Overall, Smith recommends building an IPA recipe with 1.5 to 2 ounces of hops per gallon of beer. Buy Fresh, In-Season Hops. Every brewer also stressed the importance of freshness when selecting hops.

Derek Smith, brewer at Moylan's Brewing Co., just north of San Francisco, made a hazy IPA late last summer. It took some encouragement from behind the bar before a customer would order a pint.