In the realm of IPA, there’s one debate that has raged since the dawn of the twenty teens: do the cool kids drink clear, or is the hype in the haze? We thought we settled it last year. But science demands replication, so we’re running the experiment again.

After a flurry of text messages, IG DMs, and secret notes passed during class, we’ve assembled 20 of our favorite IPA-brewing friends to put the question to rest once and for all. For the second year in a row, West Coast IPAs will take over West Highland, while the hazies hold down Congress Park. It’s East vs. West: whichever location kicks their kegs the fastest wins.

The methodology is sound. The sample size is questionable. The stakes are completely made up.

Pick your team and vote with your feet: we’ll see you at Congress Park or West Highland (or both?) on Friday October 9 for the great IPA showdown of 2026. May the best style win.

GUEST BREWERIES

Hazy IPAs @ Congress Park

• Xul Beer Co
• Fidens Brewing Company
• Drekker Brewing Company
• Lyric Brewing Company
• Tripping Animals Brewing
• Off Script Brewing
• Tall Trees Brew Lab
• Humble Sea Brewing Co
• Everywhere Beer
• Other Half Brewing

West Coast IPAs @ West Highland

• ISM Brewing
• Ghost Town Brewing
• Shred Beer Company
• Cellarmaker Brewing Company
• pFriem Family Brewers
• Ruse Brewing
• Grains of Wrath Brewing
• North Park Beer Company
• Craft Coast Beer
• Hop Butcher For The World