Wild Beer Co Grapefruit IPA Soda

Although mixing pale ales with citrus is by no means a new thing, the combination is one that can still surprise and satisfy. There's something about the mature 'hoppiness' of an IPA and the refreshing brightness of grapefruit or lemon that can combine to form something greater than the sum of its parts.

The Wild Beer Co.'s Grapefruit IPA Soda unfortunately doesn't hit the mark. There's suspiciously little aroma coming out of the can to begin with. Whilst both hops and grapefruit are present, neither sings. There is much more body on tasting but it's delivered with such sweetness that your teeth will be furring up on introduction. Whilst there are no artificial sweeteners involved here the 3.7% white grape concentrate is the culprit, and it's a shame, because it muddies and masks the otherwise fresh and fragrant potential of the ingredients.

What we have doesn't satisfy as a light, drinkable summer soft-drink, nor a deep and satisfying beer alternative: fruity but not fresh, hoppy but not a full-bodied beer.