Next Best Option IPA

The hop bill

• Citra

  USA · Dual purpose

  Passionfruit, Mango, Grapefruit, Citrus, Tropical fruit, Lime

  Bitterness High 11–14.3% α
  Aroma oil 2.2–2.8 mL
  Mostly myrcene 60%, humulene 12%

  Grown 2025: 5,327 ac Washington · 1,525 ac Oregon · 729 ac Idaho

• Chinook

  USA

  Grapefruit, Anise, Herbal, Pineapple, Blackcurrant

  Bitterness High 10.7–15% α
  Aroma oil 1.5–2.5 mL

  Grown 2025: 954 ac Washington · 103 ac Oregon

• Cascade

  USA · Dual purpose
  Cryo

  Grapefruit, Citrus, Floral, Spice, Pine, Woody

  Bitterness Moderate 4.5–8% α
  Aroma oil 0.7–1.5 mL
  Mostly myrcene 46%, humulene 15%

  Grown 2025: 1,719 ac Washington · 487 ac Oregon

• Columbus

  USA
  Cryo

  Spice, Onion / garlic, Tomato leaf, Anise

  Bitterness Very high 13.9–18% α
  Aroma oil 2.5–3.5 mL
  Mostly myrcene 52%, humulene 31%

  Grown 2025: 4,115 ac Washington · 775 ac Idaho

In the order Cloudburst Brewing lists them: Next Best Option IPA IPA | 6.6% ABV | 65 IBU Yeah, sure, some people would take this term as a backhanded compliment. But being your second beer, your next best option, has plenty of perks. First, there’s less pressure than being your first choice. Less expectations too. Especially if your first choice was a dud. That happens sometimes, and when it does – oof.. And also there’s no palette shoc.... From the brewery's page for this beer. Forms like Cryo and CO2 extract are the same variety processed differently.