We return to the Lidl range for today’s review. As far as I know they are still available, so dip into the world of craft beer with some great bargains. Another beer from Scottish brewers Drygate, this is a White IPA a style I’m quickly becoming a massive fan of. Coming in at a fairly hefty 6.7% this is ‘Hoppi Polla’.

Visually there is a nice golden colour with a slight haze. Fluffy white head as well. A rather lovely nose with a peaches and cream sort of vibe to it. Certainly heavy on the stone fruits with a slight floral undertone. While the softer wheat beer aspect is present with a slight fruitiness the IPA hop bitterness is incredibly powerful. A lingering bitterness on the finish that while not unpleasant is dominating.

A quick note on the can art: Drygate seem to have a variety of designs or at the very least are in the process of transitioning their designs. I like these abstract cans and the use of reflective surface on the brewery name and ABV is a nice touch.

I’ve had a couple of white IPAs now and have really enjoyed the balance created between the soft, fruity wheat beer and the punchy, hop forward IPA aspects. While this beer is nice and has a solid flavour, for my tastes, there is an imbalance. The bitterness on the end completely dominates the flavour of the beer which, I think, is a shame as the initial aroma sets you up for something different. There is a touch of the orange flavour on the front but it is quickly lost. It’s decent but have had better from both the style and from Drygate Brewing Co.

Score 6/10

Additional Information:

• Hops: Summit, Citra, Galaxy
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: Not Available
• ABV: 6.7%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!
• Purchase Price: £1.49
• Purchase Location: Lidl