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Des Moines IPA

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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
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppycitrusyclean
hoppy
citrusy
clean
fruity
Aroma
Citrus dominates the nose immediately—grapefruit zest, tangerine, and subtle lemon notes emerge with intensity.
not found:juicy,caramel,sour,smoky

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
Serve at 8–11°C

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

Tulip glass

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

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Des Moines IPA

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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.

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