National Ipa Day

Who would have thought that a little brew known as India Pale Ale (IPA) would get its very own joyous day? Well, mark your calendars, beer lovers, because National IPA Day is a very real and hoppening event! Brewed up from the whispers of the internet, this day has grown from a tiny sprout to a full-fledged malt extravaganza.

When is Ipa Day?

It's national ipa day on the 6th August.

The Hops Behind the Holiday

Indulge yourself in the malty, hoppy glory that is IPA! National IPA Day sprung to our attention after we detected 10,136 mentions online, with the most chatty traffic seen on August 6th, 2015. It appears this fragrant brew finally found its fame through the internet grapevine, proving once and for all that the pint is mightier than the sword.

The Bubbly Birth

Originally, IPAs were brewed to survive the long voyage from Britain to India in the 19th century. The unique brewing process, which involved adding extra hops and increasing the alcohol content, ensured that the beer would still be fresh after months at sea. Today, however, we prefer to gulp down our IPAs as quickly as possible, hence the existence of National IPA Day!

A Toast to Traditions

While the history of the IPA is steeped in travel and survival, its national day was birthed in the bowels of the internet and has since evolved into a day of fun, community, and...well, beer. Events to celebrate the day include local bar celebrations, at home tasting parties and all manner of hoppy revelry.

History behind the term 'Ipa'

1710

Beer exportation to India increases.

In the early 18th century, British brewers started exporting beer to India to satisfy the growing demand of British troops stationed there. However, the journey from Britain to India was long, and the traditional beer styles did not fare well during the voyage. As a result, brewers began experimenting with different recipes and brewing techniques to produce a beer that could withstand the journey.

1822

George Hodgson's Bow Brewery brews 'October Beer'.

George Hodgson, owner of the Bow Brewery in London, is often credited with brewing the precursor to India Pale Ale. He developed a beer known as 'October Beer' or 'October Pale Ale' that was specifically designed for export to India. This beer had a higher alcohol content and used extra hops to preserve it during the long journey.

1835

'India Pale Ale' term coined.

The term 'India Pale Ale' is believed to have been coined around 1835. It was used to describe the beer style that had become popular for export to India. The increased hopping and higher alcohol content not only preserved the beer but also gave it a distinct flavor profile. The term 'India Pale Ale' helped differentiate it from other beer styles.

1841

IPA becomes popular in England.

By the mid-19th century, IPA had gained popularity in England as well. The strong, hoppy flavor appealed to beer drinkers, and breweries started producing IPA for domestic consumption as well. The term 'India Pale Ale' became more widely known, and the beer style continued to evolve with different variations and regional preferences.

1970s

Resurgence of craft brewing and IPA.

In the 1970s, there was a resurgence of craft brewing in the United States, and IPA experienced a revival. Craft brewers, inspired by British brewing traditions, started producing their own versions of IPA with a focus on using high-quality ingredients and embracing hop-forward flavors. This led to the popularity of American-style IPAs, which often feature bold hop aromas and flavors.

21st century

IPA becomes a global beer style.

In the 21st century, IPA has become a global beer style, loved by beer enthusiasts all over the world. It has inspired countless variations, including double IPAs, session IPAs, and hazy IPAs. IPA has also served as a platform for experimentation, with brewers incorporating different hop varieties, fruit additions, and barrel aging techniques. Its cultural impact on the craft beer scene cannot be overstated.

Did you know?

Did you know that while IPA stands for India Pale Ale, it actually originated in England? While this might rugby tackle your reality, it's true! It was actually the English who crafted this brew specifically for their troops stationed in India during the 19th century.