The spirit of the Maine beer community is built on a shared passion for quality and creativity. While we love experimenting, we also have a deep respect for the foundational beer styles that started it all. The West Coast IPA is one of those classics, and it’s a style that local brewers are absolutely nailing. From its signature bitter finish to its intensely aromatic profile, this beer is a favorite for a reason. We’re not just brewing our own take; we’re celebrating what our friends and neighbors are creating, too. Let’s explore what makes a West Coast style IPA Southern Maine so special and which breweries are getting it right.

Key Takeaways

• Look for a Crisp, Clear Profile: A true West Coast IPA stands out with its bright clarity, dry finish, and satisfyingly bitter bite, driven by classic pine and citrus hop notes.
• Check the Can for Clues: To find a great IPA, always check the “canned on” date for freshness and read the label for key hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe.
• Discover Maine’s Unique Spin: Explore the local scene by trying different breweries, as many put a unique twist on the style through special collaborations and the use of Maine-grown ingredients.

What Is a West Coast IPA?

If you’ve ever had an IPA that felt bright, crisp, and unapologetically bitter, you were likely drinking a West Coast IPA. This style is a cornerstone of the American craft beer movement, famous for its bold hop character and crystal-clear appearance. It’s the kind of beer that doesn’t hide its intentions—it’s all about showcasing the complex, aromatic power of hops. Before the haze craze took over, the West Coast IPA was the reigning champion of hoppy beers, and for good reason. It delivers a clean, dry finish that leaves you wanting another sip.

The Classic Flavor Profile

The heart and soul of a West Coast IPA is its aggressive hop profile. Forget subtle—this style is known for intense flavors of grapefruit peel, lemon rind, and a signature peppery pine that brings to mind a walk through a forest. While the exact notes can vary, you’ll almost always find a strong citrus and pine backbone. The bitterness is a key feature, not a flaw. It provides a sharp, satisfying bite that balances the beer’s malt sweetness. This isn’t a soft, pillowy beer; it’s a vibrant and assertive brew that puts hop varieties front and center.

Defining Brewing Techniques

So, how do brewers achieve that classic West Coast taste? It comes down to specific techniques that amplify hop character. These IPAs are typically hopped heavily during the boil, which extracts that signature bitterness. They are also “dry-hopped,” meaning more hops are added during or after fermentation to impart potent aromas without adding more bitterness. Some brewers even dry-hop multiple times to layer in more complexity. The yeast used is also crucial; brewers choose strains that ferment cleanly, allowing the hop flavors to shine without interference. This results in a beer that’s typically clear, dry, and has a robust bitterness measured in IBUs (International Bitterness Units), often falling between 50 and 75.

West Coast vs. New England Style

One of the most common questions we get is about the difference between a West Coast IPA and a New England IPA (or Hazy IPA). Think of them as cousins with very different personalities. While West Coast IPAs are all about bitterness, clarity, and pine/citrus notes, New England IPAs are soft, hazy, and bursting with juicy, tropical fruit flavors. The yeast strains are different, and the hopping techniques often focus more on aroma than straight bitterness in the New England style. Neither is better than the other—it just depends on what you’re in the mood for. Exploring different beers is the best way to find your personal preference.

Where to Find Southern Maine’s Top West Coast IPAs

Southern Maine is a hotspot for incredible craft beer, and if you’re hunting for a classic, hop-forward West Coast IPA, you’re in the right place. The scene is packed with breweries that are either honoring the style’s roots or putting their own creative spin on it. From Portland to Lewiston, here are some of the best spots to find a perfectly bitter, aromatic, and crisp West Coast IPA.

Bissell Brothers Brewing Co.

We’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of beer, and our approach to the West Coast IPA is no exception. We love the style’s signature dank, aromatic profile and aren’t afraid to experiment with unique ingredients to get it just right. Our flagship, The Substance Ale, is a great example of our philosophy in action. It’s a bright, clean ale that has become a staple for hop lovers in Maine. You can always check our current tap list to see which beers we have available, including any seasonal or special release IPAs we’ve dreamed up.

