Your Go-To IPA Guide

By: Legion Brewing Company

Featuring Legion’s Signature East Coast IPA 

IPAs come in all shapes, strengths, and flavors — but one style has clearly stolen the spotlight in Charlotte: the East Coast IPA. At Legion Brewing, we’re proud to craft Juicy Jay, an East Coast IPA that’s as bold and flavorful as it is smooth and easy drinking. If you’ve ever wondered what makes one IPA different from another (or why everyone keeps ordering the hazy one), we’ve got you covered.

First, What’s an IPA?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale, a hop-forward beer style that originated in England in the 1700s. 

Here’s the backstory: British soldiers stationed in colonial India still wanted their daily beer, but the long sea voyage from England often caused traditional ales to spoil. To combat this, brewers began adding large amounts of hops — a natural preservative — to keep the beer fresh on the months-long trip. The result was a stronger, hoppier ale designed specifically for export: the India Pale Ale. 

The style nearly vanished after the British left India — until a homebrewer in Chico, California, revived it in the early 1980s using Cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest. That reimagining kicked off the American craft beer movement and sparked the endless IPA variations we know and love today. 

Here are a few of the most well-known types: 

  • West Coast IPA – Clear, crisp, and bold with pine and citrus bitterness 
  • Double IPA (DIPA) – Higher alcohol content and even more intense hop character 
  • English IPA – Balanced and earthy with a caramel malt backbone 
  • Hazy IPA / New England IPA – Unfiltered, juicy, and smooth with low bitterness 
  • East Coast IPA – A newer evolution of the hazy style, and where Juicy Jay comes in strong 

So What’s the Difference Between a Hazy IPA and an East Coast IPA? 

Hazy IPAs (also called New England IPAs) get their name from their cloudy, unfiltered appearance. They’re brewed to highlight tropical fruit flavors and aroma rather than bitterness, using wheat, oats, and late hop additions to keep them smooth and juicy. 

Our East Coast IPA is a later variation of the hazy/New England style — and it brings a distinct twist. At Legion, we use a specific yeast strain that enhances juicy, fruit-forward flavors even further. The result? A smoother, brighter beer with a soft finish that’s balanced and endlessly drinkable. 

Juicy Jay: The Crown Jewel of Charlotte IPAs

Juicy Jay is our signature East Coast IPA, and it’s earned its place as a Charlotte favorite. Here’s why: 

Bright citrus and tropical fruit hop character 

Soft, creamy mouthfeel from oats and wheat 

Balanced and smooth, with just the right level of haze 

We also brew seasonal variations of Juicy Jay — featuring ingredients like Prickly Pear, Pineapple, Dragon Fruit, and the newest Piña Colada edition. Each version builds on the juicy foundation with a fun twist, but always stays true to that signature Legion balance.

Why Everyone Loves East Coast IPAs 

Easy drinking – Smooth and less bitter than traditional IPAs 

Packed with aroma – Think mango, citrus, pineapple 

Approachable – Great for IPA fans and first-timers alike 

Food-friendly – Pairs perfectly with spicy dishes, burgers, and patio hangs 

And when brewed with intention (like we do at Legion), East Coast IPAs never feel too heavy or overly sweet — they hit that just-right middle ground. 

Come Try One for Yourself

Whether you’re a hop enthusiast or new to the world of IPAs, Juicy Jay is a must-try. Grab it on draft or in cans at all Legion Brewing locations and keep your eye out for our seasonal spins. Every pour is crafted with curiosity and designed to keep you coming back for more. 

Cheers!