Karl Strauss Tower 10 IPA
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Tasting Notes
Tower 10 IPA leads with citrus and pine resin on the nose, with a touch of tropical fruit underneath. The flavor follows suit — assertive hop bitterness with notes of grapefruit peel and a light caramel malt backbone that keeps it grounded rather than thin. Body is medium, firm enough to carry the hop load without feeling heavy. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, lingering but not harsh.
About the Brewery
Karl Strauss is one of California's oldest craft breweries, founded in 1989 in San Diego — making it a foundational player in what became one of the most hop-forward brewing scenes in the country. They operate a small chain of brewpubs across Southern California and have long balanced accessibility with quality. Their lineup ranges from approachable lagers to West Coast IPAs, and they're often credited as helping establish the credibility of San Diego craft beer before the city became synonymous with the style.
Food Pairings
Spicy fish tacos work well here because the citrus hop character mirrors the lime and heat without competing with delicate fish. A burger with sharp cheddar and caramelized onions plays off the malt backbone while standing up to the bitterness. Grilled chicken with a citrus marinade echoes the tropical and citrus notes in the hops. Aged gouda is a quieter pairing — its nuttiness softens the bitterness and brings out the malt. Spicy Thai noodles also make sense, since the carbonation and dry finish help cut through richness and chili heat.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by prominent hop aroma and flavor — typically citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or resin — supported by a firm but not dominant malt base that keeps bitterness from tipping into astringency. ABV generally runs from about 6% to 7.5%, giving the style enough body to carry heavy hopping. It evolved from English IPA traditions but diverged sharply in the late 1980s and 1990s as American craft brewers leaned into domestic and newly developed hop varieties. Compared to a Double IPA, it's less boozy and less intensely bitter; compared to a Pale Ale, it's hoppier in both aroma and bitterness with less malt emphasis.