India Pale Ale Day
Sip on a hoppy and refreshing brew that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're grilling with friends or just kicking back after work.
Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate India Pale Ale Beer Day. This annual occasion aims to increase appreciation of one of the world’s most popular types of craft beer, using social media to spread the word.
How to Celebrate India Pale Ale Day
Of course, the best way for you to celebrate India Pale Ale Day is to enjoy an India Pale Ale! As mentioned earlier, there are now many different types of India Pale Ales that are available on the market today, and so you can have fun trying the different types and varieties that are on offer.
You could even have an India Pale Ale tasting event with your family and friends. You can get an array of different bottles of India Pale Ales, and you can all enjoy tasting the different versions and trying your favorites!
To split the costs, get someone to bring a different type of India Pale Ale with them, and then you can take turns trying out the different ales that everyone has to offer.
If you really want to honor India Pale Ale Day, you could have a go at creating your own India Pale Ale! You can buy kits that have everything you need to get started and make your own India Pale Ale.
Or, you can decide to do it the hardest, yet purest way, and source everything you need separately and make your own India Pale Ale.
You can find lots of guides and instructions online regarding how to do this, so you will have all of the guidance and assistance you need to help you along the way.
You are going to need a bit of pre-planning if you do decide to go down this route, though! After all, India Pale Ale is not something you will be able to make in a matter of minutes.
Learn About India Pale Ale Day
India Pale Ale Day has been created to celebrate the drink that is India Pale Ale!
If you have never tried India Pale Ale before, now is the perfect excuse for you to do so. India Pale Ale has high levels of alcohol. It is a hobby style of beer, with hops referring to the flowers of the hop flowers, which are used for flavoring and bettering beer.
They also act as a stability agent. Aside from the bitterness, they impart citrus, fruit, or floral aromas and flavors.
This type of beer has undergone a bit of a renaissance in recent times. It was developed in 1840 in England, which we will explain more about in the section below. However, this style of beer had mainly died out.
That was until the renaissance of American craft beer occurred in the late 20th century. Today, India Pale Ales are flagship beers for craft brewers all around the world, making them exceptionally popular. Because of this, it is only right that we have India Pale Ale Day to celebrate this type of beer!
There are a number of different types of India Pale Ales that are produced today. This includes a lot of different sub-styles. For example, you have the Double India Pale Ales, which are also called Imperial India Pale Ales.
These represent a very hoppy and strong type of India Pale Ale, which usually have an alcohol content that is more than 7.5 percent by volume.
The style is believed to have originated with Vinnie Cilurzo, who is the owner of California’s Russian River Brewing Company. It is believed that he created this style at the Blind Pig Brewery in California in 1994. This brewery is now defunct.
Another type of India Pale Ale that is popular today is the New England India Pale Ale. This is also sometimes called Juicy India Pale Ale or Hazy India Pale Ale.
This is a style of beer that was invented when the Heady Topper was created by John Kimmich, of The Alchemist. These India Pale Ales have an emphasis on hop aroma, with low bitterness. They are characterized by floral, citrus, and juicy flavors.
They also have a hazy appearance, hence why they are often called Hazy India Pale Ale, and they have a smooth mouthfeel or consistency. These characteristics are reached through a use of a number of different brewing techniques.
This includes adjusting the chemistry of the water, the timing of adding the hops, and the use of a certain strain of yeast.
This merely scratches the surface when it comes to the different types of India Pale Ales that you can find on the market today. You can also get Brut India Pale Ale, which is a dry and crisp version of the drink.
The enzyme amyloglucosidase is added to the drink in order to get rid of the sugars to create this drink. There is then Cascadian Dark Ale, which is also known as Black India Pale Ale, which is not pale in color, as the name suggests.
It has a much darker malty flavor because of the use of roasted malts, yet it shares the same bitter hoppy flavors.
You also have West Coast India Pale Ale, which is known for being dry, very clear, and having a low content of malt.
