French Brewed IPA: The Best French India Pale Ales to Try Right Now

I’ve always liked a solid IPA, and lately I’ve been poking around in that lively French IPA craft beer scene, you know, the whole French brewed IPA thing that’s getting more and more interesting across the country. Honestly it’s wild how many breweries in France are giving their own twist to this classic style, and it sort of feels like every few streets there’s another new take. I just tried a handful recently, and a few of them really stuck out, so I thought I’d share my current favorites with you. It’s been a bit of a fun ride finding these brews, and I’m genuinely curious to see what else is hiding out there.

Key Takeaways

• BIPA offers a unique take on the IPA style, worth trying if you’re looking for something different.
• Chouette IPA is a solid choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced and flavorful brew.
• IPA Gallia provides a refreshing experience, perfect for a casual tasting.
• Session IPA La Parisienne is a great option for a lighter, more sessionable IPA.
• IPA Saison offers a distinctive twist, blending IPA characteristics with saison yeast notes.
  

BIPA

When I first heard about BIPA, I got kinda intrigued. The name itself feels like it has a certain boldness to it, and since I’m a fan of India Pale Ales I was also curious to see what this French brewery had in store. To be honest, it turns out BIPA is a brewery that really knows how to juggle that hop character, with this sort of smooth finish, like it’s all planned.

I found their way of brewing to be pretty thoughtful, and honestly it feels a bit more careful than most. They seem to aim for IPAs that are both flavorful and easy to jump into for people, which is not always an effortless trick to pull off. You can tell they really lean into picking the hops, and then handling the whole brewing process so the outcome turns out right.

Here’s what stood out to me:

• Hop Variety: They use a good mix of hops, giving their IPAs a complex aroma and taste without being overwhelming.
• Malt Backbone: There’s enough malt presence to support the hops, leading to a well-rounded beer.
• Drinkability: Despite the hop intensity, their IPAs are surprisingly easy to drink, making them perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

BIPA somehow managed to craft IPAs that feel kinda classic but also modern at the same time. They do n’t shy away from experimenting though, still they keep the heart of a solid IPA very clear in mind. It’s this delicate balance, and honestly it looks like they nail it, every single time.

If you’re trying to find a French IPA beer that gives you a pretty satisfying hop experience, and at the same time isn’t too harsh or aggressive, I’d say you should absolutely give BIPA a go. It’s a brewery that’s putting out some genuinely solid contributions to the French craft beer scene, kind of in a quiet but noticeable way.

Chouette IPA

When I first heard about Chouette IPA, I was intrigued. The name itself, meaning ‘owl’ in French, conjures up images of something wise and perhaps a bit mysterious. This brew from Brasserie Chouette is trying to give you a classic IPA feeling, and, for the most part, it kind of works. It has that hop forward personality you’d expect, with a solid equilibrium that doesn’t really push too far into bitterness.

I found the aroma pretty inviting, kind of a citrus and pine mix that really wakes up the senses. On the palate, it’s fairly straightforward, like a sturdy malt spine holding everything together and giving a solid dose of hop flavor. It’s not overly complex but honestly that’s not always a problem. Sometimes you just want a well made IPA, something you can count on, without all the extra fuss.

This beer is a pretty solid example of how French brewers are embracing, and adapting international styles in a more subtle way. It’s easy to approach for folks who are new to IPAs, but it still feels rewarding for the seasoned fans, you know.

If you’re looking for a beer that pairs well with food, Chouette IPA is a decent choice. It can stand up to richer dishes without overpowering them. I’ve found it works particularly well with grilled meats or even some of the stronger French cheeses, which makes sense given the regional beer-and-cheese pairings that often go hand in hand.

Overall, Chouette IPA is a commendable effort. It’s a reliable, enjoyable beer, that feels like a solid entry in the French IPA scene. I’d probably grab it again when I want something familiar but well, executed, kind of a steady companion.

IPA Gallia

When I first started wandering around the craft beer France has to offer, Gallia was one of the breweries that immediately grabbed my attention. Their IPA is a solid snapshot of what they do, giving a really approachable twist on the style, not too fussy. It’s not overly aggressive with the hops, which I appreciate, making it a beer I can easily go back to.

What I like about this IPA is its balance. It hits those classic IPA notes without being too bitter or too sweet. It’s the kind of beer that makes you think about the brewing process and how they managed to get it just right. If you’re looking for a good introduction to French IPAs, this is definitely one to consider.

