Karl Strauss’ Tower 10 IPA is an example of the American approach to IPAs – and maybe more broadly, beer in general. Or at least it seems that way as an outsider looking in, an outsider who has tried a decent amount of US beers available over here.
It seems common for an American IPA to be intense, in your face and over the top. Forget the idea of sessionability, forget about being able to try (or even want to try) more than one or two at a time. The idea behind the US IPA seems to be bigger is better.

With the Tower 10 that manifests itself in a 7.1 per cent alcohol tally (which I understand is “normal” in the US. Here 4.5 to 5 per cent is normal) and a hefty piney, resiny whack across the palate. Now I do like a Tower 10 from time to time but I’m not going to drink more than one in a session. Or maybe not drink any in a session as that strong pineyness definitely affects my taste buds in a negative way.

Perhaps it’s because of the way we brew IPAs here that I prefer the more sessionable ones. The ones that still provide plenty of flavour and interesting things going on and leave you with the ability to try another one if you liked the first because it’s not astronomically high in alcohol.

I’ll certainly drink Tower 10 in the future and will try as many US beers as I can. Because maybe, there are some sessionable ones out there.