Weekend Project Dawn Wall IPA Review: A Hoppy, Refreshing Alcohol-Free IPA

Weekend Project is a UK craft brewery with a growing range of beers, from pale ales and IPAs to more experimental brews. They’ve also been getting involved in the alcohol-free scene, and Dawn Wall is their second collaboration with We Can Be Friends, the brewery specialising in modern alcohol-free beer.

Dawn Wall is a 0.5% ABV IPA brewed with Dolcita and Mosaic Cryo hops, bringing a hazy, danker take on the style. The idea is to deliver a more modern, hop-forward beer, with the sort of fruity character that makes IPAs so popular. It follows their earlier collaboration, False Summit, and looks like an interesting addition to the alcohol-free IPA lineup.

With its refreshing flavour, good mouthfeel and a little extra sweetness, Dawn Wall is a beer that offers plenty to enjoy. So, let’s crack open a can and see what this Weekend Project collaboration has to offer.

Tasting Notes 

Aroma

There’s a lovely hoppy aroma as soon as the can is opened, with a malty background and a hint of mango. It’s not the sort of beer that needs much encouragement to get your attention. The tropical fruit note gives it a nice lift, while the maltiness adds a little extra depth.

Appearance

Dawn Wall pours nicely, leaving a bright, lively-looking beer in the glass. There’s a good level of carbonation, and the appearance is inviting without being overly showy. It looks like a beer that’s ready to get stuck into.

Taste & Mouthfeel

The first sip brings a nice, complex flavour, with refreshing mango coming through alongside the hoppy character. There’s more going on here than you might expect from a 0.5% IPA, and the tropical fruit gives it a satisfying freshness.

The carbonation is spot on, helping to keep the beer lively without making it feel too fizzy. It also has a good density, giving it a pleasing mouthfeel that feels more substantial than some alcohol-free beers.

For me, the main downside is the sweetness. It’s not enough to spoil the beer, but there’s a noticeable sweet aftertaste that lingers a little longer than I’d prefer. A touch more bitterness or a drier finish would make it even better, especially for anyone who likes their IPAs on the crisp, hop-forward side.

Final Verdict

Dawn Wall is a very good alcohol-free IPA, and one I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a refreshing beer with a bit of character. The mango flavour, lively carbonation and satisfying mouthfeel make it an enjoyable drink, while the depth of flavour is a real positive for a 0.5% beer.

The only real negative for me is the slightly sweet aftertaste. It’s a personal preference, and it certainly doesn’t ruin the beer, but a drier finish would have pushed this review score a little higher.

There’s also a small-batch feel to this collaboration, and it seems to be currently out of stock. Hopefully, Weekend Project and We Can Be Friends will brew it again soon, because Dawn Wall is well worth seeking out if you get the chance.