What makes the IPA so damn popular? A new book released from the Brewers Publications explores the evolution of the IPA, which is the third most popular style of all beers.

“Brewing Eclectic IPA: Pushing the Boundaries of India Pale Ale by Dick Cantwell, explores the style's evolution, provides guidance for designing unique beers, and 25 original IPA recipes,” according to a press release from Brewers Publications.

“There’s no mistaking that we are living in the heyday of IPA,” Cantwell said in the release. “We’re enjoying a style of beer that would have been deemed undrinkable by its earlier 18th and 19th century consumers.”

American lagers and light lagers are the most popular styles of beer, according to the Brewers Association, based in Boulder. Behind them, the IPA represents 3.1 percent of the total beer market by volume, 6.4 percent in retail dollar sales, and is between 24 percent and 33 percent of the craft category.

Cantwell co-founded Elysian Brewing Co. in 1996, where he was head brewer until its sale to Anheuser-Busch in 2015. Under Cantwell, Elysian was named Large Brewpub of the Year three times at the Great American Beer Festival.

He has served as an international and national beer judge, as well as the Brewers Association’s Quality Ambassador. Among the most respected and experienced brewers in the world, Cantwell is now the director of brewing operations at Magnolia Brewing Co. in San Francisco. The brewery was purchased out of bankruptcy by New Belgium Brewing Co. last year.

In his book, Cantwell provides tips and methods for first-time brewers and beer veterans alike. He tells the story of how and why the India Pale Ale became so popular.

The book will be released June 4 and has a cover price of $19.95. To learn more about Cantwell’s book and others written about brewing, visit BrewersPublications.com.

- The Thirst Colorado Staff