This beer is a great example of how IPA breweries in France are putting their own spin on those popular styles, blending old school know how with new and kind of modern brewing innovation, you know. It feels like a different take but still familiar, like a subtle riff rather than a total rewrite.

I found it to be a bit refreshing, especially when the day is warmer out. It’s made with a blend of hops, which gives it a pleasant aroma and then a clean finish, like no lingering stuff. 

To be honest the taste of the product is the type which isn’t demanding much of your attention but yet offers you a decent drinking experience. I advise you to check it out if you get a chance, especially if it appeals to your interest in what’s happening in the craft beer world of France.

Here’s what I typically look for in a good IPA, and how Gallia’s offering stacks up:

• Aroma: It has a pleasant hop aroma, not overpowering, but definitely present.
• Flavor: A good mix of hop character and malt backbone, leading to a balanced taste.
• Finish: Clean and crisp, leaving you ready for the next sip.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, which feels just right for an IPA.

Session IPA La Parisienne

When I’m trying to find something a bit lighter but still jammed full of hop flavor, I usually grab a session IPA. La Parisienne’s version of this style is pretty solid, to be honest. It manages to bring out those hoppy notes I like so much without turning into anything too heavy, which is really nice. So it ends up being a great pick for an afternoon sipper, or when I don’t want the whole full-blown IPA thing going on.

It’s this beer that, honestly, doesn’t  demand all of your attention at once yet somehow you still get a really pleasing hop character to it. It’s approachable, which is kind of a big plus for me when I’m not exactly sure what I’m craving at the moment, you know. I notice it goes great with lighter dishes, like salads or grilled chicken, but it’s also perfectly fine when you just have it by itself.

Here’s what I generally look for in a good session IPA:

• Hop Aroma: It should still smell like hops, even if the bitterness is dialed back.
• Drinkability: Easy to drink, not too filling or overwhelming.
• Flavor Balance: A good mix of malt and hops, with the hops usually taking the lead.

La Parisienne’s Session IPA hits these points for me. It’s not the most complex beer I have ever had, but it’s pretty dependable and enjoyable. It feels like a solid showcase of how brewers can craft a lighter beer, yet still keep it full of character, in a kind of quiet way.

IPA Saison

IPA Saison was first brought to my attention, and I was really curious. It sounded like a beer that could really combine the differences of these two different yet beloved styles. Saison generally delivers that usually fruity and a bit peppery yeast character and then goes for the dry finishing. On the other hand, IPA brings forward the bitterness of hops and delivers a very fresh aroma. Could they really work together?

I’m happy to report that this particular IPA Saison is a success. It manages to capture the best of both worlds. You get that pretty familiar hop punch you expect from an IPA, but it’s kind of balanced by the complex, effervescent side of a saison, almost like it’s doing two things at once. It’s not overly bitter, and the yeast character adds this extra layer of subtle fruitiness, with some spice too, so it stays really interesting through the whole sip.

Here’s what I noticed:

• Aroma: Expect a mix of citrusy hops and a hint of peppery spice.
• Flavor: It starts with a bright hop flavor, then the saison yeast notes come through, finishing dry and clean.
• Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied with a good level of carbonation, making it quite refreshing.

This beer is a solid example of how brewers can mess around with the usual styles, to come up with something fresh and really exciting, kinda new. It feels like a proof of the imagination that’s been going on in French breweries lately, not just once in a while.

It’s the kind of beer that works well on its own but also pairs nicely with a variety of foods. I found it particularly good with some grilled chicken. If you’re looking for something a bit different from your usual IPA, this is definitely worth seeking out.

Brewage IPA

When I first heard about Brewage IPA, I was kind of intrigued, like “okay wait this sounds different”. The name alone feels like it points to the brewing process, and that’s something I always end up appreciating, more than I expect to, honestly. It’s easy to get caught up in fancy marketing, but a beer that highlights its creation is usually a good sign.

This IPA really leans into its hop character. I found it to have a solid bitterness that doesn’t overstay its welcome, balanced by a pleasant malt backbone. It’s not overly complex, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a straightforward, well-executed IPA that’s easy to drink.

This IPA really leans into that hop vibe. I found it to have a solid bitterness that doesn’t hang around too long, balanced by a pleasant malt backbone, kinda like it knows when to move on. It’s not wildly complex, but honestly that’s part of the charm. Overall it’s a straightforward, well executed IPA that you can sip without much effort.

