There’s something about a good West Coast IPA that just hits differently. That sharp, piney bitterness and citrus zest make it the perfect choice for those who like their beers bold, clean, and unapologetically hop-forward. So, when I spotted Thornbridge x Stone’s West Side Glory on the shelf, I had to give it a go. A collaboration between two heavyweights in the brewing world? Count me in.
In this post, I’ll take you through the story behind West Side Glory, how it pours, what it tastes and smells like, and finally, my verdict (spoiler: this one seriously impressed me—especially for a supermarket beer).
The Backstory: Thornbridge Meets Stone
Thornbridge Brewery, based in Bakewell, Derbyshire, has long been one of the UK’s most respected craft breweries. Known for iconic beers like Jaipur and Kipling, they’ve built a reputation on quality, consistency, and a willingness to innovate. On the other side of the pond, Stone Brewing out of California has been flying the flag for big, bold American IPAs since the 1990s. Their hop-forward beers helped shape the craft beer scene in the US.
So, when these two decided to team up, it felt like a match made in IPA heaven. The result? West Side Glory, a 7.0% West Coast IPA that aims to marry the best of both worlds. Brewed with a punchy lineup of hops—Centennial, Cryo Citra, Cryo Idaho 7, HBC 586, and HBC 1019—it’s a beer that wears its West Coast inspiration proudly on its sleeve. Released in 2024 as part of a wider Thornbridge collaboration series, it even picked up a Gold Medal at the World Beer Awards. Not bad for a beer you can now pick up at Asda.
The Pour: Crisp, Golden, and Clean
West Side Glory pours exactly how you want a West Coast IPA to pour—clear, golden, and inviting. There’s no hazy juice bomb here; instead, you get a beautiful amber-gold body that sparkles in the glass. The carbonation is lively without being aggressive, lifting a modest white head that settles into a thin but persistent cap. It leaves a bit of lacing on the glass as you sip, a nice little reminder of the clean malt base supporting all that hoppy goodness.
From the moment it hits the glass, it looks like a classic. No fuss, no haze—just crisp clarity and vibrant color. It’s the kind of pour that makes you want to take a big gulp before you even sniff it.
Taste & Aroma: Classic West Coast with a Modern Twist
Stick your nose in and the aroma doesn’t hold back. Right away you’re hit with a blast of grapefruit and pine, that classic old-school West Coast IPA vibe. But there’s more going on under the surface. Thanks to the modern hop combo, you also get subtle hints of tropical fruit—mango, passionfruit, and a bit of melon—alongside a dank, almost herbal edge.
On the palate, it starts bright and bold. Grapefruit peel and lemon pith lead the way, followed by a solid punch of resinous pine that gives the beer its backbone. The bitterness is firm but balanced—not aggressive, just clean and satisfying. There’s a light sweetness from the malt, but it never competes with the hops. Instead, it keeps things smooth and drinkable.
As the beer warms slightly, more of the tropical notes emerge—subtle, not overpowering. And that finish? Dry, crisp, and lingering, with a piney bitterness that invites another sip. At 7%, it’s remarkably easy-drinking, and it manages to stay sharp without feeling abrasive.
This is a beer that delivers on all the West Coast IPA essentials while still feeling fresh and contemporary. It’s complex without being showy—just really well made.
Verdict: A Seriously Impressive Supermarket IPA
I’ll be honest—I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by a supermarket beer, even one with Thornbridge and Stone’s names on the label. But West Side Glory absolutely delivered. It’s the kind of beer that reminds you why the West Coast IPA became a craft classic in the first place. The balance of citrus, pine, and bitterness is spot on, and the added layers of tropical fruit keep things interesting from start to finish.
It’s not trying to reinvent the style—it’s just doing it really, really well. And for something that’s now available in mainstream UK retail, it’s kind of a revelation. We’ve come a long way from bland supermarket lagers, and this is proof that you can get top-tier craft beer on the high street.
My score? 4.5 out of 5. It’s sharp, fresh, and packed with flavor—and honestly, for the price and availability, it’s hard to beat. If you’re a fan of West Coast IPAs, or even just curious about what the fuss is about, this is one worth picking up. Grab it while you can.
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