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First World Problems

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A 2014 homebrew competition win started it: James Hardacre's original recipe, since refined, became this Belgian IPA. Assertive bitterness from New World hops meets subtle fruit esters from the Belgian yeast, malted rye adds a spicy depth, and the finish is dry and peppery. 6.2 % ABV, 80 IBU. It pairs the hop boldness of an American IPA with the fruity, spicy complexity of Belgian yeast.

ABV
6.2%
Bitterness
Very bitter80 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppyspicyfruity
hoppy
spicy
fruity
yeasty
citrusy
Aroma
The nose opens with assertive citrus and pine from New World hops, followed by subtle fruity esters characteristic of Belgian yeast—hints of pear and dried stone fruit.
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for First World Problems

◎ Appearance

Deep golden hue with excellent clarity and a stable, creamy white head that leaves fine lacing down the glass. Carbonation is lively and well-integrated, producing a consistent stream of fine bubbles that sustains the foam throughout the pour.

deep goldenclearfine lacinglively carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with assertive citrus and pine from New World hops, followed by subtle fruity esters characteristic of Belgian yeast—hints of pear and dried stone fruit. Beneath lies a spicy, peppery note from the malted rye that adds complexity and warmth to the overall profile.

citrus, pine from hopsfruity esterspeppery spiceBelgian yeast character

◐ Taste

The palate is gripped by bold, clean hop bitterness from the outset, balanced by a light, dry malt foundation with noticeable spiced rye character. Mid-palate presents layered complexity—fruity notes emerge alongside the bitterness, while peppery and herbal qualities persist, leading to a dry, assertive finish.

assertive bitternessdry palatespiced rye depthfruity complexity

◑ Finish

The finish is notably dry and peppery, with lingering hop bitterness and spice notes that extend into a clean, crisp aftertaste. The drying effect leaves the mouth refreshed rather than fatigued.

dry, pepperylingering bitterness
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
83
Appearance
80
Finish
79
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 First World Problems

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About Belgian IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Belgian 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 Belgian IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same bitter, dry, hoppy character as First World Problems will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Belgian IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse United Kingdom beers →