Archive Digger

Once microbrews emerged as market players, the American beer drinker met hoppy beers. Since then, pale ales and IPAs have become “double” and “triple” and “quadruple” and “Imperial” versions of the traditional styles, and hopping levels have increased exponentially. Below we look at three IPAs exceeding 100 IBUs and another that features 90 IBU bitterness and a 10.5 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) punch. When market forces are at work, evolution happens quickly. Less than 15 years ago, such bold, radical offerings were largely unthinkable.