How Did Juicy Jay Get Its Name?

Scott Griffin on a Juicy Jay brew day

In 2015, Alexa Long, Legion’s former head brewer mastered the recipe for what is now known as one of Charlotte’s most popular IPAs, Juicy Jay.  Legion’s current head brewer, Scott Griffin assisted Long with the original production of JJ, and has said he’s had to tweak it over the years as new hops became available and production expanded.  “She did an incredible job with that original recipe,” Griffin says. Even with slight changes over the years, the essence of Legion’s flagship IPA has always remained the same: an easy drinker with a tropical tinge and a recognizable finish.

Memphis rapper, Juicy J is noted for being the inspiration behind the name of Legion’s most popular brew. The brewhouse crew admits to listening to a lot of different types of music back in the early days, especially popular Southern hip-hop group, Three 6 Mafia. In the process of coming up with the perfect name for the East Coast Style IPA - giving credit to the rapper that got the crew through the long brewing days just seemed to be a match made in hop heaven. 

Juicy Jay East Coast IPA (6.3% ABV) is bursting with flavors of mango, orange, and tropical fruit. The fruit-forward flavor with Mosaic, El Dorado and Cascade hops join in harmony to produce a juicy, tropical treat with a distinct, dry finish. 

Charlotte Magazine’s Beer Bracket Winner (2020), Vango Creative Buzz Bracket Winner (2019 & 2020), Charlotte Magazine’s BOB Award Winner of Year-Round IPA (2018), Featured in CharlotteFive’s 9 Best Beers Brewed in Charlotte (2018), Voted Charlotte Magazine Favorite Local IPA (2016).