Hop & Hemp Easy Times IPA

Hop & Hemp are the world's first craft beer manufacturers offering low alcohol, low calorie, vegan beers containing cannabis derivative, CBD. Without THC (the part of the cannabis plant that makes you 'high') CBD is believed by some to offer relaxing, wellness inducing properties.

Whilst initially distributed as an oil CBD can now be found in a huge variety of consumable goods from chocolate to breakfast cereal, stamping a distinctive, pungent, grassy signature everywhere it goes. Possible health-benefits aside, often it just doesn't taste good.

Hops and hemp both belong to the same family, Cannabaceae, so it's not surprising that the pairing of the two flavours we have here in this low-alcohol India Pale Ale actually works better than many other pairings. We have a moderately fruity, citrusy fragrance with that familiar hoppy IPA aroma, but it's grounded by the grassy earthiness of the CBD.

A similar flavour profile comes through on tasting, delivered with a sturdy head and relatively strong mouth-feel that is often lacking in low-alcohol beers. This may be in part due to the oiliness of the CBD but perhaps more so the added maltodextrin and agave syrup — presumably introduced to counter the CBD bitterness. Whilst not as clean tasting as many alternative NoLo beers it is relatively satisfying, though it may reduce the appeal of the drink over time.

For fans of CBD (whether for the medicinal properties or the taste) this is a decent low-alcohol IPA.