If you’re into craft beer with a proper punch of hops and a solid backstory, Vaux Brewery’s Heads Will Roll might just be worth your time. I picked up this hazy IPA recently and figured it was a good excuse to dig into both the beer and the brewery’s rather legendary history. Here’s the full lowdown – from pour to verdict – on this bold offering from Sunderland’s resurrected brewing icon.
A Quick History of Vaux Brewery
Before we get into the beer itself, it’s worth knowing where it came from. Vaux Brewery is not some trendy, pop-up brewery with a logo slapped on a can – it’s got deep roots going all the way back to 1806 in Sunderland, England. Originally started by wine and spirits merchant Cuthbert Vaux, the brewery grew steadily over the years and became one of the North East’s best-known producers.
For nearly two centuries, Vaux cranked out beers like Double Maxim, Samson, and Sunderland Best Bitter, earning itself a loyal following and a permanent place in Sunderland’s identity. Sadly, corporate meddling and asset stripping in the late ’90s led to its closure in 1999, even though the beer division was profitable. Brutal, right?
But like all good stories, there’s a comeback. In 2019, local beer fans and entrepreneurs brought Vaux back to life as a small, independent craft brewery. Today, they’re brewing from their new base on Monk Street in Sunderland, mixing modern beer styles with a respect for the city’s brewing legacy.
The Pour: Hazy, Golden, and Gorgeous
Heads Will Roll pours like a proper hazy IPA should. Out of the can, it lands in the glass with a deep golden-orange hue– think mango juice with a slight orange glow. There’s a fair bit of haze, which gives it that modern, juicy look. No crystal-clear lager vibes here – this is unapologetically murky in the best way.
The head is impressive too: about two fingers of fluffy white foam that settles slowly, leaving nice lacing down the glass. Carbonation sits right in the middle – lively but not fizzy – making it look fresh and drinkable without going full soda-pop.
Aroma: Tropics Meet Dank
Stick your nose in the glass and it’s immediately obvious this isn’t a shy beer. Tropical fruit aromas lead the way – big hits of mango, pineapple, peach, and maybe even a touch of melon. You get some nice citrus zest too, like orange peel or tangerine.
But it’s not all fruit salad – there’s a dank, almost herbal quality in the background thanks to hops like Simcoe and Idaho 7. It’s got a whiff of pine and sticky resin, balancing things out and giving it that proper IPA backbone. A little sweet malt hides underneath it all, but it’s definitely the hops doing the talking here.
Taste: Juicy with a Bitter Bite
Let’s be real – a 7% ABV IPA should have some swagger, and this one delivers. The first sip brings juicy tropical flavours right upfront: think ripe mango, peach, and papaya. As it rolls across your tongue, there’s a bit more citrus in the mix – zesty, slightly bitter, and refreshing.
The middle is where the resinous bitterness kicks in. It’s not aggressive, but it’s present – a piney, earthy finish that reminds you this isn’t just juice in a can. The hops linger nicely on the back end with a slight dry finish, which keeps you coming back for another sip.
The mouthfeel is soft and smooth – probably helped by oats or wheat in the malt bill – giving it a pillowy body that’s perfect for this style. You barely notice the 7% ABV until you’re halfway down the glass and feeling just a bit warm behind the eyes.
My Verdict: 3.75 out of 5
So, where does Heads Will Roll land on the scale?
Honestly, it’s a solid modern IPA. If you like bold hops, tropical fruit, and a decent amount of bitterness, it ticks all the boxes. It’s got character, a great look in the glass, and it’s super drinkable for something that clocks in at 7%.
That said, it didn’t quite blow my socks off – maybe a touch more complexity or a standout flavour note would’ve pushed it into the 4+ range for me. But still, it’s absolutely worth picking up if you spot it.
Final rating: 3.75/5
Great execution, lovely balance, and a proper nod to Vaux’s rebirth. Cheers to that.
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