Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA – The Old-Man Bitter with a Smooth Soul

Updated → August 2025

This iconic 6.8% ABV West Coast IPA from Durango's pioneering Ska Brewing delivers 88 IBUs of citrus-pine intensity wrapped in caramel malt harmony, earning its reputation as Colorado's most beloved "old-man bitter" that finishes surprisingly smooth.

The Craft Beer Revolution in Southwest Colorado

Southwest Colorado has become a beacon for craft beer enthusiasts, with Durango emerging as the epicenter of innovative brewing in the Four Corners region. The high-altitude climate, pristine water sources from the San Juan Mountains, and a community that embraces outdoor adventure and quality libations have created the perfect storm for exceptional beer production.

Among the pioneers leading this charge stands Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA, a beer that has not only defined what a West Coast IPA should be but has also put Durango firmly on the international craft beer map. This isn't just another hop bomb – it's a carefully orchestrated symphony of bitter and smooth, aggressive and approachable.

Ska Brewing's Musical Journey Since 1995

The story of Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA begins with two underage music lovers named Dave Thibodeau and Bill Graham who, in 1995, discovered that brewing their own beer was the answer to their predicament. What started as a solution to a simple problem evolved into one of Colorado's most beloved breweries, complete with a ska music theme that permeates everything from their branding to their annual anniversary parties featuring legendary ska bands.

The brewery's commitment to quality and innovation led them to become one of the first craft breweries to embrace canning, a move that was revolutionary at the time but perfectly aligned with Colorado's outdoor lifestyle. After all, glass bottles don't belong on river trips or mountain trails. By 2008, Ska had outgrown its original downtown location and invested $5 million in a 24,000-square-foot brewery fortress in Durango's Bodo Industrial Park, complete with a taproom, homebrewing shop, and their iconic checkerboard aesthetic.

What Makes Modus Hoperandi Special

In a market flooded with IPAs trying to out-hop each other, Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA stands apart through its masterful balance. The brewery describes it as "old-man bitter," a cheeky nod to the traditional hop-forward IPAs that don't shy away from bitterness. Yet what makes this beer truly special is how that intense 88 IBU bitterness transforms into a surprisingly smooth finish that keeps you coming back for more.

The secret lies in Ska's careful attention to malt backbone. While many modern IPAs strip away malt character in pursuit of pure hop expression, Modus Hoperandi embraces a foundation of caramel malts that provide both color and complexity. This creates a beer that's assertively hoppy without being one-dimensional, bitter without being harsh.

The Flavor Profile: A Pine Grove Full of Grapefruit

Pour a Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA and you're immediately greeted by a deep golden-orange hue topped with a persistent, creamy white head that leaves beautiful lacing down your glass. The aroma hits you with waves of citrus – particularly grapefruit and tangerine – interwoven with resinous pine notes that transport you to a Colorado forest.

On the palate, the initial burst of citrus gives way to deeper pine resin flavors, supported by a subtle but essential caramel malt sweetness. The brewery's poetic description of "a pine grove full of grapefruit trees" perfectly captures the interplay between these dominant flavor notes. As the beer warms, additional complexities emerge: hints of orange peel, subtle herbal notes, and a touch of biscuity malt that rounds out the experience.

Technical Brewing Specifications

These specifications tell only part of the story. The 6.8% ABV places Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA in the sweet spot for American IPAs – strong enough to carry the intense hop character but not so boozy that it becomes unbalanced. The 88 IBUs might sound intimidating to the uninitiated, but the perceived bitterness is tempered by the malt backbone and the quality of hops used.

West Coast IPA vs. Modern Hazies

In an era dominated by hazy, juicy New England IPAs, Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA proudly flies the flag for traditional West Coast style. This means crystal clarity, assertive bitterness, and a dry finish that cleanses the palate rather than coating it. While hazies aim for tropical fruit smoothie characteristics, West Coast IPAs like Modus Hoperandi celebrate the resinous, piney side of hops.

This isn't to say one style is superior to another – they simply serve different purposes and palates. But for those who cut their teeth on craft beer during the IPA arms race of the 2000s, Modus Hoperandi represents a return to form, a reminder of why we fell in love with hoppy beer in the first place.

The Holy Trinity: Centennial, Columbus & Cascade

The hop bill for Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA reads like a greatest hits of American hop varieties. Centennial brings floral and citrus notes with a balanced bitterness. Columbus (also known as CTZ) contributes the dank, resinous pine character and serious bittering power. Cascade, the granddaddy of American craft brewing hops, adds its signature grapefruit and floral notes.

