National IPA Day: 5 Delaware IPAs for craft beer lovers to take home today
As is tradition, the first Thursday of August is National IPA Day — a chance for beer lovers everywhere to celebrate the India pale ale craft beer style.
If you need a quick refresher, IPA is a hoppy type of beer that's typically light in color and packed with a higher level of alcohol content.
Of the dozens of breweries in Delaware, many have given the beloved style a try, with some leaving a lasting impression on beer snobs nationally, like Dogfish Head's 60-Minute IPA.
Just in time for IPA Day, Twin Lakes will premiere its very first India pale ale at Delaware Today's Best of Delaware party at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
The beer's called Emerald IPA and it's also Twin Lakes' first new beer since 2008. You can also find it on tap in the tasting room at The Delaware Growler on Main Street in Newark.
But like a pretty big handful of Delaware beers, you'll have to wait a little before you can walk out with a six-pack of the beer.
Many breweries have expanded beyond drafts and taken to bottling, and even canning, their beers to share with a wider audience.
In honor of National IPA Day, here are five IPAs from Delaware breweries that you can take home with you today (if you're 21 or older, of course).
Mispillion River Brewing Company
Beer: Not Today Satan
- ABV: 7.3 percent, 55 IBU
The brewery that brings you a Pineapple Express Milkshake Style IPA and the don't-take-this-to-a-family-cookout Reach Around IPA also offers you this medium-bodied American IPA.
The brewery suggests pairing it with Buffalo wings, Kung Pao chicken or a humble bagel and cream cheese. Beer for breakfast, anyone?
Blue Earl Brewing Company
Beer: Walking Blues IPA
- ABV: 6.8 percent, 62 IBU
This tasty beer was one of the first of the brewery's to be bottled and sold in stores. The brewery describes it as "a hop showcase with just enough malt to support the splendor. Superb drinkability ...." We don't know about the hoppy details but we can attest to that last part.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Beer: 60 Minute IPA
- ABV: 6 percent, IBU: 60
Going to a beer lover's house and not sure what to take? Grab this iconic Delaware brew (in your choice of bottles or cans). Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA sequel is beloved, earning it kudos from even the Wall Street Journal, which tapped it as "the most balanced IPA on the market."
This time of year, the brewery offers options on IPAs, with four- or six-packs of 90 Minute IPA, Liquid Truth Serum IPA, Indian Brown and Lupu-Luau.
Big Oyster Brewery
Dang! IPA
- ABV: 5.8 percent
Crooked Hammock isn't the only craft beer game in Lewes. Big Oyster (1007 Kings Highway) comes from Jeff Hamer, owner of Fins Hospitality Group. The brewery plays off his FINS on Del. 1, which started brewing in 2015.
This brewery, which opened last September, regularly has 16 beers on tap as well as four packs to go. Swing by and discover the big red barn of beer and take a four-pack of its flagship IPA, one of its most popular beers, to go.
Crooked Hammock Brewery
Beer: Mootzy's Treasure IPA
- ABV: 6.5 percent, IBU: 50
The brewery's flagship IPA is named after Richard "Mootzy" Mootz, a Sussex County native and WW II veteran whose post-war successes were detailed in "Monuments Men." The copper-colored brew has citrus and pine notes.
If you're on beach time and want to stop by the Lewes brewery, try the Off Your Rocker, its double IPA that recently went back on tap. The brewery describes it as "a perfect summer sipper" thanks to its balance of hops and malt balance.
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