April 7th is National Beer Day and there’s not a better place to be than Richmond. Richmond created the holiday after all! In 2009, Justin Smith, a local beer examiner was pivotal in establishing the first National Beer Day which celebrates the ending of prohibition in 1933. On April 7th, 1933, the first steps were taken towards the end of prohibition, making it the perfect day to grab a brew at one of Richmond’s famous local craft breweries!
To celebrate National beer day, we are sharing our top 10 fave IPAs from local breweries around the city!
10.
Free Space 6.3% Hazy IPA - Bingo Beer Co.
This year-round favorite by Bingo Beer Co. is the perfect beer to sip while gaming! The Free Space is a hazy IPA that is sure to please anyone who cracks one open. Made with Mosaic and Idaho 7 hops, this brew is bursting with flavor and tropical aromas that blend seamlessly with the oaty juicy body.
9.
Proven Theory 7% IPA - Benchtop
The Proven Theory is Benchtop’s flagship IPA. Fermented dry with their house English Yeast, this brew offers a refreshing tropical taste. This IPA is served up in Manchester and is the perfect addition to the city.
8.
The Väsen Light 4.7% IPA - Väsen Brewing Company
The Vasen Light doesn’t mess around. For those who enjoy the made-in-America taste of Zuper Saazer & Sterling hops, this beer will remind you of the classics. Light, bright and refreshing, The Vasen Light is the approachable bridge between a traditional draft and an high-end craft.
7.
Stone Delicious 7.7% IPA - Stone Brewing
The Stone Delicious is a vegan and reduced gluten IPA made exclusively with lemony EL Dorado hops from Washington State. Enjoy with a plate of the famous FML hot sauce wings from Stone's Live Buena food truck at their tucked away Richmond outpost. Trust us, this brew lives up to it's name.
6.
Ramble On 7% Juicy IPA - Starr Hill
Ramble On’s Tropical and juicy flavors are what keeps ‘em coming back for another! Made with Citra, Mosaic, Bru-1 and El Dorado Hops and London Ale II yeast, Starr Hill does not disappoint with this Scott's Addition classic IPA. Enjoy it on Starr Hills Rooftop that showcases some of the best views in the city.
5.
40 Mile 6% IPA- Three Notch'd
The 40 mile is a Three Notch’d classic. This flagship West Coast IPA is brewed exclusively with El dorado and Centennial American Hops. Known simply as Virginia's Freshest IPA, Three Notch'd knocks it out of the park.
4.
Sheep Mullet 9% Juicy Double IPA- Hardywood
If you’re looking for the hack to a good time in Richmond, look no further than the Sheep Mullet by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. At 9% ABV, this Juicy DIPA is the party in a can. The tropical aromas and sweet taste is the perfect addition to your next float on the James or Hardywood concert.
3.
IPA X 7.1% IPA - Ardent Craft Ales
The classic combination of Citra and Mosaic hops provides the IPA X with big tropical and citrus flavors! Ardent Craft Ales, a Scott’s Addition staple, pours this cloudy, deep golden brew that offers super low bitterness and a silky soft mouthfeel. Take this one in at Ardent’s beer garden with a meal from Eazzy Burger or ZZQ!
2.
Tropication 7% IPA - Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Created in 2021, the Tropication is a new classic Richmond IPA! Brewed by Hardywood, this beer is refreshing and flavorful. With heaps of mango, passionfruit, citrus character and a smooth finish, this is Hardywood’s newest flagship beer. You have to try it, if you haven’t already. Tropication’s tropical aromatics, cloud-white head, sunset hues, and delicate haze are simply delicious. Grab a Tropication this April - you deserve it!
1.
Falcon Smash 7% IPA - Triple Crossing Beer
The Falcon Smash brewed by Triple Crossing is made with 2-Row and malted wheat, house ale yeast and a focus on Falconers Flight hops. The flavors of orange pine marmalade and stone fruit make this beer a fan favorite! This is Triple Crossing’s faithful house IPA. Any real Richmonder knows that Triple Crossing did what they had to with this one.