Recently, we’ve been keeping a close eye on Stroud Brewery, the eco-friendly brewery from Gloucestershire that’s been making waves with its organic, sustainably brewed beers. After reviewing their Budding Pale Ale in our previous video, we were excited to dive into something a little different… Stroud Brewery IPA.
First Impressions of Stroud Brewery IPA
Like the Pale Ale, Stroud Brewery IPA comes in a beautifully designed can, this time swapping green for blue. It pours with the same clarity and vibrancy, looking every bit as inviting as its predecessor. Just a small tip if you grab a can yourself: Stroud beers can be lively, so give it a gentle tap on the top and sides to avoid any fizz surprises!
Aroma & Nose
On the nose, the IPA immediately surprised us. Unlike many IPAs that hit you with sharp hoppiness or bitterness, this one is subtle and complex. There’s an earthy creaminess, a touch of freshness, and an almost fruity aroma that brings raspberries, strawberries, apples, and citrus to mind. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle of scents; delicate, nuanced, and very different from the traditional IPA profile we expected.
Taste & Texture
Taking a sip, the surprises continued. This IPA is wonderfully juicy and smooth, with layers of fruit that almost remind us of a dessert trifle or even a fruity smoothie, certainly an intriguing style of beer. Despite being 5.6% ABV, it feels light and approachable, and the creamy mouthfeel makes it an absolute pleasure to drink.
One thing to note: if you’re expecting the usual bitter, hoppy punch of an IPA, you might be thrown off at first. But this is a positive difference. The balance of malt and subtle fruitiness gives it a unique character that stands out in the crowded IPA market.
Our Verdict on Stroud Brewery IPA
We thoroughly enjoyed this IPA. It’s refreshing, fruity, and smooth. A beer you could easily sip over an afternoon with friends without feeling overwhelmed by bitterness. While it doesn’t hit the classic IPA notes of heavy hops and bitterness, that’s exactly what makes it stand out. It’s a modern, approachable IPA that’s as surprising as it is delicious.
Final Thoughts
Stroud Brewery continues to impress with its commitment to quality, flavour, and sustainability. Whether you’re an IPA lover looking for something different or just exploring eco-friendly craft beers, this brew is well worth a try.Stay tuned! We’ll soon be sampling Stroud’s Dark Skies Stout, and we can’t wait to see what surprises it has in store!
