IPA is a broad family of hop-forward beers, but it does not always mean intensely bitter. The easiest way to choose one is by flavour: juicy and soft, crisp and piney, fruity and sessionable, or bigger and bolder. This guide gives you the useful version—not just the beer-judge version.

What does IPA taste like?

IPAs are built around hops. Depending on the style, that can mean grapefruit, orange zest, mango, peach, pine, fresh herbs or floral notes. Bitterness matters, but it is only one part of the picture. Browse IPA and Pale Ale at TheCru.ie.

Which IPA should I try?

• “I like fruity beers, but nothing syrupy.” Try a hazy or New England IPA. Expect mango, citrus and stone-fruit flavours with a soft texture and gentler bitterness.
• “I want something crisp and properly hoppy.” Try a West Coast or American IPA. These are drier, clearer and more likely to have grapefruit, pine and a firm bitter finish.
• “I want an IPA, but not something too strong.” Look for a session IPA, usually around 4–5% ABV.
• “I want the big one.” A double or imperial IPA brings more body, more hop intensity and a higher ABV—best enjoyed slowly.

The main IPA styles

Hazy IPA / NEIPA

Cloudy, juicy and soft. Hazy IPAs are usually the best place to start if you enjoy tropical fruit flavours and do not love aggressive bitterness.

West Coast IPA

Clearer, drier and more bitter, with citrus peel, resin and pine. This is for the person who wants their hops to have a bit of bite.

Session IPA

All the hop aroma of an IPA in a lighter, more easy-going beer. A good option for a barbecue, match day or a long afternoon with friends.

Double IPA

Stronger, fuller and more intense. Double IPAs can be beautifully balanced, but they are very much a sipping beer rather than a casual fridge-grabber.

Food pairings for IPA

IPA is brilliant with spicy food, burgers, grilled chicken, salty snacks and rich cheese. A hazy IPA is lovely with tacos or a curry; a West Coast IPA works particularly well with a burger or pizza because the bitterness cuts through fat and salt.

Keep IPA fresh

Hop flavours fade quicker than malt-driven beer styles. Store IPA cool and away from light, and drink fresher examples sooner rather than saving them for a special occasion.

Explore IPA your way

Start with the flavour you fancy, then use the product notes to narrow it down. Shop IPA and Pale Ale, or browse gluten-free beer for current suitable options.