I have a big backlog of beers at the moment and I’ve bumped this one up the review queue for two main reasons. Firstly, it’s another Lidl Beer Fest brew. Secondly, check out that glass! I am so lucky to be surrounded by some amazing friends, two of which sent me this incredible engraved stem glass under my Instagram handle. I couldn’t wait for the other 4 unwritten reviews to go up to use it! The inaugural beer in this amazing glass is Stewart Brewing’s Galaxy and Amarillo hopped New England IPA, hopefully it’s as good as it’s vessel.

Visually the beer has all the makings of a good NEIPA. A straw colour with a very deep haze to it. The nose of the beer is quite light but the aroma of pineapple chunks certainly comes through. On the taste, there are heavy stone fruits, particularly peach in my opinion but also a very strong hop to it which I really like. The beer itself has a low carbonation which actually works well. It makes for an easy drinking and fresh beer. Looking at the back of the can suggests a soft mouth feel which I totally agree with in retrospect.

A quick note on the can art: A multicoloured weaving pattern that I really like. The simple branding and beer information down the middle of the can is really well positioned I think. Simple but effective.

How Lidl have afforded to sell this quality craft beer at these prices I don’t know. It’s another really good beer and a lovely break-in for the new glass. Really drinkable and light in a world where NEIPAs are on the heavier ABV side. I’ve got a couple from Stewart Brewing from the fest and this has certainly got me looking forward to the others!

Score: 8/10

Thanks for reading! Cheers!

Additional Information:

• Hops: Galaxy and Amarillo
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: Not Available
• ABV: 5.3%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!
• Purchase Price: £1.79
• Purchase Location: Lidl