Calling all hopheads! In case you haven’t heard, allow me to fill you in: Today is International IPA Appreciation Day. That’s right… today is the day to break out your favorite IPA from around the world and Facebook, Tweet or Google + all about your experience drinking it and how much you love it. Why? Essentially, to promote the consumption of delicious, flavorful beer and strengthen the voice of the discerning craft beer drinker.

Personally, I think it’s a great idea; who doesn’t want another reason to drink a stellar IPA aside from the fact that it’s there and it’s good? But moreover, it’s a nice lead in to International Beer Day, which this year is Friday, August 5th. It’s like a warm-up to the grand fête, an IPA appetizer to the all-style bacchanalia, and it forces beer lovers to think about why they love the fizzy stuff so much and what great selection and diversity is now available to consumers around the globe.

It also encourages people to try something new, whether it’s a different style than they’re used to or a brewery they’ve never heard of. Any concept that gets folks to try something new or talk about good beer or wine is A-OK in my book.

I’m reviewing South African wines today for the November issue of the magazine, but I’ll definitely be celebrating IPA Day tonight with some of my personal favorites. To start will be a Samuel Smith India Ale, a good opener that will ease me into the style and prep me for the more assertive American offerings. Then will be a Smuttynose Finestkind IPA, one of the more available and delicious selections in my neck of the woods. For the final act? Definitely an Imperial IPA, and I’m thinking I have to check out the cellar to see what’s ripe for the picking: If memory serves me right, there’s a bottle of Avery’s Maharaja from a couple of batches back I’ve been holding on to as an experiment of DIPA evolution that I can’t wait to check out. What better night than tonight!

You can find some more recommendations and descriptions of reviewed IPAs in our Buying Guide. You can also check out some informational articles on Winemag.com by searching for “IPA”.

For more information on how people are celebrating, what they’re drinking, local events or stories and specials from your favorite brewers, check out the buzz on Facebook and Twitter with #IPAday. For a list of events for International Beer Day, check out their Web site, Facebook page or @IntlBeerDay Twitter feed.

Prost!

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