If you’ve been hanging around craft beer bars or scrolling through Instagram beer snob accounts lately, chances are you’ve heard the buzz: Cold IPA. It’s crisp, it’s hoppy, it’s confusing as hell if you’re expecting a frosty version of your regular IPA. So what exactly is a Cold IPA—and why can’t beer lovers shut up about it?

Let’s break it down.

So… What the Heck Is a Cold IPA Anyway?

First things first: a Cold IPA is not just an IPA that’s been sitting in the back of your fridge. It’s a legit beer style that blends the punchy, hop-forward bite of an IPA with the crisp, clean finish of a lager. Think West Coast IPA meets Pilsner, but with a modern twist.

It pours clear, drinks dry, and usually clocks in around 6.5%–7.5% ABV. Unlike hazy IPAs that are soft and juicy, Cold IPAs are sharp, assertive, and built for hop lovers who still want a refreshing finish. They’re designed to be ultra-drinkable without sacrificing flavor.

A (Brief) History of the Cold IPA

Cold IPA is the brainchild of Wayfinder Beer in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, brewmaster Kevin Davey introduced Relapse, a beer that didn’t quite fit into any existing style. It had the hop bite of an IPA, the body of a lager, and a clarity that made it sparkle in the glass.

Rather than slap on the tired “IPL” label (India Pale Lager), Davey coined a new term, “Cold IPA” to reflect its hybrid brewing method and unique identity. The name stuck, and within a couple years, everyone from major breweries to local taprooms was releasing their own Cold IPAs.

The Brewing Science Behind the Chill

So what makes a Cold IPA different under the hood?

• Lager yeast, warm temps: Unlike typical IPAs brewed with ale yeast, Cold IPAs use lager yeast but ferment it at warmer temperatures, creating a super-clean flavor with just a hint of esters.
• Adjuncts like rice or corn: These lighten the body and dry out the finish, making the hops shine without malt sweetness getting in the way.
• Cold crashing: After fermentation, the beer is dropped to near-freezing temps to clarify it and boost that snappy finish.
• Hops, hops, hops: Expect bold aromas—think citrus, tropical fruit, dank pine—from American and New World hop varieties.

In other words, it’s a carefully engineered hop delivery system that just happens to go down dangerously easy.

Why Beer Geeks (and Breweries) Are All In

Craft beer fans love a new flavor ride, and Cold IPAs deliver it in spades. They scratch the hop itch without the chewiness of hazies or the heavy sweetness of some doubles.

Brewers, meanwhile, enjoy the creative challenge. It takes finesse to get the balance right—too bitter and it’s a palate wrecker, too soft and it loses the edge. But when done right, it’s magic in a glass. Plus, the style is approachable for casual drinkers while still nerdy enough to win over the purists.

Add in a cool name and striking clarity for social media flexing, and you’ve got a new star on the tap list.

Where to Find Great Cold IPAs

Here are a few trailblazers and fan favorites in the Cold IPA space:

• Relapse – Wayfinder Beer (Portland, OR) – The OG Cold IPA and still one of the best.
• Hopnosis – Firestone Walker (Paso Robles, CA) – Clean and tropical with a West Coast soul.
• Cold Torpedo – Sierra Nevada (Chico, CA) – A Cold IPA riff on their iconic Torpedo Extra IPA.

Many breweries are now experimenting with one-offs and seasonal releases, so keep an eye out at your local taproom.

Cold IPA vs IPL: What’s the Real Difference?

Let’s settle the debate: Yes, they’re both hoppy beers fermented with lager yeast. But IPLs tend to be maltier and more traditional in execution, while Cold IPAs are designed to be modern, brighter, and punchier.

It’s not just a marketing gimmick (though the name helps). Cold IPAs are brewed with intent, using process tweaks and recipe design to create something fresh and distinct.

Think of it this way: IPLs are lagers with hops. Cold IPAs are IPAs, engineered to be colder, crisper, and meaner.

Will the Craze Last or Cool Off?

Like any trendy beer style, Cold IPAs are riding a wave of hype—but this one might have legs. They’re showing up in beer competitions, tap takeovers, and even in mainstream breweries’ seasonal rotations.

As brewers continue refining the style and drinkers warm up (ironically) to its sharp and snappy profile, Cold IPAs could carve out a lasting niche. The balance of bold flavor and high drinkability is tough to beat.

Final Sip: Should You Jump on the Bandwagon?

If you like hop-forward beers but sometimes get palate fatigue from hazies or double IPAs, Cold IPA might be your new crush. It’s like a palate cleanser that still punches with flavor.

Grab a can, pour it cold, and let your taste buds decide. Just don’t call it an IPL—unless you’re ready for a long, nerdy argument at the bar.