So-called “fractional ale” keeps the alcohol volume low but the hop count high as lemon-seeded bittering dominates big time. Towing the line between easygoing sessionability and mighty hop-headed bittering, well-rounded moderate body plies powerful grapefruit-peeled lemon bittering, juicy orange-pineapple tang and mild floral herbage to sugary crystal malt sweetness. Light resinous pine pungency settles beneath the briskly clean-watered citric surface, never overwhelming the senses.  Zesty mango, peach and lime twang plays backup while musky mineral graining gains strength above dry-hopped wood tones and recessive herbs.

Bodacious medium-full body brings tropical-fruited nature to brisk hop-oiled bittering and piney evergreen freshness with magnificent sunshiny results. Initial pink and yellow grapefruit tang picks up zesty lemon, navel orange, pineapple, nectarine, mango, peach and papaya juicing. Orange blossom-honeyed crystal malting adds sugary respite to crisply clean mouthwatering delight.

On tap at Poor Henry’s, moderate piney bittering freshens surging grapefruit, lemon and pineapple tang. Slight navel orange zest hidden by oncoming dry-hopped astringency. Pulpy citrus finish retains crisp briskness.    

Is this America’s first great ‘craft’ beer? Brewed since the 19th century, it’s not overly aggressive or too hop-forward, allowing a wider range of palates to explore. Like most modern IPA’s, juicy grapefruit-peeled orange, peach, mango, tangerine and pineapple tang contrasts crisp piney hop bittering. Further sweetness derived from almond, praline and pecan nuttiness as well as creamy crystal malting and honeyed cereal grain spine. Standing up to newer microbrew recipes without overstating its piney citric bittering, ale connoisseurs of every stripe should enjoy the radiant medium-to-full-bodied classic.  

Easygoing 19th anniversary India Pale Ale offers zesty Chinook-citra hop briskness to sugared cara-pils malting and mild floral herbage. Crisp orange-peeled yellow grapefruit tang, juicy lemon freshness and tingly pineapple tartness combine for highly sesionable moderate-to-medium body.

Ordinary English-styled India Pale Ale brings dewy peat mossing, herbal green-black tea bittering, resinous cedar pining and earthen Goldings hop crisping to desolate crystal malt sweetness. Brown pear, brown apple and citrus notions simply fade away.

Prolfic, ever-evolving IPA series presents decisive Batch 3, a Belgian-styled India Pale Ale better defined as a typically fine West Coast knockoff. Soft-toned lemony grapefruit tartness crisply picks up white-peppered Citra hop spicing above sugary crystal/carapils malting and buttery biscuit spine. Peachy tangerine, pineapple, cantaloupe, mango and melon tang gets juicier by illustrious floral fruited finish.  

On tap at Ambulance, pungent grapefruit-peeled orange rind musk and brisk lemon prickle recline over sticky pine-oiled bittering pervading massive hop bomb. 

On tap at Ambulance, dank citrus musk crowds astringent hop bittering of arguably ‘sessionable’ Money IPA knockoff. Retaining all the original brew’s grain alcohol coarsening and lemony orange pungency (minus the fruit rotted aspect), its light sugared spicing takes away some of the bitter edge, but not enough for lighter palates. 

On tap at Growler & Gill, easygoing moderation provides lemony spritz to soft dry-hopped pine needling and delicate pale malting. At the midst, tangy grapefruit, peach, mango and pineapple fruiting receives mildly pungent orange souring as well as distant vegetal wisp.

Well-designed West Coast knockoff spreads sharp grapefruit peel briskness all over zesty lemon rind bittering and fresh piney hop oiling. Floral orange, tangerine and clementine tang engulfs sunny yellow fruited frontage as well as soft white wheat spine.

Subtle citrus peeled bittering and delicate pale malting allow floral grapefruit tang to shine thru its center. Briskly carbolic lemon-limed seltzer prickle and soft-watered crisping help lighten the mood.