46% of craft beer fans reach for IPAs — making them one of the most sought-after styles on the market.
Stocking the right IPAs is crucial if you want to keep your liquor store competitive. Customers are always on the lookout for popular and unique brews, and offering a standout selection can make all the difference.
With the right mix, you can drive more foot traffic, boost sales, and turn one-time buyers into loyal, repeat customers who see your shop as their go-to IPA destination. But what beers should you stock to win those loyal customers today?
Let’s explore the most popular IPA beers you need to stock to capture this market.
IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and it originated in the 18th century when British brewers created a hoppier beer to survive the long sea voyage to India. The hops acted as a natural preservative, and over time, the beer became known for its bold, bitter flavor.
Today, IPAs have evolved into one of the most popular styles in the craft beer market, with endless variations in taste, aroma, and strength. The key feature? Hops. Lots of them. And craft beer drinkers can’t seem to get enough.
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So, what makes IPAs such a hit and critical for beer stores to stock? It’s all about the hops. They bring out unique flavors — from pine and citrus to tropical fruit and spice. With so many varieties, there’s an IPA for every palate, and breweries constantly experiment to create new and exciting combinations.
IPAs also tend to be higher in alcohol content, offering a more intense drinking experience. Customers seeking a bold, hoppy punch or something more subtle can find an IPA that fits the bill.
Now that we know why IPAs are so popular, let’s get into the fun part: which ones should you stock? These ten beers are fan favorites and will cover a wide range of tastes, from hopheads to those looking for something a little lighter.
Flavor Profile & Highlights
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is foundational in the craft beer world and remains a top choice for many IPA lovers. This classic American Pale Ale delivers a smooth, well-balanced hop flavor with a crisp finish, without overwhelming bitterness. It has floral and citrus notes, with a piney touch that keeps it interesting without being too intense.
Why It’s a Good Choice
Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale is a great beer that introduces customers to the IPA style without pushing them into overly hoppy territory. It appeals to new and seasoned craft beer drinkers, making it a reliable seller. Its longstanding popularity and balanced flavor make it a cornerstone of any well-curated IPA selection.
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Flavor Profile & Highlights
Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is known for its unique brewing method. The “60-minute” refers to the continuous hopping process, where hops are added steadily for 60 minutes, creating a well-balanced and complex flavor. This East Coast IPA has a bold yet approachable hop presence, with notes of citrus and pine, making it a refreshing option for IPA enthusiasts.
Why It’s a Good Choice
Dogfish Head is a trusted name in craft beer, and the 60 Minute IPA has a wide following. It’s a great choice for customers who want a strong hop presence but don’t want to be overwhelmed by bitterness. This beer's balanced profile makes it a consistent favorite among beer drinkers and can appeal to a broad audience in your shop.
Flavor Profile & Highlights
Lagunitas IPA is one of the defining West Coast-style IPAs on the market. This beer is unapologetically hoppy, with a sharp bitterness softened by a subtle malty backbone. Its vibrant citrus and pine notes make it a bold, refreshing choice, while the malt gives it a slightly sweet, caramel-like finish.
Why It’s a Good Choice
Lagunitas IPA is a household name in the craft beer scene, and its widespread availability makes it an easy sell. Customers often recognize the label and reach for it as a trusted option. For a West Coast IPA, this beer balances punchy hops and malt sweetness, making it accessible while still delivering that classic IPA intensity.
Flavor Profile & Highlights
Stone IPA is a hop-forward beer that has built its reputation on being bold and intense. With a floral aroma and citrus, pine, and herb flavors, this IPA finishes with a strong, lingering bitterness that hopheads adore. Stone Brewing has made a name for itself with beers that don’t shy away from intensity, and this IPA is no exception.
Why It’s a Good Choice
For customers who love hop-heavy beers, Stone IPA is a must-have. It caters to those who want a beer with a serious hop punch, making it a favorite among experienced IPA drinkers. If your shop tends to attract craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate intense flavors, Stone IPA will fit right in.
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Flavor Profile & Highlights
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is an American IPA that’s all about balance. It's refreshing and full-flavored, with prominent grapefruit, pine, and malt notes. The beer finishes smooth, leaving a subtle bitterness that doesn’t overpower the drinker. It’s often praised for delivering big flavors without going over the top.
Why It’s a Good Choice
Two Hearted Ale has consistently been ranked among the best beers in America by various craft beer communities. This recognition and its well-rounded flavor make it a popular choice for customers who want a flavorful IPA without the extreme bitterness of other options. Stocking this beer adds instant credibility to your IPA selection.
Flavor Profile & Highlights
Founders All Day IPA is a session IPA, meaning it’s lower in alcohol but still delivers on hop flavor. At just 4.7% ABV, this beer offers a crisp, light drinking experience without sacrificing the hoppiness that IPA fans crave. It has flavors of citrus and pine, with a refreshing finish that keeps drinkers coming back for more.
Why It’s a Good Choice
This beer is perfect for customers looking for something they can enjoy all day long without feeling the weight of a stronger IPA. Founders All Day IPA is a great option for casual drinkers who still want that classic IPA flavor. Its lower ABV and easy drinkability make it a versatile beer for any occasion, and it’s often a go-to for summertime gatherings or casual evenings.
