Upland Dragonfly IPA 6Pk

Upland Dragonfly IPA 6Pk is a 6.7% ABV American IPA from Bloomington, Indiana's Upland Brewing Company, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Recognized as Indiana's top-selling India pale ale, Dragonfly earned a 93-point score from Wine Enthusiast — a notable achievement for a regionally rooted craft IPA that has become Upland's most popular beer.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.7%  |  IBU: 65  |  Origin: Bloomington, Indiana  |  Style: American IPA  |  Brewery: Upland Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Upland Brewing Company was founded in 1998 in Bloomington, Indiana, in the rolling terrain of the state's southern hill country. Dragonfly IPA is built on multiple hop additions throughout the brewing process, creating a layered hop profile that balances assertive bitterness with pronounced floral and citrus aromatics over a solid malt base. As Upland's flagship beer and Indiana's best-selling IPA, Dragonfly has become one of the defining craft beers of the Midwest.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh and intensely floral, with orange blossom and citrus peel leading into a bready, lightly caramelized malt backbone. Subtle pine resin and a faint trace of ginger emerge as it warms in the glass.

Taste: The entry is bright with orange marmalade and grapefruit zest, transitioning into a biscuity, almost nutty malt center at mid-palate. Hop bitterness builds steadily toward the peak, tempered by caramel malt sweetness that keeps everything well balanced. At 65 IBUs, the bitterness is firm but never harsh.

Finish: Medium-long with a resinous pine bite and lingering citrus peel bitterness. The malt base rounds out the close, leaving a clean, dry impression that invites another sip.

How to Drink Dragonfly IPA

Dragonfly IPA is best enjoyed cold — around 45–50°F — poured into a tulip glass or standard pint to release its floral aromatics. It drinks well straight from the bottle on casual occasions. A Citrus Beer Shandy works naturally here, as Dragonfly's orange and pine character pairs seamlessly with fresh lemonade. A Hop Drop 'n Roll (IPA, gin, and grapefruit juice) plays off the beer's citrus-forward profile for a more spirited serve. A Michelada built with Dragonfly adds herbal, floral complexity to the traditional spiced tomato base.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and summertime grilling sessions
• Introducing a friend to hop-forward craft IPAs
• Indiana beer exploration and Midwest regional tasting flights
• Pairing with bold, spicy dishes like Thai or Mexican cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dragonfly IPA taste like? Dragonfly IPA delivers a well-balanced combination of bright citrus and orange marmalade flavors supported by caramel malt sweetness and a resinous pine finish. It is assertively hopped at 65 IBUs but remains approachable due to its solid bready malt backbone.

How does Dragonfly IPA compare to Bell's Two Hearted Ale? Bell's Two Hearted Ale is built around a single hop variety (Centennial) at 7% ABV, producing a more focused, grapefruit-driven profile, while Dragonfly IPA at 6.7% ABV uses multiple hop additions for a broader, more floral and piney character. Both are respected Midwest IPAs, but Dragonfly leans further toward malt-hop balance rather than pure hop intensity.

Is Dragonfly IPA good for IPA beginners? Dragonfly IPA is a strong entry point for those new to the IPA style, as its caramel malt backbone softens the hop bitterness and keeps the beer approachable despite its 65 IBU rating. The floral and citrus-forward profile is welcoming rather than aggressively bitter.

Where is Dragonfly IPA made? Dragonfly IPA is brewed by Upland Brewing Company in Bloomington, Indiana, a craft brewery founded in 1998 in the southern hill country of the state. Distribution is primarily concentrated in Indiana and surrounding Midwestern markets.

What foods pair well with Dragonfly IPA? Spicy Thai curry — the hop bitterness cools and complements chili heat. Sharp cheddar cheese — the malt sweetness counters the cheese's bite. Grilled burgers — caramel malt and citrus hops cut through charred, fatty richness. Fish tacos with lime — the beer's citrus and floral notes echo the dish's brightness. Pepperoni pizza — a classic IPA pairing where bitterness balances grease and salt.

What sizes does Dragonfly IPA come in? Dragonfly IPA is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles and may also be found on draft at select bars and restaurants within its distribution footprint.

Is Dragonfly IPA worth the price? Dragonfly IPA sits in the standard craft IPA price tier, and its 93-point Wine Enthusiast score alongside its status as Indiana's top-selling IPA suggest strong value relative to comparable craft IPAs in the category.

Why Dragonfly IPA?

Dragonfly IPA earned a 93-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, placing it among the higher-scored American IPAs at its price level. Its multiple hop additions create a complex, layered hop character that distinguishes it from simpler single-hop IPA recipes. As Indiana's best-selling IPA and Upland Brewing's flagship, it has proven broad appeal across casual drinkers and dedicated hop enthusiasts alike. The interplay between a substantial caramel malt base and assertive yet floral hop bitterness makes Dragonfly a benchmark for well-constructed Midwestern IPAs.