5 Shocking Facts About Jekyll Pineapple Habanero Hop Dang Diggity IPA (The '12' Mystery Solved)
The "Jekyll Hop Diggity Pineapple 12" is a cryptic name for one of the most adventurous craft beers to ever come out of Georgia: the Jekyll Pineapple Habanero Hop Dang Diggity IPA. As of late 2025, this brew remains a legend in the Southern IPA scene, a beer that dares to blend the bright, sweet tang of tropical fruit with the unexpected, fiery kiss of a habanero pepper. This article dives deep into the brew's unique profile, its current status, and the mystery behind its name, providing the most current and updated information for craft beer enthusiasts.
The original query, "Jekyll Hop Diggity Pineapple 12," is a common abbreviation among fans. The number 12 most likely refers to the standard 12 oz can format in which the beer is often sold, or perhaps a reference to an Untappd badge level, but the full, official name—Jekyll Pineapple Habanero Hop Dang Diggity IPA—tells the real story. This is not just a fruit beer; it is a complex, chili-infused American IPA that challenges the palate with a 6.7% ABV and a serious 74 IBU hop profile.
Jekyll Brewing: A Profile of the Bold Georgia Brewery
Jekyll Brewing, the creator of this daring IPA, has established itself as a pioneer in the Georgia craft beer landscape. Founded by Michael Lundmark and Josh Rachel, the brewery opened its first location in Alpharetta, Georgia, in 2013, proudly becoming the city's first brewery. Their name pays homage to the rich brewing history of the Deep South, specifically Jekyll Island, where the first brewery in the region was established in 1738. Jekyll Brewing is known for its core lineup, which includes the flagship Hop Dang Diggity Southern IPA (the base for the Pineapple Habanero variant) and the popular American Brown Ale, Cooter Brown. Their commitment to quality and innovation has earned them significant recognition, including a GABF Gold medal for their American Pilsener.
- Founders: Michael Lundmark and Josh Rachel
- Established: 2012 (opened 2013)
- Original Location: Alpharetta, Georgia
- Flagship Beer: Hop Dang Diggity Southern IPA
- Core Styles: American IPA, Brown Ale, Pilsner
- Noteworthy Achievement: GABF Gold Medal Winner
The Anatomy of the Pineapple Habanero Hop Dang Diggity IPA
What makes this particular beer a must-try for adventurous drinkers is its masterful balance of seemingly contradictory flavors: the tropical sweetness of pineapple and the intense heat of habanero peppers. It is an infusion that transforms the standard American IPA into a unique, full-bodied experience.
1. The Base: Hop Dang Diggity Southern IPA
The foundation of this beer is Jekyll’s highly-rated Hop Dang Diggity IPA. This base provides a robust, hop-forward character with a significant bitterness (74 IBU) and a respectable 6.7% ABV. It features a blend of bright, dank, and earthy hop notes, setting the stage for the fruit and heat additions. The base beer is a classic example of a Southern-style IPA—a little bolder and often more balanced than its West Coast counterparts.
2. The Tropical Sweetness: Pineapple
The infusion of refreshing pineapple is the first flavor to hit the palate. It delivers a silky, sweet note that is immediately tropical and slightly tart, acting as a perfect counterpoint to the hop bitterness. This fruit addition mellows the aggressive IPA characteristics and creates a surprisingly smooth mouthfeel, often described as having soft notes of toasted coconut and bright citrus.
3. The Fiery Kick: Habanero Pepper
This is where the beer earns its notoriety. The habanero pepper is added with precision to ensure a touch of heat without overwhelming the entire beverage. Upon the first sip, the heat is subtle—a gentle warmth that builds in the finish and lingers on the back of the throat. It is a carefully controlled burn that enhances the tropical flavors rather than destroying them, creating a truly unique flavor entity that few other beers attempt to replicate. For those who crave more intensity, Jekyll has even released an XTRA HOT version in the past.
Current Status and Why It's a Limited-Release Legend (2025 Update)
The question of the beer’s availability is a constant source of discussion among craft beer fans. Is the Jekyll Pineapple Habanero Hop Dang Diggity IPA a year-round staple or a seasonal treat? The answer is complex, which only adds to its legendary status.
Limited Release and Seasonal Availability: The beer is consistently referred to as a "popular spin" or a "limited beer" on the original Hop Dang Diggity recipe. This suggests that it is not a year-round offering but is brewed in batches, often coinciding with warmer months when tropical and spicy flavors are most sought after. While some older records suggest the beer is "no longer being produced" by the brewery, recent 2024 and 2025 menu listings from retailers and bars in the Georgia area continue to show the Pineapple Habanero Hop Dang Diggity IPA as available.
The Verdict: For the most up-to-date information, enthusiasts should check with local Georgia retailers, specialty liquor stores, and the Jekyll Brewing taprooms directly. Its intermittent availability makes it a highly sought-after commodity. When you see it, you should buy it, as it might be gone tomorrow.
Tasting Notes: A Journey from Sweetness to Spice
Drinking the Jekyll Pineapple Habanero Hop Dang Diggity IPA is a multi-sensory experience that unfolds in layers. It is a perfect example of a beer that is greater than the sum of its parts, offering a complex profile that is both refreshing and invigorating.
- Aroma: The nose is dominated by a mix of bright, tropical fruit and dank, earthy hop aromas. There is a faint, sweet tartness that hints at the pineapple.
- Appearance: It pours a clear golden-amber color, typical of an American IPA, with a thin, quickly dissipating head.
- Initial Taste: The first sip is a wave of silky, sweet pineapple juice and a strong, bitter hop presence. The malt backbone is present but subtle, allowing the fruit and hops to shine.
- Mid-Palate: The tropical flavors intensify, often with a subtle note of toasted coconut. The 74 IBU is noticeable but is expertly balanced by the fruit.
- The Finish: The climax is the habanero heat. It is not an immediate blast, but rather a slow, creeping warmth that settles in the back of the throat. This heat is clean and pepper-forward, without the vegetal or green flavor sometimes found in chili beers. It leaves a lingering, spicy-sweet tropical finish.
This beer is a true testament to the creative spirit of craft brewing, blending the familiar comfort of a classic American IPA with the exotic, bold flavors of capsaicin and tropical fruit. It is a perfect beer for pairing with spicy foods, BBQ, or simply enjoying on a warm day, proving that a little bit of heat can make a beer—and a legend—unforgettable.
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