Poolside DDH IPA
IPA,  Review

Big Drop Brewing’s Poolside DDH IPA: A Refreshing Take on Alcohol-Free Craft Beer 

A classic hop-fest that fuses tropical flavours to recreate the intensity of a double IPA” Big Drop Brewing

About Big Drop Brewing

Big Drop Brewing Co. has become a trailblazer in the alcohol-free beer world, proving that cutting back on alcohol doesn’t mean compromising on flavour. Founded in 2016 by Rob Fink and James Kindred in the UK, Big Drop focuses exclusively on brewing 0.5% ABV beers using a unique process that avoids removing alcohol after fermentation.

This method helps preserve the full-bodied taste and aroma beer lovers expect. From the award-winning Paradiso Citra IPA to the rich and roasty Galactic Milk Stout, Big Drop consistently delivers brews that could fool even seasoned drinkers into thinking they’re full-strength.

With a growing international presence and a reputation for creativity, Big Drop continues to redefine what alcohol-free beer can be.

Introducing Poolside DDH IPA

Poolside DDH IPA is one of Big Drop Brewing’s most popular creations, showcasing the brewery’s talent for crafting full-flavoured beers without the alcohol. 

The name comes from the “double dry-hopping” technique, which adds extra layers of hop aroma and fruitiness, resulting in a beer that’s bright, tropical, and unmistakably summery. 

Sitting at just 0.5% ABV, it’s designed for easy drinking and relaxed occasions the kind of beer that fits perfectly with Big Drop’s mission to make alcohol-free options that don’t feel like a compromise.

Info

Name – Poolside DDH IPA
Brewer – Big Drop Brewing
Type – IPA
Alcohol Content –  <0.5% 
Calories – 27.2 kcal per 100 ml
Ingredients – Water, Barley, Wheat, Lactose (Milk), Hops, Yeast
DDH Hops – Azacca, Chinook, Mosaic, Motueka
Country – UK
Format – 330 ml Can
Availability – Online retailers and numerous supermarkets

Tasting Notes

Aroma: An Appealing light fruity aroma hits you when opening the can

Appearance: A small head forms which disappears fairly quickly, leaving a fairly lifeless looking beer

Taste & Mouthfeel: on tasting the beer was very interesting, at first I found it hard to get a grip on, but as I tasted I found the beer had a lovely complex hoppy/malty flavour, complemented nicely by a fruity mango subtext.

Even though after pouring my first impression was that the beer looked pretty lifeless, it actually has a lively mouthfeel, which complements the complex flavour 

Final Verdict

Though initially subtle, Poolside DDH IPA grows more enjoyable with every sip. Its layered hop character, balanced by gentle fruity notes, makes it a standout in the alcohol-free craft scene. It’s the kind of beer you can easily imagine sipping by the pool — or anywhere you want something bright, flavourful, and refreshing.

⭐ Ratings

Aroma 4.1

Taste 4.2

Drinkablility 4.2

Overall Score: 4.2/5

GOOD/BAD

👍 What I Liked
Lovely, complex hoppy flavour
Great Mango under tone
Very Refreshing
👎 What Could Be Better
Nothing really

Tried Pool Side DDH yourself? Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts — and don’t forget to check out more alcohol-free beer reviews here at ModestDrinker.com.