Top-Rated IPAs in Every U.S. State Revealed for 2024

NEW YORK, NY – The India Pale Ale, or IPA, continues to dominate the American craft beer scene, claiming nearly half of all craft beer sales. According to Circana, IPAs accounted for 49.4 percent of the market share in off-premise retailers in 2024.

Brewers across the nation have long embraced the IPA style, experimenting with numerous substyles, including the hazy New England IPAs that have rapidly gained popularity. To explore this ongoing trend, we conducted an examination to identify the highest-rated IPA in each state and Washington, D.C.

This analysis was limited to beers that received over 100 ratings on BeerAdvocate. Arkansas and South Dakota were excluded as they did not have any IPAs meeting this benchmark. The top spot in each state was awarded to the IPA with the most reviews.

For example, in Alabama, Good People Brewing Company’s Hitchhiker IPA, with a 7.4 percent ABV, was recognized as the highest-rated IPA. Described as possessing a balance of sharp malt and bitter hop flavors with citrus notes, it highlights Alabama’s craft brewing scene.

In Alaska, the winner was Anchorage Brewing Company’s Galaxy White IPA, a Belgian IPA showcasing a unique brewing process involving special hops and fermentation in French oak. Arizona’s top choice, Mother Road Brewery’s Tower Station IPA, is praised for its tangerine and pineapple-forward aromas.

Many states came forward with remarkable offerings. For instance, California’s renowned Russian River Brewing Company produced the Imperial IPA, Pliny the Younger, while Florida’s Cigar City Brewing captured higher ratings with its Jai Alai IPA.

Washington, D.C., features DC Brau Brewing Co.’s On the Wings of Armageddon, celebrated for its bold flavor and high ratings. Meanwhile, Brew Gentlemen from Pennsylvania is highlighted for its New England IPA, Albatross, rich in tropical fruit flavors.

The list showcases the rich diversity in American brewing, from established breweries to newer operations striving to make a mark, each contributing uniquely to the craft beer landscape. This dedicated exploration into IPAs reveals just how much enthusiasm there is for craft brewing across the country.

This ranking and the intriguing diversity within the IPA style reflect the evolving tastes of consumers and the creativity of brewers who continue to experiment with new ingredients and techniques.