I’ll never understand people who bitch about made up “Hallmark” holidays. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Secretary’s Day…what’s wrong with creating a completely fictional reason to celebrate? Are you really going to complain about getting to eat cake at work on a Wednesday (thanks Secretary Day!) or maybe getting to see your significant other naked (you’re awesome Valentine’s Day!). No, do not complain about made up holidays. Made up holidays are awesome.
Especially International IPA Day. August 7th, 2014. Put it on your calendar. Yes, it’s complete bullsh#! with no real historical or religious significance, but so freaking what. It’s a Thursday, and it gives you a reason to hit the brewpub after (or during) work and order a really hoppy beer. Celebrate, you ungrateful son of a mother’s uncle.
In honor of IPA Day, I’ve selected three of my favorite IPAs from Southern breweries, to ramble about. I’d argue that these are some of the best hop bombs below the Mason Dixon. Enjoy. And celebrate fake holidays for no good reason other than just because.
The Corruption
DC Brau
Washington, D.C.
This one borders on “Imperial” IPA status with 80 IBUs. It’s got that dank bitterness you expect from a West Coast IPA. But it’s brewed over here, so we got that going for us.
Wayfarer
Green Man Brewing
Asheville, N.C.
It’s hard to pick my favorite home town IPA, and honestly, if you ask me in a week, I might say something different. But right now, I’m digging Green Man’s Wayfarer, which they’re billing as a “summer IPA” because it won’t knock you on your ass after just two beers. It’s just 5.5%, but has all the not-so-subtle charm you want out of an IPA.
Hopsecutioner
Terrapin Beer Company
Athens, Ga.
Don’t let the name fool you—this is a sweetheart of a beer…if you love hops. There’s some malty notes in the bottle, but you’re gonna get big swigs of pine and a wee bit of citrus from the six different hops that Terrapin brings to this party. It’s kind of like drinking a dank forest. If you can imagine that.
Long live IPA Day!
