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West Coast IPA v East Coast IPA

Both West Coast and East Coast IPAs (or New England IPAs) are hoppy and delicious in their own right, but here's how they differ:

Appearance:

  • West Coast: Typically clear and golden in colour.
  • East Coast: Tend to be hazier or cloudier (and look like a fruit juice) due to different yeast strains, dry-hopping techniques and the use of oats.

Bitterness:

  • West Coast: Known for their assertive, piney bitterness, emphasising the hops from early additions during the boil. 
  • East Coast: Less intensely bitter, focusing on a balance between hop flavour and other elements like malt sweetness and fruity notes.

Hops:

  • West Coast: Traditionally use American "C" hops like Cascade, Citra, and Chinook, providing citrusy, piney, and earthy aromas.
  • East Coast: Often experiment with British and European hop varieties, contributing floral, tropical, and stone fruit characteristics.

Yeast:

  • West Coast: Use clean-fermenting yeasts to showcase the hop flavours.
  • East Coast: Employ fruitier, more complex yeasts that contribute their own distinct character.

Overall Flavours:

  • West Coast: Bold, citrusy, piney, and resinous with a pronounced bitterness. 
  • East Coast: More balanced, offering juicy, fruity, and tropical notes alongside subtle bitterness.


Remember, these are just general trends, and there's plenty of crossover and experimentation within each style. So, the best way to discover your preference is to try them both!

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