BRULO Lust For Life IPA Review – A Bold Alcohol-Free IPA That Actually Feels Craft

There’s something refreshing happening in the world of alcohol-free beer, and BRULO feels right at the centre of it. Founded in Edinburgh with a mission to prove that AF beer doesn’t have to be bland, cautious or compromise-heavy, BRULO has built a reputation around bold flavours, modern branding and beers that genuinely feel crafted for IPA lovers first not just people avoiding alcohol. 

Their flagship brew, Lust For Life DDH IPA, captures that energy perfectly. Double dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe, it leans hard into juicy tropical notes, citrus punch and that satisfying piney bitterness IPA fans chase after. But more than anything, it’s just a fun beer to drink hazy, vibrant and full of personality without taking itself too seriously.

What makes BRULO stand out is how naturally it fits into modern drinking culture. Whether it’s a midweek fridge filler, a post-run can, or something to crack open at a barbecue without slowing the night down, Lust For Life feels designed for people who still love beer culture just with a little more balance thrown in. It’s no surprise the brewery has become one of the names most often mentioned when people talk about the new wave of genuinely exciting alcohol-free craft beer.

Tasting Review: Aroma, Appearance & Drinkability

Aroma

Straight away you get hit with bright citrus and tropical fruit on the nose. There’s plenty of mango and grapefruit coming through, backed up by a slightly piney hop aroma that gives it that classic craft IPA feel. It smells fresh, lively and far more expressive than a lot of alcohol-free beers manage to be.

Appearance

Pouring into the glass, Lust For Life has a hazy golden appearance with a soft white head that sticks around nicely. It looks exactly how you’d want a modern IPA to look cloudy, vibrant and full of life. Plenty of carbonation keeps it looking crisp and refreshing from start to finish.

Taste & Mouthfeel

The flavour leans heavily into juicy tropical fruit, with mango and citrus leading the way before the hoppy bitterness kicks in. The hop profile gives it a genuine IPA character without becoming too aggressive or overpowering.

There’s also a nice balance to the beer. The carbonation adds a refreshing bite and keeps everything feeling light and easy-drinking, while the body has enough weight to stop it feeling watery something alcohol-free IPAs can sometimes struggle with.

The overall vibe reminded me a little of Beavertown Neck Oil, especially in how approachable and sessionable it feels. It’s crisp, modern and incredibly drinkable, though there is a slightly bitter finish that lingers a touch longer than I’d personally like.

Verdict

BRULO’s Lust For Life is exactly the kind of beer that shows how far alcohol-free craft brewing has come. It delivers proper IPA flavour, a convincing mouthfeel and enough hop character to satisfy craft beer fans without feeling heavy or overly serious.

What stood out most was just how enjoyable and easy it was to drink. In fact, it actually improved as I worked through the can, with the tropical fruit notes becoming more noticeable and balanced over time.

The slight lingering bitterness on the finish may not be for everyone, but it’s a minor complaint in what is otherwise a genuinely impressive alcohol-free IPA. If you’re looking for a modern AF beer that still feels like a “proper” craft brew, Lust For Life absolutely deserves a place in the fridge.

Have you tried BRULO Lust For Life IPA? Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more alcohol-free beer reviews at ModestDrinker.com.