In the South, the crisp, bitter characteristics of an India Pale Ale make it one of the best beverages to relax and combat the humidity.

Despite how well these ales pair with a hot day, they did not originate in the United States or in India. Ales were first brewed in England in 1774, when the U.K. appointed its first governor to India to begin trading heavily.

After the invention of Pale Ales in the nineteenth century, British brewmasters aimed to brew a beer able to withstand the long journey to India. One method involved adding a copious amount of hops to the beer because the acid content could prevent contaminants. The other technique dealt with removing most of the soluble sugar (or gravity) which in turn would attract less microorganisms to the beer.

Flash forward another two centuries and India Pale Ales are a staple within the beer culture. Fortunately for Athenians, a great example of an IPA is on draft at Trappeze Pub.

The Fort Collins Rocky Mountain IPA is an excellent example of a balanced India Pale Ale.

The beer pours a clear amber color with a sticky head that leaves traces along all sides of the glass.

Its aroma has remnants of sweet pine and sour grapefruit. The taste is similar to the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, but it leaves behind a more malty finish.

The beer is very drinkable. It tastes like a double IPA, but it’s lighter and has lower alcohol by volume.

The Rocky Mountain IPA is on tap at Trappeze Pub and, at $4.50 per pint, won’t put any dents in the wallets of local beer aficionados.