Ask a room full of craft beer lovers which style reigns supreme, and odds are good the majority will say one word: IPA. Short for India (or Indian) pale ale, this iconic style traces its origins back to 18th-century England, when brewers added extra hops to help preserve beer shipped to distant colonies. Those hops didn’t just extend shelf life — they delivered bold aromas and bracing bitterness that became a hallmark of the style.
Fast-forward a couple of centuries, and IPAs have taken on countless expressions, from tongue-scorching hop bombs to juicy hazies that drink like tropical cocktails. Here in the West Sound, our local breweries have crafted unique takes on the IPA that deserve your attention — and your glass. Even if you think you’ve “tried them all,” these locally brewed gems might surprise you.
Willy Maize Hazy IPA — 7 Seas Brewing, Gig Harbor
Let’s start waterside in Gig Harbor at 7 Seas Brewing’s stunning new taproom, perched right on the harbor with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a postcard-perfect view of Mount Rainier. It’s the kind of spot where you could while away an afternoon sipping something refreshing, and Willy Maize Hazy IPA fits that bill beautifully.
This juicy, luscious brew is loaded with Citra hops, bursting with notes of mango, pineapple and ripe citrus. The addition of flaked oats lends a silky, smooth body, making it an easy-drinker even for those who typically shy away from hop-forward beers. It’s a sunshine-in-a-glass kind of IPA, perfect for pairing with the salty breeze off the water and the glow of a Pacific Northwest sunset.
Range West IPA — Silver City Brewery
Next on our tour is Silver City Brewery’s Range West IPA. Launched just last year, this brew already snagged a Platinum Award from Sip Magazine in a blind tasting — a testament to its universal appeal.
Range West is a lighter, West Coast-style IPA crafted with Pilsen malt and flaked rice, giving it a crisp body and pale straw color. The bitterness is moderate, balanced by a precise blend of hops that deliver both citrus brightness and piney resin notes. It’s an IPA brewed to fit all four seasons in the West Sound, equally satisfying on a blazing summer day or beside a crackling fall bonfire.
Citrus Got Real! — Valhöll Brewing, Poulsbo
Up the peninsula in Poulsbo, Valhöll Brewing has created a bit of a local legend with Citrus Got Real! First brewed in 2023, this seasonal IPA has fast become a favorite among both hopheads and folks who don’t usually gravitate toward IPAs. Why? Because Citrus Got Real! takes a softer approach.
Rather than leaning into sharp bitterness, it showcases the tropical and citrusy side of Citra hops, finishing with a bright, juicy flourish. You’ll also find it pouring at The Sip, Poulsbo’s self-serve taproom that’s known for rotating through a diverse lineup. Word around town is that The Sip keeps an emergency keg of Citrus Got Real! in reserve — just in case the world runs dry.
Valhöll Brewing has a special taproom-only variant, P.O.G. Wild, which layers passionfruit, orange and guava juices onto the base beer. It’s a tropical vacation in a pint glass and alone worth the trip to Poulsbo.
Rolling Bay Cold IPA — Bainbridge Brewing
Our final stop brings us to Bainbridge Island, where Bainbridge Brewing has recently introduced Rolling Bay Cold IPA to its year-round lineup — and it’s quickly becoming a standout. At just 6% alcohol by volume, this cold IPA is crisp, crushable and perfect for those seeking a fresh twist on the classic IPA profile.
Fermented at cooler lager temperatures, Rolling Bay achieves a remarkably clean and crisp character. Each sip unfolds with intriguing layers of peach, pear and orange marmalade, giving way to savory and resinous notes of biscuit, tomato vine and pine on the finish. The malt bill — featuring Superior Pilsen, Sauermalz, corn and rice — keeps the body light and refreshing, while hops like Bravo, Vista and Cryo-Mosaic bring a modern, expressive hop bouquet. It’s a perfect example of how local brewers continue to innovate, even within the well-trodden territory of IPAs.
With scenery as stunning as our harbors and mountains, and a brewing scene as inventive as any in the country, West Sound is the perfect place to explore new flavors in your glass. These four IPAs aren’t just worth a try — they’re an invitation to discover the outstanding range of beers waiting at local breweries.
So, gather your friends, chart your course and raise a pint to local craftsmanship. You might just find your next favorite IPA — and plenty more to love along the way.
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