Drop Bear Tropical IPA Review: A Fruity, Alcohol-Free West Coast Winner

Manufacturer Description

“A fruity IPA packing a hoppy punch. Our 0.5% ABV Tropical IPA provides notes of citrus and tropical fruits for a balanced bitter finish. Hoppy, tropical, punchy. – Drop Bear Beer co.

About Drop Bear Beer Co.

Drop Bear Beer Co. is a trailblazing Welsh brewery focused exclusively on alcohol-free craft beer. Founded in 2019 by married couple Joelle and Sarah Drummond, the brand emerged from a kitchen experiment with a dream: to brew non-alcoholic beers full of flavour and free from compromise.

In 2021, the company made the switch from bottles to cans, enhancing recyclability and reducing its carbon footprint. This move aligned with their ambition to become Wales’ first B Corp™ brewery goal they successfully achieved.

In January 2024, Drop Bear launched the UK’s largest alcohol-free brewery in Swansea, with a production capacity of up to 25 million cans annually. Their ethical and sustainable approach, combined with standout beers, has earned them industry acclaim and a loyal following.

Introducing Drop Bear Tropical IPA

Launched in 2019, Drop Bear Tropical IPA is a West Coast-style IPA brewed to a 0.5% ABV. It’s dry-hopped with a punchy blend of Simcoe, Ekuanot, El Dorado, and Citra hops. Expect big tropical aromas and bright notes of passionfruit, stone fruit, and citrus, all balanced with a classic hoppy bitterness.

🏅 Awards:

• 🥇 Gold Medal – 2020 Imbibe Low & No Taste Awards (Best Alcohol-Free IPA)
• 🥉 Bronze Medal – 2021 European Beer Challenge

My Review: First Sip Impressions 

Aroma

Light and fruity with subtle hoppy undertones inviting, if a little muted 

Appearance

This pour didn’t form much of a head and appeared slightly flat. However, the deep orange-red hue is visually appealing, somewhat reminiscent of Lucozade. 

Taste & Mouthfeel

From the first sip, it’s clear this is a fruit-forward IPA. I picked up vibrant notes of mango, tangerine, and kiwi, with a solid hoppy foundation. The mouthfeel is smooth and pleasant, though the beer could use a bit more carbonation. It leaned slightly watery for my taste, with a sweet, lingering finish. 

Verdict

Drop Bear Tropical IPA is a fun, flavourful introduction to the Drop Bear range. While my can may have been slightly under-carbonated, the overall experience was enjoyable and the tropical hop combo definitely stood out. Based on other reviews, it sounds like fizz isn’t normally an issue, so I’m keen to revisit this beer.

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic IPA with big fruit notes and great drinkability, this is a solid pick.

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