Maine Beer Company

Just a short drive from Portland, Maine Beer Company has built a stellar reputation for its incredibly clean and crisp ales. They are masters of their craft, and their IPAs are a testament to their commitment to quality. When you visit their Freeport tasting room, you’ll find a lineup of hoppy beers that perfectly capture the vibrant, piney, and citrusy flavors that define the West Coast style. They are a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a well-made, straightforward IPA that lets the hops do all the talking.

Baxter Brewing Company

As one of Maine’s pioneering craft breweries, Baxter Brewing Company in Lewiston has been serving up fantastic beers since 2011. They have a deep respect for brewing traditions and have earned a loyal following for their bold, flavorful IPAs. Baxter consistently produces beers that hit all the right notes for a West Coast style—solid bitterness, a strong hop aroma, and a clean finish. They are a cornerstone of the Maine beer scene and a reliable spot to find a classic, no-frills IPA that delivers every time.

Local Bottle Shops to Visit

If you want to explore a wide range of IPAs from different breweries all at once, Southern Maine’s local bottle shops are your best friend. Places like The Great Lost Bear in Portland are legendary for their extensive tap lists and bottle selections. You can often find unique takes on the style, like an “East Coast” version of a West Coast IPA, which brings intense tropical and citrus notes to the forefront. Stopping by a local shop is a great way to discover new favorites and grab some cans to take home.

Spotting Seasonal and Limited Releases

Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal brews and special collaborations, as this is where brewers really get to play. We love teaming up with other breweries, like our Companion Planting West Coast IPA collaboration with Belleflower Brewing. These limited releases are a fantastic way to try something new and see how different brewers interpret the style. Following your favorite breweries on social media and checking their events calendars are the best ways to stay in the loop about what’s coming up next. You might just stumble upon your new favorite IPA.

Which Breweries Are Nailing the West Coast Style?

Southern Maine has become a hotspot for incredible beer, and the West Coast IPA is no exception. While we’re proud of our own take on this classic style, we’re also huge fans of what our friends and neighbors are brewing. The spirit here is less about competition and more about a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of craft beer. From Portland to Lewiston, you’ll find breweries that are both honoring the piney, bitter roots of the West Coast style and putting their own unique, creative spin on it. It’s a great time to be a hop fan in Maine.

So, who’s really getting it right? It starts with a commitment to the hop-forward philosophy that defines the style. But it also comes down to honoring tradition while still finding room to play with special releases and collaborations. And for you, the discerning drinker, it helps to know the key signs of a quality brew. Let’s get into what makes the West Coast IPAs in our corner of the world so special and where you can find some of the best examples.

Our Hop-Forward Philosophy

At its heart, the West Coast IPA is a celebration of the hop. It’s a style built on showcasing bold, aromatic hop character without being muted by excessive malt sweetness. While brewers can play with a wide spectrum of hop varieties, the quintessential West Coast vs East Coast IPAs debate often comes down to those signature notes of citrus and pine. This hop-forward philosophy is a guiding principle for us and many other brewers in Southern Maine. It’s about creating a beer that is bright, crisp, and unapologetically bitter, letting the hops do all the talking from the first sniff to the last sip.

Breweries Honoring Tradition

When you’re looking for a classic, no-nonsense West Coast IPA, a few names always come to mind. These are the breweries that have mastered the balance of bitterness and aroma, consistently delivering beers that taste clean and true to the style. Maine Beer Company is well-known for its impeccably clean-tasting IPAs that really let the hop profiles shine. Another standout is Baxter Brewing Company, which has been dedicated to crafting well-made, hop-centric ales since it opened. These breweries honor the tradition of the style, providing a perfect baseline for anyone wanting to understand what a West Coast IPA should be.

Special Releases and Collaborations

One of the best parts of the Maine beer scene is the sense of community, which leads to some amazing one-off brews and collaborations. These special releases are where you see the creative spirit of the West Coast style come alive. We recently had a blast teaming up with Belleflower Brewing to create Companion Planting, a West Coast IPA that brought our two approaches together. You’ll also see breweries like Batson River getting their creations out there with accessible draft and can formats. Keep an eye on the Maine Brewers’ Guild for events and release announcements—you never know when the next great collaboration will drop.

