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Finestkind IPA

Smuttynose Brewing Company
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🌍 United States · American IPA · One of 357 American IPAs in hopIQ

Smuttynose's best-selling, iconic flagship IPA — the beer that's been setting New Hampshire beer trends since the 1990s. Balanced, hop-forward, and a benchmark for the brewery's whole portfolio.

ABV
6.9%
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
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Assertively bitter and dry.

A trim base, a hop-led finish — the classic setup for a hop-forward beer.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another American IPA.
Hop character
hoppy
citrusy
herbal
piney
Malt character
malty
Fermentation & yeast
clean
fruity
Compare with another beer →

FEATURED IN

Featured inThe Best American IPAs

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, crisp, refreshing character as Finestkind IPA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other American IPAs in hopIQ

Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Finestkind 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.

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Finestkind IPA

Appearance

Finestkind presents a bright golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine white head that settles into persistent lacing along the glass. The beer displays lively carbonation visible as a steady stream of fine bubbles rising through the clear body.

bright goldenclearpersistent head lacing

Aroma

The nose is distinctly hop-forward, with pronounced citrus notes alongside herbal and piney character typical of American noble hops. A clean malt backbone provides subtle sweetness without dominating, allowing the dry, resinous hop character to lead.

citrus-forwardherbal, pineyclean hop profile

Taste

The palate opens with a crisp, refreshing bitterness that builds gradually across the mid-palate. Citrus and fruity notes integrate with a light but present malt sweetness, creating balance despite the assertive 60 IBU charge. The finish remains clean and dry, with lingering hop bite.

balanced bitternesscitrus, fruitycrisp, refreshing

Finish

A medium-length, dry finish with persistent herbal and piney notes that fade gradually. The aftertaste remains clean and hop-focused without astringency.

dry finishherbal persistence
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
83
Taste
82
Appearance
84
Finish
80
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Food Pairing

What to eat with Finestkind IPA

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

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