Dark Star Brewing Co. promises a galactic hop journey with their Starlink IPA, a 5.5% West Coast-style brew that’s bold, piney, and packed with citrus attitude. But does it truly lift off, or does it fizzle in orbit? I cracked open a bottle (and a pint glass) to find out.
The History of Starlink IPA
Dark Star Brewing has roots deep in the UK craft scene. Founded in 1994 in the cellar of The Evening Star pub in Brighton, the brewery quickly gained a reputation for bold, hop-forward beers. Over the years, Dark Star moved operations to Ansty and then Partridge Green, growing with each step. In 2018, they were acquired by Fuller’s, and shortly after, by Asahi. Fast forward to 2024, and Starlink IPA launches as a new flagship beer brewed at the historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, London.
Starlink IPA debuted in October 2024, launched with fanfare as a modern take on a classic West Coast IPA. It’s marketed as “Beer Out of This World,” but how does it perform in the glass?
The Pour: Crisp, Clean, and Classic
Pouring Starlink IPA is a visual treat. It hits the glass with a clear amber-straw hue, a nod to traditional West Coast IPAs. The head is bright white and frothy, forming a thick collar that laces the glass beautifully with each sip. Moderate carbonation sends a lively stream of bubbles upward, and the clarity is striking—no haze here.
Taste & Aroma: A Retro Ride
On the nose, Starlink IPA opens with pine resin, citrus peel, and a touch of apricot. It’s bright and crisp, with a base of caramel malt that adds balance. The aroma promises bite—and delivers.
Flavour-wise, the beer leans hard into the piney bitterness. Think grapefruit rind, orange pith, and just a whisper of mango. There’s a resinous snap mid-palate and a dry finish that leaves your tongue tingling. The malt character is clean but understated—there to support, not shine.
If you’re a fan of old-school West Coast IPAs, this might remind you of Sierra Nevada or Lagunitas—but with a slightly muted hop punch compared to American classics.
My Verdict: 3 out of 5 Stars
Starlink IPA is a solid, drinkable West Coast-style IPA, but it doesn’t quite reach escape velocity. It looks fantastic, has all the right aromas, and delivers on the bitterness—but it feels like it’s missing a bit of depth or complexity. The hops don’t pop as boldly as some of its Californian cousins, and the finish, while clean, is a touch flat for me.
That said, it’s a dependable pint. If you’re craving something crisp, bitter, and nostalgic for the early days of IPA, Starlink is well worth a try.
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