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Fernson IPA

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

Fernson's core IPA — brewed with Belma, Centennial, Mosaic and Citra hops for tropical and citrus character with a clean bitter finish. Big enough for hop lovers, balanced enough for the broader South Dakota market.

ABV
6.8%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
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 malt sets the frame and lets the hops carry the flavour.

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

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Fernson IPA

Appearance

Light golden-amber hue with excellent clarity and fine carbonation visible throughout. The head forms quickly and exhibits good retention, leaving a delicate lace pattern on the glass as you drink.

golden-amberclearfine carbonationpersistent lacing

Aroma

Tropical and citrus notes dominate the nose, with bright grapefruit and passionfruit character from the hop blend. Subtle floral and herbal undertones emerge beneath, supported by a clean malt foundation that does not compete with the aromatic profile.

tropical fruitcitrus forwardfloral accentclean malt

Taste

The palate opens with a crisp citrus entry that transitions into ripe tropical fruit in the mid-palate. A moderate bitterness builds gradually and finishes clean, creating balance between the hop intensity and underlying malted grain sweetness without astringency.

citrus bitetropical fruitbalanced bitternessclean palate

Finish

The finish is dry and lingering, with residual hop bitterness and a faint herbal note that sustains for several seconds. No harsh tannins or aftertaste roughness—the fade is smooth and inviting.

dry finishlingering bitternesssmooth fade
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
82
Appearance
85
Finish
79
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Fernson 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 Fernson 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 Fernson 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 →