Southern Tier IPA 6Pk

Southern Tier IPA 6-Pack is a triple-hopped American India Pale Ale at 6.5% ABV, available in a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles from Lakewood, New York. Brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Company — founded in 2002 by Phin and Sara DeMink — this IPA has earned a loyal following with over 92,000 ratings on Untappd, anchored by its assertive hop profile and balanced malt backbone.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5%  |  Origin: Lakewood, New York, USA  |  Style: American IPA  |  Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Southern Tier Brewing Company was established in 2002 in the southwestern corner of New York State by Phin and Sara DeMink, growing from a small craft operation into one of the region's most recognized breweries. Their flagship IPA follows a triple-hopping process, with hops added at multiple stages during brewing to build layered bitterness and aroma. This American interpretation of the classic India Pale Ale style leans on generous American hop varieties, supported by a malt bill that provides enough sweetness to keep the beer from tipping into one-dimensional bitterness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright citrus peel and resinous pine, followed by a wave of floral hop character. Underneath, a gentle caramel-honey sweetness from the malt rounds out the aromatics, giving the beer a balanced and inviting opening.

Taste: The first sip brings forward a burst of grapefruit and citrus hops that quickly transitions into a piney, resinous mid-palate. A caramel and honey malt sweetness emerges to temper the hop intensity, creating a well-balanced interplay between bitter and sweet. The bitterness registers firmly but never becomes abrasive.

Finish: Medium in length with a lingering pine and citrus bitterness that dries the palate cleanly. A faint malt sweetness persists in the background, inviting the next sip.

How to Drink Southern Tier IPA

Pour into a tulip glass or IPA glass at around 45–50°F to let the hop aromatics fully express themselves; drinking straight from the bottle mutes much of the citrus and pine complexity. This IPA works well in a West Coast Shandy, where its pine bitterness plays against fresh lemonade for a refreshing warm-weather drink. It holds up in a Hop Drop 'n Roll (a beer cocktail with a shot of citrus vodka dropped into the pint), where the citrus hops amplify the spirit's brightness. For a simple twist, use it in a Beer-a-Rita — blended with lime juice and a salted rim — where the caramel malt sweetness adds depth beyond a standard lager base.

Best For

• Backyard grilling sessions where bold hop flavor stands up to charred meats
• Introducing a friend to American IPAs without overwhelming bitterness
• Game-day gatherings that call for a step above mass-market lagers
• Building a New York craft beer tasting flight

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Southern Tier IPA taste like? Southern Tier IPA delivers a pronounced citrus and pine hop flavor balanced by caramel and honey malt sweetness, finishing with a clean, moderate bitterness that avoids being overly aggressive.

How does Southern Tier IPA compare to Bell's Two Hearted Ale? Both are benchmark American IPAs, but Bell's Two Hearted leans heavily on a single hop variety (Centennial) for a more focused citrus and floral profile, while Southern Tier IPA uses a triple-hopping process that layers pine resin alongside its citrus character. Southern Tier also tends toward a slightly more pronounced malt sweetness than Two Hearted's drier finish.

Is Southern Tier IPA good for IPA beginners? Yes — its caramel malt backbone provides enough sweetness to soften the hop bitterness, making it a more approachable entry point into American IPAs than many aggressively bitter examples in the style.

Where is Southern Tier IPA made? Southern Tier IPA is brewed at Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood, New York, a small town in Chautauqua County in the southwestern part of the state. The brewery was founded there in 2002 and continues to operate from its original region.

What foods pair well with Southern Tier IPA? Spicy buffalo wings benefit from the hop bitterness cutting through the heat. Sharp cheddar cheese mirrors the beer's caramel malt notes. Grilled burgers with their charred edges complement the pine and resin character. Fish tacos with citrus slaw echo the beer's grapefruit hop tones. Pepperoni pizza finds balance with the IPA's carbonation and bitterness slicing through the fat.

What sizes does Southern Tier IPA come in? Southern Tier IPA is commonly available in a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard retail format for this beer.

Is Southern Tier IPA worth the price? Southern Tier IPA positions as a mid-range craft IPA, sitting comfortably among everyday drinking IPAs rather than limited-release or premium-tier offerings — it represents solid value for a well-made, triple-hopped American IPA from an established independent brewery.

Why Southern Tier IPA?

The triple-hopping process is the defining production choice here, building layers of hop complexity that many single-addition IPAs cannot match at this price point. Southern Tier Brewing has spent over two decades refining their approach in Lakewood, New York, and this flagship IPA reflects that accumulated experience — confident hop intensity without the punishing bitterness that can alienate drinkers. With more than 92,000 Untappd ratings backing its consistency, this is not a beer riding on hype or scarcity. It earns its place as a reliable, well-constructed American IPA that delivers classic citrus-and-pine character in every pour.