If you’re a fan of hazy IPAs and emerging UK music talent, Anarchy Brew Co.‘s L.I.F.E. IPA might already be on your radar. Created in collaboration with indie-rock artist Andrew Cushin to mark the release of his second album, Love Is For Everyone, this limited edition beer blends North East craft brewing with Geordie soul. Here’s everything you need to know—from its origin to how it actually drinks.
The Story Behind L.I.F.E. IPA
Anarchy Brew Co., founded in 2012 in Northumberland, has carved out a name in the UK craft scene for its bold, hop-forward beers and strong visual identity. Now based just outside Newcastle, the brewery has grown into more than just a production facility—it’s a taproom, event space, and community hub with punk energy and local pride at its core.
The L.I.F.E. IPA was brewed in collaboration with Newcastle singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin as a tie-in with his sophomore album, Love Is For Everyone, released in May 2025. With can artwork echoing the album cover and a QR code linking to his music, the beer is as much a promotional piece as it is a drinkable homage to the record’s themes of love, reflection, and everyday reality.
The Pour: Hazy and Inviting
On the pour, L.I.F.E. IPA shows off its New England-style credentials with a thick, hazy straw-yellow body that borders on opaque. There’s no sign of clarity here—just that soft, juicy glow that hazy IPA fans look for. A creamy white head forms on top, around one to two fingers high, and holds well, leaving gentle lacing down the glass. It’s the kind of pour that looks unfiltered and rich, promising a soft mouthfeel and big hop presence.
Taste and Aroma: Tropical and Soft-Edged
The aroma is instantly expressive, with bursts of tropical fruit and citrus rising from the glass. Notes of mango, pineapple, and lemon peel dominate, backed by subtle hints of herbal freshness and the faintest touch of sweet malt. It’s not overpowering—more like the kind of nose that pulls you in for a closer look without shouting for attention.
On the palate, the beer is mellow and juicy. You get a smooth hit of mango and citrus up front, followed by a soft malt body that keeps things balanced and sessionable. There’s very little bitterness—just a whisper at the finish to keep the sweetness in check. It’s an easy-drinking IPA that delivers on fruit-forward flavor without becoming too sticky or intense. The mouthfeel is rounded, slightly creamy, and refreshing, matching the relaxed mood of Cushin’s music.
My Verdict: 3.25 out of 5
While L.I.F.E. IPA doesn’t reinvent the style, it does a solid job of delivering a laid-back, approachable hazy IPA with wide appeal. The tropical aroma is inviting, and the low bitterness makes it easy to enjoy even for casual craft drinkers. However, for more seasoned IPA fans, it might feel a little one-dimensional—more about vibe than complexity.
That said, it nails its purpose: a drinkable, music-inspired beer with character. At 3.25 out of 5, it’s worth trying—especially if you’re spinning Andrew Cushin’s new album in the background.
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