IPA Day

IPA Day History

IPA Day is an annual global observance that celebrates and recognizes the India Pale Ale (IPA) beer style. The event aims to promote the growth of craft beer and the brewing industry, specifically focusing on the IPA style. This appreciation extends to the various sub-styles and numerous innovative flavors that the IPA represents. The observance highlights the creativity, passion, and complexity of craft beer-making, providing craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the IPA style.

In Canada, the craft beer scene has made a significant impact on the beer market, with IPAs being a popular choice among Canadian brewers and consumers. Though IPA Day originated in the United States in 2011, it quickly gained traction in Canada. The craft beer industry in Canada has experienced exponential growth in the last decade, making IPA Day an essential event to celebrate and support the talented Canadian brewers who continue to push the boundaries of beer-making.

IPA Day in Canada is celebrated by breweries, pubs, and craft beer enthusiasts alike through various events, tastings, and promotions focused on the IPA style. Communities come together to share their love for the beer, promoting these delicious beverages and the people behind them. Canadian breweries and taprooms may host events and offer special deals on IPAs and other craft beers throughout August. IPA Day is observed annually on August 2nd.

IPA Day facts

• IPAs, or Indian Pale Ales, were invented by the British during their colonization of Indian. According to hopeandwine, it is believed that George Hodgson of East London's Bow Brewery created the first IPA. By adding hops to beer, the British were able to better preserve their beer over the long sea voyage around the cape of Africa.
• There are four distinct styles of IPA.
  1) English-Style IPA: Medium to strong hop bitterness and flavor. ABVs range from 4.5% to 7.1% ABV. They also tend to be crisp and dry.
  2) American-Style IPA: Hop flavors are strong with high bitterness. ABVs range from 6.3% to 7.6%.
  3) Imperial (Double) IPA: Hop bitterness and flavor are very high. ABVs range from 7.6% to 10.6%.
  4) Session IPA: Medium to high hop bitterness and strong hop flavor. ABVs range from 3.7% to 5%.
• In 2020, 85% of the beer consumed in Canada was brewed in Canada.
• Canadians of legal drinking age consumed on average 69.3 litres of beer, a decline of 2.7% from 2019.

In the News and Trending in Canada for IPA Day

Top things to do in Canada for IPA Day

• Visit your local micro brew and order an IPA. They may be offering special deals to celebrate the day.
• Choose the perfect IPA to go along with your meal. There are 3 flavors when pairing IPAs with food: bitterness, hop flavor (herbal, citrus, earthy), and caramel. Hop flavors go well with spices and fruits while bitterness can help cool down spicy foods. Bitterness can also improve salty flavors. Caramel helps with sweeter dishes.
• Visit local craft breweries that are known for their IPAs, such as Collective Arts Brewing in Hamilton, Ontario, Central City Brewers and Distillers in Surrey, British Columbia, or Bellwoods Brewery in Toronto, Ontario.
• Search for IPA Day events happening in your area, such as tap takeovers, beer dinners and pairing events, or special release parties at breweries and bars showcasing Canadian IPAs.