West Coast Best Coast 2026 Info

Recognizable as an IPA by balance

Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session, standard, double); if no strength is specified, standard will be assumed. Entrant MUST specify specific type of Specialty IPA from the list of Currently Defined Types identified in the Style Guidelines, or as amended by Provisional Styles on the BJCP website; OR the entrant MUST describe the type of Specialty IPA and its key characteristics in comment form so judges will know what to expect. Entrants MAY specify specific hop varieties used, if entrants feel that judges may not recognize the varietal characteristics of newer hops. Entrants MAY specify a combination of defined IPA types (e.g., Black Rye IPA) without providing additional descriptions.

A beer with the dryness, hop-forward balance, and flavor characteristics of an American IPA, but darker in color. Darker malts add a gentle and supportive flavor, not a strongly roasted or burnt character.

Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session, standard, double); if no strength is specified, standard will be assumed.

Hoppy, bitter, and moderately strong like an American IPA, but with dark caramel, chocolate, toffee, or dark fruit character as in an American Brown Ale. Retaining the dryish finish and lean body that makes IPAs so drinkable, a Brown IPA is a little more flavorful and malty than an American IPA without being sweet or heavy.

Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session, standard, double); if no strength is specified, standard will be assumed.

Hoppy, bitter, and moderately strong like an American IPA, but with some caramel, toffee, or fruit character as in an American Amber Ale. Retaining the dryish finish and lean body that makes IPAs so drinkable, a Red IPA is a little more flavorful and malty than an American IPA without being sweet or heavy.

Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session, standard, double); if no strength is specified, standard will be assumed.

An American IPA with spicy, grainy rye malt. The rye gives a bready and peppery flavor, a creamier body, and a dry, grainy finish.

Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session, standard, double); if no strength is specified, standard will be assumed.

Entry Info: Please specify the style of beer, eg West Coast Session IPA, West Coast Quad IPA etc

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