The Bitterest Domestic Non-IPA Beers in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide
In the vast and diverse world of American craft beer, one characteristic stands out: bitterness. While India Pale Ales (IPAs) are often at the forefront of bitterness due to their high IBU (International Bittering Units) ratings, there are domestic non-IPA beers that challenge this trend with their intense hop flavor. This article will explore some of the bitterest domestic non-IPA beers in the USA, backed by their IBU ratings from professional beer rating sites.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
One of the bitterest well-known domestic non-IPA beers is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, with an IBU rating of around 38. Despite its classification as a pale ale, it stands out with a noticeable hop bitterness. The beer is not only a testament to Sierra Nevada's brewing prowess but also a popular choice among those who appreciate a bit more hop presence in their pale ales.
Stone Pale Ale
Another contender in the list is Stone Pale Ale, which also features a robust hop presence and bitterness. This beer is known for its strongly hoppy profile, making it stand out among other non-IPA styles. If you're looking for something even more bitter, you might consider certain Belgian-style ales or barleywines, which can have high bitterness levels without the classification of IPAs.
Bitterness Perception vs. IBU Rating
It's important to note that there can be a disconnect between a beer's actual bitterness and its IBU rating. Factors such as mouthfeel, alcohol content (ABV), and other flavor components can affect the perceived bitterness. This is why some beers with higher IBUs can still be less bitter in taste than others with lower IBUs.
Alimony Ale: The Bitterest Non-IPA in the 1990s
In the 1990s, the Alimony Ale from Buffalo Bill's Brewery was tagged as "The Bitterest Beer in America," with an IBU rating that reached up to 100 at the time. However, it is technically classified as an IPA, which disqualifies it from our list of non-IPA beers. This beer was brewed for a friend going through a divorce, adding an intriguing backstory to its bitterness.
Stone's Enter Night
Loved by many, Stone's Enter Night is a special pilsner listed at 45 IBUs. Despite its relatively low IBU rating compared to IPAs, it is perceived as exceptionally bitter by many beer enthusiasts. The balance of bitterness and a clean, crisp mouthfeel is a testament to Stone's brewing expertise.
Founders Brewing Co.
Founders Brewing Co. has several beers that hit the IBU charts, including PC Pils at 45 IBU and Wee Heavy “Backwoods Bastard” at 50 IBU. Their Imperial Stout has an IBU rating of 75, while the Devil Dancer Triple IPA reaches 112 IBUs. However, these are all classified as Double or Triple IPAs, which disqualify them from our non-IPA list of bitterest beers.
RateBeer's Top IBU List
While we've discussed some of the homegrown contenders, let's delve into the truly extreme cases from the RateBeer top IBU list:
Carbon Smith Fcks Up Your Sht (Out of Production)
With an astonishing 2600 IBUs, this beer from the now-defunct Carbon Smith Microbrewery in Manchester, England, represents the absolute peak of bitterness. However, it's an "IIPA DIPA" and is no longer produced, making it harder to find and taste.
Flying Monkeys Alpha Fornication (Out of Production)
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, also has a beer that stands at 2500 IBUs. The reviews for this particular beer describe it as "unbalanced" and "pungent," making it evident why it's not in production anymore.
Mikkeller X Hop Juice 2007 IBU
Another contender is Mikkeller's X Hop Juice 2007, an APA with an impressive 2007 IBUs. While it might be a one-off and less accessible, it still represents the true spirit of extremely bitter brewing.
Zaftig Shadowed Mistress
Zaftig Brewing Co. LLC in Worthington, Ohio, USA, offers the “Zaftig Shadowed Mistress,” an American Strong Dark Ale with an intimidating 1100 IBUs. Despite this enormous IBU rating, reviews indicate that the higher ABV (around 8.5%) helps to moderate the bitter taste, making it a more balanced and drinkable option.
Final Thoughts
While some of the most bitter beers are indeed IPAs, there are still several domestic non-IPA beers that pack a significant bitter punch. From the pilsners to the dark ales, these beers showcase the range and complexity that American craft beer can offer. Whether you're a hop head or simply curious, exploring these bitter beers can be a rewarding experience for any beer lover.