In the world of beer competitions, the World Beer Cup is often hailed as the “Olympics of Beer Competitions.” Established in 1996, this annual event is organized by the Brewers Association, a trade group made up of over 5,400 beer makers. This spring, a panel of expert judges from 26 different countries gathered in Las Vegas to award bronze, silver, and gold medals across 103 distinct styles of beer. While we’ve explored many of the medalists in previous articles, today we’ll be focusing on the beloved category of IPAs.
The modern craft beer movement has a special place in its heart for India Pale Ales (IPAs), known for their bold hop profiles. At the 2024 World Beer Cup, there were a total of eight subcategories of IPA in competition. Among the most entered styles, three out of the top four featured IPA in their names. The most popular subcategory was the Hazy India Pale Ale, with 326 entries, followed by West-Coast Style India Pale Ale with 281 entries, and American-Style India Pale Ale with 213 entries. It’s clear that beer enthusiasts still have a strong affinity for these bitter brews.
While the term India Pale Ale dates back to 1835 England, modern IPAs bear little resemblance to their historic counterparts. The style has evolved over time, leading to the creation of new subcategories and variations. This constant evolution is what makes judging IPAs at the World Beer Cup a challenging task, requiring judges to carefully assess each entry based on its unique characteristics.
California’s IPA Dominance
Unsurprisingly, California proved to be a powerhouse in the IPA category at the World Beer Cup, taking home five out of the eight gold medals. Four of these winning IPAs hail from Southern California, showcasing the region’s expertise in crafting exceptional IPAs. While many of these award-winning beers are only available locally, some can be shipped to eager beer enthusiasts across the country. One standout IPA is the double dry-hopped Beezer IPA, a tropical-fruit bomb with a 6.9% ABV that comes in convenient canned 4-packs.
Looking Ahead
As the beer world eagerly awaits the next major beer festival, the Great American Beer Festival, scheduled for October 10th to 12th in Denver, Colorado, there is anticipation for a new wave of medal-worthy IPAs to be unveiled. Whether you’re a seasoned IPA aficionado or looking to explore new flavors, these festivals offer a unique opportunity to discover award-winning brews from across the country.
The World Beer Cup serves as a platform for brewers to showcase their skills and creativity in crafting exceptional IPAs. As the craft beer industry continues to innovate and push boundaries, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in this beloved beer category. So, whether you prefer a hazy IPA bursting with fruity flavors or a classic West-Coast style IPA with a piney finish, there’s a world of IPA waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Cheers to the hoppiest beers out there!