Brulo 7 Hop 7 Grain DDH IPA Review: A Bold, Alcohol-Free Craft Beer with Real Bite

Manufacturer Description

“Seven fresh and aromatic hops meet seven unique grains. Smooth mouthfeel with an assertive bitterness, double dry hopped for a dank beer with lush tropical fruit notes” – Brulo Beer.

About BRULO

Brulo is a pioneering alcohol-free craft brewery founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2019 by James Brown. Known for its bold, hop-forward beers and eye-catching branding, Brulo focuses exclusively on 0.0% ABV brewing using modern techniques, natural vegan ingredients, and innovative yeast strains to create beers that rival their alcoholic counterparts.

With standout ranges like their Single Hop and Double Dry Hopped (DDH) series including the flagship Lust for Life DDH IPA Brulo has built an international following across seven countries. Their distinctive design features an all-seeing eye inspired by 1960s Japanese art, symbolising clarity and presence. Notably, in 2024, Brulo became one of the first breweries to adopt a Bitcoin treasury policy underscoring its forward-thinking approach.

Introducing BRULO 7 Hop 7 Grain IPA

This 0.0% ABV IPA is the jewel in Brulo’s DDH series. As the name suggests, it’s brewed with a complex blend of seven hops inclusion Nelson Sauvin, Sabro, Simcoe, Azacca, Citra, Columbus, and Mosaicalongside seven grains, including Pilsner malt, wheat, oats, rye, flaked rice, millet, and flaked corn.

The result? A hazy, hop-saturated, flavour-rich alcohol-free beer that won Overall Best Beer and a Gold Medal at the World Alcohol-Free Awards 2023.

My Review: First Sip Impressions 

Aroma

The nose is subtle but layered offering soft tropical fruit notes backed by a grassy, slightly piney hop aroma and a warm malt base. There’s a refreshing brightness to the bouquet that hints at what’s to come.

Appearance

It pours a pale, hazy straw yellow with a modest white head that fades quickly. While the foam is short-lived, the unfiltered appearance gives it an inviting, craft-brewed character.

Taste & Mouthfeel

Up front, this is boldly hoppy. Citrus zest, passionfruit, and pine are the stars here, with a juicy bitterness that makes it feel closer to a West Coast IPA than your average AF option. The seven grains bring depth think gentle toast, oat creaminess, a hint of rye spice.

The mouthfeel is lightly carbonated with a crisp bite. There’s a long, dry finish and a moderate bitterness that lingers just enough to remind you it’s a proper IPA, not a watered-down imitation.

Verdict

Brulo 7 Hop 7 Grain DDH IPA is an excellent introduction to the alcohol-free craft beer scene. It’s flavour-forward, refreshingly complex, and doesn’t compromise on depth or bitterness.

While the lingering bitter finish may not suit every palate, hop lovers will appreciate the boldness and layered profile. As my first foray into Brulo’s lineup, it left a great impression and I’ll definitely be coming back to explore more from this boundary-pushing brewery.

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