When it comes to the craft beer scene in the UK, no style has captured drinkers’ imaginations quite like the India Pale Ale. From hazy, fruit-forward New England IPAs to crisp, resinous West Coast varieties, the IPA has become the flagship style of modern British brewing.
In this Ultimate UK IPA Guide (2025), we’re diving into the top 10 IPA beers in the UK — the most flavorful, exciting brews you can enjoy this year. Whether you’re exploring the world of hops for the first time or hunting for your next standout pint, this guide will give you:
- The history and styles of IPA
- How the UK’s craft beer movement reshaped the IPA landscape
- Profiles of the most must-try IPAs brewed in Britain right now
- Food pairings, serving tips, and expert recommendations
So, grab a glass and get ready to discover why these IPAs deserve a spot on your 2025 beer list.
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🇬🇧 The Craft Beer Movement in the UK
📈 The Rise of Craft Beer
The UK has always had a proud brewing tradition, but the craft beer movement brought a fresh wave of energy and creativity. Starting in the early 2000s, small independent breweries began producing beers that broke away from the standard lagers and bitters dominating the market. They focused on flavor, quality ingredients, and innovation, with IPAs leading the charge.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the UK boasts over 2,500 active breweries. Many are producing small-batch, hop-forward beers that rival the best in the world. From London’s bustling taprooms to remote coastal breweries in Cornwall and Scotland, IPA lovers have never had more choice.
📊 Fun fact: Between 2010 and 2020, the number of breweries in the UK more than tripled — a large portion of them specializing in hop-driven ales like IPA.
🆚 Independent vs. Big Beer Brands
The explosion of craft beer inevitably caught the attention of the big beer corporations. Many launched their own “craft-style” sub-brands or bought successful independent breweries to get a slice of the market.
But here’s the difference:
Independent breweries typically:
- Brew in small batches
- Focus on innovation and seasonal releases
- Use high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients
- Engage with local communities and beer festivals
Big beer brands often:
- Produce at large scale for maximum distribution
- Focus on shelf stability and consistency
- Sometimes sacrifice bold flavor for mass appeal
While some large-scale “craft” IPAs are perfectly drinkable, the most exciting and unique UK IPAs in 2025 still come from passionate independent brewers experimenting with hops, styles, and techniques.
💡 Tip for beer lovers: If you’re unsure whether a brewery is independent, look for the SIBA Assured Independent logo or check their website’s About section.
🍺 Understanding IPA
To truly appreciate the top 10 IPA beers in the UK 2025, it helps to understand what makes the India Pale Ale such a distinctive and beloved style. From its centuries-old origins to today’s diverse substyles, the IPA has evolved into a category that offers something for every kind of beer drinker.
📜 A Brief History of India Pale Ale
The story of IPA begins in 18th-century England, during the height of the British Empire. Breweries at the time needed a beer that could withstand long sea voyages to far-off colonies like India. They found the solution in pale ales with higher alcohol content and extra hops — both natural preservatives that kept the beer fresh on the months-long trip.
The result was a crisp, bitter, and highly aromatic ale that soon became popular both abroad and at home. Over the centuries, the style evolved, with American craft brewers in the late 20th century adding bolder hop varieties, inspiring the modern IPA explosion we enjoy today.
🔍 Fun fact: Despite its name, India Pale Ale was never brewed in India — it was always made in Britain, specifically for export.
🌿 Varieties of IPA
In 2025, UK brewers are producing IPAs across a wide spectrum of styles, each with its own flavor profile and personality. Here are the most common types you’ll encounter when exploring the best IPA beers brewed in the UK:
- West Coast IPA: Bold bitterness, clear body, pine and citrus aromas.
- New England IPA (NEIPA): Hazy, juicy, soft mouthfeel, low bitterness, tropical fruit notes.
- Session IPA: Lower alcohol (3.5–4.5% ABV) but still packed with hop character — perfect for extended sipping.
- Double / Imperial IPA (DIPA): Stronger (7%+ ABV), intense hop punch, often with a malt backbone.
- Black IPA (Cascadian Dark Ale): Dark malts meet bright hops — roasted coffee and chocolate with citrusy bite.
Many UK breweries experiment by blending these styles or adding local twists, like British-grown hops (Harlequin, Jester, Olicana) for unique fruity or floral notes.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re new to IPAs, start with a hazy New England IPA — they tend to be smoother and more approachable than their bitter West Coast cousins.
🍊 ABV and IPA Flavor Profiles
An IPA’s flavor is shaped by three main factors: hop choice, malt balance, and alcohol content (ABV). Here’s what you can expect at different strength levels:
- 3.5–5.5% ABV (Session IPAs): Light body, refreshing finish, bright citrus or floral notes.
