Masthead Midwest Red IPA
Kelly Montgomery, co-owner and head brewer, Third Eye Brewing in Cincinnati
“Masthead’s Midwest Red IPA might wear a different color, but it’s got Midwest IPA written all over it. The caramel and toasted-malt backbone lays down a rich foundation, while the hops bring in bright citrus and pine without overwhelming bitterness. It’s that perfect harmony of flavor and balance that defines the Midwest IPA.”
Bell’s Two Hearted
Colt Carpenter, head brewer, Pax Verum in Lapel, Indiana
“Hands down, my go-to is Bell’s Two Hearted, and I’ll always gladly toss one back. It didn’t run away from its amber hue when everything went hazy or super-light. The touch of crystal malt helps round out the upfront IBU load, but then mellows as the hops open up and express themselves. Traditionally, classic C-hops were the focus in Midwest IPAs, but the thing that matters is solid bitterness with some citrus, fruit, and dank notes to pull it together. If you’ve never floated down a river while sipping on one in the middle of summer, I don’t know if you have properly lived.”
Missing Mountain Power Outage
Chad Powers, chief of brewing operations, Narrow Path in Loveland, Ohio
“From a brewery that excels in hazies, this beer straddles both coasts and is dialed in on balance. Huge citrus notes mingle with the perfect bread-toast-biscuit malt structure. Good body and a slightly dry finish make sure the glass is never far from my hand.”
Pipeworks Ninja vs. Unicorn
Joshua Grubbs, owner & head brewer, Black Lung in Round Lake Beach, Illinois
“It’s been holding it down for years—and for good reason. It comes in swinging with a ridiculous amount of dry hops, showcasing a big, bold bouquet of citrus, tropical fruit, and a bit of dank pine. But what sets it apart is a malt backbone—it doesn’t try to be too sweet, just enough to support the hop attack and balance it all out. There’s a touch of chill haze, but it’s not trying to be a NEIPA. This is an OG Chicago-style IPA— loud, punchy, and unapologetically big.”
Maine Beer Lunch
Spencer Guy, head brewer, Atrium in Louisville, Kentucky
“I remember having it fresh for the first time and falling in love with the balance, drinkability, and nuance. The snappy bitterness makes you want another sip, and it’s fully saturated with modern tropical-hop character, while the slightly malty, clear, and clean base beer has gentle resin-and-pine dankness that echoes back to earlier days of West Coast IPA. I love that crisp zippiness, with an element of substance and heft for an added dimension, without going full C-malt bomb. It might not be Midwestern, but feels quintessentially ‘American.’”
