hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Master Gao IPA

Tap to rate

Master Gao's flagship IPA — bold, resinous and citrus-forward with a firm bitter backbone. At 7% ABV it packs a serious punch, but the bitterness is precise rather than aggressive. Master Gao IPA is China's most technically accomplished IPA: the beer that shows a self-taught Nanjing brewer can match the best American craft IPAs.

ABV
7%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
amber10
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
hoppycitrusyresinous
hoppy
citrusy
resinous
piney
orange
clean
Aroma
Assertive citrus and resinous hop character dominates the nose, with distinct orange zest and pine needle notes layering beneath.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Master Gao IPA

◎ Appearance

Pale golden color with excellent clarity and bright translucence. A dense, white head forms readily and clings persistently to the glass walls with fine lacing. Carbonation is crisp and even throughout, evident in a steady stream of small bubbles.

pale goldenclearpersistent headfine lacing

◌ Aroma

Assertive citrus and resinous hop character dominates the nose, with distinct orange zest and pine needle notes layering beneath. A clean, mineral backdrop from the malt allows the hop expression to remain sharp and well-defined. No sulfur or fermentation funk—the aromatic profile is straightforward and technically precise.

citrus-forwardresinous pineorange zestclean

◐ Taste

Entry is crisp and hoppy, with immediate citrus and herbal bitterness that builds purposefully across the palate. Mid-palate reveals a dry, resinous intensity balanced by a lean, unobtrusive malt foundation. The 60 IBU bitterness is firm and articulate rather than harsh, finishing with a pronounced dry minerality that keeps the beer refreshing despite its 7% alcohol.

hoppy bitedry resinousbitter backbonecrisp finish

◑ Finish

Long, lingering bitter-dry aftertaste with persistent orange and pine notes. Alcohol presence is noticeable but integrated, adding warmth without astringency.

bitter-drypine-citrus persistence
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
88
Taste
89
Appearance
86
Finish
87
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.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Master Gao IPA

More from Master Gao Brewing

Master Gao Hefeweizen

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, resinous character as Master Gao 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 China beers →