For craft beer lovers, exploring the diverse world of India Pale Ales (IPAs) offers a rich journey through flavors and brewing traditions. Among the many variations, English IPAs hold a special place, known for their balanced bitterness, earthy hop character, and malty backbone. Whether you’re new to English IPAs or a seasoned enthusiast, discovering the best examples of this style provides a deeper appreciation for what makes these brews craftsmanship gems. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top English IPAs you should definitely try, offering detailed insights into each beer and the breweries behind them.
Understanding the English IPA Style
English IPAs have their roots in the 19th century when brewers made hoppier beers to survive long sea voyages to British colonies in India. While modern IPAs, especially American ones, are often characterized by intense, citrusy hop aromas and bold bitterness, English IPAs emphasize balance with a distinct earthy, floral, and sometimes resinous hop profile derived primarily from traditional English hops such as East Kent Goldings, Fuggle, and Challenger. The malt component often provides a toasty, biscuity base, allowing for a smooth, more rounded bitterness compared to the punchier American styles.
This style features moderate alcohol levels, usually ranging from around 5.5% to 7.5% ABV, making them quite sessionable yet flavorful. English IPAs can display complexity ranging from bright citrus and spice notes to subtle caramel sweetness and a lingering dry finish. Their nuanced character invites drinkers to sip slowly and savor the interplay of malt and hops.
How We Selected the Best English IPAs
To bring you this carefully curated list, we evaluated a range of IPAs brewed in the traditional English style. Our selection criteria included:
- Authenticity: We prioritized beers that showcase true English IPA heritage, using traditional hops and malts.
- Flavor Profile: The balance of malt and hops was key; overly bitter or one-dimensional brews were excluded.
- Reputation: Established breweries known for quality and innovation in the English IPA space were favored.
- Availability: We focused on beers that are reasonably accessible either through direct purchase, distribution, or online craft beer retailers.
- Drinkability & Complexity: IPAs that offer both immediate pleasure and depth for further exploration made the cut.
Top 10 Best English IPAs to Try
1. Fuller’s London Pride IPA
London Pride IPA by Fuller’s is a superb example of a classic English IPA with a modern twist. It features the signature Fuller’s malt sweetness layered under earthy, floral hop aromas. The balance is impeccable, offering a medium body with a dry, crisp finish. Brewed in the heart of London, this beer reflects deep brewing traditions combined with the brewery’s contemporary expertise.
2. Samuel Smith’s India Ale
A historic brewery from Yorkshire, Samuel Smith’s India Ale is one of the original English IPAs that remains true to the style. With persistent hop bitterness balanced by caramel malts, this brew delivers notes of toffee, herbs, and a slight fruity character from the yeast. The bottle-conditioned carbonation adds a lively texture that’s highly enjoyable.
3. Thornbridge Jaipur
Thornbridge’s Jaipur IPA is often praised as a benchmark for English-style IPAs. It embraces the traditional approach with a blend of English and international hops, featuring citrus, pine, and floral tones. Its smooth malt backbone provides richness without heaviness, making Jaipur a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.
4. Adnams Ghost Ship
Hailing from Southwold, Adnams Ghost Ship is another standout. It balances floral English hops with caramel malt sweetness, creating a refined and elegant IPA. Known for its smoothness and slight sweetness, Ghost Ship has won numerous awards and remains a favorite among traditional bitter lovers.
5. Meantime IPA
Based in Greenwich, London, Meantime IPA is a great contemporary interpretation of the English IPA style. It strikes a balance between bitterness and malt, with light citrus and earthy hop notes. The brewery’s commitment to quality ingredients shines through, offering a clean and refreshing IPA experience.
6. Theakston Old Peculier IPA
While Theakston is famous for its Old Peculier ale, their IPA deserves attention too. It features the rich maltiness and subtle hoppiness that English IPAs are known for. Robust yet nuanced, this beer offers gentle bitterness coupled with sweet malt undertones, perfect for those who enjoy more traditional ale characteristics.
7. Black Sheep IPA
Black Sheep IPA embraces the Yorkshire brewing tradition with a firm malt base and pronounced earthy hop aroma. Known for its complexity and drinkability, it is brewed using a blend of hops picked especially for aroma and flavor, delivering a pleasant bitterness and lingering finish.
8. Wychwood Hobgoblin IPA
Wychwood’s Hobgoblin IPA adds a mythical charm to its profile with a slightly richer and maltier body. Balanced hop bitterness combines with caramel and toffee malt notes, giving it a warmth that appeals to a wide range of palates. This brew is a great gateway for those exploring English IPAs.
9. Timothy Taylor’s Landlord
This iconic beer is often described as a quintessential English pale ale, bordering on IPA territory due to its hoppy backbone. It features earthy hops, balanced malt character, and a smooth finish. Renowned for its consistency and complexity, Landlord remains a beloved classic from Yorkshire.
10. Dark Star Hophead
Dark Star’s Hophead is a lighter, more refreshing take on the English IPA style. It has a lively hop profile featuring citrus and tropical fruit with English hop earthiness. Moderate malt presence allows the hops to shine without overwhelming bitterness, making it a sessionable yet flavorful choice.
About the Breweries and Their Unique Contributions
The breweries producing these outstanding English IPAs represent a range of heritage and innovation. Fuller’s and Samuel Smith’s bring centuries of traditional English brewing, preserving classic techniques and ingredients. Thornbridge and Dark Star are younger breweries blending tradition with modern hop experimentation, expanding the style’s boundaries.
Breweries like Adnams, Meantime, and Black Sheep emphasize the importance of sourcing local ingredients and brewing with respect for regional identity. Timothy Taylor’s has long been a stalwart of Yorkshire’s brewing culture, dedicated to quality and meticulous craftsmanship.
Each brewery contributes its unique story, flavor nuances, and approaches to the IPA style, making this selection not just a list of beers but a journey through England’s diverse brewing landscape.
Where to Find These English IPAs
Many of these English IPAs are available internationally through specialized craft beer shops, online retailers, and some supermarkets with a strong craft beer selection. Pubs and beer festivals often feature them, especially in the UK, where availability is widespread.
Online craft marketplaces have made it even easier to access rare finds and seasonal releases. When searching, look for distributors specializing in imported craft beers or UK beer exporters. Local craft beer bars with international offerings may also stock rotating selections of these England-brewed IPAs.
Tips for Tasting and Appreciating English IPAs
- Use the right glass: A tulip or nonic pint glass helps to concentrate aromas while allowing for comfortable drinking.
- Pour gently: Try to leave some sediment in the bottle as many English IPAs can be bottle-conditioned.
- Observe aroma: Take time to pick up earthy, floral, and malt notes with each sniff.
- Savor the balance: Pay attention to how the malt sweetness interacts with hop bitterness and the overall mouthfeel.
- Note the finish: Many English IPAs finish dry with lingering herbal or resinous hops — this is a hallmark of the style.
- Try with food: These IPAs pair well with roasted meats, sharp cheeses, and spicy dishes, enhancing their character.
Exploring the best English IPAs offers an opportunity to appreciate the historical depth and brewing expertise embedded in every sip. Whether you prefer the classic styles or seek modern interpretations, these top picks deliver an authentic taste experience that will delight any craft beer lover.
Ready to dive into the world of English IPAs? Grab a few from this list, gather some friends, and enjoy sampling the rich flavors and heritage these beers bring to your glass.
