Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate India Pale Ale Beer Day, August 2. This annual occasion aims to increase appreciation of one of the world’s most popular types of craft beer, using social media to spread the word.
IPA beers date back to the late 18th century, when these ales were brewed for British sailors making long sea voyages to India. Most beers didn’t keep well on board ship, but London brewer George Hodgson of Bow Brewery was one of the first to develop a pale ale with a high hop content, which kept its taste better. Bow Brewery beers became popular among East India Company traders because of the brewery’s location near the East India Docks. Demand for the export style of pale ale, which had become known as India pale ale, developed in England around 1840.