When someone asks “what’s an IPA similar to,” they’re usually looking for alternatives that share its bold hop character or trying to understand where it fits in the broader beer world. The closest mainstream parallel, in terms of impactful hop aroma and bitterness, is often found in American Pale Ales, though several other styles offer intriguing, related experiences for different preferences.
Understanding the IPA’s relatives means understanding what defines an IPA itself: a prominent hop profile (aroma, flavor, and/or bitterness), often with citrus, pine, resin, or tropical fruit notes, backed by a malt bill that supports rather than dominates. This isn’t one singular flavor, as modern IPAs span a wide spectrum.
The Primary Winner: American Pale Ale (APA)
If your goal is to find a beer that captures the essence of an IPA but with a slightly softer touch, the American Pale Ale is your go-to. APAs were the precursors to modern IPAs and share much of their DNA:
- Hop-Forward Character: Expect noticeable hop aroma and flavor, often leaning into citrus, floral, or piney notes from American hop varieties.
- Balanced Bitterness: While bitter, it’s typically less aggressive than a traditional West Coast IPA, making it more approachable for some palates.
- Malt Backbone: Usually a bit more pronounced than in many IPAs, offering a firmer foundation that can sometimes lean towards a biscuity or caramel note, though it remains hop-dominant.
- Lower ABV: Generally in the 5-6% range, making them more sessionable than the average IPA.
Think of an APA as an IPA’s slightly mellower, highly drinkable cousin. It delivers on the hop promise without always pushing the intensity to the extreme.
Beyond the Direct Parallel: Other Hoppy Relatives
Depending on what specific aspect of an IPA you’re drawn to, other styles offer different takes on hop-centric brewing:
- Hazy Pale Ale: If you love the juicy, tropical, low-bitterness character of a New England IPA, but want it lighter or less boozy, a Hazy Pale Ale is an excellent choice. It emphasizes aroma and soft mouthfeel over sharp bitterness.
- Session IPA: For those who appreciate the full hop flavor and aroma of an IPA but want a lower alcohol content for extended drinking, a Session IPA hits the mark. These are designed for drinkability without sacrificing the distinctive hop profile.
- Amber Ale: This style offers a bridge for those who find IPAs too bitter or want more malt presence. Amber Ales still feature hop character, often with earthy or citrus notes, but they balance it with a richer, caramel-forward malt body. It’s less about pure hop intensity and more about harmonious balance.
- Red IPA: Blends the robust malt character of a red ale with the aggressive hopping of an IPA, creating a beer with both significant bitterness and a malty, often toffee-like complexity.
The Beers People Keep Calling Similar, But Aren’t Really
Many common misconceptions exist about what’s similar to an IPA, often due to a misunderstanding of what defines the style. Here are a few things that don’t quite fit the bill:
- Generic “Strong” Beers: Just because a beer is strong (high ABV) doesn’t make it similar to an IPA. Many strong lagers or malty ales bear no resemblance in flavor profile.
- Any Bitter Lager: While some lagers can have a clean bitterness (e.g., a German Pilsner), they lack the fruity, piney, or resinous hop aroma and flavor that define an IPA. Their bitterness is typically crisp and clean, not aromatic and complex. For more beer insights, understanding these distinctions is key.
- Stouts or Porters: Despite some modern Stouts featuring aggressive hopping (Black IPAs are a hybrid), the core flavor of a Stout or Porter is roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee, which is fundamentally different from an IPA’s hop-driven character.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a beer that’s most directly similar to an IPA in its hop-forward nature, the American Pale Ale is the clear winner. For those who prioritize the juicy, aromatic hop character with less bitterness, a Hazy Pale Ale is a fantastic alternative. Ultimately, if you like the hop kick of an IPA but want it dialled back slightly, an American Pale Ale offers that familiar, satisfying experience.