If you’ve ever had a beer that feels like a refreshing sigh on a summer’s day, The Breeze by Wiper and True is exactly that. This hazy pale ale clocks in at just 3.4% ABV, but don’t let the low strength fool you — it brings a lot of flavour to the table. I recently cracked one open for a lazy afternoon session and was genuinely impressed by how much character it packed in such a light and drinkable format.
Before we dive into the pour and flavour, let’s take a quick look at the brewery behind it.
A Brief History of Wiper and True
Wiper and True started life back in 2012, founded by Michael Wiper and Al True. Originally, the plan was to grow apples and make cider, but after some homebrewing experiments went surprisingly well, the duo shifted gears toward beer. Their philosophy from the beginning has been simple but strong: make “beautiful beer.” And honestly, that ethos comes through in everything they brew.
In the early years, they were what’s known as a nomadic brewery — borrowing brew kits from other brewers across the UK to craft and experiment with new recipes. During this time, they never brewed the same beer twice, which speaks volumes about their commitment to creativity and exploration.
By 2015, they settled into their first proper brewery in St Werburghs, Bristol, operating from a repurposed warehouse. It was small, scrappy, and full of energy. From there, they steadily built a loyal following, becoming a key name in the Bristol craft beer scene.
Fast forward to 2022, and Wiper and True expanded into a brand new, purpose-built brewery and taproom in Old Market, doubling their production capacity and taking big steps toward sustainability. Solar panels, CO₂ recovery, greener packaging — they’re clearly thinking ahead. Despite the expansion, they’ve held onto that small-batch charm and creative spirit. And in 2023, they celebrated their 10th birthday with a series of collaborations across the UK craft brewing community.
The Pour
Pouring The Breeze is honestly one of the most satisfying parts of the experience. It rolls out of the can with a gentle flow, looking soft and inviting from the first drop. The colour is a hazy straw yellow — think cloudy lemonade, but with more life and depth. The haze isn’t over the top, but enough to let you know this beer hasn’t been stripped of its personality.
The head forms quickly and hangs around for a bit — a fluffy, white crown that laces nicely down the side of the glass as you drink. There’s a gentle carbonation, not overly fizzy, but enough to keep things lively. It looks like what it is: a sessionable hazy pale that promises refreshment without sacrificing craft.
Aroma and Taste
The aroma on this beer is where things start to get exciting. Before you even take a sip, there’s a lovely nose of white grape and gooseberry — classic signs that Nelson Sauvin hops are doing their thing. There’s a vinous, almost wine-like quality to it, like a fresh Sauvignon Blanc but with a bit more playfulness. Underneath that, you’ll catch subtle hints of citrus zest, maybe some lychee or passionfruit, and a soft piney note that rounds it out beautifully.
The first sip is light and crisp, but not lacking in flavour. That white grape and elderflower character carries through to the palate, supported by a soft malt backbone that doesn’t try to steal the spotlight. There’s just enough bitterness to keep things in check — think lemon pith or mild grapefruit skin — but it never overpowers. Everything feels balanced and deliberate, with a clean, dry finish that invites the next sip.
And despite being only 3.4% ABV, The Breeze doesn’t feel thin or watery at all. It has a softness to the mouthfeel that makes it really pleasant to drink, especially if you’re in the mood for something light but still interesting. You could easily knock back a few of these in one sitting and still be able to carry on a conversation — or write a blog post, for that matter.
My Verdict
So, what’s the final verdict on Wiper and True’s The Breeze?
I’m giving it a solid 4 out of 5. It’s not trying to be the biggest or boldest hazy pale out there, and that’s exactly why it works so well. It’s subtle, it’s well-crafted, and it delivers way more flavour than you’d expect from a beer this low in ABV.
It’s also incredibly versatile. I could see this being a fridge staple for summer BBQs, lazy Sunday sessions, or even just something to unwind with after work. It hits that sweet spot between “interesting” and “easygoing,” which is a hard balance to strike.
Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer drinker or just dipping your toes into hazy pales, The Breeze is worth checking out. It might not blow you away with intensity, but it’ll win you over with charm — just like the brewery that made it.
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