- 5.5–7% ABV (Standard IPAs): Balanced bitterness, medium body, complex hop flavors ranging from tropical fruit to pine resin.
- 7%+ ABV (DIPAs / Imperials): Full-bodied, high-intensity hop character, often with sweet malt richness.
Common hop-driven flavors include:
- Citrus: Grapefruit, orange zest, lemon
- Tropical fruit: Mango, pineapple, passionfruit
- Pine & resin: Classic West Coast character
- Earthy/herbal: More traditional British hop varieties
🧠 Did you know? Some UK brewers are now using fresh hop techniques, adding hops within 24 hours of harvest for maximum aroma and flavor.
🍺 Best IPA Beers Brewed in the UK (2025)
🧠 Selection Criteria
Our picks are based on:
- Brewery reputation and consistency
- Awards and ratings from CAMRA, RateBeer, and Untappd
- Innovation in hop selection, brewing methods, or flavor profile
- Availability in 2025 (cans, bottles, or taproom pours)
- Variety — so you’ll find something whether you prefer crisp bitterness or hazy juiciness
🌟 Profiles of Outstanding IPAs
1. Jaipur – Thornbridge Brewery (Derbyshire)
Style: American IPA • ABV: 5.9%
A UK craft classic since 2005, Jaipur combines crisp citrus and tropical fruit notes with a perfectly balanced bitterness.
🗣 Why it stands out: Timeless, consistent, and widely regarded as one of the beers that kicked off the UK craft revolution.
2. Steady Rolling Man – DEYA Brewing Company (Cheltenham)
Style: New England IPA • ABV: 5.2%
Soft, juicy, and bursting with tropical hop aroma, this hazy IPA is DEYA’s flagship and a modern UK favorite.
🗣 Why it stands out: Smooth, approachable, and packed with flavor — a perfect introduction to hazy IPAs.
3. Double Dank – Verdant Brewing Co. (Cornwall)
Style: Double IPA • ABV: 8%
An unapologetically hop-heavy brew with resinous pine, dank herbal notes, and a smooth malt backbone.
🗣 Why it stands out: A bold choice for seasoned hopheads who want maximum intensity.
4. Punk IPA – BrewDog (Ellon, Scotland)
Style: American IPA • ABV: 5.6%
The beer that introduced many to craft IPA in the UK. Grapefruit bitterness, caramel malt balance, and a crisp finish.
🗣 Why it stands out: Still a reliable, widely available IPA — a gateway beer for countless drinkers.
5. Broken Dream IPA – Siren Craft Brew (Berkshire)
Style: Specialty IPA • ABV: 6.2%
A unique IPA that layers citrus hop notes with subtle coffee undertones, breaking style boundaries.
🗣 Why it stands out: Innovative flavor profile that’s both surprising and satisfying.
6. Vermont Sessions – Thornbridge Brewery (Derbyshire)
Style: Session NEIPA • ABV: 4.5%
Bright, juicy, and low in alcohol without sacrificing hop aroma or flavor.
🗣 Why it stands out: Perfect for all-day summer drinking, with the vibrancy of a full-strength IPA.
7. Big Sea IPA – North Brewing Co. (Leeds)
Style: West Coast IPA • ABV: 5.5%
Zesty grapefruit, pine resin, and a dry, clean finish make this a textbook West Coast example.
🗣 Why it stands out: Few UK brewers nail the West Coast style like North Brewing.
8. Hop, Skip & Juice – Vocation Brewery (Hebden Bridge)
Style: Hazy Pale IPA • ABV: 5.7%
Pale, juicy, and bursting with stone fruit and citrus aroma.
🗣 Why it stands out: Highly drinkable yet full-flavored — a great balance of sessionability and hop punch.
9. Jaipur X – Thornbridge Brewery (Derbyshire)
Style: Imperial IPA • ABV: 10%
A celebratory brew marking 10 years of Jaipur, amplified with bigger hops and malt richness.
🗣 Why it stands out: A rare, powerful treat for IPA enthusiasts.
10. Hazy Jane – BrewDog (Ellon, Scotland)
Style: New England IPA • ABV: 5%
Smooth, hazy, and fruity, with pineapple and mango leading the way.
🗣 Why it stands out: Widely available and approachable, perfect for NEIPA beginners.
