If you’ve ever found yourself in a taproom staring at a long list of beer styles, chances are, IPAs dominate the board. From hazy and juicy to crisp and piney, there’s an IPA for just about everyone. But have you ever wondered how this hoppy powerhouse became the beer of choice for craft brewers and beer lovers alike?
It’s a story that starts on the high seas, winds through American ingenuity, and, lucky for you, ends right here at Pigeon Hill Brewing Company—with a lineup of IPAs that are bold, balanced, and, in one case, practically revolutionary.
Like all good stories, the tale of the India Pale Ale (IPA) begins with a challenge. Back in the late 1700s, British brewers needed a way to get beer to their troops and settlers in India. The problem? A months-long voyage across the ocean, where heat and time would turn most beers into something undrinkable (and probably regrettable).
Enter the solution: More hops. More alcohol. The two acted as natural preservatives, helping the beer survive the journey. Thus, the India Pale Ale was born.
Fast-forward a couple hundred years, and American brewers took the style and ran with it. They dialed up the hops, introduced new varieties bursting with citrus, pine, and tropical fruit, and created an entirely new craft beer movement. The IPA became the symbol of modern brewing—endlessly creative, highly sought-after, and constantly evolving.
And here at Pigeon Hill, we’re more than happy to keep that tradition alive.
Some beers come and go, evolving with trends and changing with the times. Shifting Sands IPA is not one of those beers. It was the first IPA we ever brewed—released on the very day Pigeon Hill opened its doors—and it’s remained unchanged ever since (except for that beautiful label!)
Why mess with a good thing? Shifting Sands is a beautifully balanced IPA that showcases citrus and piney hop flavors, backed by just the right amount of malt sweetness. It’s the kind of beer that reminds you why IPAs became so popular in the first place—bold, flavorful, and endlessly drinkable.
For us, Shifting Sands isn’t just an IPA; it’s a piece of Pigeon Hill history. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on the beer that started it all.
Now, let’s talk about something that breaks all the rules—DAMP, our low-alcohol IPA that drinks like the real thing.
Here’s the deal: Sometimes, you want an IPA, but you don’t want everything that comes with it—namely, the high alcohol content. That’s where Damp comes in. At just 2.45% ABV, it’s crisp, refreshing, and packed with hop flavor, but light enough to keep you in the game.
Oh, and did we mention it’s only 70 calories and 5 grams of carbs per 12 oz pour? It’s perfect for those who love beer but also like fitting into their jeans.
We brewed Damp for the “just one more” crowd—the people who want the flavor, the experience, the satisfaction of a great IPA, but without the high ABV slowing them down. Whether you’re winding down after a workout, pacing yourself on a night out, or just want a guilt-free hop fix, Damp has you covered.
Worth noting – this revolutionary IPA is shipping throughout Michigan and northern Indiana for this first time this week!
For those who prefer their IPAs with a bit of wallop – meet Renny. While it clocks in at 9.4% ABV, Renny is disarmingly drinkable. (Almost) always available at The Brewer’s Lounge, Renny also sees limited distribution throughout the year – and its own party each winter! More likely, though, you’ll be able to find Renny’s (even more sessionable) cousin – Grapefruit Renny DIPA. Once named “the world’s most sessionable IPA” by a drunk guy on Mackinac Island, Grapefruit Renny DIPA sees a limited release in cans and kegs each Spring throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.
Then there’s Philosoraptor, the IPA for those who like a little wisdom with their hops.
It’s crisp, refreshing, and balanced—meaning you get all the citrus and floral notes without an overpowering bitterness. Whether you’re new to IPAs or just want one that won’t demand all your attention, Philosoraptor is a reliable go-to that won’t overwhelm you with bitterness. Almost always on tap at The Brewer’s Lounge, you can also occasionally find in-house only can releases of Philosoraptor – just watch our socials to know when!
The IPA has come a long way from its British shipping-container origins, and we’re proud to be part of its evolution. Whether you want something classic and dependable (Shifting Sands), something far too easy to drink given it’s alcohol content (Renny), something balanced and lighter (Philosoraptor), or something that redefines what an IPA can be (DAMP), we’ve got you covered.
So stop by the Brewer’s Lounge, grab a pint, and taste the hops that made history—and the ones that are making it right now.