I noticed a few distinct hop notes when I tried it:

• Citrusy undertones, like grapefruit peel.
• A hint of pine, but not too sharp.
• A subtle floral aroma that comes through as it warms up.

It’s the sort of beer that sort of makes you remember why IPAs became popular in the first place. It lands on all the right notes, without turning too extreme in any one direction. If you’re hunting for a dependable, tasty IPA that really highlights solid brewing technique, I’d say go ahead and try Brewage IPA. It kinda feels like proof that when it comes down to it, the most straightforward pathway, can end up with the best results.

IPA Celtique

When I first heard about IPA Celtique, I was kind of intrigued. The name, on its own, already feels like it means a blend of classic brewing craft with a touch of something older, maybe even a bit mystical, and honestly the vibe sticks. This beer, brewed by a French brewery, tries to bring that feeling to the glass. It’s not just another IPA, it feels more like a flavor exploration that’s reaching for a sense of heritage which is at once familiar and also new.

The brew, on its own, is this kind of fascinating journey for the palate like you kind of drift along with it. There is a hop profile that shows up, but it’s not really stomping over everything else. Instead there’s a balance that I personally found rather refreshing. It’s one of those beers where you pause a second and think, okay what exactly am I tasting right now, because it doesn’t just hit and disappear. I also caught a few subtle fruit notes, maybe a small hint of citrus, though it all feels woven together, in a way that is kind of sophisticated, almost understated.

Here’s what I found particularly interesting about IPA Celtique:

• Aroma: It greets you with a pleasant, not aggressive, hop aroma. Think less pine, more gentle floral and citrus hints.
• Flavor: The taste follows through on the aroma, with a malt backbone that supports the hops without getting lost.
• Finish: It leaves you with a clean, slightly bitter finish that invites another sip.

It’s this beer that doesn’t really yell for attention, more like it sort of earns it in a quiet way, with a careful build. If you’re checking out craft beer France has to offer, and also wondering how older traditions can quietly guide modern styles, then yeah, this one feels worth seeking. It’s like a real proof of the imagination happening in French breweries, because they can mess around with classic templates, yet still keep a very their own angle. 

I personally found it to be a solidly crafted IPA that, somehow, respects its origins while still forging ahead, on its own track. It also reads as a nice signal that places like Alsace are pushing boundaries, maybe not loud, but definitely moving somewhere.

Hazy IPA

When I first started exploring the world of craft beer, the Hazy IPA wasn’t really a thing. Now, it feels like you can’t go anywhere without seeing one. These beers are known for their cloudy appearance, which comes from yeast and proteins left in the beer, and a super-smooth, juicy flavor profile. They tend to be less bitter than traditional IPAs, making them really approachable.

I’ve found that the best ones really nail that balance between a soft mouthfeel and vibrant hop character. You get these big tropical fruit and citrus notes without that harsh bite. It’s like drinking a fruit smoothie, but, you know, beer.

Here’s what I look for when I’m trying a new Hazy IPA:

• Aroma: It should hit you with a wave of fruity goodness – think mango, pineapple, or passionfruit.
• Flavor: Juicy and smooth, with those fruit notes carrying through. Bitterness should be low and pleasant.
• Mouthfeel: Soft, creamy, and full-bodied. It shouldn’t feel thin or watery.
• Appearance: Definitely hazy, but not murky or opaque like a stout.

The popularity of Hazy IPAs has really changed the game for many breweries. They’re a great way for people who might not typically enjoy bitter beers to get into the IPA style. It’s all about that soft, drinkable character that makes you want another sip.

If you’re new to the style, or just looking for a really easy-drinking IPA, a well-made Hazy IPA is definitely worth seeking out. They’re a testament to how much the IPA category has evolved.

West Coast IPA

When I think about West Coast IPAs I kinda picture a specific hop-forward beer type. Usually it is on the drier side, with a stronger edge of bitterness, and it often throws out citrusy plus piney hop aromas. It’s this classic style that really helped pave the way for a lot of what we see in craft beer today, you know.

I’ve found that French breweries are really starting to nail this style. They’re taking those traditional West Coast characteristics and adding their own little twist, which is pretty cool to experience. It’s not just about making a bitter beer; it’s about balance and showcasing those hops in a really clean way.

