Grab your favorite beer mug and clear some space on the calendar for National IPA Day, with celebratory pours landing on Thursday, August 6th. The first Thursday of August has become craft beer’s unofficial high holiday, a day when we collectively raise a pint (or three) to the boldest, most inventive, and unapologetically hop-forward style in the game, the India Pale Ale.
The IPA was born in the late 1700s when British brewers loaded pale ales with extra hops so the beer could survive the long, hot voyage to India and what started as a practical shipping fix quickly became a favorite that earned the name India Pale Ale. Fast-forward a couple of centuries, and American craft brewers in the 1970s and ’80s rediscovered the style, cranked up the hops even further, and turned it into a full-blown obsession. Today the IPA isn’t just popular, it’s the defining beer of the modern craft era, endlessly reinvented in West Coast, hazy, double, and session forms that keep beer lovers coming back for more.
How to Celebrate on August 6th
- Visit your local brewery or craft beer bar — many will have special tappings, flights, or limited releases.
- Host a tasting at home with friends. Line up a few different styles and compare notes.
- Support independent brewers. Grab a four-pack (or a fresh can) from a small producer you’ve been meaning to try.
- Pair thoughtfully: spicy food, sharp cheeses, citrusy dishes, or simple grilled fare all play nicely with hops.
- Share the love online with #NationalIPADay or #IPADay — the conversation that started the holiday is still going strong.
For beer lovers looking to experience the roots of the West Coast IPA, a handful of legendary brews have earned their place in craft beer history. Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing is widely regarded as one of the greatest Double IPAs ever made, setting the standard with its remarkable balance of citrus, pine, and resinous hop character. Stone IPA helped define the bold, hop-forward style that put West Coast brewing on the map, while Firestone Walker Union Jack showcases a beautifully balanced blend of grapefruit, citrus, and floral hop aromas. Bear Republic Racer 5 remains a textbook example of the style, delivering classic pine and grapefruit flavors with a crisp, clean finish. Lagunitas IPA introduced countless drinkers to craft beer with its approachable yet flavorful combination of citrus, caramel malt, and pine, and Ballast Point Sculpin IPA became an icon of the San Diego beer scene thanks to its vibrant tropical fruit aromas balanced by a signature West Coast bitterness. Together, these six beers represent some of the most influential and respected IPAs ever brewed, making them outstanding choices for anyone exploring the rich history of West Coast craft beer. The great thing about the IPA is that it allows breweries to get creative and really put their stamp on their own version of the beer. Walk into any bar or brewery and you are going to find a few choice selections to choose from and the fun is getting to experience them all.
Two of California’s most respected independent breweries are joining forces this National IPA Day. Karl Strauss Brewing, San Diego’s original craft brewery and Berkeley’s Fieldwork Brewing are teaming up for the Thursday, August 6 release of Field Trip Hazy IPA, a ridiculously limited collaboration united by the belief that great beer starts the party. At 6.7% ABV, this hazy IPA balances bold hop expression with exceptional drinkability, reflecting the same spirit of experimentation and collaboration that has driven Karl Strauss since it ignited San Diego’s craft beer scene in 1989.
National IPA Day is a celebration of how a once-utilitarian style became a canvas for creativity, a driver of the craft beer boom, and a favorite of millions. On August 6th, whether you’re at a packed taproom or relaxing on a patio with a cold can, take a moment to appreciate the hops, the brewers, and the community that keeps this style evolving.