Somehow, Houston has become the new double IPA destination of Texas. Over the last few years, Texans have seen a slew of hoppy, high ABV (alcohol by volume) brews released that are pleasing the growing number of hop-heads searching for the IPA holy grail. In addition to the high ABV, these beers have an IBU (international bitterness units) rating that is 60+, but many of the ones you see here exceed 100. The higher the IBU, the harsher it is on your palette. Some can handle it and thrive on the bitterness, some can’t. Here’s a few that should be sampled if you see them in your local store or on tap.
Karbach Hop Delusion
ABV: 9%
IBU: 100+
Hops: Mosaic, Simcoe, Amarillo, Magnum
Availability: Seasonal (May-August)
Packaging: Cans, Draft
Originally released in 2013, this dank IPA is not for the lightweight. If you find their Hopadillo IPA too hoppy, this probably isn’t for you. However, if you want a big, resinous IPA that has some insane bitterness, grab a four-pack of this at the store. Hazy orange in color, fruity citrus flavor, and biting, lingering dankness. What more could you really want from a DIPA?
Brash Pussy Wagon
ABV: 8.5%
IBU: 115
Hops: Mosaic, Citra
Availability: Pretty much year-round when Brash brews it
Packaging: Draft
Brash are the kings of not caring about what is conventional. Their regular pale ale and IPAs are typically 80-100 IBU, which means they add hops until it’s bitter…and then add more. Ironically, when the brewery was making beers in Ipswich, Massachusetts, they had an even larger DIPA, but they ended up nailing it with Pussy Wagon. Grapefruit is very evident in the flavor profile. Try it at the brewery for the best possible experience.
Galveston Island Double Mosaic
ABV: 8.7%
IBU: 100
Hops: Mosaic, Simcoe, Chinook
Availability: TBD (released May 2)
Packaging: Draft
There’s no way I could include a Houston-area list without including my underrated local brewery, Galveston Island. A double IPA had been in the planning stages at the brewery for a while and they finally executed it. With the larger brewhouse now operational, it allows for more brews like this to be made. A citrus-flavored brew that is the most bitter ever produced by GIB, it’s a must try.
Saint Arnold Endeavour
ABV: 9%
IBU: 68
Hops: Columbus, Centennial, Simcoe
Availability: Year-round
Packaging: Draft, Bomber Bottle (22 oz)
The granddaddy of the Houston double IPA scene is this offering from Saint Arnold. The least bitter of the group, this brew is perhaps the most piney in flavor of all and is less dank. The citrus profile is mostly pineapple and tropical, which is different and pleasant. However, this brew is more malty and a deeper amber in color. If you’re looking to take your first step up to a double IPA, this is the one that should be drunk first. You may have first tried it when you had Saint Arnold’s Divine Reserve #11.