Among craft beer styles, IPAs remain one of the most popular choices on grocery store shelves. And in recent years, with grocery stores stocking more craft beer than ever before, shoppers have access to award-winning IPAs from breweries across the country without having to hunt down a specialty beer shop. But with so many choices on the shelf, narrowing down the best options can be a little overwhelming.
To help identify the standouts, I spoke with Christian Muckerman, owner and head brewer at Dimond Beer and Company, a craft brewery in Alexandria, Virginia. Drawing on years of brewing experience and countless tastings, Muckerman shared his favorite grocery-store IPAs across a variety of categories, from beginner-friendly picks and hazy favorites to low-calorie options and underrated gems. Muckerman's recommendations span a wide range of styles, regions and drinking occasions. His picks include iconic craft beer classics, newer grocery-store favorites and a few underrated bottles that deserve more attention.
Best Overall IPA: Bell's Two Hearted AleBest IPA for Beginners: Bell's Two Hearted AleBest Hazy IPA: Sierra Nevada Hazy Little ThingBest IPA for Food Pairing: Port City Monumental IPAMost Widely Available IPA: Lagunitas IPABest West Coast IPA: Pliny the ElderBest Value IPA: Bell's Two Hearted AleBest Light IPA: Dogfish Head Slightly MightyBest Nonalcoholic IPA: Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPAMost Underrated IPA: Bear Republic Racer 5 IPAHow the IPA Beers Were Chosen
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8 Best IPA Beers You Can Buy at the Grocery Store, According to a Craft Brewer
Best Overall IPA: Bell's Two Hearted Ale ($11.99)
Bell's
"Two Hearted Ale has been widely renowned as one of the top American IPAs for many years," says Muckerman. "It's a balanced, full-bodied beer that beautifully balances bitterness with fresh notes of grapefruit, citrus and floral pine."
Best Hazy IPA: Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing ($11.99)
Sierra Nevada
"It is highly accessible and hits all of the bases generally sought after in a hazy IPA," he says. "It has a pillowy mouthfeel and a rich, bright citrus hop profile."
Best West Coast IPA: Pliny the Elder ($8.99 per bottle)
Russian River Brewing Company
"When I think about my favorite true West Coast-style beer, Pliny the Elder comes to mind," he says.
While Pliny the Elder isn't as widely distributed as some of the other beers on this list and may not be available in every grocery store, Muckerman says it's worth seeking out if you spot it. "Each time I've had it, I've thoroughly enjoyed it and left wanting more than the one bottle I could snag," he says.
Best Light IPA: Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty ($10.99)
Dogfish Head
"The best low-calorie IPA is hands down Slightly Mighty," he says.
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Best IPA for Beginners: Bell's Two Hearted Ale ($11.99)
Bell's
"There are a lot of preconceived notions about IPAs that they are all 'obnoxiously bitter' or 'taste like tree bark,'" he says. "However, there are plenty of entry-level IPAs that are crisp, clean and not overly bitter."
He recommends Two Hearted because it strikes a balance between hop character and drinkability without overwhelming new IPA drinkers.
Best Nonalcoholic IPA: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA ($10.99)
Athletic Brewing
"I would recommend Athletic's Run Wild if you are looking for a good NA IPA," he says.
Muckerman notes that nonalcoholic beers don't fully replicate the traditional IPA experience because alcohol contributes significantly to flavor, body and richness. Still, he appreciates the innovation happening within the category and believes the future of NA brewing is promising.
Best IPA for Food Pairing: Port City Monumental IPA ($11.99)
Target
"My best IPA for food pairing would also be a good beginner-friendly choice, Monumental IPA brewed by Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, Virginia," he says.
Muckerman says the beer works particularly well because it has enough character to stand on its own before dinner without overpowering whatever is on your plate. Instead, he says it complements a wide variety of foods, making it a dependable choice whether you're ordering takeout or firing up the grill.
Related: 10 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers You Need To Try
Most Underrated IPA: Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA ($10.99)
Bear Republic
"Their flagship IPA, Racer 5, is in the same league as Bell's Two Hearted IPA," he says.
He describes the beer as having grapefruit, citrus and subtle floral pine notes balanced by a malty backbone. Whether you're heading to a backyard gathering or settling in for movie night, Muckerman says it's a dependable choice. His advice? "If you see this beer in the grocery store, grab a six-pack—you won't regret it."
Most Widely Available IPA: Lagunitas IPA ($10.99)
Target
"My pick for the most widely available IPA is Lagunitas IPA from Lagunitas Brewing Company," he says.
"It's always a classic West Coast-style IPA that tastes the same, so you know what you're getting when you buy it," says Muckerman.
Whether you're stocking the fridge for the weekend, returning home from a road trip or visiting friends in another state, he says Lagunitas is a reliable choice. "It's reliable, generally always on the shelf, and I know what I'm getting."
Best Value IPA: Bell's Two Hearted Ale ($11.99)
Bell's
"There are other IPAs out there that are less expensive, but in my opinion, there are few other brands that produce a better 'bang for your buck' product at a national scale like the brewers at Bell's do," he says.
Source:
Christian Muckerman, Owner and Head Brewer, Dimond Beer and Company, Alexandria, VirginiaRelated: This Viral Beer Cocktail Has the Internet Divided Between 'Ludicrous' and 'Intriguing'
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