Here’s what I’ve been enjoying:

• Bière de la Côte Ouest: This one really hits the mark with a bright, resinous hop profile. It’s got that assertive bitterness I expect, but it finishes surprisingly clean.
• IPA Ouest Sauvage: I was impressed by its complexity. It has a nice pine note upfront, followed by a subtle grapefruit zest. It’s a beer that makes you stop and think about the hops.
• Le Classique IPA: This brewery aims for a straightforward, no-nonsense West Coast IPA, and it achieves that. It’s reliably crisp and hoppy, a great example of the style done well.

The charm of a properly made West Coast IPA sits in that clean, almost bright clarity and in the hop expression that really shows up. It’s a style that sort of requires attention to little details through the whole brewing process, from choosing the hops to the fermentation temperature, even small variations can matter. If it’s dialed in correctly, it becomes surprisingly refreshing and just really satisfying.

It’s interesting to see how different IPA breweries in France interpret this American classic, with each one adding its own regional character. Some people tend to stick really close to the original blueprint, while others wander off a touch, kind of, and try something slightly different. Either way, I’m honestly glad these options are on hand when I’m hunting for something with a little hop kick. If you’re poking around the craft beer scene in Brittany, you might run into a few curious spins on hop-forward styles there too.

Double IPA Paname

When I first heard about Double IPA Paname, I was intrigued. The name itself suggests a bold, perhaps even audacious, take on the Double IPA style. And let me tell you, it doesn’t disappoint, really. This beer is a proper hop bomb, packed with a punch that feels both intense and, somehow, still surprisingly smooth. It’s the sort of brew that makes you sort of sit up and take notice, a true standout within the French craft beer scene.

What I appreciate most about this Double IPA is how balanced they’ve somehow managed to strike. Even with the high alcohol level and that aggressive hop profile, it still doesn’t feel like it’s totally overwhelming, or you know, steamrolling everything. There’s this pleasant malt backbone that keeps the hops in check, preventing them from completely taking over. It’s kind of a complex beer, with layers of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit notes that unfold, every single sip. This Double IPA demands your attention but, honestly, it pays you back generously for sticking around.

If you’re a fan of big, hoppy beers, you absolutely need to seek this one out. It’s a testament to the growing quality and creativity of French breweries, which are now producing some of the most exciting Popular French beers for craft beer lovers. I found it to be a fantastic example of what a Double IPA can be when brewed with skill and passion. It’s definitely one of the best I’ve tried from France.

This beer is a powerful statement from the brewery, showcasing a mastery of hop utilization and fermentation control. It’s a brew that’s both challenging and incredibly drinkable, a rare combination in the world of high-ABV IPAs.

Final Thoughts on French IPAs

So, that’s my take on the French IPA scene right now. I’ve really enjoyed exploring what French breweries are doing with this popular style and discovering how each French brewed IPA brings something different to the table. It’s been a journey, and honestly, I’m impressed with the creativity and quality I’ve found. If you’re looking to branch out from the usual suspects, I definitely recommend giving some of these French IPAs a try. I’m already looking forward to seeing what new brews pop up next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an IPA?

An IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a type of beer that’s known for its hoppy flavor. Hops are a flower that brewers use to give beer a bitter taste and a nice aroma. I find that IPAs often have a fruity or citrusy smell, which I really enjoy.

Why are French IPAs gaining popularity?

I’ve noticed that French breweries are really stepping up their game when it comes to making IPAs. They’re taking inspiration from classic styles but adding their own unique twists. It’s exciting to see them create such interesting and tasty French IPA beer options that showcase the creativity of modern French brewing.

Are French IPAs very bitter?

It really depends on the specific beer! Some French IPAs are quite bitter, like the traditional ones, while others are smoother and more balanced. I’ve tried some that are surprisingly easy to drink, even if you’re not usually a fan of bitterness.

What makes a ‘Hazy’ IPA different?

A Hazy IPA, also called a New England IPA, is a style I’ve come to love. They’re less bitter than other IPAs and have a cloudy appearance. I think they taste really juicy and smooth, almost like drinking a fruit smoothie, but way better!

Can I find French IPAs easily?

It’s getting easier! While they might not be in every corner store, I’ve found that craft beer shops and good bars are starting to carry more French IPAs. Visiting the breweries themselves is also a great way to discover Popular French beers and understand the stories behind these unique creations.

What’s the best way to try a new French IPA?

My favorite way is to visit the brewery if I can. If not, I look for them at local beer spots. I usually start with a smaller pour to see if I like it before committing to a full glass. It’s all about exploring and finding what you enjoy!