🥂 Tasting Notes and Recommendations
| IPA | Style | Flavor Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaipur | American IPA | Citrus, tropical, balanced bitterness | Classic craft lovers |
| Steady Rolling Man | NEIPA | Juicy, soft, tropical | Hazy IPA fans |
| Double Dank | DIPA | Pine, herbal, resinous | Hop intensity seekers |
| Punk IPA | American IPA | Grapefruit, caramel malt | Everyday drinking |
| Broken Dream IPA | Specialty | Citrus, coffee | Experimental drinkers |
| Vermont Sessions | Session NEIPA | Juicy, light | Low-alcohol fans |
| Big Sea IPA | West Coast IPA | Grapefruit, pine | Traditionalists |
| Hop, Skip & Juice | Hazy Pale IPA | Stone fruit, citrus | Easy-drinking sessions |
| Jaipur X | Imperial IPA | Rich malt, bold hops | Special occasions |
| Hazy Jane | NEIPA | Mango, pineapple | NEIPA beginners |
🍺 Beer Lover’s Tip: Want to taste these IPAs at home? Order a UK IPA mixed case from Beers of Europe and get them delivered to your door.
🍽 Beer Pairings and Serving Tips
Enjoying one of the top 10 IPA beers in the UK 2025 is even better when you pair it with the right food and serve it in the ideal way. IPAs are incredibly versatile — their hop bitterness and aromatic complexity can enhance a wide range of dishes, from hearty pub classics to refined modern cuisine.
🍔 Best Food Pairings for IPA
The hop-forward nature of IPAs means they can:
- Cut through richness (oily or creamy dishes)
- Balance spice in hotter cuisines
- Complement savory umami flavors
Here are some tried-and-tested pairings:
- Spicy Foods – IPAs work beautifully with heat. Pair a West Coast IPA with spicy chicken wings, or a juicy NEIPA with Thai green curry. The hops will tame the spice while highlighting aromatic herbs.
- Burgers & Barbecue – A classic American IPA with grapefruit bitterness is perfect for cutting through smoky, char-grilled meats.
- Fish & Chips – The crisp bitterness of a session IPA contrasts nicely with fried batter and enhances the mild sweetness of white fish.
- Cheese Boards – Try a hoppy IPA with sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or aged gouda — the beer’s bitterness balances the cheese’s richness.
- Desserts – Fruity IPAs can surprise you here: a tropical NEIPA alongside a mango sorbet or lemon cheesecake is a match made in heaven.
💡 Pro tip: When pairing food with IPA, match the intensity — light session IPAs for delicate dishes, bold double IPAs for rich, heavy foods.
🍺 Glassware and Serving Temperatures
The way you serve your IPA can make or break the experience. Even the best IPA beers brewed in the UK will lose their magic if poured into the wrong glass or served at the wrong temperature.
Glassware
- IPA Glass (Tulip or Spiegelau IPA glass): Designed to concentrate hop aroma and enhance mouthfeel.
- Pint Glass (Nonic): Classic choice for UK pubs, better for casual drinking but less aroma-focused.
- Snifter or Stemmed Glass: Ideal for high-ABV DIPAs and Imperial IPAs to capture complex aromas.
Upgrade your IPA experience with IPA-specific glasses for maximum aroma.
Serving Temperature
- Session IPAs: 4–6°C (cold, crisp, refreshing)
- Standard IPAs: 6–8°C (cool, allowing hop aromas to bloom)
- Double/Imperial IPAs: 8–10°C (slightly warmer to release richer flavors)
🚀 Trends & Innovations in UK IPA Brewing (2025)
The UK IPA scene has never been more dynamic. Brewers across the country are constantly experimenting with hops, techniques, and styles to keep things exciting for drinkers. Here’s a look at the biggest trends shaping the best IPA beers brewed in the UK in 2025.
🌱 The Rise of British-Grown Hops
Traditionally, UK IPAs have relied heavily on imported American or New Zealand hops for their bold citrus and tropical flavors. But in recent years, British hop growers have been developing new aromatic varieties that can compete on the world stage.
Standouts like Harlequin, Jester, and Olicana bring notes of mango, pineapple, and apricot — allowing breweries to create unique flavor profiles with a smaller carbon footprint.
Example: Thornbridge Brewery’s Harlequin IPA showcases this trend, using 100% UK-grown hops for a tropical punch without imports.
🌿 Sustainability in Brewing
Eco-conscious brewing is becoming a hallmark of modern UK craft beer. From installing solar panels to sourcing locally grown malt, many breweries are committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Some are even experimenting with CO₂ recapture systems to reuse carbon dioxide during fermentation, or upcycling spent grain into baked goods and animal feed.
Why it matters: Consumers are increasingly supporting brands whose values align with sustainability — and brewers are responding.
🧪 Hybrid Styles and Experimental IPAs
While classic West Coast and NEIPAs remain popular, UK brewers are branching out into hybrid and niche IPA styles, such as:
- Cold IPA: A lager-yeast IPA with a clean, crisp profile and bold hop aroma.
- Brut IPA: Bone-dry and effervescent, like a sparkling wine with hops.
- Sour IPA: A tart, juicy twist on the style, often brewed with fruit additions.
- Milkshake IPA: Sweetened and softened with lactose, often featuring dessert-like flavors.
