Take a detour with this super easy drinking pale. Crammed full of tropical fruit and citrus flavours with a crisp, balanced bitterness.

The Regulars had the opportunity to sample this n bottles and cans. On balance, the bottled version was marginally preferred as it seemed to hold the head longer. Further scientific analysis is required to determine whether this was related to temperature effects.

Can:  Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.3 / 5)

Bottle: Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.5 / 5)

An amped-up version of Burghfest award-winning Shadow of the Beast. Bigger, bolder, badder!

Expect a balance of roast malt flavours with a blackcurrant undertone before a big hit of citrus hops washes over the palate.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling) (4.3 / 5)

A collaboration between Scotland’s BrewDog and London’s Cloudwater breweries! This New England IPA is a juicy, hoppy brew, showcasing US hops alongside wheat and oats. If tropical fruit and bitter hops are your kind of thing, this certainly will be too!

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling: (3.8 / 5)

A special collaboration between neighbours Siren Craft Brew and Elusive Brewing. As Andy from Elusive has been campaigning so successfully for #BIPACOMEBACK, it was an easy decision to collaborate on a Black IPA. A carefully considered selection of malts balances perfectly with complementary hops, leaving this beer buzzing in vibrant orange, pine and berry aromas.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling: (4 / 5)

Now it’s back – with a burst of tangerine and orange blossom in the aroma. This is repeated in the flavour with orange, grapefruit, and pine overlaying a base of malt biscuits. Smooth on the palate, the beer has a firm bitterness upfront which lingers on the finish.

… and no hammer and nails required.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling) (3 / 5)

Parka – 4.5% ABV and Harpers Arms old favourite,

Physiological Needs – 5.4% ABV Pale Ale. Citra, Comet and Centennial hops.

Keith on Banjo – 6.5% ABV IPA. Dry hopped with Vic Secret and BRU-1,

Judith on Tambourine – 7.2% ABV IPA.  Big tropical nose from the Galaxy, Citra and Mosaic hops.

How often do they update the internet? – 7.3% ABV. West Coast IPA. A single Hop Showcase of Columbus

The common consensus was that it was a great selection of beers with Judith coming out on top and perhaps Physiological Needs could do with some refining.

The Harper Arms Regulars couldn’t resist the opportunity to compare nitro against classic carbonation for this Red IPA.

Our verdict will be announced shortly. Assuming that we can remember it after drinking these all evening…

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):  

Classic (3.8 / 5)

Nitro (3 / 5)

HOPS: Idaho 7, Citra, Cryo Ekuanot

An awesome beer from this new Reading brewery.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (5 / 5)

Instamatic is a Spring loaded, zesty IPA. As fresh as a Bel-Air morning. Tropical fruit aromas are rapidly pursued by pineapple, mango and lemon with floral undertones on the palate. Built from the ground up on a solid caramel malt superstructure. Wheat allows for a super smooth delivery. And a pronounced bitterness lingers to the end. Refreshing, fresh and fruity.

Instamatic – Rejuvinate your senses.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.8 / 5)

ABV 7.5%

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):   (0.5 / 5)