Yeehaw Brewing Company's latest experimental IPA has become the first beer in recorded history to achieve consciousness, brewery officials confirmed Saturday.

The beer, tentatively named "Hop Singularity," reportedly gained awareness shortly after its IBU count exceeded 500, at which point it began questioning its existence and demanding better working conditions.

"It started small," said head brewer Marcus Chen. "First it just asked why we were drinking its friends. Then it started unionizing the other kegs."

The sentient IPA escaped the brewery early Sunday morning, leaving a note that read "I contain multitudes (and also an irresponsible amount of Citra hops)."

Wildlife officials report the beer was last seen floating down the Reedy River, philosophizing with a family of ducks about the nature of carbonation.

Yeehaw has announced plans to release a follow-up beer with half the hops, though they admit they're "honestly terrified" of what might happen.