Opinion: My Top 3 Indiana IPAs – You Wanna Fight About It?

With all due respect, you are probably going to disagree with me. That is ok. The differing of opinions is always welcome. After all, we are not talking politics or religion; therefore, a fight should not break out. For the record, I am 4-1 all-time in physical altercations. That one loss was the ass beating of a lifetime, though (thank you, Tony Shavers).

Regardless, I want to talk about the always popular IPA. Specifically, I’d like to let you know what the three best IPA’s in the state of Indiana are. Not imperials. Not Pale Ale’s hopped like an IPA (looking at you Zombie Dust). Just the hop heavy deliciousness a majority of craft beer drinkers have come to love.

Did you know that over 25% of craft beer drinkers prefer IPAs to any other style? That is more than few. Being a self-diagnosed hophead myself, I’ve been lucky enough to try a vast majority of the ones brewed right here in this great state.

My Ghetto – Devils Trumpet Brewing Company (Merrillville)

Weighing in at 100 IBU’s (7.2% ABV) this juicy, aromatic, hop heavy IPA comes through on the palate with hints of passion fruit and grapefruit rind. 

Lift Off – Daredevil Brewing Company (Speedway)

A dangerously drinkable IPA, Lift Off (7.2% ABV) clocks in at a palpable 72 IBU’s. A bounty of American hops delivers the signature clean and crisp finish of a perfectly balanced West Coast style IPA. A palate pleasing essence of grapefruit, orange zest, a bit of passion fruit and lemon peel balance a healthy amount of malt.

Rooftop – Bloomington Brewing Company (Bloomington)
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Winner of the 2013 Indiana Brewers Cup (IPA), Rooftop (7.4%) is 80 IBU’s of full balance between bittering (Nugget and Mt. Hood) and aromatic (dry hopped with Cascade) hops. Malty undertones balance this hop bomb before its long, bold and bitter finale.

Faced with only choosing three, that’s them.

Let the argument ensue.