Or, what about Triple India Pale Ale? This type of ale is characterized by higher alcohol content and higher hop flavors. The alcohol content for this type of India Pale Ale tends to be over 10 percent ABV.
History of India Pale Ale Day
By the early 18th century, most of the pale ales that were available were quite different from those that we enjoy today. They were lightly hopped.
By the middle of the 18th century, pale ale was usually brewed using coke-fired malt, which created less roasting and smoking of barley during the process of malting, and this resulted in a beer that was paler in color. October beer was one of these varieties of beer.
It was a well-hopped, pale brew, which was extremely popular amongst the landed gentry. They brewed the beer domestically. After it was brewed, it was intended to the cellar for a period of two years. However, it was later when these ales were exported to India…
IPA beers date back to the late 18th century, when these ales were brewed for British sailors making long sea voyages to India. Most beers didn’t keep well on board ship, but London brewer George Hodgson was one of the first to develop a pale ale with a high hop content, which kept its taste better.
The special day isn’t sponsored by a particular beer brand, but brings together breweries large and small, along with an assortment of beer buffs and bloggers. Hundreds of events are organised, including India pale ale tastings and festivals, so look out for a celebration at a bar near you. Cheers!
India Pale Ale Day FAQs
What’s the connection between IPAs and the British Empire?
IPAs grew in popularity during the British colonial period, particularly in India, where the climate made traditional beers difficult to preserve.
Hopped-up pale ales, with their natural preservative qualities, were well-suited for long voyages. This led to their adoption as a preferred export, especially by British expatriates in India.
Are there specific festivals or events that coincide with India Pale Ale Day?
In addition to brewery celebrations, some cities hold beer marathons or IPA-themed pub crawls on this day.
Portland, Oregon, often highlights local craft IPAs, while Manchester in the UK showcases historical recipes. These events emphasize creativity and regional brewing traditions.
How do brewers around the world interpret the IPA style differently?
While American IPAs focus on bold citrus and pine flavors, Belgian brewers often infuse IPAs with yeast-driven spiciness.
Japanese brewers experiment with yuzu fruit, and Australian brewers incorporate their native hops for tropical notes. Each interpretation reflects local tastes and ingredients.
Did IPAs originally have a different name?
Before being dubbed “India Pale Ale,” this beer style was often simply called “pale ale for export.”
It gained the “India” moniker over time due to its popularity in the British colonies, though it wasn’t exclusively sent to India.
Are there any superstitions or quirky beliefs tied to IPA brewing?
Some brewers believe using odd amounts of hops during the brewing process can yield better balance.
Others follow traditions like toasting the first batch to ensure good fortune. While largely playful, these customs show the personal connection many brewers have to their craft.
How do IPAs pair with food in unusual ways?
IPAs’ hoppy bitterness cuts through rich dishes like fried chicken or creamy cheeses.
Surprisingly, they also complement spicy Indian curries, creating a layered tasting experience. Some adventurous pairings include IPAs with chocolate desserts, where hops balance sweetness.
What’s the story behind double or imperial IPAs?
Double or imperial IPAs emerged in the late 20th century as craft brewers sought to amplify the hop character of traditional IPAs.
These beers feature higher alcohol content and more intense flavors, catering to hop enthusiasts who wanted even bolder experiences.
Do any non-alcoholic IPAs exist?
Yes, many breweries now produce non-alcoholic IPAs that retain the bold flavors of traditional versions.
Using techniques like vacuum distillation or arrested fermentation, these beers offer a hoppy experience for those avoiding alcohol.
What’s a surprising use of IPA in cooking?
Beyond drinking, IPAs make excellent marinades for meat and seafood due to their citrusy, herbal flavors. They’re also used in baking, like in IPA-infused bread or cupcakes, adding depth and complexity to recipes.
Are there IPA substyles that people rarely know about?
Lesser-known substyles include Black IPAs, which add roasted malt for a darker appearance and coffee-like notes, and Rye IPAs, where rye malt gives a spicy, earthy twist.
These variations highlight the versatility of the IPA category.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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