This combination creates layers of complexity that unfold with each sip. The interplay between these three varieties is what gives Modus Hoperandi its distinctive character – neither purely citrus nor purely pine, but a harmonious blend that showcases the best of American hop cultivation.

Perfect Food Pairings for Modus Hoperandi

The robust character of Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA makes it an ideal companion for bold, flavorful foods. The beer's bitterness cuts through rich, fatty dishes while its citrus notes complement spicy cuisines. Consider these pairings:

• Spicy Southwest cuisine: Green chile cheeseburgers, carne asada tacos, or jalapeño poppers
• Aged cheeses: Sharp cheddar, aged gouda, or blue cheese
• Grilled meats: BBQ ribs, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted lamb
• Asian fusion: Thai curry, Szechuan dishes, or Korean BBQ
• Classic bar food: Buffalo wings, loaded nachos, or fish and chips

Optimal Serving Temperature & Glassware

To fully appreciate Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA, serve it between 45-50°F (7-10°C). This temperature range allows the hop aromatics to shine while keeping the bitterness in check. Too cold and you'll mute the complex flavors; too warm and the alcohol becomes prominent.

For glassware, an IPA glass or tulip glass works best, concentrating the aromatics while providing enough room for a proper head. A standard pint glass works in a pinch, but the tapered designs better showcase the beer's aromatic complexity. Pour with vigor to create a healthy head – this releases hop oils and creates the perfect first impression.

Year-Round Availability & Distribution

One of the best things about Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA is its status as a year-round flagship beer. Unlike seasonal releases that disappear just when you've fallen in love, Modus Hoperandi remains a constant presence in Ska's lineup. The brewery's recent acquisition by the Ariano and West families promises expanded distribution throughout Colorado and potentially beyond.

Currently, you can find Modus Hoperandi throughout Colorado, with particularly strong availability in the Southwest region. The beer is distributed in both 12-ounce cans and on draft, with the canned format perfect for Colorado's outdoor adventures.

Awards & International Recognition

The quality of Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA hasn't gone unnoticed by the international beer community. In 2013, it was voted the #1 international beer in Sweden, a testament to its appeal beyond American shores. The beer has also medaled at various competitions including the L.A. County Fair Commercial Beer Competition.

Perhaps more telling than formal awards is Modus Hoperandi's consistent high ratings on platforms like BeerAdvocate and Untappd, where thousands of everyday beer drinkers have given it stellar reviews. With over 126,000 check-ins on Untappd alone, it's clear this beer has found its audience.

Visiting Ska Brewing World Headquarters

No discussion of Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA would be complete without mentioning the brewery experience itself. Located at 225 Girard Street in Durango, Ska Brewing World Headquarters offers more than just great beer. The taproom features not only flagship beers like Modus Hoperandi but also taproom-exclusive releases and seasonal specialties.

The brewery's outdoor patio provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, while the on-site taco shop adds to the experience. Tours showcase the brewing process and the company's commitment to quality and sustainability. The annual anniversary party, featuring nationally recognized ska bands, has become a must-attend event for both beer and music lovers.

Where to Buy in Durango

For those looking to take home Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA, Wagon Wheel Liquors offers convenient access to this local favorite. Located in the heart of Durango, the store maintains fresh stock and competitive pricing on Ska's full lineup. The knowledgeable staff can also recommend other local favorites and help you explore Colorado's diverse craft beer scene.

Storage Tips & Cellaring Potential

While Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA is best enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate its hop character, proper storage can extend its peak drinking window. Store cans upright in a cool, dark place – ideally below 55°F. The enemies of hoppy beer are heat, light, and oxygen, all of which accelerate the degradation of hop compounds.

Unlike some beer styles that improve with age, IPAs are meant to be consumed fresh. The volatile hop oils that provide those wonderful citrus and pine aromas begin to fade from the moment the beer is packaged. For optimal enjoyment, consume within 3-4 months of the packaging date, though the beer remains perfectly drinkable beyond that timeframe.

Supporting Colorado's Craft Beer Community

When you purchase Ska Brewing Modus Hoperandi IPA, you're not just buying a beer – you're supporting a cornerstone of Colorado's craft brewing community. Ska's success has helped put Durango on the map as a beer destination, inspiring other breweries and creating a vibrant local scene that benefits the entire community.

The recent sale to local families ensures that Ska will remain rooted in Durango while potentially expanding its reach. This balance between growth and community connection exemplifies the best of craft brewing – businesses that succeed while maintaining their local character and commitment to quality.