The fourth annual IPA Challenge hits Bar Volo this month

Lovers of hoppy ales, mark your calendars: the fourth annual instalment of the Cask Days IPA Challenge is coming up later this month. Starting on April 21, the event will pit 32 cask brews against one another in a tournament-style competition, with attendees and judges scoring the India pale ales in blind taste tests. The event will feature beers from 26 different Ontario breweries, and Cask Days is billing it as an opportunity to “stimulate and challenge our local craft brewers” to meet the demand for hoppier beer. As the brackets get whittled down, the losing (okay, less delicious) beers will be available by the half- and full pint. And for only $10, you get “branded glassware,” along with the chance to play king or queen maker in the brewing battle royale. The event takes place on April 21 and 22 at Bar Volo and is preceded on April 20 by a “Spin Off” night featuring non-traditional takes on IPAs and followed on April 23 by the bar’s usual $5 pint night, where revellers can drink through whatever’s left over.

The full list of competitors:

• Great Lakes
• Niagara College
• Mill St.
• Grand River
• Amsterdam
• Lake of Bays
• Cheshire Valley
• Muskoka
• Black Oak
• Beau’s
• Durham
• Indie Ale House
• Granite
• Church Key
• Clock Tower
• House Ales
• Cameron’s
• Toronto Brewing
• F&M
• Publican House
• Sawdust City
• Magnotta
• Nickelbrook
• Kensington
• St. Roach
• Flying Monkeys