Texas breweries are brimming with tasting opportunities for every type of beer lover.

Book Your North Texas Brewery tour and Taste the Adventure

Are you ready to put your new IPA knowledge to the test? Join a guided brewery tour and sip your way through the region’s most exciting craft beers—IPAs included! It’s the perfect way to bond with friends, mark a special occasion, or simply discover new flavors.

Book your brewery adventure now: Reserve your spot on the North Texas Brewery Tour and experience the best IPAs that Dallas-Fort Worth has to offer.

Cheers to new discoveries and even better beers!