A incredibly generous friend has meant that I’ve been able to sample one of the UK’s most talked about 2020 beers! BrewDog produced ‘Barnard Castle Eye Test’ after a certain high profile quarantine breach during the first Lockdown. The beer was so popular it sold out very quickly. They’ve done one more release recently during which my friend bought a case. This brilliantly political beer is a Hazy ‘Durham’ IPA (but in actuality a NEIPA) coming in at 6% ABV. Even better all profits from the beer go to the production of free medical grade hand sanitiser.

The beer pours a gorgeously hazy straw gold. Juiced up tropical nose packed with pineapple, mango and passion fruit with a little orange citrus twist mixed in. It has that classic New England IPA flavour with peach and stone fruits at the forefront. The beer has a solid hop throughout and a solid bitter finish that doesn’t become overbearing and distracting. As a result BrewDog have created a very smooth drinking beer.

A quick note on the can art: I think this is brilliant, playing on the eye test theme very well. Writing gets smaller like an eye chart and half way down the can it also becomes blurry.

Putting aside the political humour this is a cracking beer regardless. Although described as a Durham IPA to keep with the running gag this is a NEIPA through and through. Juiced up in both the flavour and the aroma it’s clear to see the theme behind the beer wasn’t the only reason why this got a second batch. It’s light, smooth and drinkable. A little teaser post on Instagram suggested a potential remake, so I look forward to that. Also, according to the can, BrewDog have been able to donate over 400,000 bottles of hand sanitiser, so fair play to them for hitting that achievement.

Score: 8/10

Thanks for reading! Cheers!

Additional Information:

• Hops: Citra BBC
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: 25
• ABV: 6%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!