Abita Big & Easy IPA 6Pk

Abita Big & Easy IPA 6Pk is a 4.5% ABV session IPA from Abita Brewing Company, sold in a 6-pack of 12 oz servings. Brewed with real lemon peels and dry hopped with four American hop varieties, this Louisiana-made IPA stands apart in the session category through its use of pristine, untreated artesian well water drawn from deep beneath the Southern Hills aquifer.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: Covington, Louisiana, USA  |  Style: Session IPA  |  Brewery: Abita Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Abita Brewing Company operates in Covington, Louisiana, roughly 43 miles north of New Orleans. The brewery sources its water from a deep artesian well tapping the Southern Hills aquifer system — underground structures more than 2,000 years old that keep the water free of man-made pollutants, including Tritium. This water is used straight from the source without filtering or chemical treatment. Big & Easy is built on a pale ale malt base, brewed with lemon peels, and dry hopped with Cascade, Amarillo, Centennial, and Simcoe hops — a combination that leans heavily into citrus and pine character while keeping the body light and the bitterness restrained at just 4.5% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh lemony citrus leads, followed by pine resin and a floral bouquet from the multi-hop dry hopping. A cloud of grapefruit rounds out the nose, lending a bright, inviting quality.

Taste: The entry is crisp and citrus-driven, with lemon dominating the front palate from both the hops and the added lemon peels. Mid-palate introduces pine and mild floral notes, while a gentle malt backbone provides just enough structure to keep the beer from feeling thin. The bitterness is moderate and well-integrated, never aggressive.

Finish: Medium-bodied with gentle carbonation, the finish is clean and balanced. Lingering lemon zest and a trace of resinous pine fade quickly, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Big & Easy IPA

This session IPA is best served cold, straight from the can or poured into a pint glass to release the hop aromatics. Its low ABV and citrus-forward profile also make it a surprisingly capable beer for mixing.

• Shandy: The existing lemon character blends seamlessly with lemonade for a natural summer refresher.
• Michelada: The citrus notes and light body complement lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire for a savory, spicy serve.
• Beer Margarita (Beergarita): The grapefruit and lemon tones amplify a classic margarita base without overpowering it.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and crawfish boils where low ABV and high refreshment matter
• Introducing hop-curious drinkers to IPA flavors without overwhelming bitterness
• Long afternoons of tailgating or watching football without early fatigue
• Gifting to fans of Louisiana culture and regional craft beer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Big & Easy IPA taste like? Big & Easy IPA is citrus-forward, led by bright lemon and grapefruit notes from the hop blend and added lemon peels, with supporting pine and floral character. The body is light and the bitterness is moderate, making it highly drinkable.

How does Big & Easy IPA compare to Founders All Day IPA? Both are session IPAs in the 4.5–4.7% ABV range with overlapping hop bills — Amarillo and Simcoe feature in each. Big & Easy distinguishes itself with the addition of lemon peels and unfiltered artesian well water, giving it a more pronounced citrus brightness compared to All Day IPA's maltier, more balanced approach.

Is Big & Easy IPA good for beginners? Yes — at 4.5% ABV with restrained bitterness and a fruit-forward flavor profile, Big & Easy serves as an approachable entry point into the IPA category without the intensity of full-strength versions.

Where is Big & Easy IPA made? Big & Easy IPA is brewed at Abita Brewing Company in Covington, Louisiana, located approximately 43 miles north of New Orleans. The brewery draws its water from the Southern Hills artesian aquifer system.

What foods pair well with Big & Easy IPA? Boiled crawfish — the citrus hop profile mirrors the lemon traditionally used in the boil. Grilled shrimp — light body and lemon notes complement shellfish without overwhelming it. Fish tacos — the bright acidity cuts through rich sauces. Spicy jambalaya — the carbonation and low ABV refresh the palate between bites. Sharp cheddar — hop bitterness contrasts the richness of aged cheese.

What sizes does Big & Easy IPA come in? Big & Easy IPA is commonly available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans or bottles.

Is Big & Easy IPA worth the price? Big & Easy IPA positions as an everyday session IPA from a well-established regional craft brewery. Its use of artesian well water and real lemon peels adds production value that many comparable session IPAs in the same price tier do not offer.

Why Big & Easy IPA?

The defining feature of Big & Easy is the combination of real lemon peels with a four-hop dry hop blend, brewed using untreated artesian water sourced from one of the oldest and purest aquifer systems in the Gulf South. That water — free of chemical treatment and man-made pollutants — gives the beer a clean mineral foundation that lets the citrus and pine hop notes speak clearly. In a crowded session IPA field often dominated by national brands, Big & Easy carries genuine regional identity and a production story rooted in Louisiana's natural resources. It delivers real IPA flavor at a sessionable strength without relying on adjuncts or shortcuts to manufacture drinkability.