IPAs for People Who Don't Like IPAs

WSJ On-Line ^ | Jan. 24, 2014 | WILLIAM BOSTWICK

[Pontiac]

THINK YOU DON'T like IPAs? Too bitter, too intense? Many are. Tongue-numbingly resinous and paint-thinner strong, today's double and triple India Pale Ales have a few devoted, if masochistic, fans. But to those of us more interested in grace than grandeur, IPAs can be hard beers to love. Or even swallow.

No longer. Showcasing new and experimental breeds of hops, the latest pale ales offer a welcome change of pace: nuanced flavor.

So get them while you can: a fleeting, flickering burst of tropical sun in a northern winter.

1. Great Lakes Chillwave Double IPA (9.4% ABV): Hop-of-the-moment Mosaic bursts through this beer like a splash of mango nectar. It comes on like fruit soda but finishes with an IPA's bracing bitter kick.

[Pontiac]

Try this Fulton IPA, Sweet Child of Vine. From Minnesota. I'm not normally a fan if IPA's but this has more flavor depth than others.

I will put it on my wish list. We have a beer and wine store nearby that has a great selection of microbrews. They may have it.

[Pontiac]

Try this Fulton IPA, Sweet Child of Vine. From Minnesota. I'm not normally a fan if IPA's but this has more flavor depth than others.

I have been pretty fortunate with my kids. Generally speaking they have ignored my beer.

My step son will only occasionally have a beer with me.

The wife and I had him out last night to celebrate his getting his insurance agent license and he turned down a fine local Winter Ale.

OK with me; Saves me seven bucks. He did chow down on the appetizers.

[Pontiac]

Brewing beer is something I want to take up when I retire.

My grandfather on my dad’s side made his own wine. My mother’s father made his own beer and cider (for which he was well known).

Unfortunately for me both of my grandfathers were dead before I could learn any of their secrets.

But I think it is in my blood and given the effort I can rekindle that art in my family.

[DuncanWaring]

Ping.

[E Rocc]

Commodore Perry is also a good GLBC IPA.

Chillwave was originally called “Alchemy Hour” but someone owned that name. They should have named it “Surfin’ Cleveland” instead, so when you run out there’s....