hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Elissa IPA

Tap to rate

A traditional IPA with a floral, hoppy nose from dry hopping, a bitterness that stays soft thanks to reverse osmosis brewing water, and a malty body from British Maris Otter that stands up to the hops. It is named after ELISSA, the tall ship moored in Galveston, and part of the proceeds goes to the Galveston Historical Foundation for her preservation. Gold at GABF 2023 and silver at the 2008 World Beer Cup. 7.1% ABV, 52 IBU.

ABV
7.1%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter52 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceTwo or Three

AWARDS

Gold · 2023
Great American Beer Festival
English Ale
Silver · 2008
World Beer Cup
International Pale Ale
★Gold — Great American Beer Festival (English Ale)
★Silver — World Beer Cup (International Pale Ale)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
floralhoppymalty
floral
hoppy
malty
clean
tropical
citrusy
Aroma
The nose opens with a pronounced floral character from careful dry hopping, layered with classic hop aromatics that suggest citrus zest and herbal green notes.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Elissa IPA

◎ Appearance

Elissa presents a bright golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent head that clings to the glass with notable lacing. The carbonation is crisp and well-integrated, contributing to a lively visual presentation that speaks to the beer's freshness and care in production.

bright goldenclearpersistent head lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with a pronounced floral character from careful dry hopping, layered with classic hop aromatics that suggest citrus zest and herbal green notes. Beneath the hop-forward profile, British Maris Otter contributes a soft, biscuity undertone that grounds the composition without overshadowing the delicate noble-hop character.

floral hopscitrus zestherbalbiscuity malt

◐ Taste

The palate enters with a smooth, malty foundation that provides structure and body, allowing the hop bitterness to articulate without harshness. The reverse osmosis brewing water yields a clean, refined bitterness that lingers through the mid-palate; tropical and citrus notes emerge as the beer warms, creating a balanced interplay between resinous hops and toasted grain sweetness.

soft bitternesstropical fruitclean finishfull-bodied

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and moderately long, with the hop bitterness gradually receding to reveal a subtle malt sweetness. A clean, refreshing aftertaste persists, inviting another sip.

drylingering bitternessclean aftertaste
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
88
Taste
89
Appearance
86
Finish
85
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve well-chilled. Session IPAs are at their best cold — the lower ABV means less warmth to balance the hops.

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.

Drink fresh. Session IPAs are brewed to be consumed young — the hops are at their best now.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Elissa IPA

More from Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Amber Ale
Amber Ale
Amber Ale
6.2%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Art Car IPA
Art Car IPA
American IPA
7.1%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Banger IPA
Banger IPA
Hazy IPA
8.4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Chick-O-Stick Stout
Chick-O-Stick Stout
Imperial Stout
8.8%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Christmas Ale
Christmas Ale
Old Ale
7.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Citrus Boom
Citrus Boom
Imperial IPA
9.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Cold IPA
Cold IPA
Cold IPA
6.3%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Eclipse IPA
Eclipse IPA
IPA
7.5%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →

About IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a 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 IPA

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

FEATURED IN

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