Welcome back beer lovers. We started the year with our equivalent of ‘dry January’ but there are still more low and no alcohol beers to be reviewed…
A sure sign that low or zero alcohol beers are becoming accepted as a distinct entity, rather than a just a regular beer de-alcoholised, is the brewing of the likes of this beer. It utilises 7 hops and 7 grains, note that is not 7 types of barley, but reading the label, 7 different grains. I’ve tasted beers containing rye, oats and corn (maize) before, I think most of us drinkers will have, but never all together. Entirely new for me is millet, a staple grain used to make a porridge in parts of Africa but food for budgerigars in the UK. So an interesting drop awaits, the question being will I be headbutting my mirror or chirping with delight later?
- Name : 7 hop 7 grain DDH IPA
- Brewery: Brewed at De Proefcrouwerij, Lochristi, Belgium for Brulo, Edinburgh
- Hops : Not stated other than 7 used and DDH
- Grain : Barley malt, wheat malt, rye malt, oats, rice, millet and corn
- Aroma : Floral with hints of tropical fruit
- Appearance : Very pale straw, showing a touch of haze and producing a white head
- Body : Medium bodied, medium carbonated with some head retention
- Taste : Subtle tropical fruits, which develop into a pleasant musky flavour on the palate like guava. Dry with a distinctly bitter edge to the finish, but without being harsh on the aftertaste
- Dietary restrictions : Allergens highlighted and suitable for vegans
Clearly you don’t need alcohol to produce a beer with some complexity, as layers are revealed with each sip. Very soft on the palate and something of a thirst quencher even though it is quite bitter. This is not a ‘I’m driving’ substitute, but a quality beer I would choose anytime.
A very nice low alcohol beer that I would be more than happy to drink again.
Peter’s overall rating: 3.6/ 5.0
The|Eternal|Hoptimitsts 