Why IPAs Conquered the Spanish Craft Scene
When Spain's first craft beer bars opened in the late 2000s, the IPA was the style that most clearly signalled the difference between mass-market lager and something new. The bold bitterness, the explosively aromatic hops, the complex malt backbone — it was unlike anything in the mainstream Spanish beer market, and drinkers responded with enthusiasm.
Spanish craft bars quickly developed a culture of IPA exploration, with customers willing to try new versions and breweries competing to produce the most interesting and memorable hoppy beers. Today IPAs represent a huge proportion of Spain's craft beer output, and the quality is genuinely world-class.
Types of IPA You'll Find from Spanish Breweries
West Coast IPA — the original style, characterised by firm bitterness, dry finish, and piney or citrusy hop aromas. Several Spanish breweries have mastered this style, producing beers that stand comparison with the best from California.
New England IPA (NEIPA) / Hazy IPA — the softer, juicier, cloudier cousin of the West Coast IPA. Packed with tropical fruit and citrus aromatics from heavy dry-hopping, with a pillowy soft texture from the high oat content. Spanish NEIPAs have attracted international attention in recent years.
Session IPA — lower alcohol (typically 3.5–4.5% ABV) versions that deliver big hop flavour without the strength. Perfect for longer sessions and warm Spanish evenings.
Imperial / Double IPA — full-throttle versions with ABV typically above 8%, delivering intense bitterness and aroma. These are the most technically challenging to brew and the most sought-after by enthusiasts.
Black IPA / India Dark Ale — a hybrid that combines the roasted character of a dark beer with the hop intensity of an IPA. A small but dedicated following exists for this style in Spain.
What Hops are Used in Spanish IPAs?
Spanish craft brewers mostly import hops from the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia — the same varieties that have defined the global IPA revolution. Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, Simcoe and Cascade are among the most common, delivering the tropical, citrus and pine characters that define modern IPAs.
A handful of Spanish brewers are also experimenting with Galician-grown hops (the Galician climate is well-suited to hop cultivation) and have produced interesting beers with a distinctly local character. Expect to see more Spanish-grown hop varieties appearing in the coming years as the domestic hop industry develops.
Food Pairing Spanish IPAs
The IPA's bitterness and aromatic intensity make it a surprisingly versatile food pairing partner. The bitterness cuts through fatty, rich dishes brilliantly — try a West Coast IPA with grilled chorizo or morcilla. The citrus and tropical notes of a NEIPA complement spicy dishes, grilled fish and lighter tapas. Imperial IPAs stand up to strong cheeses and cured meats.
Spain's rich tapas culture and the IPA were, in retrospect, made for each other.
Shop Spanish IPAs at Triple Brew Online
We stock a wide range of IPAs from independent Spanish breweries — West Coast, NEIPA, Session and Imperial — alongside some exceptional international examples. All available online with fast delivery across Spain. Browse our IPA selection at triplebrewonline.es/products.