If you’re into beers with a bit of local flair and a hop-forward attitude, then Firebrick Brewery’s Wey-Aye P.A. might be worth checking out. I recently gave this one a go, and here’s my full review—covering the beer’s background, the pour, the taste and aroma, and my final verdict.
A Bit of Background – Firebrick Brewery & Wey-Aye P.A.
Firebrick Brewery, based in Blaydon-on-Tyne just outside Newcastle, has been brewing since 2013. The name “Firebrick” comes from the area’s industrial heritage—specifically the Cowen family’s world-famous firebrick works. The brewery takes pride in producing beers with a strong local identity and a nod to regional history.
Wey-Aye P.A. is one of their core beers, a 5.8% ABV New World IPA that blends American-style hops with British brewing tradition. The name itself—“Wey-Aye”—is a classic Geordie expression meaning “of course” or “definitely.” So, this beer is basically saying, “Of course I’m an IPA, and you’re going to enjoy me.”
The Pour – Looks as Good as It Sounds
Pouring Wey-Aye P.A. into a glass is a treat in itself. It comes out a golden amber with a subtle copper tint—really eye-catching, especially if you’re drinking it in natural light. It forms a creamy off-white head that sticks around just long enough to leave some nice lacing down the sides of the glass. The beer is clear and nicely carbonated, giving it a crisp, lively look that invites a sip (or several).
Taste & Aroma – Bold Hops with Balanced Malt
Let’s talk about the aroma first. Right away, you get a hit of citrus peel—grapefruit and orange mainly—thanks to the Cascade and Centennial hops used late in the brew. There are also piney and floral notes, giving it a fresh, classic IPA nose. Beneath all that, there’s just a touch of malt sweetness, kind of like biscuit or light caramel, which balances everything out.
On the palate, it opens with bright, zesty grapefruit and lemon, followed by a bit of resinous pine. The bitterness is present but not overwhelming—this isn’t a hop bomb, it’s more refined than that. As the hops mellow, you start to notice the malty backbone: think biscuit, light toffee, and a hint of toast. It finishes dry and crisp, with just enough lingering bitterness to remind you you’re drinking a proper IPA.
The Verdict – Solid IPA with Local Charm
I gave Wey-Aye P.A. a 3.75 out of 5. It’s a really solid, well-balanced IPA that delivers on both flavor and drinkability. If you’re into hop-forward beers but don’t want your taste buds wrecked by bitterness, this is a great middle ground. It’s also got that extra bit of regional character that makes it feel more personal and less generic than some bigger-name IPAs.
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