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The New Wave of West Coast IPAs

As a craft beer enthusiasts I'm always looking to see what might be coming for me next, what new or different beer styles or twist to an existing style will entice me!

Many of us have long celebrated the West Coast IPA for its bold, hop-forward character and crisp, clean finish. It is now an iconic style, pioneered by breweries in California and the Pacific Northwest, but this style has undergone a remarkable and interesting transformation in recent years. A new wave of West Coast IPAs is emerging, featuring newer hop varieties and a fruitier profile that offers a refreshing twist on a beloved classic.

Side Note: I just want to put it here that while we all refer to 'styles' there has always been, and always will be style creep, so I know that these variations to the Tradtional West Coast IPA style are not brand new, but they are being brewed more often AND becoming more widely accepted.

A VERY Brief History of the West Coast IPA

Just as a reminder, the West Coast IPA first gained popularity in the 1990s, defined by its clear appearance, intense hop bitterness (oh my god I love the bitterness), and citrusy, piney aromas. Breweries like Sierra Nevada, Stone Brewing, and Russian River Brewing Company set the standard for this style, using American "C" hop varieties (Cascade, Columbus, Chinook, Centennial, etc.) to create beers with pronounced bitterness and resinous flavours.

Evolution of West Coast IPA Hop Varieties

While traditional West Coast IPAs relied heavily on these classic American hop varieties, the new wave is embracing a wider range of hops that bring different flavors and aromas to the table. Breweries are experimenting with newer hop varieties like Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe, which contribute fruity, tropical, and floral notes, alongside the piney, resinous characteristics of older hops. 

Mosaic: Known for its complex aroma, Mosaic hops offer a mix of tropical fruit, berries, and earthy pine. This hop variety has become a favorite among brewers for its versatility and ability to add depth to IPAs.

Citra: As the name suggests, Citra hops are celebrated for their strong citrus aroma, featuring notes of lime, grapefruit, and orange. These hops impart a bright, juicy character to the beer.

Simcoe: Simcoe hops provide a balanced blend of fruit and earthy pine flavors, with hints of berry and apricot. This hop variety enhances the complexity of West Coast IPAs, adding layers of flavour.

Nelson Sauvin: A delicious hope variety named after the Sauvignon Blanc wine grape. Imparts Passion fruit, gooseberry, peach, and lime flavours, and often an amazing white grape note too.


The Fruity Profile Evolution

The new wave of West Coast IPAs is distinguished by its fruitier profile, which is achieved through a combination of newer hop varieties and innovative brewing techniques. Brewers are focusing on maximising the fruity, aromatic qualities of hops while maintaining the clean, crisp finish that defines the style.

Now one burning question I have about this evolution is ... it is a West Coast IPA, or a Mountain IPA? I suppose the answer depends on your standpoint and georgraphy much of the time, die hard West Coast IPA fans, might claim that it is still a West Coast IPA, while others might be happy to think about this as a new style, the Mountain IPAs manages to find a middle ground in terms of bitterness and haze, but maintains much of the New England IPA's fruity hop aromas and juiciness!

How is this Fruitier Profile Achieved?

To achieve a fruitier profile, many brewers are increasing their use of dry hopping and whirlpool additions. Dry hopping involves adding hops to the beer after fermentation, which boosts the aroma without contributing to bitterness. Whirlpool additions, where hops are added after the boil and during the cooling process, also enhance the beer’s aromatic qualities while reducing bitterness a little.

These techniques allow brewers to extract more of the hops' volatile oils, which are responsible for the fruity, aromatic compounds. The result is a beer that bursts with tropical fruit, citrus, and berry notes, offering a refreshing twist on the traditional West Coast IPA.

Balancing Bitterness and Flavour

Iguess one of the challengers here is balancing the fruity hop flavours with the style's characteristic bitterness. While traditional West Coast IPAs often feature a sharp, lingering bitterness, the modern iterations must aim for a more harmonious balance. Brewers will have to think and plan their hopping schedules more carefully then they probably ever have done before, there will be a need to experiment with different hop combinations and timings to achieve this balance.

By carefully selecting hops that complement each other, brewers can create IPAs with a fruit-forward aroma and flavour, followed by a clean, bitter finish. This approach not only highlights the complexity of the hops but also makes the beer more approachable for a wider audience.

Notable Examples of the New Wave West Coast IPAs

Several breweries are leading the charge in this new wave of West Coast IPAs, creating beers that showcase the fruity, aromatic potential of modern hop varieties.

Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing Company: OK, I accept that this is not a new beer, Pliny the Elder does however remain a quintessential example of a West Coast IPA that masterfully balances bitterness with fruity and floral hop aromas. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of the style.

Tree Line IPA from Laughing Bones Brewing Co: A beer than nicely blends that bold hoppiness of the West Coast world, then drops in some tasty juicy hoppiness too with the use of Sequoia hops.

Pulp by The Veil Brewing Co: This IPA features a blend of Mosaic and Citra hops, resulting in a beer bursting with tropical fruit flavors and a clean, crisp finish. The Veil Brewing Co. has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach to hop-forward beers.

Modern Times Orderville: This IPA combines the fruity aromas of Mosaic and Simcoe hops with a balanced bitterness, offering a fresh take on the West Coast IPA. Modern Times has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hop-forward beers.

The Future of West Coast IPAs

As I said right at the beginning, style change and adapt oer time, and this new wave of West Coast IPAs is a testament to this change AND the creativity and innovation driving the craft beer industry. By embracing newer hop varieties and focusing on a fruitier profile, brewers are breathing new life into a classic style. This evolution not only attracts long-time IPA enthusiasts but also introduces the style to new drinkers who appreciate the vibrant, aromatic qualities of modern hops.

As the craft beer scene continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments in the world of West Coast IPAs. Brewers will likely continue to experiment with hop combinations, brewing techniques, and flavour profiles, pushing the boundaries of what this iconic style can offer. Whether you're a seasoned IPA lover or a newcomer to the world of craft beer, the new wave of West Coast IPAs promises a delicious and refreshing adventure for your taste buds.

So, the next time you're at your local brewery or beer shop, be sure to explore the latest offerings in West Coast IPAs. Embrace the fruity aromas, savor the balanced bitterness, and enjoy the innovative spirit that defines this exciting new chapter in the world of craft beer. Cheers to the future of West Coast IPAs!

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