Local Beers Ranked Best IPAs

San Diego beers made the “30 Great IPAs to Drink Before You Die" list

We know, we know, San Diego is a booming beer town. But the awards and recognition just keep coming. So it makes sense that four local breweries made the First We Feast list of “30 Great IPAs to Drink Before You Die.”

IPA, or India Pale Ale for the non-drinkers, is a favorite for beer geeks and San Diegans alike because of its unique taste. It also happens to taste particularly delicious when paired with Mexican food or a good fish taco.

The hoppy list includes the following San Diego favorites:

  • Alpine Beer Company Nelson
  • Ballast Point Sculpin IPA
  • Green Flash West Coast IPA
  • Stone Brewing Co. Enjoy By IPA

Beer expert Julian Kurland called Green Flash’s concoction: “Big, bold, and extravagantly hopped, this is the quintessential West Coast-style IPA.”

And editor-in-chief of First We Feast Chris Schonberger sings praises for Ballast Point.

“Sculpin is one of those beers that you see around pretty often and is easy to pass over as a usual suspect—until you stop fronting and actually taste the stuff. Then, it becomes pretty damn clear why it won gold at the World Beer Cup 2010,” he wrote.

One of the reasons local IPAs are so wonderful is because the increased ion level in San Diego’s water gives the hops a more flavor.

The list certainly serves as an excuse to go grab a beer after work. Bottoms up!

Do you agree with those that made the list? Disagree? Tell us your favorite San Diego IPA in the comments below.

Contact Us