Every can of Brew York Coney is like getting a cheeky wink from York’s past while enjoying a smooth, modern twist. This hazy session IPA hits around 4.5% ABV, making it the kind of beer you can genuinely enjoy all afternoon without feeling bogged down
A Stroll Through History
Let’s kick things off with a little background. Brew York launched in 2016, the brainchild of homebrewing pals Wayne Smith and Lee Grabham, who wanted to bring vibrant, flavour-led beers to their beloved city . The name “Coney” is a clever two‑fold nod: it means “rabbit,” but it’s also a cheeky tribute to Coney Street, a major York thoroughfare first recorded as Cuningstrete around 1150—literally “King’s Street”—connecting this beer to the city’s medieval roots. It’s like sipping a bit of York’s living history.
The Pour
Pop a can of Coney and watch the amber‑gold liquid cascade into your glass, developing that soft, persistent haze New England IPA lovers go wild for. It’s a visual treat: opaque enough to look juicy, yet delicate and bright. A creamy, off‑white head forms right off the bat, clinging to the sides and offering lovely lace as you sip. The carbonation is lively but not fizzy—just enough to lift the aromas without blasting them away.
Taste and Aroma
As soon as Coney hits your nose, it’s a tropical fruit bonanza. Think mango, pineapple, and passionfruit, backed by a swirl of zesty citrus—orange peel, grapefruit and a cheeky lime hint. Underneath, those dank undertones from the Simcoe hops peek through, giving things a lightly piney edge with a fresh resin-like finish.
On the palate, Coney carries that same juicy energy forward. The first mouthful is smooth and soft; no harsh bitterness or harsh hop aggression here. Instead, the mid‑palate explodes with bold stone fruit and citrus flavours, leaning into mango and orange with grapefruit spice. The hops—Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe—blend so well that it practically tastes like biting into a fruit bowl. The bitterness is subtle, fading quickly, leaving behind a delicate pine‑dry finish that cleanses the palate just enough to pop open another can.
The body is silky–creamy thanks to oats and wheat in the mash (as listed on the Brew York site), giving it that satisfying fullness without being heavy. Coney’s mouthfeel is that perfect session IPA balance: soft carbonation meets gentle, pillowy texture—it’s dangerously drinkable.
My Verdict: 4 Out of 5
Here’s where I land: 4 out of 5. It’s got the hallmarks of a brilliant session IPA—vibrant fruit, soft body, mild bitterness—but I’m holding back on the full five stars because it plays it just a touch too safe. For hop lovers chasing big bitterness or bold West Coast pine kicks, it’s a bit too polite. But for flavour seekers and casual drinkers alike, it’s a knockout.
It nails its goal: a very smooth, easy‑drinking experience that still bursts with juicy hop character. You can crack one open between errands, at brunch, or on the sofa—Coney has zero pretension, pure enjoyment. Its approachable nature makes it great for introducing newbies to craft beer, while its complexity won’t disappoint seasoned IPA fans.
Coney is a tasty tribute to both York’s storied past and Brew York’s creative present. It balances local pride—via its name—with a globally loved style: the hazy session IPA. If you’re after a drink that’s effortlessly drinkable and plump with hop-driven flavour, it’s a prime pick.
Pair it with spicy dishes (think curries or buffalo wings), grilled fish tacos, or fresh citrusy salad to accentuate its fruit-forward profile. Or enjoy it straight up on a warm afternoon—no frills, no fuss.
Leave a Reply