Today marks the first International IPA Day. The what? Yes, a day dedicated to one of the most popular styles of craft beer. You may find yourself asking “If it’s popular why do we need it?”. This is a very valid question and one that I found myself asking also. Why should we single out a specific style of beer? We already celebrate Craft Beer Week every year and most cities have their own Beer Week festivities. (Hold on Pittsburgh yours is coming!)
Co-founder of the movement, Ashley Routson ( @thebeerwench and drinkwiththewench.com) , shed light on her blog as to why this is happening. “This is an opportunity for the craft beer culture as a WHOLE to collectively unite and promote craft beer to those that might not be within the inner walls of our tight knit group. This is an opportunity to encourage cross-drinkers to put down the martini, the glass of wine, the corporate yellow fizzy lager — and CHOOSE to drink craft beer instead. This is an opportunity for education and global awareness”
At first there was concern with fans that this grassroots movement wouldn’t have enough steam to hit the main stream craft beer crowd in time since the idea was proposed via twitter on July 7th. Through the power of social media once again we see how die-hard fans can embrace an idea and turn it into a reality in less than a month’s time. The popular craft beer social site Untappd announced a special badge available for anyone who drinks an IPA today, the hashtag #IPAday has been trending on Twitter since mid morning and conversations through the new kid on the block, Google+, has filled streams with images of what circles are drinking.
Locally we haven’t seen too many specials announced but most establishments are inviting you to join them for a pint. Patrick’s Pub in Moon Township is offering a free pint glass when you purchase your first IPA today and Vintage Estate in Boardman OH has ½ off IPA drafts all day long.
Whatever your favorite style of craft beer is you should get out today and share a pint with a friend. If you see someone at the bar drinking a macro kindly offer them something new. You never know when the next great craft beer rock star could be sitting next to you waiting to see the light.
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