IT’S CHRISTMAS!!! Technically when this is being written is not Christmas as even amateur beer reviewers deserve to have crimbo off but the sentiment is still there and I hope everyone is having the best Christmas available to them considering the ‘unique’ situation many areas find themselves in. Naturally today’s beer has got to be Christmas themed and I’ve gone for craft beer heavyweights BrewDog. ‘Hoppy Xmas’ is a Festive IPA apparently at surprisingly punchy 6% ABV.

Pours amber, marmalade like colour with a dense white head. Realistically, not too much going on aroma wise, perhaps a touch of grapefruit. A solid tropical flavour that is enhanced by good levels of carbonation pushing the beer around the mouth. It doesn’t taste like a 6% beer but a sharp hoppy bitterness to the finish give you a kick, holding you back from being able to neck the whole brew.

A quick note on the can art: Certainly festive! Christmas colours of gold and red with silver snowflakes falling.

It looks festive but nothing about this beer is remotely Christmasy flavour wise. That said it’s a fairly solid IPA overall if nothing exceptional. Pineapple and citrus are the main flavours and ironically probably more enjoyable in the summer sun. A twist on your classic Punk IPA is the best way to describe this I think.

Score: 7/10

Thanks for reading and have a very hoppy Christmas everyone!!!

Additional Information:

• Hops: Simcoe
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: 70
• ABV: 6%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!
• Purchase Location: BrewDog Web Store