The world of craft IPA can feel vast and, at times, a little overwhelming. With so many breweries and styles emerging across the UK craft beer scene, finding the right one for your tastes can be a challenge. You might be searching for a juicy hazy IPA for a quiet evening, a refreshing session IPA for a weekend gathering or a convenient craft beer multipack to keep your fridge stocked.
This guide is designed to cut through the clutter. As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to provide clear, practical advice to help you choose your next favourite beer with confidence. We will explore some popular styles and highlight a few standout options available for delivery right to your door.
How to Choose the Right Craft IPA for You
Before you add to your basket, considering a few key points can help you find the perfect match.
1. Understand the IPA Style
The term "IPA" covers a wide spectrum of flavours. Knowing the difference between the main types is the first step to finding what you enjoy.
- Hazy IPA: Also known as a New England IPA (NEIPA), this style is all about a smooth, full-bodied texture and low bitterness. Brewers use oats and wheat and leave the beer unfiltered, which creates its signature cloudy appearance. The flavour profile is dominated by juicy, tropical hop notes.
- Session IPA: If you want all the hoppy flavour of a classic IPA but with a lower alcohol content (typically under 5% ABV), a session IPA is an excellent choice. They are designed to be enjoyed over a longer period without being too heavy.
- Tropical & Fruity IPA: This isn't a formal category, but it describes a popular flavour profile. These beers use specific hop varieties that impart strong notes of mango, pineapple, passion fruit and citrus. A fruity IPA is perfect for those who love bold, vibrant flavours.
2. Check for Dietary Preferences
The craft beer world has become much more inclusive, with many breweries offering options that cater to specific dietary needs.
- Vegan Beer: Many modern craft breweries no longer use animal-based fining agents like isinglass, making their beers vegan-friendly by default. However, it is always wise to check the product description or label for confirmation.
- Gluten-Free IPA: It is now possible to find a high-quality gluten-free IPA. These are brewed using gluten-free grains or with an enzyme that breaks down gluten to safe levels for coeliacs. Look for clear "Gluten-Free" certification on the packaging.
Our Top Craft IPA Recommendations for 2026
Here are a few recommendations that showcase the variety and quality available in the UK craft beer market today.
BrewDog Hazy Jane IPA
- Why It Stands Out: Hazy Jane is a benchmark for the New England IPA style. Brewed with oats and wheat and left unfiltered, it delivers an incredibly smooth mouthfeel and an explosion of fruit flavour. It pours a beautiful opaque gold and is packed with notes of pineapple, mango and zesty citrus.
- Pros:
- Classic hazy IPA with low bitterness.
- Intense tropical and stone fruit notes.
- Silky, full-bodied texture.
- Comes in a 12-can craft beer multipack, ideal for stocking up.
- Who is it for?: Anyone who loves juicy, modern IPAs with minimal bitterness or those looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser for social events.
Vocation Heart & Soul Session IPA
- Why It Stands Out: This beer proves that you do not need to sacrifice flavour for a lower ABV or a specific dietary requirement. As a certified gluten-free IPA and a session IPA, Heart & Soul is both accessible and delicious. It balances grapefruit and passion fruit hop notes with a light body and a crisp finish.
- Pros:
- Certified gluten-free and suitable for vegans.
- Lower 4.4% ABV makes it a great session IPA.
- Bright, zesty and tropical flavour profile.
- Full-bodied taste in a lighter format.
- Who is it for?: Craft beer drinkers with a gluten intolerance or anyone seeking a flavourful, easy-drinking IPA for any occasion.
Tiny Rebel Clwb Tropical IPA
- Why It Stands Out: If you are looking for a "holiday in a can," this is it. Clwb Tropical is a vibrant and juicy tropical IPA that bursts with notes of pineapple, mango and orange. It has a moderate bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit flavours, making it incredibly drinkable.
- Pros:
- An excellent example of a fruity IPA.
- Bold tropical fruit flavours with a hint of coconut.
- Well-balanced with a crisp, refreshing finish.
- A vegan beer, suitable for a wide range of drinkers.
- Who is it for?: Those who crave bold, fruit-forward flavours and want a beer that is both exciting and sessionable.
Looking for More Options?
These recommendations are just a starting point in the exciting world of craft IPA. If you're ready to explore a wider selection of styles, breweries and pack sizes, you can find many more choices available.
Explore our full range of 330ml beers to discover your next favourite.
Frequently Asked Questions about Craft IPA
What is the difference between a craft IPA and a regular IPA?
The main difference lies in the approach to brewing. Craft brewers often prioritise experimentation and flavour complexity, using a wider variety of hops to create distinct styles like the hazy IPA or tropical IPA. While traditional IPAs often focus on a strong, bitter hop profile, craft versions explore a broader spectrum of aromas and tastes.
Are most craft IPAs vegan?
Many modern craft IPAs are indeed vegan. Brewers increasingly use non-animal-based methods for clarifying beer, but it is not a universal rule. To be certain, always check the product details or look for a vegan beer symbol on the can or packaging.
What does "session IPA" mean?
A session IPA is a style of India Pale Ale that has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV), usually under 5%. The goal is to create a beer that has the characteristic hoppy flavour of an IPA but is light enough to be enjoyed over a longer period—or "session"—without being too intoxicating.