Key Signs of a Quality Brew

So, how can you spot a top-tier West Coast IPA in the wild? First, expect a firm, pleasant bitterness. Unlike its hazy New England counterpart, a great West Coast IPA embraces its bitter edge, which is often described with notes of dank resin and pine. Don’t be afraid of the IBU (International Bitterness Units) on the label; a range of 50–75 is typical for the style. You’ll also find that the West Coast IPA has returned with a crisp, dry finish that makes you want to take another sip. It’s a beer that should taste clean and bright, not heavy or sweet.

How to Choose Your Next West Coast IPA

Walking into a bottle shop or scanning a tap list can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options. But finding your perfect West Coast IPA is easier than you think when you know what to look for. It’s all about understanding a few key details that signal quality and the specific flavor profile you’re after. Think of it as a treasure map where the hops, the label, and the canning date are all clues leading you to a delicious, crisp, and satisfying beer. With a little practice, you’ll be able to spot a winner from across the room. These tips will help you confidently pick your next favorite West Coast IPA, whether you’re grabbing a 4-pack to go or ordering a pint at our taproom.

Get to Know Your Hops

The heart and soul of any West Coast IPA are the hops. These little green cones are responsible for the style’s signature bitterness and those classic piney, citrusy, and floral aromas. To find a true-to-style brew, look for classic American hop varieties. As one guide puts it, “West Coast IPAs should showcase classic north-western American hop varieties such as (but not limited to) Cascade, Centennial, Simcoe, Amarillo.” When you see these names on a can, you know you’re on the right track. For example, our flagship, The Substance Ale, is packed with a blend of classic hops that deliver that unmistakable West Coast character.

Read the Label Like a Pro

A beer label is more than just cool art; it’s your guide to what’s inside the can. Brewers often list the specific hops used and sometimes even describe the brewing process. You might see terms like “dry-hopped” or “double dry-hopped,” which means hops were added late in the process to create a huge aromatic punch without adding much bitterness. One description of a classic West Coast IPA notes it was “Hopped during the boil, then dry hopped, then dry hopped AGAIN, this beer features a mix of Cascade, Centennial, Simco, Citra, Amarillo, Chinook and CTZ hops.” Don’t be shy about studying the can—it’s how you’ll learn what you love.

Why Freshness Is Key

When it comes to IPAs, fresh is always best. Those bright, bold hop flavors are delicate and fade over time. A West Coast IPA that’s been sitting on a shelf for months will taste dull and malty compared to a fresh one, which will be vibrant and aromatic. Always check for a “canned on” or “packaged on” date printed on the bottom of the can. A good rule of thumb is to drink IPAs within three months of that date, but the sooner, the better. The best way to guarantee freshness is to buy directly from the source, which is why we make it easy to preorder beer for pickup.

Finding the Best Value

Finding the best value isn’t about finding the cheapest beer—it’s about finding a well-made beer that delivers the experience you’re paying for. A top-tier West Coast IPA should be brilliantly clear with a satisfyingly bitter bite and a crisp, dry finish. As experts note, “The best West Coast IPAs showcase bold hop flavors, citrusy aromas, and clean malt backbones that define American craft brewing excellence.” If you’re unsure about a new beer, see if you can try a sample or order a flight at the brewery. It’s a great, low-commitment way to explore different styles and find a new favorite without buying a full 4-pack.

The Evolution of West Coast IPAs in Maine

The story of the West Coast IPA in Maine is one of resilience and adaptation. While new styles have captured the spotlight, this classic hop-forward beer has held its ground, evolving with the local craft scene. Maine brewers have not only preserved the style’s signature character but have also infused it with a distinct local identity. This evolution shows a deep respect for tradition while embracing the creativity and resources that make our state’s beer scene so special.

