Double (or imperial) IPA takes a standard IPA and scales everything up, typically to 8 to 10% ABV or higher, with a bigger malt backbone and enough hops layered on top to keep the beer from tasting sweet or heavy. Here are the best ones we have actually reviewed, ranked.
Best Double/Imperial IPAs at a glance
| Rank | Beer | Score |
| #1 | Pliny the Elder | 4.8/5 |
| #2 | Pliny the Younger | 4.7/5 |
| #3 | Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA | 4.5/5 |
| #4 | Voodoo Ranger Juice Force | 4.3/5 |
| #5 | Partway (Track Brewing Company) | 4.3/5 |
| #6 | Goose Island Citrus Beer Hug Blast Tangerine IPA | 4.1/5 |
#1: Pliny the Elder
★★★★★ 4.8/5
The double IPA that defined the style, now in the Beer Hall of Fame. Massive hop character balanced by just enough malt to hold it together.
Read our full Pliny the Elder review for the complete tasting notes, specs and where to buy.
#2: Pliny the Younger
★★★★★ 4.7/5
The most hyped beer in America, a triple IPA released once a year that people line up for hours to try.
Read our full Pliny the Younger review for the complete tasting notes, specs and where to buy.
#3: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
The imperial IPA benchmark, continuously hopped during the boil for a huge, resinous hop character at 9% ABV.
Read our full Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA review for the complete tasting notes, specs and where to buy.
#4: Voodoo Ranger Juice Force
★★★★☆ 4.3/5
A huge, smooth imperial hazy IPA, proof the double IPA treatment works just as well on the juicy side of the style as the dry side.
Read our full Voodoo Ranger Juice Force review for the complete tasting notes, specs and where to buy.
#5: Partway (Track Brewing Company)
★★★★☆ 4.3/5
A silk-soft, mango-loaded double IPA from Manchester’s Track Brewing, one of the best double IPAs we have found from the UK craft scene.
Read our full Partway (Track Brewing Company) review for the complete tasting notes, specs and where to buy.
#6: Goose Island Citrus Beer Hug Blast Tangerine IPA
★★★★☆ 4.1/5
An 11% imperial IPA loaded with tangerine character, a genuinely bold new release from Goose Island’s citrus beer series.
Read our full Goose Island Citrus Beer Hug Blast Tangerine IPA review for the complete tasting notes, specs and where to buy.
More IPA Guides
See our full Best IPAs guide, our breakdown of the different IPA sub-styles, or the meaning behind the IPA name.
FAQ
What is the difference between a double IPA and an imperial IPA?
Nothing meaningful. The two names are used interchangeably for the same higher-ABV, more heavily hopped style, typically 8 to 10% ABV or higher.
What is the best double IPA?
Pliny the Elder tops our list, widely credited with defining the style and now inducted into the Beer Hall of Fame.
Are double IPAs always dry and bitter?
No. Both dry West Coast-style and juicy hazy versions of double IPA exist, Voodoo Ranger Juice Force on this list is a hazy double IPA.
