Being a runner-up isn't a lot of fun. Fortunately, there's a beer for that, and it smells just like Columbus. Stone Brewing Co. considered Columbus for its planned $31 million East Coast brewery but chose Richmond, Va., as its dance partner. The California craft brewer has fulfilled its promise to say thanks for the local effort to woo the company and has put some special Gratitude IPA on a truck headed for Columbus.

Being a runner-up isn't a lot of fun. Fortunately, there's a beer for that, and it smells just like Columbus.

Stone Brewing Co. considered Columbus for its planned $31 million East Coast brewery but chose Richmond, Va., as its dance partner.

But Stone isn't some callous suitor. The California craft brewer has fulfilled its promise to say thanks for the local effort to woo the company and has put some special Gratitude IPA on a truck headed for Columbus.

The imperial wheat India pale ale will be available only on tap and only in central Ohio. The imperial designation means this is big beer at 8.2 percent alcohol by volume.

"When asked if we could brew a special beer for the amazing beer lovers in Columbus, Ohio, we immediately said, 'Yes!'??" said Mitch Steele, Stone brewmaster. "We sincerely hope that Columbus residents enjoy this beer as a token of our thanks and gratitude for showing so much enthusiasm for Stone Brewing Co."

The beer should arrive this week and is available to bars served by Cavalier Distributing.

"Our understanding is there is a lot of this stuff coming," Cavalier posted on its Facebook page. "So ask your favorite bar, restaurant, taproom and growler fillers to get an order in! We can't wait to taste it!"

The IPA is made with Columbus hops along with several other types. Stone said this beer is the first for which the brewer has dry-hopped a beer with Columbus hops. Dry hopping involves adding hops to the beer while it is fermenting. Usually, hops are added during the boil to bring bitterness to beer. Dry hopping allows the hops to add aroma and a more delicate flavor.

So basically, Gratitude IPA smells like Columbus - the hops, that is.

"This was the first chance for us to really showcase Columbus in a dry hop," Steele said, "and its flavors are readily apparent in this beer, with lots of citrusy and piney goodness."

jmalone@dispatch.com