One of the most popular varieties of beer can be attributed to the British Empire. The East India Company commissioned the brewing of a beer that could survive the trip from England to India—what resulted was a style of beer that became known as India Pale Ale. Today beer aficionados can choose from a wide variety of IPAs right here in San Joaquin county.
Lodi Beer Co.
105 S. School St., Lodi
(209) 368-9938
lodibeercompany.com
Western Pacific IPA | 7% ABV
Not for the faint of heart, this beer is hand crafted right at the restaurant using the Bohemian brew system. Strong hops, malt and alcohol give it all the marks of an IPA.
Stooges of Lodi
105 W. Pine St., Lodi
(209) 368-7499
Goose Island IPA | 5.9% ABV
This classic ale has a full hops flavor, fruit aroma and dry malt middle. Goose Island IPA is notable for its long hop finish.
Finnegan’s
6252 Pacific Ave., Stockton
(209) 951-4782
finnpub.com
Speakeasy Big Daddy IPA
6.5% ABV
For those that think the more hops the better, this is the beer for you. A feast for the senses with its powerful flavor, distinct aroma and golden straw color.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery
5733 Pacific Ave., Stockton
(209) 373-4660
BJ’s HopStorm® IPA
6.5% ABV
BJ’s own American style IPA has enough malt to stand up to the six varieties of hops. Pleasant to drink, this is a good IPA for those venturing into this style of beer.
Woodbridge Uncorked
18911 N. Lower Sacramento Rd. Woodbridge, (209) 365-7575
woodbridgeuncorked.com
Dedicated to offering the best craft beers, Woodbridge Uncorked always has at least three draft IPAs. With a heavy rotation, changing their taps weekly, one of their fixtures is Chico’s own Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., from whom they get a monthly limited release beer on tap.
Valley Brewing Co.
157 W. Adams St., Stockton
(209) 464-2739
valleybrew.com
Valley Brewing Co. typically carries six to eight IPAs from various local vendors on their ever-changing, extensive beer list.
Garlic Brothers Restaurant & Bar
6629 Embarcadero Dr., Stockton
(209) 474-6585
garlicbrothersonline.com
Racer 5 IPA | 7.5% ABV
This strong IPA from Bear Republic Brewing Co. gets its full bodied flavor from four varieties of hops.
Crush Kitchen + Bar
115 S. School St., Ste.13, Lodi
(209) 369-5400
crushkitchen.com
IPA Stone IPA | 6.9% ABV
This IPA hails from San Diego. A unique two week “dry-hopping” process leaves the beer with a distinctive hop aroma and flavor.
Acme California IPA
6.9% ABV
From the North Coast Brewing Co. in Mendocino comes an IPA brewed with over a pound of hops per barrel. The beer is refreshingly dry and delicious, despite its apparent strength.
Rubicon IPA | 6.5% ABV
Since 1987 Rubicon Brewing Company in Sacramento has been crafting its uniquely American beers and this golden IPA is no exception. It features generous portions of Columbus, Chinook and Cascade hops.