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Specialty India Pale Ale

Special · IPA · 65 Entrants in 2026

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Style Definition

IPA defined by an added ingredient or process rather than a classic sub-style: black IPA, brut IPA, wood-aged IPA, IPAs with fruit, spice, lactose, or alternative grains, and other hop-forward hybrids. Green Cheek won gold here in 2026 with Doom Sludge.

ABV6.0 to 10.0%
ABV 6.0 to 10.0%
IBU40 to 100
IBU 40 to 100
SRM4 to 40
SRM 4 to 40

Special categories are judged on an added ingredient, a process, or a nonstandard base, not on one classic style. Source: Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines (approximate ranges) (approximate)

Entrants by Year

65 entries in 2026. A trend needs a second year with entry counts in view.

Medalists by Year

2026 · Category 23 · 65 Entrants

2026 · Category 23 · 65 Entrants. Select a column header to sort.
Hops
GoldDoom Sludge7%Not FoundChinook, Ekuanot, MosaicGreen Cheek Beer Co. (Costa Mesa)Costa Mesa, CA
SilverBig ConeNot FoundNot FoundAmarillo, CitraFigueroa Mountain Brewing Co.Buellton, CA
BronzePepper and Peaches6.7%Not FoundCitraClaremont Craft AlesClaremont, CA

2026 Medal Beers

Gold in Specialty India Pale Ale

Doom Sludge

Green Cheek Beer Co., Costa Mesa, CA

Category
Specialty India Pale Ale
Entries
65
ABV
7%
IBU
Not Found
Style
West Coast Black IPA
Malts
Not Found
Yeast
Not Found
Adjuncts
Not Found

Hops

Tasting Notes

BLACK. Deep as the abyss, immeasurably smooth. A mountain of Mosaic loomed vast, crowned with a gate of clean, unerring bitterness.

Source: greencheekbeer.com

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Silver in Specialty India Pale Ale

Big Cone

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Buellton, CA

Category
Specialty India Pale Ale
Entries
65
ABV
Not Found
IBU
Not Found
Style
American-Style Black Ale
Malts
Not Found
Yeast
Not Found
Adjuncts
Not Found

Hops

Tasting Notes

brewed chock-full of piney, earthy kettle hops and then dry-hopped with floral, tropical varieties

Source: thefullpint.com

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Bronze in Specialty India Pale Ale

Pepper and Peaches

Claremont Craft Ales, Claremont, CA

Category
Specialty India Pale Ale
Entries
65
ABV
6.7%
IBU
Not Found
Style
West Coast-style IPA
Malts
Not Found
Yeast
Not Found
Adjuncts
Peaches, Pink peppercorns

Hops

Tasting Notes

crisp, dry, and super hoppy ... additions of pink peppercorns for a floral punch and peaches for a bright, fruity finish

Source: bevmo.com

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