Is finding the perfect, balanced IPA better than drinking it? Finding your favorite of all might be a search for the needle in the haystack. Having long held the title as crowned king of beers, IPAs stand today as the uncrowned prince of the community that is craft beer. IPAs enjoy robust flavor, hoppy, citrusy, or bitter notes, the main characteristic of this beer type. IPAs are the most favorite symbol of the craft brewing movement. IPAs are a blend of craftsmanship, flavor and American and West Coast IPAs were ranked at the top, making up almost 60% of the most popular beer styles in 2024, followed by craft pilsners at 50%.

IPAs at Catalyst Crafted Ales are brewed using tradition and innovation. This means that they have available varieties of IPA ranging from New England to the West Coast and all sorts of barrel-aged ales, offering different taste experiences. Throughout this blog, we are going to walk you around our brewery to show off the traditional flavors that embody our selection of IPAs.

What is an IPA Beer?

Each type of beer has their own history, and so does the IPA. IPA, or India Pale Ale, is one of the many styles of beer known for its strong hoppy flavor with higher alcohol content, and bold aroma. IPAs were brewed for the very first time back in the late 18th century when British brewers crafted this ale to withstand long sea voyages to British colonies, particularly India hence the name India Pale Ale. Since hops are natural preservatives, brewers added extra hops to preserve the beer's quality during those long voyages. This unique brewing process gave IPA its signature hoppy and bitter profile.

A spread of flavorful food, including tacos and bacon-wrapped bites, perfectly paired with refreshing IPA beers in frosty glasses.

Today, craft enthusiasts enjoy IPA beers for their complexity and diversity, offering flavor profiles ranging from citrusy and tropical New England IPAs to the crisp bitterness of West Coast IPAs. That makes the appeal of IPAs to a wide range of those seeking bold and intense flavors.

Craft brewmasters experimented with diverse and innovative styles by pushing their boundaries and creating a range of extra-hopped and extra-strong IPA beers.

Types of IPA Beers

IPA beer styles come in different styles to fulfill every palate. The Beer Judge Certification Program trade body identified nine distinctive styles of India Pale Ale. Below is the list of some craft beer styles:

English IPA:

English IPA is considered the closest kin to the original IPAs that were exported to British Colonies. This IPA received its bold and hoppy flavor with citrusy, piney, resinous, and earthy notes by adding British hops like Fuggles and Goldings. They are less popular in the States since they use ingredients available only in Britain.

West Coast IPA:

West Coast IPA is brewed with the American-grown hops, the ‘C’ hops, Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook. West Coast IPAs are crafted on the West Coast of California with 7.5% ABV. They taste dry with a crisp finish with the color of straw to golden. Modern West Coast IPAs are brewed using Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops with citrusy and stone fruit notes.

Hazy IPA:

Hazy IPA popularly called New England IPA, started to brew in Vermont, New England in 2003. This beer style has a very light amber, hazy, cloudy appearance by the use of oats, wheat, and dry hops. Hazy IPA is less bitter than WCIPA with 6.7% ABV and a hint of tropical notes like pineapple, mango, and citrus.

Double IPA or Imperial IPA:

Double IPA is brewed stronger than the traditional IPA with an alcohol content of 7.5%. The malt sweetness in this IPA helps balance the extreme bitterness despite the presence of high hop content and they often have a fuller, robust, and creamy mouthfeel.

Triple IPA:

Triple IPA is even stronger than the Double IPA. People go for Triple IPAs when they get used to the bitterness of Double IPA and now want an even more intense hoppy flavor with higher alcohol content. But TIPA isn’t recognized by the Beer Judge Certification Program and their ABV content is above 10%

Session IPA:

Session IPA has lower alcohol content compared to any other IPA while still delivering the hoppy flavors and aroma. Its alcohol by volume starts from 3% and never goes above 5% which is comparatively low without compromising the flavor. Lower malt and grain make this IPA less alcoholic. Session IPA is often crisp with a fruity aroma and light to medium mouthfeel.

Milkshake IPA:

The Milkshake IPA is a traditional IPA with the creamy, dessert qualities of a milkshake. The addition of lactose sugar and tropical fruits gives this beer its fuller mouthfeel. They are often hazy with a golden hue and have a thick creamy white head, resembling a milkshake. The ABV of this beer style ranges from 6.2%, which is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy something new.

Black IPA:

Black IPA or Cascadian Dark Ale with dark malts found in stouts and porters. They are opaque with a deep brown to black-color. The roasted malt in it gives chocolate, caramel, and coffee flavor profiles.

A tall glass of dark beer from Catalyst Crafted Ales, Tempe AZ, featuring a creamy head and rich color, surrounded by roasted barley grains on a wooden table.

