India Pale Lager

Anthony Tallman, cofounder and head brewer at San Diego’s Burgeon Beer, shares a recipe for this brightly flavored West Coast IPA—one of our Best 20 Beers in 2026.

Technically, this cold-fermented showcase of expressive Czech aroma hops—brewed by the folks at Sacred Profane in Biddeford, Maine—is a lager. But it drinks like an IPA, so that’s what they call it.

It’s a throwback, now, but we remain loyal, and we know they’re still out there. And brewing a great IPL is more about executing the “L” than anything else.

IPL is about making sure the “L” part—lager—is getting its due. With this recipe, the idea is make something that’s clearly a lager but also features hops in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the palate or the grist.

Lagers can be every bit as intense as ales. Let's explore the world of intense lagers and discusses both style and production characteristics that will have you dazzling your friends’ palates in no time.

A style born of the golden hops age, India Pale Lagers have evolved beyond just the combination of two styles. Drinkers today have choice, and brewers are exploring the breadth and future of IPL.