Updated March 2026
Pilsner and IPA are not a ranked fight. Pilsner is a pale-lager trade word. IPA is hop-forward ale talk, not a separate TTB class from ale. Lager and ale are class words at 0.5% ABV or more (–7.142). Official brand IPA ABVs unused, can. A 12-ounce 5% beer is one NIAAA drink. No 2026 ranking.
Related: lager vs IPA, stout vs lager, dark vs light.
Class vs trade talk
| Language | 12 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Pilsner | Read the can |
| IPA | Read the can |
| NIAAA regular beer | 1.00 |
| Better style | — |
Read the can. Pour math: beer drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 7.141–7.142 / 7.145.
- NIAAA December 2025.