I’m not really sure who declared it and you know what? I don’t even care!

Today, August 7, is IPA Day!

India Pale Ales, or IPAs for short, are a distinct style of light bodied beer known for their citrusy and piney flavors which come from hops.

I’ve tried a lot of different beers, but IPAs are my favorite by far- I love hops!

There’s nothing more refreshing than a delicious, cool IPA on a hot summer day.

If you need a little inspiration on how to celebrate IPA day, here are some of my favorite local IPAs- in no particular order!

Hop Selection at the 2014 National Hombrewers Conference. Photo: Lauren B/98.7 WFGR
Hop Selection at the 2014 National Hombrewers Conference. Photo: Lauren B/98.7 WFGR
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1. Founders “All Day IPA

This is a session ale, which means lower alcohol content so you can drink more! All Day IPA is nice and crisp and perfect for day-drinking on a hot summer afternoon. In fact, when I go tubing in Newaygo this weekend I already know exactly which beer I’m going to bring- All Day IPA!

 

2. Bell’s “Two Hearted Ale

Named the second "Best Beer in Amercia" by the American Homebrewers Association's Zymurgy Magazine, Bell’s Two Hearted comes in at 7% ABV (alcohol by volume) and has the perfect balance of hops and malts. New this year, Two Hearted is now available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans so throw some in your cooler and hit the beach- no glass allowed!

 

3. Gravel Bottom’s “Front Porch Guava IPA

It was “love at first sip” the moment I first tried Gravel Bottoms’ Front Porch Guava IPA over at the 2014 National Homebrewers Conference. Because IPAs are hoppy and citrusy, the flavor of the guava adds a perfect complement to create a sweet, refreshing IPA. Gravel Bottom Brewery, located in Ada, is always buzzing so stop in, celebrate IPA Day and play some cornhole while you’re at it!

 

4. Perrin Brewing Co.'s "Grapefruit IPA"

Just like Gravel Bottom’s “Front Porch”, the grapefruit is the perfect addition to this citrusy, hoppy beer. I like to enjoy Perrin's "Grapefruit IPA" while taking in a Whitecaps game because they have craft beer on tap at Fifth Third Ballpark! Craft beer and baseball? Doesn’t get any better than that!

 

5. White Flame Brewing Co.’s “Super G IPA"

One of my favorite beers that I sampled while visiting White Flame down in Hudsonville. According to White Flame "Super G" showcases "the bitterness of the high alpha-acid Galena hops, balanced with a malty backbone." Which basically means it's delicious! Only 6 % ABV- I could definitely go through a few of these on any given day.

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