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Des Moines IPA

Confluence Brewing Company
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🌍 United States · American IPA · One of 386 American IPAs in hopIQ

The beer that defines Des Moines craft brewing — a clean, citrus-forward American IPA accounting for 40% of Confluence's total sales. Built as the definitive Iowa IPA: approachable enough for the broader Midwest market, bold enough for hop enthusiasts.

ABV
6.5%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden5
See all American IPA alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Medium body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Bone-dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Sharp bitter finish.
mildbitter
Texture
Balanced mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

Very dry and assertively bitter.

The grain stays in the background so every note the beer offers can come from the hops.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another American IPA.
Hop character
citrusy
hoppy
Fermentation & yeast
clean
fruity

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Des Moines IPA

Appearance

Pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright transparency. A dense, creamy head forms on the pour and clings persistently to the glass walls, leaving distinct lacing as you drink. Carbonation appears lively and well-integrated.

pale goldenclear and brightpersistent head lacing

Aroma

Citrus dominates the nose immediately—grapefruit zest, tangerine, and subtle lemon notes emerge with intensity. A light, clean malt backbone sits underneath, providing gentle grain sweetness without obscuring the hop character. No yeast or adjunct aromas interfere.

citrus-forwardgrapefruit zestclean grain sweet

Taste

Entry is crisp and clean, with bright citrus flavors developing across the mid-palate. A moderate, well-defined bitterness arrives mid-sip and holds through the development, balanced by light fruity notes that prevent harshness. The malt provides a subtle, dry foundation without heaviness.

citrus bitebalanced bitternessdry malt baserefreshing attack

Finish

Medium-length, dry finish with lingering citrus bitterness and a clean, crisp aftertaste. No astringency or oxidation mars the close.

citrus lingerdry and crisp
80
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
82
Appearance
85
Finish
78
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Des Moines IPA

Serve at 8–11°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass
Recommended for this style

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Des Moines IPA

About American IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar American IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, citrusy, clean character as Des Moines IPA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other American IPAs in hopIQ

Compare with another beer →Explore all American IPA beers in hopIQ →New to American IPA? Read our guide →Browse United States beers →