The 7 Best India Pale Lagers of 2022
A bit of a perplexing style, India pale lager (IPL) starts with the distinct features of an American IPA, mainly a copious amount of Pacific Northwest hops. But here is where IPLs deviate: Instead of using a top-fermenting ale yeast, this style leverages a bottom-fermenting lager yeast.
The result is a beer that's crisper and cleaner than traditional American IPAs.
But that's not the only difference.
The Differences Between IPAs and IPLs
First and foremost, as we mentioned, the biggest difference between these two styles is the type of yeast.
Considered ales, IPAs use a top-fermenting ale yeast. IPLs, on the other hand, are lagers, getting a dose of bottom-fermenting yeast that makes these beers lighter in body.
The other considerable difference is bitterness. Whereas with a traditional American IPA you might find a bitterness anywhere from 40-60+ International Bittering Units (IBUs), with IPLs you'll find a tamer hopping, landing at 20-40 IBUs.
All in all, despite outlining the main differences here, this style has caused some confusion and controversy. For that reason, you won't find any official guidelines listed by organizations like the Beer Judge Certification Program (BCJP).
But that doesn't mean brewers aren't trying their hand at IPLs
Untappd's 7 Highest-Rated India Pale Lagers of 2022
1. Maintains (and Shapes) - Revolution Brewing Company
5.5% ABV
35 IBU
1,962 Ratings
2. Hoponious Union - Jack's Abby Craft Lagers
6.5% ABV
65 IBU
69,273 Ratings
3. Pride and Parquet - Jack's Abby Craft Lagers
5.7% ABV
N/A IBU
3,774 Ratings
4. PROTOTYP - Kehrwieder Kreativbrauerei
5.9% ABV
25 IBU
13,140 Ratings
5. Mosa 6 - India Pale Lager - Zuyd Craft
6% ABV
17 IBU
5,917 Ratings
6 Baltazar - Pivovara Medvedgrad
5% ABV
45 IBU
11,581 Ratings
4.5% ABV
N/A IBU
10,934 Ratings
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