A lot has changed since the first Nation IPA Day back in 2011. The day, always the first Thursday in August, started out as a project of passion from Ashley Routson (The Beer Wench) and Ryan Ross and quickly became a pseudo holiday to the craft beer world, especially on Twitter where it garnered a lot of hashtags (#IPADay) and debate.
Sadly, both Ashley and Ryan are no longer involved with the craft beer scene, both having moved on to other things. The website still exists, but now instead of encouraging people to go out and explore the many styles and nuances that live under the “IPA” umbrella. The URL is now nothing buy a place holder containing advice articles about kids, relationships, and parenting.
But even without its founding foundations, IPA day is still recognized, still resonates through the craft beer society, and one can still find local establishments celebrating it. Here are just a few in the Delaware area (apologies to any I might have missed).
TWO STONES PUB:
Whenever I think about IPA day celebrations I naturally turn to Two Stones Pub, and as usual, they do not disappoint. All the locations seem to be doing a salute to IPA, with the Newark location tossing in a BBQ kicker. From their Facebook page:
IPA DAY + Brews & ‘Cues
It’s back…the Hoppiest Day Of The Year!
Come join us as we pit the best of both coasts against each other in a no-hops-barred throw down. You’ll see beers from our friends at Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Dogfish Head, Dewey Beer Company, Sixpoint & more.
Even Chef Aaron & his crew are getting in on the action by featuring a menu of East Coast vs West Coast bbq dishes to keep you fueled up for the battle.
ARGILLA BREWING:
Argilla will be tapping a slew of IPAs today. From their Facebook Page:
Around the World in 8 IPAs
We’ll be celebrating IPA Day with an assortment of India Pale Ales showcasing different hops varieties from around the globe. The taplist will include;
Double Tuscaloosa – all Columbus hopped West Coast IPA
Key Lime Pie PA – NEIPA brewed with lactose, lime zest & vanilla
Uncle Albert Admiral Nelson – featuring English hops
Brauhaus Black IPA – German-style India Black Lager
Did You Brew a Didgeridoo Brew, Dude – featuring Australian hops
Acid Jazz – Fruited Sour IPA
Biere de la Warr – Belgian-style IPA
Thai Chili Coconut IPA CASK – cask conditioned IPA with Thai Chilies & Coconut dry hopped with Sorachi Ace
3rd WAVE BREWING:
From their Facebook Page:
Tomorrow [this was posted yesterday] is National IPA Day! We’ll have lots of IPA specials, 1/2 price flights and H&A Catering joining us with freshly made burgers, hotdogs and hand cut fries!
TWIN LAKES BREWING:
As you hopefully know, Twin Lakes is about to release its first large production beer in 10 years, Emerald IPA. From the Delaware OnLine article by Ryan Cormier:
Emerald IPA, the very first India pale ale produced by Twin Lakes, will touch its first lips Thursday at Delaware Today’s Best of Delaware party at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. (You’ll find it at the Standard Distributing Company table.)
Delaware Growler is also hoping to have Emerald on tap on IPA day. And, speaking of Delaware Growler, I just looked at their tap list and they have almost 20 IPAs on tap. So even if they don’t manage to get Emerald you’ll still be able to find something to try (or revisit).
BELLEFONTE BREWING SAYS A PICTURE IS WORTH A HANDFUL OF IPAS:
FINALLY, STATE LINE LIQUORS:
Leave it to State Line to quietly proclaim that one day is not enough for IPA Day. From their website:
*IPA Tap Social: Thursday 4:30 – 6:30pm
We’re kicking off National IPA Day tasting 6 beers representing the many different styles of India Pale Ales including West Coast, East Coast, Imperial, Fruited, Session & New England IPAs.
We kick-off at 4:30, it’s just $5 for unlimited tasting.
*Tap Takeover: It’s National IPA Day
Friday, August 3rd 6-9pm
Fundraiser for the Dream Foundation
30 IPA’s on tap, Pizza, silent auction tables $20
Beers on tap (list subject to change) : Founders All Day, Burley Oak Homegrown, Flying Dog Easy IPA, Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, Flying Fish Hopfish IPA, Evolution Lot #3, Stone Idolatrous IPA, Firestone Walker Union Jack, Bear Republic Racer 5, Founders Fuzzy Sweater, Omnipollo Shploing, Founders Barrel Runner, Ithaca Pulp Addiction, Manor Hill Crooked Beak, Adroit Theory Chaos Warrior, Black Flag Hop Pods, 3 Stars Sonic Hummingbird, SweetWater Goin’ Coastal IPA, Uinta Piggy Back Peach IPA, Black Flag Synthwave, Epic Tart ‘N’ Juicy, Manor Hill Cyber Samurai, Anchorage Galaxy IPA, Two Roads Typecast, Flying Dog Tropical Bitch, Blue Earl Blue Train IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute, Victory DirtWolf, Firestone Walker Leo vs Ursus: Wookus, Adroit Theory Invisible Art
*IPA Sale celebrating National IPA day!
10% off packs, pack cases, 20% off singles* all American Craft IPA
Friday, August 3rd thru Sunday, August 5th
*sale items aren’t included
These might not be everything happening in the area (again, apologies to anyone I’ve missed) but they should get you started. And of course, if you’re still using Untappd, don’t forget to check-in and get your 2018 IPA DAY badge. Now go drink some IPAs!
The Dogs of Beer 