The Enduring Appeal of Bold Flavors

There’s a reason so many craft beer fans keep coming back to the West Coast IPA: its unapologetically bold flavor. This style is known for being aggressively hopped, creating distinct, bitter notes of grapefruit peel, fresh lemon rind, and that classic, peppery pine finish. It’s a crisp and refreshing experience that cuts through the noise. In a world of softer, juicier beers, the West Coast IPA stands out for its clarity and bite. It’s a satisfying choice for anyone who appreciates a beer that is direct, aromatic, and full of character.

The Influence of the Hazy Craze

The rise of the hazy, New England-style IPA has undeniably changed the beer landscape. While we love a good hazy brew, its popularity has also helped clarify what makes the West Coast style so unique. The West Coast IPA offers a more biting and clear version of a hop-forward beer, standing in beautiful contrast to the softer, juicier profile of its New England counterpart. This distinction has solidified the West Coast IPA’s place as a staple for drinkers who prefer a clean finish and a more pronounced, resinous hop bitterness.

A Focus on Local Ingredients

Maine brewers are putting a local spin on the West Coast IPA by incorporating ingredients grown right here at home. At Bissell Brothers, for example, many of our beers start with a base of Maine-grown pilsner malt. This commitment to local sourcing doesn’t stop at the grain; it extends to working with farmers and other producers to create a product that is truly of its place. Using local ingredients supports our state’s agricultural community and adds a unique character to the final product that you just can’t replicate. It’s a way of grounding a classic style in the terroir of Maine.

Seasonal Brews and Festivals to Watch

The best way to experience the evolution of the West Coast IPA is to dive into the seasonal offerings and collaborations happening across Maine. Breweries are constantly experimenting, releasing limited-edition brews that showcase new hop combinations and techniques. Keep an eye on our events calendar for release parties and taproom-exclusive pours. Local beer festivals and tap takeovers are also fantastic opportunities to sample a wide range of IPAs from different breweries. These events celebrate the collaborative spirit of the Maine beer community and give you a front-row seat to the latest innovations in the West Coast style.

Related Articles

• Double Dry-Hopped IPA Reciprocal – Maine Craft Beer | Bissell Brothers
• Maine Brewers’ Guild Collaboration 2021 | Bissell Brothers
• Just A Beer From Maine American Lager | Bissell Brothers

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest way to tell a West Coast IPA from a Hazy IPA? The quickest way is to just look at it. A West Coast IPA is typically bright and clear, with a color ranging from golden to a deeper amber. A Hazy IPA, true to its name, will be opaque and cloudy, often looking like orange or pineapple juice. While their flavor profiles are also very different, the visual distinction is the most immediate giveaway.

I’m just getting into craft beer. Will a West Coast IPA be too bitter for me? It’s true that West Coast IPAs are known for their bitterness, but it’s a feature, not a flaw. Think of it less as a harsh flavor and more as a crisp, clean bite that makes the beer incredibly refreshing. If you’re hesitant, I recommend ordering a small taster or a flight to try it alongside other styles. You might be surprised to find that the bold hop character is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Why is the “canned on” date so important for this style of beer? The vibrant, aromatic hop character that makes a West Coast IPA so special is delicate. Those bright notes of citrus and pine are at their peak when the beer is fresh. As time passes, those flavors begin to fade, leaving behind a duller, more malty taste. Checking the date ensures you’re getting the beer exactly as the brewer intended you to experience it.

What kind of food pairs well with a West Coast IPA? The assertive bitterness and crisp finish of a West Coast IPA make it a fantastic partner for flavorful foods. It cuts through richness and stands up to spice beautifully. Think about pairing it with a juicy burger, spicy tacos, or anything with a bit of heat. The beer acts as a palate cleanser, getting you ready for the next bite.

Are all West Coast IPAs super piney? While pine and grapefruit are classic hallmarks of the style, the flavor profile can actually be quite diverse. Brewers use a wide variety of American hops, which can contribute notes of tropical fruit, stone fruit, and even floral aromas. The defining characteristic is the clean bitterness and dry finish, but there’s a whole spectrum of hop flavors to explore within that framework.