Big news! We’ve rebrewed our first-ever international collaboration, INVICTA, after being inundated with requests to bring it back. And it’s a big, fat, juicy New England IPA.

The release got us thinking—we want people to enjoy it the right way! So, we wrote a guide on how to enjoy NEIPAs, including brewer-approved tips for drinking a NEIPA properly.

Here goes!

What Are New England IPAs (NEIPAs)?

New England IPAs, also known as NEIPAs, are a type of India Pale Ale that originated in the northeastern U.S. states of Vermont and Massachusetts. They typically have the following characteristics:

• ABV Range: Usually between 5-7%.
• Appearance: Often cloudy or opaque.
• Flavour Profile: Characterised by low bitterness and juicy, fruity flavours.

Most craft beer lovers would agree—a good NEIPA is hard to beat. But where did it come from, and how has it become so popular?

A Brief History of NEIPAs

Rooted in the craft beer scene of New England in the 1990s and early 2000s, NEIPAs emerged from the use of new hops and brewing techniques. Brewers in the region aimed to create beers with more flavour and aroma than standard IPAs.

The experimentation paid off, and the popularity of NEIPAs quickly spread from New England across the globe, influencing the craft beer scene internationally.

Several standout brewing companies played a key role in this phenomenon, such as The Alchemist Brewery in Vermont, known for brewing the highly sought-after Heady Topper IPA, and Tree House Brewing Company in Massachusetts, famous for its juicy, hazy IPAs.

How Are NEIPAs Brewed?

NEIPAs are brewed using a combination of high-protein malts and American hops. The high-protein malts contribute to the beer's hazy appearance, while American hops, like Citra, Mosaic, Idaho 7, and Centennial, impart fruity, citrusy flavours.

Generally, NEIPAs are brewed with more hops than other IPAs, and the dry-hopping process can be more rigorous, often involving multiple dry-hopping stages to enhance aroma.

In addition to specialised strains of yeast, the extra hops give the beer its hazy appearance and fruity flavour profile, which many beer enthusiasts, including our Triple Point team, love.

NEIPA Characteristics

• Hazy appearance: Typically, cloudy or opaque, resulting from the high-protein malts used in the brewing process.
• Juicy, fruity flavour: Often described as having a juicy, fruity flavour profile, with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, pine, and stone fruit—super refreshing and tasty!
• Low bitterness: Unlike traditional IPAs, which can be quite bitter, NEIPAs tend to have lower bitterness levels, allowing the fruity flavours to shine through.
• Intense aroma: NEIPAs are highly aromatic, with strong, fruity, and juicy aromas. You can recognise this style of beer from a mile away!

Why You Should Try NEIPAs

• Endless variations: Each NEIPA offers a unique spin on the style.
• Appealing appearance: The cloudy and opaque look is fresh and inviting.
• Packed with flavour: The hazy appearance indicates a beer that is full of flavour.
• Great food pairings: NEIPAs pair nicely with a variety of foods, from spicy dishes to rich, meaty burgers—you’re sure to find a pairing that hits the spot!

We have a variety of NEIPAs available on our website. Be sure to check them out!

Brewer-Approved Tips for Enjoying NEIPAs

Recommended by our brewers:

• Serve it cold: Ideally, at around 5-7°C. This will help enhance the beer's crisp, refreshing qualities.
• Use the right glassware: A tulip or snifter glass is best for enhancing the beer's aroma and flavour profile. If you’re looking for some new glassware, check out our online shop.
• Pair it with the right foods: From spicy food to creamy cheeses, NEIPAs are versatile. They go exceptionally well with burgers. So, if you’re visiting our taproom, be sure to try the Twisted Cheese from Twisted Burger Company.
• Experiment with different breweries and variations: There are numerous breweries and variations of NEIPAs to explore, each with its own unique flavour profile and brewing techniques. Don’t be afraid to try new things—you might surprise yourself!

FAQs About NEIPAs

Are NEIPAs gluten-free?

Not usually. NEIPAs are typically brewed using barley and wheat, which contain gluten. However, like all our beers, our NEIPAs are certified gluten-free (and vegan!), so you can still enjoy a pint of the good stuff!

See how we make our beers gluten-free in our blog here.

What's the difference between NEIPAs and regular IPAs?

Typically, NEIPAs are less bitter than traditional IPAs and have a hazy appearance with a juicy, fruity flavour profile. Regular IPAs tend to be clearer and more bitter.

Can I age a NEIPA?

NEIPAs are not typically aged, as their flavour and aroma can degrade over time. It's best to enjoy them fresh.

Are NEIPAs more expensive than other types of beer?

They can be more expensive due to the specialised ingredients and brewing techniques used, as well as the higher hop content. However, prices can vary depending on the brewery, region, and ABV.

Looking to try one of our vegan and gluten-free NEIPAs? Don’t miss out on claiming 10% off your online order when you sign up for our mailing list. You’ll find the sign-up form at the bottom of the webpage.

Cheers!