Happy National IPA Day, Fellow Craft Beer Drinkers

By: Paula Polei

On Thursday, August 4, join millions of Americans in raising a glass to one of craft beer’s most iconic styles – the India Pale Ale. Founded in 2011, IPA Day is a global celebration uniting craft beer fans, bloggers, and brewers through social media and a shared love of hops.

Where Does the IPA Come From?

The IPA’s roots stretch back more than 200 years. Despite its name, the style originated in Britain. Some say brewers created stronger, hoppier beers to survive the long voyage from England to India, while others suggest British sailors simply preferred bolder brews. Either way, hops and alcohol proved essential for preservation.

The most well-known origin story involves George Hodgson of Bow Brewery, who supplied beer to the East India Trading Company. The first recorded reference to Hodgson’s Pale Ale in India dates to 1801. Later, in 1822, Samuel Allsopp of Burton Brewers perfected the “India Ale” for export, solidifying the IPA as a classic style loved worldwide.

Time to Pour Something Hoppy

In the spirit of National IPA Day, here are five IPA variations worth exploring if you love a good hop-forward brew.

East Coast-Style IPA

East Coast IPAs balance hop bitterness with a strong malt backbone, offering a smoother, sweeter finish than their West Coast counterparts. These brews are rich, full-bodied, and aromatic.

Tröegs Perpetual IPA bottle
Tröegs Independent Brewing’s Perpetual IPA offers citrus rind, pine balm, and tropical fruit flavors with a crisp, smooth finish.

West Coast-Style IPA

West Coast IPAs are bold, bright, and brimming with citrus and tropical hop character. The malt is lighter, creating a clean, dry finish with pronounced bitterness.

Green Flash West Coast IPA
Green Flash’s West Coast IPA features notes of grapefruit, pine, and passion fruit, finishing with dry, floral hop tones.

Imperial or Double IPA

These hop-forward brews boast intense bitterness, big aroma, and higher alcohol levels (7% ABV and up). The term “Double IPA” was coined by Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing, who helped popularize the style.

Pliny the Elder Double IPA
Russian River’s Pliny the Elder delivers a perfect balance of malt, hops, and alcohol with floral, citrus, and pine notes.

Fruit IPA

Fruit IPAs combine bright hop bitterness with bold fruit flavor — think grapefruit, orange, or even more adventurous blends. They’re aromatic, refreshing, and fun to experiment with.

Schlafly Grapefruit IPA
Schlafly’s Grapefruit IPA is packed with citrus aroma, tart fruit character, and an approachable hoppiness.

Join the Conversation

Today, the IPA is so iconic it even has its own dedicated website. So, next time you enjoy an IPA, raise your glass to the British brewers and sailors who started it all — and join the conversation on social media with #IPAday.

Cheers!

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