The India Pale Lager (IPL) has become a favorite among beer enthusiasts who appreciate a lighter, crisper alternative to traditional IPAs, yet with plenty of hops character. If you’ve been curious about this style or are eager to expand your beer palate, knowing the popular brands that bring out the best in IPLs is a great place to start. These are brewers who have mastered the balance of lager fermentation with IPA-level hoppiness, resulting in refreshing, flavorful brews that appeal widely. Let’s dive into what makes a great India Pale Lager and explore some of the most popular and highly recommended IPL brands you can try today.
What Defines a Great India Pale Lager Brand?
Before jumping into specific brands, it’s helpful to understand what sets an India Pale Lager apart. IPLs combine the crispness and clean finish of lagers with the hop-forward character typically associated with IPAs. The brewing process involves fermentation using lager yeast at cooler temperatures, which yields a smoother, clearer beer than the ale yeast fermentation found in most IPAs.
A great IPL brand prioritizes:
- Hop Quality and Balance: Quality hop varieties that impart aromatic, citrusy, floral, piney, or tropical fruit notes without overwhelming bitterness.
- Clean Fermentation: Consistent lager fermentation that results in a refreshing, crisp, and highly drinkable beer.
- Appropriate ABV: Moderate alcohol levels, typically between 5-7%, making the beer easy to enjoy across diverse occasions.
- Packaging and Availability: Wide distribution and appealing packaging that reflects the beer’s quality.
The brands that succeed in these areas not only bring great beer to market but also help boost the popularity and appreciation of the IPL style globally.
Popular Commercial India Pale Lagers
Several commercial IPLs have risen in prominence, earning fans and accolades for their distinctive takes on the style. These beers showcase the creativity of their breweries and the versatility of the IPL category. Here are some widely recognized popular IPLs:
- Lagunitas IPL – Lagunitas Brewing Company’s flagship IPL brings a robust hop profile with malt backbone balance, epitomizing the style for many fans.
- Samuel Adams Nitro IPA – While this is a nitro IPA, it closely aligns with the IPL characteristics due to its smooth lager-influenced carbonation and hopping.
- Cisco Brewers Whaler IPA Lager – A crisp and citrus-forward lagered IPA hailing from Massachusetts, known for its sessionable nature.
- Oskar Blues Pinner Throwback IPA – Though often called an IPA, its lager-like qualities and dry hopping technique position it as a hybrid IPL choice.
- Reissdorf Kölsch – Kölsch is not an IPL but shares lager qualities; some breweries’ IPLs take inspiration from this style, crossing flavor notes and drinkability.
Profiles of Standout Breweries and Their Flagship IPLs
Many breweries have become synonymous with delivering top-notch India Pale Lagers. Let’s take a closer look at a few standout producers and what makes their IPLs special.
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Based in Petaluma, California, Lagunitas has been a pioneer in popularizing IPLs. Their Lagunitas IPL is a year-round staple with vibrant hop aromas from Mosaic, Mandarina Bavaria, and Simcoe hops. It features medium body with a clean, crisp finish that pairs perfectly with the piney and citrusy hop notes — a great gateway for those exploring IPAs in lager form.
Cisco Brewers
Known for their community-driven ethos and bold brewing choices, Cisco Brewers crafts the Whaler IPA Lager on Martha’s Vineyard. It employs lager fermentation coupled with assertive hop varieties to deliver subtle sweetness, balanced bitterness, and bright tropical fruit sensations. It’s a fantastic, sessionable IPL that appeals widely.
Oskar Blues Brewery
Oskar Blues helped trailblaze the canned craft IPA market, and with their Pinner Throwback IPA, they offer a brew that blurs IPA and IPL lines. It’s a lighter body, hop-forward beer with crisp finish and refreshing bitterness. The dry hopping and active fermentation techniques merge to produce a beer perfect for those who want hop intensity without the weight of a heavier IPA.
Flavor Highlights of Each Featured Brand
Every popular IPL brand brings a unique flavor experience, shaped by hop selection, malt profile, yeast strain, and brewing process. Here’s a flavor breakdown of the mentioned beers:
- Lagunitas IPL: Citrus and pine dominate with hints of mandarin oranges, tropical fruit, and a soft malt sweetness. The bitterness is crisp but balanced, with medium carbonation.
- Cisco Whaler IPA Lager: Bright grapefruit, orange zest, and tropical mango flavors with a mild malt backbone. Clean finish enhances drinkability.
- Oskar Blues Pinner Throwback IPA: Lemony citrus with floral hop notes, light malt sweetness, and a dry, snappy finish. Ideal for those preferring a subtle bitterness.
- Samuel Adams Nitro IPA: Creamy mouthfeel thanks to nitro carbonation, with pine resin and bitter orange peel aromas, balanced by bready malts.
Where to Find These Brands Globally
Most of these popular IPL brands have expanded their distribution networks, making it easier for beer lovers globally to sample them. Here are some tips on where to find them:
- Lagunitas IPL: Widely distributed across the US and in select international craft beer markets, including Europe and Asia. Available in cans, bottles, and on tap.
- Cisco Brewers: Primarily found in the Northeast US and some coastal cities, Cisco has been expanding regionally and via online beer retailers.
- Oskar Blues: Distributed nationwide in the US with growing presence in Canada and parts of Europe.
- Samuel Adams Nitro IPA: Available nationwide in the US with growing international reach, often found in specialty beer shops.
To pinpoint availability, checking brewery websites and popular beer apps like Untappd or BeerAdvocate helps identify where to buy or order these IPLs near you.
Consumer Reviews and Ratings
IPL fans and general craft beer drinkers often sing high praises for these popular brands. Here’s a general summary of consumer feedback:
- Lagunitas IPL: Highly rated for consistent quality, aromatic hop profiles, and drinkability. Often described as a perfect “gateway” IPL.
- Cisco Whaler: Popular among those who prefer session beers with juicy hop flavors and lower bitterness. It’s loved for its balance and affordability.
- Oskar Blues Pinner Throwback: Enjoyed for its light but flavorful profile, praised as ideal for summer or outdoor drinking.
- Samuel Adams Nitro IPA: Fans appreciate the smooth mouthfeel and complexity, though nitro carbonation isn’t universal in IPLs specifically.
Recommendations for First-Time IPL Drinkers
If you’re new to India Pale Lagers, here are some tips on how to approach and enjoy these beers:
- Start with lower bitterness options: Brands like Cisco Whaler or Oskar Blues Pinner offer lighter hop intensity and approachable flavors.
- Explore a classic style: Trying Lagunitas IPL provides a solid benchmark of what the style delivers in balance and aroma.
- Pair with food: IPLs complement spicy dishes, grilled seafood, and light appetizers due to their crispness and refreshing bite.
- Sample on tap first: Many breweries showcase IPLs on draft, where flavors feel brightest and carbonation is fresh.
Taking time to savor the interplay of hops and malt in an IPL can open new appreciation beyond typical IPAs or lagers alone.
Exploring Flavor Through Popular Brands
India Pale Lagers provide an exciting exploration into the fusion of two beloved beer traditions: the refreshing crispness of lagers and the vibrant hop character of IPAs. The popular brands highlighted stand as examples of how brewers innovate and perfect this hybrid style, ensuring a satisfying, flavorful experience for both hop heads and lager lovers alike.
Whether you’re just beginning your IPL journey or looking to broaden your beer horizons, these brands offer accessible, delicious options to discover new favorite brews. Sampling them globally broadens your palate and showcases the dynamic creativity within the craft beer world — making each sip a fresh adventure.
