Jump Ship Harlequin IPA Review – A Proper Hoppy Alcohol-Free Treat

Setting Sail Again with Jump Ship

If there’s one thing we’ve discovered from our previous encounters with Jump Ship Brewing, it’s that these guys know a thing or two about making a decent alcohol-free beer. Based in Scotland, Jump Ship has built a reputation for producing proper craft beer without the alcohol, and it’s certainly a brewery that’s becoming a familiar name here at Modest Drinker.

Founded by Sonja Mitchell in 2019, Jump Ship was born out of a simple frustration: finding an alcohol-free beer that could match the flavour and character of the Scottish craft beers she loved. Rather than settle for the usual alternatives, Sonja decided to take matters into her own hands and set sail on a mission to make better alcohol-free beer. Thankfully, it’s a voyage that’s been going rather well!

We’ve already had a look at three of their beers here on the blog. There’s Jackstaff IPA, which brought a proper craft IPA feel to the alcohol-free party, Yardarm Lager, their flagship lager, and Stoker’s Stout, which showed that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a darker, richer beer. Three very different styles, but all demonstrating the variety Jump Ship is bringing to the alcohol-free market.

This time we’re heading back to the Jump Ship fleet to take a look at Harlequin IPA, part of their Dazzle Ship series of hop-focused IPAs. This beer celebrates the British Harlequin hop, a modern variety known for its bold tropical fruit character, with flavours and aromas associated with pineapple, citrus marmalade and sweet fruit.

It’s another interesting addition to the ever-growing alcohol-free IPA scene and a chance to see what a little British hop innovation can bring to the party. With three Jump Ship beers already under our belts, it’s time to climb aboard once again and see what Harlequin has to offer. All aboard!

The Beer – Jump Ship Harlequin IPA

Tasting Notes 

Aroma

There’s a lovely fresh, hoppy aroma as soon as you open the can. It’s inviting without being overpowering, with a noticeable hint of pineapple coming through. It gives you a good indication of what’s to come and certainly gets the taste buds going.

Appearance

Pouring into the glass, Harlequin produces a decent head that initially sits nicely before gradually fading away. What’s left is an attractive, rich amber-coloured beer that looks every bit the part of a traditional IPA.

It’s got that appealing craft beer appearance, and there’s certainly nothing here that gives away its alcohol-free credentials.

Taste & Mouthfeel

This is where Harlequin really starts to impress. There’s a surprising depth to the flavour, with the Harlequin hops bringing plenty of character and a lovely complexity. The tropical fruit notes are present without dominating, with a subtle undercurrent of pineapple rounding things off nicely.

It’s not a one-dimensional, overly fruity IPA either. There’s enough going on to keep things interesting, and the different flavours come together to give the beer a nicely rounded character.

The carbonation deserves a mention too. There’s a good level of fizz that gives the beer a little bite, lifting the flavours and helping to create a really enjoyable mouthfeel. Combined with that depth of flavour, it makes for a refreshing and satisfying drink.

Final Verdict

Having already sampled a few beers from the Jump Ship range, I was looking forward to getting my hands on Harlequin, and I’m pleased to say it hasn’t disappointed.

This is another cracking addition to their line-up. There’s good complexity, plenty of flavour and a refreshing character that makes it very easy to enjoy. The combination of the Harlequin hops, subtle pineapple notes and lively carbonation works particularly well.

Perhaps most impressively, it’s genuinely difficult to tell that this is an alcohol-free beer. At 0.5% ABV, it delivers the sort of flavour and drinking experience you’d hope for from a decent IPA, without feeling like it’s missing something along the way.

Jump Ship have done another good job here, and Harlequin is definitely a beer I’d happily go back to. That’s four positive experiences with the brewery now, so they’re certainly building a decent track record on the blog!

Definitely one to climb aboard for.

The Modest Drinker verdict: Another strong showing from Jump Ship Brewing. If you enjoy a flavour-packed IPA and are looking for an alcohol-free alternative, Harlequin is well worth trying.