Belgian IPA:

Belgian IPA combines yeast and malt flavors typical of Belgian ales with the characteristics of Indian Pale Ales with 6% to 8% ABV. The Belgian yeast contributes to the notes like banana, clove, and other inviting scents with a thick white foamy head as a result of carbonation.

Top Picks for the Best IPA Beers

Each IPA style tells a story of innovation and artistry, with Catalyst Crafted Ales leading the charge by combining tradition with creative flair. Below is the list of our beers on tap and canned IPAs:

Exchange Variation (West Coast IPA):

Our Exchange Variation West Coast IPA features Simcoe and Mosaic hops take center stage, creating a classic yet bold American IPA that epitomizes the style’s versatility.

Broadway IPA (Imperial):

Broadway is our west coast of the “streets” series. Boasting a nice body with crisp & clean flavors from Nelson & Riwaka hops and this IPA is the perfect introduction to the boldness of Double IPAs.

No Scraps IPA (New England):

Bursting with passion fruit and mango, No Scraps combines Galaxy, Mosaic, and Citra hops with a thick addition of wheat and oats for a rich texture.

Paradise Valley IPA (New England):

A tropical escape in every sip with Mosaic, Amarillo, and Citra hops– perfect for hot summer nights.

Peak Synergy IPA (American):

Catalyst Crafted Ales in partnership with Saddle Mountain Brewing Company, created this masterpiece by layering Simcoe Cryo, Strata Cryo, and Nelson hops and delivering the aromas of cannabis, orange marmalade, and sauv blanc.

Wooden barrel used for aging IPA beer in a brewery, resting on a black metal stand. The barrel shows signs of wear and oxidation on the metal bands.

Our canned IPAs featured beer include Hazy IPA, Triple Hazy IPA, Triple West Coast IPA, Double West Coast IPA, Dry and Hoppy West Coast IPA, and Fruity and Juicy IPA. Whether you prefer the tropical charm of Hazy IPAs or the bold bitterness of West Coast styles, Catalyst ensures there’s an IPA for everyone.

Why Choose Catalyst Crafted Ales?

Meeting your friends at an alehouse after a long day, all gathered around high-top tables in an open bar, watching an intense rivalry match on the TV, and savoring a glass of perfectly brewed IPA, now it’s all worth the wait and a perfect way to end the day. We at Catalyst believe that beer is more than a drink, it’s an experience and a delightful way to forget worldly worries and immerse yourself in the world of the craft beer scene and nostalgia.

The setting appears to be a brewery or sports bar with an IPA beer menu visible on the wall.

Enjoy barrel-aged brews from our cozy indoor seating with comfortable couches, and an open bar with high tops, or bask in the warm Arizona sunshine on our outdoor patio featuring group-friendly picnic tables. Pair your beer with the flavorful offerings from SALT Sea And Land Tacos, Toritos, Octopus Tacos, and loaded fries, where land and sea come together for a gastronomic feast.

Immerse yourself in the craft brew scene at Catalyst Crafted Ales get $1 off on Catalyst 16 oz Draft during Happy Hour. Whether you prefer the tropical charm of Hazy IPAs or the bold bitterness of West Coast styles, Catalyst ensures there’s an IPA for everyone.

Tips for Enjoying IPA Beers

Pairing your food with the right IPA changes your overall beer experience. Spicy food helps you to take a break from the bitterness of the IPA. A Session IPA makes an excellent match for fried foods, while a West Coast IPA complements grilled meats beautifully. Pair our Burden of Proof Hazy IPA with Shrimp Tacos or Signature Tacos. The juicy, tropical flavors of Hazy IPA enhance the sweetness of shrimp and other fresh ingredients, creating a vibrant pairing.

Gourmet tacos with blue corn tortillas, served with guacamole, chips, salsa, and a glass of IPA beer.

The right glassware is just as important as the food pairing. The right glass can highlight the aromas, preserve head retention, showcase the color and carbonation, and support flavor profiles. The best glassware to fully savor an IPA could be Classic IPA glass or Tulip glass. Double IPAs are often served in a Short or Stout Snifter. These glasswares are designed particularly for different beer styles to enhance their aroma and flavors, allowing you to enjoy them to the fullest.

Find what you will love and find it in Catalyst Crafted Ales.

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Catalyst Crafted Ales

1845 E Broadway Rd, Ste 106

Tempe, Arizona 85282

Opening Hour Details

Regular Hours

Monday - 11 am to 8 pm

Tuesday to Friday - 11 am to 10 pm

Saturday - 10 am to 10 pm

Sunday Funday - 10 am to 8 pm

Happy Hours

Monday - All Day

Tuesday to Thursday - 11 am to 5 pm and 9 pm to 10 pm

Friday - 11 am to 3 pm

Saturday - 10 am to 3 pm

Sunday - All Day

The Best IPA Beers to Try: Our Top Picks