NOLA Hopitoulas IPA
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Tasting Notes
Hopitoulas leans into a West Coast-leaning hop profile with pronounced citrus and pine on the nose, backed by a moderate malt backbone that keeps things grounded without going sweet. On the palate, expect grapefruit pith, resinous hop oils, and a mild bitterness that builds steadily through the mid-palate. The body is medium and the carbonation firm enough to keep the hop character lively. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, fading clean rather than lingering harshly.
About the Brewery
NOLA Brewing is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 2009, and stands as one of the city's most prominent craft operations. They built their reputation on accessible, well-made beers that fit the city's food-and-drink culture — things that work alongside a bowl of gumbo as readily as they do at a festival. Their lineup spans core flagships to seasonal releases, and they've maintained a strong local presence while distributing regionally across the Gulf South.
Food Pairings
The resinous bitterness here cuts through fried food particularly well, making something like fried catfish or crawfish po'boys a natural fit. Spicy Cajun or Creole dishes — think jambalaya or étouffée — get some relief from the hop bitterness without clashing with the seasoning. Aged cheddar works because the sharpness of the cheese mirrors the beer's dry, piney edge. A charred burger also plays well, with the malt backbone bridging the smokiness while hops cut through the fat.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by assertive hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor derived primarily from American hop varieties — think citrus, pine, and tropical fruit — layered over a supportive but not dominant malt base. The style grew out of the broader IPA tradition but diverged sharply in the American craft brewing scene of the 1980s and 1990s toward bigger, drier, more aggressively hopped expressions. ABV typically runs 6–7.5%, placing it above session territory but below the Double IPA threshold. It differs from its English counterpart chiefly in its drier finish, brighter hop character, and lower residual sweetness.