If there’s one thing the North East knows how to do, it’s putting heart into flavour. That’s exactly what you get with Propa Pale, a hazy pale ale brewed by Donzoko Brewing Company in collaboration with Si King, one half of The Hairy Bikers and co-founder of Propa Pie. When I heard this pairing was happening—bold brewers meets bold Geordie chef—I knew it was going to be something a bit special. And after pouring, sipping, and fully appreciating this tropical-leaning pale ale, I’m happy to say it absolutely delivered.
But before we get into what it tastes like, let’s talk a little about how this beer came to be, and why Donzoko is quietly becoming one of the most interesting breweries in the UK.
The History: From Cuckoo Brewer to Northern Powerhouse
Donzoko started out in 2017, founded by Reece Hugill—originally as a “cuckoo brewer” working from Camerons Brewery in Hartlepool. He wasn’t just making beer; he was making statements with it, drawing influence from Franconian lagers and German brewing tradition. While most UK craft brewers were chasing hop bombs and haze, Hugill carved out a lane with crisp, unfiltered lagers that had real soul.
In 2021, Donzoko briefly shifted brewing operations to Newbarns Brewery in Leith, Edinburgh. It was a practical move to scale up and collaborate more freely, but ultimately, they returned to Newcastle—where their heart really seems to be. Now with a taproom in the creative district of Ouseburn and collaborations popping up left and right, Donzoko is still rooted in lager but increasingly stretching their creative wings.
That brings us to Propa Pale—a beer that steps away from their lager legacy and dives headfirst into hazy pale territory. Brewed in collaboration with Si King, known for bold flavours and hearty cooking, this beer is part of a wider celebration of North East flavour and hospitality. With Propa Pie on the food side and Donzoko on the beer, the pairing feels natural, even inevitable.
The Pour: Hazy and Glowing with Character
Pouring out of the can, Propa Pale is immediately inviting. It lands in the glass with a soft, golden-orange haze, glowing slightly like a juicy sunset. This isn’t a crystal-clear lager; it’s purposefully unfiltered, and the haze is part of its charm. A good pour yields a fluffy off-white head, not towering but consistent, and it settles into a nice cap that lingers throughout the session. There’s lacing around the glass as you drink, which always feels like a good sign—evidence of proper conditioning and carbonation.
Visually, this is what you want from a hazy pale ale. It’s got that pillowy look without tipping into murky soup territory. It catches the light and tells you you’re in for something fruity, fresh, and laid back.
The Taste and Aroma: Mosaic on Full Display
Crack the can or dive nose-first into the pint and the aroma hits immediately. This beer is tropical-forward in the best way—mango, pineapple, and a zing of citrus peel. The Mosaic hops do the heavy lifting here, and if you’re a fan of that modern, fruit-heavy pale ale smell, you’ll be in your element. There’s a little underlying malt sweetness too—almost like biscuit or soft bread—which rounds out the fruit and makes the aroma feel fuller rather than sharp.
The first sip confirms what the nose promised. Juicy tropical fruit flavours lead the way, with mango and pineapple up front, then shifting into more citrusy notes like orange zest and grapefruit. But what sets Propa Pale apart is that it doesn’t go overboard. Some hazy pales can feel like hop smoothies; this one is still clean and crisp underneath, with a bright carbonation and refreshing finish.
There’s a light but structured bitterness—nothing harsh, just enough to balance out the juice. At 4.7% ABV, it’s right in the sweet spot for sessionability: full of flavour without the weight. You could happily have a few of these in a sitting, and it pairs just as well with good conversation as it would with a slice of pie or something spicy off the grill.
The Verdict: 4.5/5 – A Proper North East Banger
So, what’s the final word on Donzoko × Si King Propa Pale? For me, it’s a standout pale ale that combines easy drinkability with personality. It walks that fine line between juicy and crisp, fruity and refreshing, hazy and clean. And it does it without shouting. There’s no gimmick here—just a well-brewed, well-balanced pint that feels like the result of two passionate North East creatives doing what they do best.
If you’re into hazy pales but tired of the over-hopped, overly sweet offerings, Propa Pale is a welcome change. It’s bright, vibrant, and confident without being flashy. And knowing it came out of a collab between Donzoko and Si King only adds to the appeal. It’s a proper beer for proper people, and I’m giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5.
Whether you’re already a fan of Donzoko’s Franconian lagers or just discovering them through this pale ale, Propa Pale is a great way in. Drink it with mates, crack one open with a spicy chicken pie, or just enjoy it as a standalone showcase of what modern British beer can be.
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