This beer from Cromarty Brewing Co. in Scotland is one of the last I have that aren’t barrel aged (saving those for a special occasion). Raptor is part of the core can range offered by the brewery and is a 5.5% IPA using Simcoe and Ekuanot, but with a focus on the later. Previous beers from their core range have been very lovely so was very much looking forward to this even without the inciting can design.

Visually the beer has a slightly hazy golden pour to it with a lovely thick, white head. There is a great fruity aroma of mandarin as well as your other classic citrus notes of grapefruit and lemon zest. There is a base fruity, juicy flavour while also providing a dry, hoppiness throughout the body. A citrus bitterness that isn’t overpowering and still provides from some lovely, smooth drinking.

A quick note on the can art: I really like the style Cromarty go for with these core range designs. The raptor on the front is incredibly detailed. Also purple is a colour not used enough on beer cans, although that might be my bias with it being my favourite colour.

A classic, solid, easy drinking IPA from Cromarty. The Simcoe hops provide the fruitiness to help balance that great hop bitterness you get from Ekuanot, a hop I tend not to see very often. A proper IPA at the intended ABV of between 5-6% is actually a refreshing break from the heavier stuff I usually end up trying without compromising on flavour, which can happen with session beers.

Score: 7.5/10

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Additional Information:

• Hops: Simcoe, Ekuanot
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: Not Available
• ABV: 5.5%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!