I first encountered Salt Alpacalypse at The Food Pit in Durham—a lively spot where you can always count on a decent pint alongside great street food. I remember being struck by the pint glass design and the name, which walks that fine line between playful and punchy. I wasn’t expecting to be impressed by a session-strength New England-style IPA, but it absolutely delivered. Fast-forward to this past weekend, and I came across Alpacalypse again—this time on draught at The Angel in Durham. That second pour confirmed it: this is a beer worth writing about.
In this review, I’ll take you through the history of Salt Alpacalypse, the pour, aroma, taste, and my final verdict. Whether you’re a craft beer regular or just IPA-curious, this one deserves a spot on your radar.
The History Behind Salt Alpacalypse
Salt Alpacalypse is brewed by Salt Beer Factory, a modern brewery based in Saltaire, West Yorkshire. Established in 2018, Salt has built a reputation for bold, hop-forward beers with contemporary branding. The name “Salt” pays tribute to Sir Titus Salt, a Victorian industrialist who founded Saltaire and pioneered the use of alpaca wool in British textiles—hence the alpaca logo that appears across their glassware and merchandise.
In early 2025, Salt partnered with brewing giant Molson Coors to create Alpacalypse as a more approachable session IPA. Unlike Salt’s more intensely hopped beers like Jute, Alpacalypse was brewed to hit a sweet spot: low ABV, juicy hops, and a clean finish that would appeal to both craft fans and those just graduating from lager. This wasn’t just a branding exercise; it marked the first full brewing collaboration between Salt and Molson Coors after over a decade of working together. The beer launched in January 2025, with an exclusive focus on the pub trade.
The name “Alpacalypse” itself is a cheeky nod to the brewery’s alpaca branding, reimagined as an end-of-the-world flavour bomb. It’s marketed as a “modern hazy pale,” combining American hops and traditional NEIPA softness with British drinkability in mind.
The Pour: Hazy, Golden, and Refreshing
When poured on draught at The Angel in Durham, Salt Alpacalypse arrived with a vibrant, hazy golden-yellow body that caught the light beautifully. There’s just the right amount of cloudiness—enough to feel unfiltered and modern, but not so thick that it resembles orange juice. It formed a fluffy white head upon pouring, which settled into a neat, modest cap after a few minutes. Carbonation was lively but not aggressive, with small streams of bubbles rising gently through the haze.
The pour feels exactly how a sessionable New England-style IPA should present itself: soft around the edges, inviting, and thirst-quenching from the very first glance.
Aroma and Taste: Tropical, Balanced, and Sessionable
What sets Salt Alpacalypse apart from a crowded field of session IPAs is its aroma. Even before your first sip, it hits with a wave of tropical fruit—mango, pineapple, and papaya stand out, followed closely by a clean note of grapefruit peel and a dash of lemon zest. There’s also a soft undercurrent of pine and earthiness that keeps things grounded, a subtle nod to traditional IPA bitterness. It’s a bold bouquet, but it doesn’t overwhelm.
The taste follows through on the promise of the aroma. On the palate, Alpacalypse delivers waves of juicy fruit flavours—ripe mango, citrus pith, and a touch of lychee—balanced by a very restrained bitterness. The malt bill is understated but effective, lending a mild sweetness that rounds out the hop profile without dragging it into syrupy territory.
Despite its haze and hop-forward character, the mouthfeel is light and smooth. There’s a soft creaminess, likely thanks to oats in the mash, but the finish is clean and crisp—this is a beer designed for multiple pints, not just a single showcase pour.
It’s sessionable in the truest sense of the word: enough flavour to stay interesting, but never so intense that it fatigues your palate.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 – A Standout Session IPA
Salt Alpacalypse is exactly what a session IPA should be in 2025: juicy, accessible, and well-crafted. It brings together modern hop character with drinkability, and it does so without compromising on flavour. It’s the kind of beer that works equally well at a street food venue or in a cosy city-centre pub. And for me, that’s exactly how I’ve enjoyed it—at The Food Pit and again at The Angel, two different vibes, one consistent pint.
At 4.3% ABV, it’s perfect for an afternoon session, but it still feels like a “proper” IPA. The tropical aroma is excellent, the flavour is spot-on, and the finish is crisp enough to keep you coming back. Whether you’re a craft beer geek or just dipping your toes in, this is a safe but satisfying choice.
If you’re in Durham and spot Salt Alpacalypse on tap don’t hesitate. It’s not just a clever name; it’s a genuinely well-executed beer that fits right in with the best of the UK’s hazy pale ales.
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