Southern Tier 2X IPA 6Pk

Southern Tier 2X IPA 6-Pack is a Double IPA brewed at 8.2% ABV by Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood, New York, sold in a six-pack format. Recognized as one of the first craft beers to prominently showcase the now-legendary Citra hop, this imperial IPA holds a strong 4.07–4.26 rating on BeerAdvocate and over 176,000 ratings on Untappd.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.2%  |  IBU: 80  |  Origin: Lakewood, New York  |  Style: Double / Imperial IPA  |  Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Southern Tier Brewing Company was founded in 2002 in Lakewood, a small town in the southwestern corner of New York State — the region that gives the brewery its name. 2X IPA is massively dry-hopped with a five-hop blend of CTZ (Columbus, Tomahawk, Zeus), Cascade, Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial, pushing the IBU to 80 while maintaining a balanced malt backbone. The beer earned early distinction in the craft world for being among the first to lean heavily on Citra hops, which have since become one of the most sought-after varieties in American brewing.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical fruit hits first — mango, papaya — followed by sticky pine resin and a layer of caramel malt sweetness. A faint earthy undertone anchors the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is surprisingly malty with a doughy, biscuit-like sweetness that quickly gives way to an aggressive hop presence at mid-palate. Juicy grapefruit and bitter lemon dominate, layered with dank, resinous pine and a flash of stone fruit. The 8.2% ABV is well-integrated and adds body without boozy heat.

Finish: Long and assertively bitter with lingering citrus pith and a dry, piney snap. The hop bite stays on the palate and invites another sip.

How to Drink 2X IPA

Pour into a tulip glass or IPA glass at around 45–50°F to let the hop aromatics open fully; drinking straight from the can mutes the complex nose. A slight chill tames the bitterness while preserving the tropical fruit character. Pair it with bold food rather than cocktails — this is a beer built to stand on its own or alongside intensely flavored dishes.

Best For

• Hop-forward beer enthusiasts exploring classic American Double IPAs
• Weekend cookouts featuring spicy grilled wings or smoked brisket
• Introducing friends to imperial-strength IPAs with balanced approachability
• Game-day gatherings where a full-flavored, higher-ABV option stands out from light lagers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Southern Tier 2X IPA taste like? 2X IPA leads with juicy grapefruit and lemon citrus, transitions through dank pine resin and tropical fruit, and finishes with assertive hop bitterness balanced by a doughy malt sweetness.

How does 2X IPA compare to Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA? Both are well-established American Double IPAs, but 2X IPA (8.2% ABV, 80 IBU) leans more aggressively into dry-hop aromatics and citrus character, while Dogfish Head 90 Minute (9% ABV) uses a continual hopping process that produces a rounder, more caramel-malt-forward profile. The choice often comes down to preference for bright, punchy hops versus layered, malt-balanced bitterness.

Is 2X IPA good for sipping? Yes — despite its 80 IBU and 8.2% ABV, the malt backbone and tropical hop character make it highly drinkable when poured into a proper glass at a slight chill, though it drinks bigger than a standard pale ale.

Where is 2X IPA made? 2X IPA is brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood, New York, located in the southwestern section of the state commonly referred to as the Southern Tier region.

What foods pair well with 2X IPA? Buffalo wings bring out the citrus hop notes through contrasting spice. Sharp cheddar or aged Gruyère stands up to the bitterness. Grilled burgers with caramelized onions mirror the malt sweetness. Thai green curry matches the tropical aromatics, and fish tacos with mango salsa echo the Citra and Simcoe fruit character.

What sizes does 2X IPA come in? The standard retail format is a six-pack of 12 oz cans, which is the most widely distributed option.

Is 2X IPA worth the price? 2X IPA positions as a mid-priced Double IPA, sitting competitively among craft six-packs in the imperial IPA category and delivering hop complexity and drinkability that justify its place in the segment.

Why 2X IPA?

Southern Tier 2X IPA earns its reputation not just on intensity but on historical significance — it was among the earliest craft beers to showcase Citra hops as a lead ingredient, well before Citra became the industry's most coveted variety. The five-hop blend delivers a layered, evolving drinking experience that rewards attention without punishing the palate. With over 176,000 Untappd ratings and consistent BeerAdvocate scores above 4.0, this Double IPA has proven its staying power across nearly two decades of an increasingly crowded category. For drinkers who want a hop-forward beer with genuine pedigree and a New York brewing heritage, 2X IPA remains a benchmark.