Are We Experiencing IPA Fatigue?

As someone who started their craft beer journey in 2009, I’ve witnessed the meteoric rise of the India Pale Ale (IPA). Initially, these beers were predominantly West Coast variations, known for their intense bitterness and bold, dank flavors. A little while later, New England IPAs captured my attention with their hazy appearance and juicy profiles, which I also found quite appealing. However, in recent years, it seems that the beer landscape has become overwhelmingly dominated by various styles of IPAs—hazy, session, double, super triple, milkshake, and fruit-infused.

Walking into a brewery now often feels like a walk through an IPA wonderland, where nearly half of the tap list is dedicated to this one category. As a result, my enthusiasm for IPAs has dwindled, and I find myself yearning for a bit of variety. Perhaps it’s a sign of aging, but I find great pleasure in seasonal beers that offer unique character throughout the year. For instance, I relish dark ales in the winter, crisp lagers during the summer, and perhaps a nicely balanced English bitter in the spring.

Am I alone in feeling slightly weary of the saturated IPA market? It seems like the time has come for craft breweries to explore different styles and reignite our passion for diverse flavors. Let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of beer that goes beyond the ubiquitous IPA; after all, variety is the spice of life—especially in the world of craft brewing!