I had this discussion yesterday- that the popularity of IPA's is fairly new in the big picture of beer.
In the 90's I can remember Pete's Wicked Ale coming out and loved it's strong flavor.
So what was the first?

Secondly, I believe that the ibu's of IPA's is steadily rising to keep up with evolving tastes. In 10 years will the hop bombs of today be bland in comparison to the latest top beers of the future?

The first IPA I can remember was Sam Smiths. Don't know about domestic.
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Domestic. Sam smith makes an IPA? I thought they just made a pale ale?
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http://www.ratebeer.com/forums/the-first-american-ipa-of-the-modern-age_70057.htm

Seems like it depends on who you ask......

I love IPAs but some are going off the reservation.These doubles and tripels are just not palatable in large quantities. With the Gucci beer revolution we are currently experiencing the cost has also made some prohibitive. Dollar for dollar I have to say Harpoon IPA is the best value on the market. The case of Grunion I just bought cost close to $60!
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Funny you should mention Harpoon. That was one the first east coast IPA's that I can remember.
Harpoon leviathan is one of my favorites.
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Ballentyne.

Grunion is $$. I justify by comparing it to Mo for cost.
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Dollar for dollar I have to say Harpoon IPA is the best value on the market.
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X2

For value, I like all day ipa. Just over $1 per can. Good for parties.
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Sea Hag in CT.

Maybe Fullers......
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Sea Hag in CT.

Late by about 125 years. It's ballentine, in the us anyway. 1800s
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