Alcohol is Dead NEIPA — What is NEIPA and how does it compare to other IPA styles?

New England IPA (NEIPA) has reshaped how many of us think about hops: juicy, aromatic, soft on bitterness and often hazy in appearance. Birra Amiata's Alcohol is Dead NEIPA is a non‑alcoholic take on that juicy, mosaic/citra-forward profile — a great example of how the style can be adapted without the alcohol for sessionable enjoyment.

What is a NEIPA?

NEIPA (New England IPA) is a modern IPA substyle defined by:

• Hazy or cloudy appearance caused by late-addition hops, high-protein malts, and sometimes oats or wheat.
• Fruit-forward hop character (tropical, citrus, stone fruit) rather than piney or resinous notes.
• Low to moderate perceived bitterness — the focus is aroma and flavor from late hop additions and dry hopping.
• Soft, pillowy mouthfeel often achieved with adjuncts like oats or wheat.

Florida IPA — what does that mean?

"Florida IPA" is a term you may see used informally to describe a very juicy, hop-forward, but often slightly less bitter IPA associated with breweries from Florida or beers inspired by that regional take. It shares many traits with NEIPA (haze, juicy aroma, soft bitterness) but is more of a regional label than a strict separate style. Expect bright tropical notes and a smooth mouthfeel.

San Diego IPA — how is it different?

San Diego has a well-known hop culture. An IPA labeled "San Diego IPA" tends to emphasize:

• Big hop aroma and flavor — citrus, tropical, and piney notes depending on the hops used.
• Modern techniques: heavy dry hopping, although clarity can vary (some are hazy, others clearer).
• A balance that can lean toward moderate bitterness compared to a NEIPA, but many San Diego breweries also produce juicy, low‑bitterness offerings.

West Coast IPA vs NEIPA — what’s the main difference?

West Coast IPA and NEIPA are often set up as opposites. Key differences:

• Appearance: West Coast IPAs are typically clear; NEIPAs are hazy.
• Bitterness: West Coast IPAs are drier and more bitter; NEIPAs prioritize hop aroma/flavor with low perceived bitterness.
• Hop character: West Coast emphasizes pine, resin, bitter citrus; NEIPA emphasizes tropical and juicy notes (mango, peach, orange, etc.).
• Mouthfeel: West Coast tends to be crisp; NEIPA is soft and pillowy.

Imperial IPA vs IPA — what does "imperial" mean?

"Imperial" (or "Double") IPA generally means a bigger, bolder beer. Compared to a standard IPA, an Imperial IPA usually has:

• Higher alcohol by volume (ABV)
• More malt body to support additional hops
• Stronger hop intensity — more bitterness and bigger aroma/flavor

Imperial IPAs are about power and concentration; they’re not a specific taste but a scale-up of the IPA profile.

Looking for the best New England IPA — what should you judge?

When hunting for great NEIPAs, focus on these qualities rather than a brand name alone:

• Aroma: vivid, fresh hop aroma — citrus, stone fruit, tropical esters.
• Balance: juicy hop flavor without cloying sweetness or overwhelming bitterness.
• Mouthfeel: creamy, soft texture from oats or wheat.
• Freshness: NEIPAs are best fresh because hop volatiles fade quickly.

Can you get a non‑alcoholic NEIPA that still tastes like the real thing?

Yes. Breweries are investing in techniques to preserve juicy hop character and soft mouthfeel in non‑alcoholic formats.

Alcohol is Dead NEIPA by Birra Amiata is an example: it focuses on the iconic Citra and Mosaic hop pairing to recreate that aromatic, fruit-forward NEIPA profile without alcohol — ideal if you want the NEIPA experience but prefer a sober or lower-ABV option.

If you want to try a non‑alcoholic take on a juicy NEIPA, consider giving a shot — it highlights Citra and Mosaic for that classic fruit-forward aroma.

Quick tasting tips for NEIPAs (and NEIPA‑style variants)

• Drink fresh and slightly chilled to preserve hop aroma.
• Use a tulip or IPA-style glass to concentrate aromas toward your nose.
• Pair with fresh cheeses, grilled seafood, spicy Asian dishes, or fruit-forward desserts to complement the juicy hop profile.

Bottom line

NEIPA is a soft, juicy, aroma-forward IPA style that spawned many regional takes (including what people call Florida or San Diego IPAs). If you prefer bitterness and dryness, try a West Coast IPA; if you want big, boozy hop punch, go Imperial.

For a low‑alcohol option that keeps the NEIPA character — haze, fruit-forward hops, and a soft mouthfeel — non‑alcoholic offerings like Birra Amiata's Alcohol is Dead NEIPA make a compelling alternative.