Brewgooder – Beer That Gives Back
If you’re a fan of craft beer and care about social impact, Brewgooder should already be on your radar. Founded in Scotland in 2016 by Alan Mahon and James Hughes, Brewgooder set out with a unique mission: to use beer to fund clean water projects around the world. Every can purchased contributes to their charitable foundation, which has positively impacted over 150,000 lives globally. With their bold flavors and ethical backbone, Brewgooder offers a guilt-free way to enjoy great beer.
I recently sampled a 4-pack of Brewgooder ales, including their Tropical Pale, Session IPA, New England IPA, and Hazy IPA. Here’s my full review of each, with a breakdown of their history, pour, aroma, taste, and my final verdicts.
Tropical Pale Ale (4.0% ABV) – Juicy and Easygoing
Beer History
Introduced during Brewgooder’s brand refresh, the Tropical Pale Ale is brewed to capture the essence of sunshine and exotic fruit. This beer was designed to be as refreshing as it is impactful, with proceeds still funding water initiatives worldwide.
The Pour
The Tropical Pale pours a light golden amber with a modest white head that lingers just long enough to release its fruity aroma. It sits somewhere between a clear pale and slightly hazy—likely due to its natural fruit extracts.
Aroma
This beer bursts with aromas of mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. It’s like opening a can of tropical juice—sweet, fragrant, and inviting. The hop character is more subdued, allowing the fruit to dominate.
Taste
On the palate, the Tropical Pale delivers a crisp, fruity experience. Mango and pineapple lead the charge, followed by a soft malt base and a light, dry finish. It’s well balanced—juicy without being cloying, and light enough to enjoy multiple pints.
My Verdict: 3.75 out of 5
This is the standout of the pack for me. It’s accessible, flavor-forward, and ideal for summer drinking. If you’re new to craft beer or just want something refreshing, the Tropical Pale Ale is a great gateway brew.
Session IPA (4.2% ABV) – Light and Balanced, But Lacking Punch
Beer History
The Session IPA is a core part of Brewgooder’s rebrand, aimed at delivering big hop flavor in a more sessionable format. It’s brewed with oats and a blend of American hops for a lighter body and citrus punch.
The Pour
It pours a pale straw color with a decent white head. There’s a touch of haze thanks to the oats, and the carbonation is on the moderate side.
Aroma
Expect grapefruit, orange zest, and a hint of pine on the nose. The aroma is pleasant but a little understated—more gentle breeze than full tropical storm.
Taste
The flavor mirrors the aroma, with light citrus notes, some soft bitterness, and a clean finish. However, the mouthfeel is a bit thin, and it feels like it’s missing that extra hop bite that defines standout session IPAs.
My Verdict: 3 out of 5
This one is decent but not particularly memorable. It would be perfect for a casual BBQ or as a thirst-quencher, but hopheads may find it underwhelming.
New England IPA (4.1% ABV) – Hazy But Subdued
Beer History
Brewgooder’s New England IPA (NEIPA) aims to tap into the juicy, low-bitterness trend that made the style famous. Hopped with Citra and Mosaic, it promises fruity aromatics and a full-bodied mouthfeel.
The Pour
This NEIPA is true to form—hazy pale straw in color with a creamy, long-lasting head. It looks like a classic juice bomb, and visually it hits the mark.
Aroma
You’ll pick up pineapple, peach, and a bit of citrus peel. However, the aroma is more muted than expected. The juicy notes are there, but they don’t explode from the glass like top-tier NEIPAs.
Taste
Flavor-wise, it’s smooth and fruity, with low bitterness and a soft, creamy texture. Unfortunately, it feels like it’s holding back—juicy but subdued, with flavors that don’t quite reach their full potential.
My Verdict: 3 out of 5
This NEIPA has the right look and feel but lacks the punchy flavor and aroma that define the style. A good intro to hazy beers, but seasoned IPA fans may find it too mellow.
Hazy IPA (5.2% ABV) – Fuller Body, Slight Edge
Beer History
The Hazy IPA is Brewgooder’s boldest offering in this pack, crafted with Centennial, Simcoe, and Citra hops. It’s meant to be thicker, more resinous, and packed with stone fruit and pine character.
The Pour
It pours a dense, pale straw to light orange haze with a thick, foamy head. It definitely looks the part of a rich, complex hazy IPA.
Aroma
The nose is a blend of stone fruit, citrus, and a light touch of pine resin. It’s a bit more intense than the NEIPA, which is promising.
Taste
This one delivers a richer mouthfeel and more complex flavor profile. Expect peach, grapefruit, and a hint of piney bitterness on the back end. It’s still smooth, but offers a bit more depth and hop character.
My Verdict: 3.25 out of 5
A solid effort with more body and complexity than the others, but it still falls just short of being a top-shelf hazy IPA. Still, it’s a nice step up in intensity for those looking to explore the style.
Brewgooder – Craft Beer with a Conscience
What Brewgooder may lack in hop intensity compared to more aggressive craft breweries, it makes up for in drinkability and purpose. Their beers are well-crafted and consistent, and each purchase contributes to an impactful mission. While I found the Tropical Pale to be the clear winner for its fruity and refreshing flavor, all four beers offer something to enjoy—especially for those newer to craft styles.
For the ethical drinker or the casual beer fan looking to expand their palate, Brewgooder is a great brand to support. And with every can funding clean water projects, it’s a beer you can truly feel good about.
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