Hop Horizons

white ipa

There are 51 different white ipa listed on Hop Horizons, with a weighted average score of 59.2%.

What is White IPA?

White IPA is a pale, hazy and highly aromatic beer that mashes up two distinct styles: Belgian witbier and American IPA.

From witbier it takes wheat, lively carbonation and a refreshing character, often with fruity Belgian yeast, coriander and orange peel. From American IPA it gets generous hop flavour, proper bitterness and a stronger alcoholic backbone.

The result is typically bright, citrusy and spicy - grapefruit, orange, lemon, tropical and stone fruit alongside pepper, coriander or clove. It should feel lighter and more refreshing than most conventional IPAs, despite similar strength and bitterness.

The "white" in the name refers to the cloudy, pale appearance, exactly as it does in witbier. It has nothing to do with white chocolate or any connection to white stout and white porter.

How It's Brewed

White IPA normally starts with pale barley malt and a hefty proportion of wheat. The wheat creates the haze, adds a soft grain character and helps build that persistent white head.

Some recipes add oats for extra smoothness, though the finished beer should stay comparatively light rather than thick or creamy.

Citrus-led American or New World hops are the usual choice. Varieties like Citra, Cascade, Amarillo, Centennial and Mosaic bring grapefruit, orange, lemon and tropical fruit to complement the wheat and Belgian fermentation character.

A Belgian witbier yeast can produce orange, apricot, pepper, clove and occasionally banana. Some brewers use a cleaner yeast instead and get the spice from coriander, orange peel or other additions.

Coriander and orange peel are traditional but not compulsory - and when used, they should support the hops and yeast rather than take over.

White IPA is usually dry hopped for extra aroma and finishes moderately dry, with medium to high carbonation emphasising its freshness.

Famous Examples

• New Belgium Accumulation (USA) – A seasonal White IPA combining wheat, citrus-led hops and a crisp finish.
• Lagunitas A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale (USA) – A strongly hopped wheat beer regarded by the BJCP as a commercial example of the style.
• Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA (USA) – An influential interpretation combining wheat, coriander and citrus-forward hops.
• Small-batch craft releases – White IPA tends to appear as a spring or summer seasonal rather than a permanent flagship.

How White IPA Differs from Similar Styles

The closest relative is witbier. Both are pale, cloudy wheat beers that may contain coriander and orange peel - but witbier is weaker, less bitter and far less heavily hopped, its flavour driven mainly by wheat, yeast, citrus and spice. White IPA adds the bitterness and aromatic punch of American hops.

It's also distinct from American IPA, which usually has a cleaner fermentation profile with hops firmly centre stage. White IPA brings more wheat character, higher carbonation and noticeable Belgian-style fruit or spice.

It can resemble hazy or New England IPA, since both are cloudy and fruity - but hazy IPA generally has a fuller, softer body and restrained bitterness. White IPA is lighter, drier, fizzier and distinctly spicy.

Belgian IPA is another close cousin. It pairs American-style hopping with expressive Belgian yeast, but doesn't necessarily contain wheat or the coriander and orange-peel character of witbier - and it may be stronger, clearer and more overtly yeast-driven.

Food Pairings

White IPA loves fresh, aromatic and moderately spicy food. The carbonation cuts through richness, while the citrus, herbs and bitterness complement dishes full of vegetables, spices and fresh herbs.

Good vegetarian pairings include Thai green curry, vegetable spring rolls, falafel, grilled halloumi with coriander, goat's cheese salad and citrus-dressed couscous.

It also works well with asparagus, avocado, lemon pasta, vegetable tacos and anything flavoured with ginger, lemongrass or coriander. Strong cheeses can swamp its lighter wheat character, so fresh goat's cheese, feta, mozzarella and mild creamy cheeses make better matches.

Style Stats (Typical Ranges)

• ABV: 5.5% – 7.0%
• IBU (Bitterness): 40 – 70
• Colour (SRM): 5 – 6 (pale to deep gold)
• Carbonation: Medium to high
• Body: Medium-light
• Appearance: Usually hazy

FAQs About White IPA

Why is it called White IPA?
The name refers to its pale, cloudy appearance and its relationship with Belgian witbier, whose name means "white beer".

Is White IPA a wheat beer?
Yes. Wheat normally forms an important part of the recipe, alongside malted barley. The exact proportion varies between breweries.

Is White IPA the same as witbier?
No. White IPA is stronger, more bitter and more heavily hopped. Witbier is softer and more spice-led, with far less hop intensity.

Does White IPA always contain coriander and orange peel?
No. They're common additions, but the spicy character can come from Belgian yeast, added spices or a combination of both.

Is White IPA bitter?
Yes. It carries the substantial bitterness you'd expect from an IPA, though the wheat, fruit and spice can make it feel less stark than a dry West Coast IPA.

Is White IPA the same as hazy IPA?
No. Both can be cloudy and fruity, but White IPA is generally lighter, drier, more carbonated and more bitter - and it has the yeast or spice character of witbier.

Does White IPA contain white chocolate?
No. The "white" describes its appearance and wheat-beer influence. It has no connection with white stout, white porter or white chocolate.

When is White IPA best enjoyed?
The mix of citrus, spice, hops and lively carbonation makes it perfect for spring and summer, though it drinks well all year round.

Beers of This Style

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