These experimental styles keep the IPA category fresh and encourage seasoned drinkers to keep exploring.
🍃 Low-Alcohol and No-Alcohol IPAs
With mindful drinking on the rise, more breweries are producing low-alcohol (under 3.5% ABV) and alcohol-free IPAs that still deliver hop intensity. Advances in brewing science mean these beers retain aroma, mouthfeel, and flavor that rival their full-strength counterparts.
Example: Big Drop Brewing Co. has earned acclaim for producing award-winning alcohol-free IPAs that still taste like the real thing.
Want all the hop flavor without the buzz? 🍃 Check out our guide to the Top 10 Low-ABV and Non-Alcoholic Craft Beers and discover brews you can enjoy any time of day.
🌍 Collaborations and Limited Releases
Collaboration brewing has become a powerful tool for innovation. UK breweries are teaming up with international counterparts to share techniques, rare hop varieties, and creative ideas. These limited-edition releases often sell out quickly, creating buzz and pushing the boundaries of what an IPA can be.
Tip for enthusiasts: Follow your favourite breweries on social media to catch announcements for small-batch collab IPAs before they disappear.
In short: The UK IPA landscape in 2025 is more diverse and exciting than ever. From sustainable practices to bold hybrid styles, brewers are proving that the IPA still has endless room for creativity — and beer lovers are reaping the rewards one pint at a time.
🎯 Final Sip
Whether you’re exploring the top 10 IPA beers in the UK 2025 for the first time or you’re a seasoned hop aficionado, the UK craft beer scene has never been more exciting. From hazy New England brews to crisp West Coast classics, there’s an IPA out there to suit every palate — and with the right pairing and presentation, each pint can become a memorable experience.
So next time you pour yourself an IPA, take a moment to appreciate the hops, the history, and the hard work of the brewers behind your glass. Cheers! 🍻
Discover the UK’s best IPA breweries in person — book a London craft beer tour on Viator and taste them fresh from the tap.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About the Top 10 IPA Beers in the UK (2025)
What is the most popular IPA in the UK?
While popularity can vary by region, BrewDog’s Punk IPA remains one of the most widely recognized and consumed IPAs across the UK. It’s available in supermarkets, pubs, and bottle shops nationwide, making it an easy entry point for new IPA drinkers. However, among craft beer enthusiasts, Thornbridge’s Jaipur and DEYA’s Steady Rolling Man are often considered must-try favourites for their consistent quality and balanced flavor.
What makes an IPA different from other beers?
The main difference lies in hop content and flavor profile. IPAs typically have:
Higher hop bitterness compared to lagers or traditional ales
Pronounced aromas ranging from citrus and tropical fruit to pine and resin
A stronger ABV (often between 5–7%, with double IPAs going higher)
These characteristics make IPAs more aromatic, flavorful, and sometimes more intense than other beer styles.
Are IPAs stronger than other beer styles?
Generally, yes. Most standard IPAs have an ABV between 5% and 7%, which is higher than many lagers or pale ales. Double IPAs (DIPAs) and Imperial IPAs can range from 7% to 10%+ ABV. That said, Session IPAs are brewed at a lower ABV (around 3.5–4.5%), making them lighter while keeping hop flavor intact.
Which UK breweries are famous for IPA?
Some of the most renowned UK IPA producers in 2025 include:
– Thornbridge Brewery (Jaipur, Vermont Sessions)
– DEYA Brewing Company (Steady Rolling Man, Jai Alai)
– Verdant Brewing Co. (Double Dank, various hazy DIPAs)
– North Brewing Co. (Big Sea IPA)
– Vocation Brewery (Hop, Skip & Juice)
– BrewDog (Punk IPA, Hazy Jane)
These breweries have earned reputations for producing consistent, innovative, and hop-forward beers.
What is the best glass for drinking IPA?
For maximum aroma and flavor, use a tulip-shaped glass or a purpose-designed Spiegelau IPA glass. These shapes capture hop aroma and direct it towards your nose with every sip.
For casual pub drinking, a traditional Nonic pint glass is fine, but it won’t enhance aroma as effectively as specialty glassware.
What food goes best with IPA?
IPAs pair well with bold, flavorful foods such as:
– Spicy dishes (Thai curry, buffalo wings)
– Grilled meats and barbecue
– Sharp cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese
– Fried foods like fish and chips
The bitterness of hops cuts through richness, while fruity hop notes complement spice and tangy sauces.
How should I store IPA to keep it fresh?
IPA is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few weeks of packaging. To preserve hop aroma and flavor:
– Store in a cool, dark place (a fridge is ideal)
– Avoid exposure to sunlight, which can cause “skunky” off-flavors
– Keep cans and bottles upright to minimize oxidation
Freshness is especially important for hazy NEIPAs, which can lose vibrancy over time.