Flavor Profile & Highlights
Voodoo Ranger IPA from New Belgium is a fun, flavorful beer with tropical fruit flavors and a balanced bitterness. It’s known for its smooth mouthfeel and approachable hop profile, making it an excellent choice for seasoned IPA drinkers and those new to the style. With juicy citrus, mango, and a hint of pine, Voodoo Ranger offers complexity without being overwhelming.
Why It’s a Good Choice
New Belgium has a strong reputation in the craft beer industry, and Voodoo Ranger’s unique branding has made it a standout in the IPA category. The playful label and approachable flavor profile appeal to a broad range of customers, making it a reliable seller. This beer will likely catch the eye of both IPA veterans and those just getting into craft beer.
Flavor Profile & Highlights
Brooklyn East IPA is a modern take on the traditional IPA. It combines fruity hop flavors with a strong malt backbone, offering a sweeter and more balanced experience than some of the more hop-forward IPAs on this list. With a mix of tropical fruit, caramel, and a slightly bitter finish, Brooklyn East IPA offers complexity without the overpowering bitterness some IPAs are known for.
Why It’s a Good Choice
Brooklyn Brewery is a respected name in craft brewing, and its East IPA appeals to customers who enjoy a malty IPA with a fruity twist. This IPA is an excellent choice if your shop attracts customers looking for something different from the usual hop-bombs.
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Flavor Profile & Highlights
Sculpin IPA is celebrated for its bright, fruity flavors, with peach, mango, and apricot notes leading the way. Despite the fruity aroma, this beer maintains a strong hop presence, finishing with a refreshing bitterness. The combination of tropical fruit and hops makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a complex, refreshing IPA.
Why It’s a Good Choice
Ballast Point has built a strong reputation for crafting high-quality beers, and Sculpin IPA is one of their flagship offerings. Its unique flavor profile sets it apart from more straightforward IPAs, making it a top pick for customers who like their beers on the fruity side. This IPA consistently ranks as a favorite among craft beer lovers, making it a must-have for your shop.
Flavor Profile & Highlights
Trillium’s Fort Point Pale Ale brings the juicy, hazy flavors of a New England-style IPA with the lighter body of a pale ale. With tropical fruit flavors, citrus, and a smooth mouthfeel, this beer delivers all the hop goodness of a hazy IPA but with a slightly lower ABV and more subtle bitterness.
Why It’s a Good Choice
Hazy IPAs are incredibly popular right now, and Fort Point Pale Ale is a great option for customers who want the juicy flavors of the style without the heaviness of a double IPA. Trillium is a well-respected name in the craft beer scene, and stocking this beer will show your customers that your shop stays on top of trends in the industry.
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By stocking these ten popular IPAs, your bottle shop will not only appeal to hardcore hopheads but also provide options for customers who are newer to craft beer or prefer more balanced flavors.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing which IPAs to stock, but there are a few tips to help you tailor your selection to your customer base and keep your shop competitive.
A reliable liquor store point of sale (POS) system is your best friend for keeping track of sales trends.
With the right POS, you can monitor which beers are flying off the shelves and which aren’t moving. By analyzing your sales data, you’ll have a clearer picture of which IPAs resonate with your customers and can adjust your stock accordingly.
Not only does this save you time, but it also helps you manage inventory more efficiently, ensuring you’re always meeting demand without overstocking.
When it comes to IPAs, variety is key. Offering a mix of West Coast IPAs, New England hazy IPAs, session IPAs, and double IPAs means you’re catering to a wide range of tastes.
Some customers might prefer the sharp bitterness of a West Coast IPA, while others might lean towards the juicy, fruity flavors of a New England IPA. A well-rounded selection keeps your customers happy and gives them options to explore.
Seasonal and limited-edition IPAs are a great way to keep your selection fresh and exciting. Many breweries release special versions of their IPAs for certain seasons, like summer IPAs with tropical notes or winter IPAs with more earthy, piney flavors.
Rotating these beers through your selection will keep your regular customers coming back to see what’s new and attract new customers curious about the latest release.
Stocking IPAs from local breweries is an excellent way to support your local craft beer scene while appealing to customers who value regional products. Local beers often have a loyal following, and customers may visit your shop specifically to find their favorite hometown brew.
Plus, offering local options creates a connection between your shop and the community, which can build long-term customer loyalty.
Stocking the right IPAs helps build a selection that excites your customers and encourages them to return. Whether you’re offering the classics like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or the bold flavors of New Belgium Voodoo Ranger, having a well-rounded, thoughtfully curated IPA lineup is the key to satisfying your customers.
The right tools, like a reliable liquor POS system, are key to staying on top of sales trends and managing your inventory efficiently. That’s where Bottle POS comes in. With Bottle POS, you can track your top-selling products, understand customer preferences, and ensure your inventory meets demand.
Schedule a demo with us today to learn how we can help make running your business smoother, more efficient, and more profitable.