When you think of Liverpool, your mind probably jumps to The Beatles, the Mersey, or maybe a football rivalry that divides the city. But tucked into the Baltic Triangle is a growing craft beer scene that’s quietly making noise of its own—and Lovelane Brewery is one of the names leading the charge.
I recently got my hands on their Nectaron IPA, a hazy, juicy number brewed with one of the hop world’s newer stars: Nectaron®, straight from New Zealand. This beer promises pineapple, peach, passionfruit and all the tropical vibes. But does it deliver more than just hop hype?
Here’s my full take—from its backstory and first pour to its taste, aroma, and final score.
The Backstory: From Rubber Factory to Hop Haven
Lovelane Brewery isn’t just a random new name on the scene—they’ve built a reputation out of repurposing history. Housed in a former rubber factory in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, they launched their brewery and taproom back in 2017 with a goal to brew beers with bold character and a strong sense of place.
Fast forward to 2020, and a brand-new hop called Nectaron® emerges from New Zealand. Known for its intense tropical fruit profile—especially pineapple, stone fruit, and citrus zest—it quickly became a darling among brewers looking for that juicy punch without overbearing bitterness.
Lovelane jumped on board, crafting a sessionable IPA designed to showcase everything this hop has to offer. Thus, Lovelane Nectaron IPA was born: a hazy, juicy, Liverpool-brewed tropical bomb.
First Impressions: The Pour That Promises Paradise
Pouring Lovelane Nectaron IPA into a glass is a bit like uncapping a mango smoothie that wants to party. It’s a glowing hazy orange, almost opaque, like sunshine trapped in a pint. A generous, frothy white head climbs to the top before settling into a neat layer that sticks around just long enough to let you know it cares.
The carbonation is steady, not aggressive. Think more of a gentle fizz than a soda-style pop, which gives this beer a smooth, almost creamy look. Visually, it sets the stage perfectly for a modern tropical IPA—unfiltered, juicy, and ready to deliver.
Juicy Whispers & Hop Kisses: The Aroma Game
The nose on this beer is where things start to get interesting. There’s no hesitation—pineapple comes flying out of the glass, followed by lush peach and a swirl of passionfruit that makes you double-check the label. It’s exactly what a hop like Nectaron is bred for: tropical overload without veering into artificial candy territory.
If you let it warm up a bit (which I recommend), subtle notes of grapefruit zest and orange blossom start to come through. There’s a little hint of resin lurking in the background—just enough to remind you it’s still an IPA and not a fruit cooler. But overall, this is fruity, fresh, and straight-up inviting.
The Sip Test: All Fruit, Some Bite, Smooth Finish
So how does it actually taste? Pretty much like you’d expect from the nose—fruit-forward and smooth, but not one-dimensional. The first few sips are all about that pineapple-peach combo, with passionfruit following closely. It’s sweet but not sugary, juicy but not sticky. There’s a touch of apricot and citrus peel in there too, which keeps things feeling fresh instead of flat.
The mouthfeel is soft and rounded—likely from oats or wheat in the grain bill—giving the beer a pillowy, slightly creamy body that works beautifully with the hop profile. Bitterness is definitely present, but it’s gentle. Not sharp, not lingering. It sort of just brushes the edges of your tongue and backs away politely.
Overall, it’s an easy-drinking, hop-forward IPA that knows its lane—juicy and sessionable, without aiming to punch you in the face.
Final Verdict: A Tropical Crowd-Pleaser (But Not a Game-Changer)
After a full glass (and maybe a second one), I’m giving Lovelane’s Nectaron IPA a 3 out of 5. That might sound modest, but here’s why.
This is a solid, enjoyable hazy IPA that nails its goal: showing off the tropical beauty of Nectaron hops in a soft, approachable package. The pour is lovely, the aroma is legit, and the flavor is refreshing. It’s the kind of beer you’d want in your fridge for casual sipping or to impress a friend who’s just getting into IPAs.
But it doesn’t push the envelope. The flavor, while juicy and satisfying, doesn’t evolve or challenge. You won’t find layers of dankness, bold bitterness, or unexpected malt depth. And that’s okay—not every IPA needs to reinvent the style.
If you’re in the mood for an easy, sunny, Liverpool-brewed hazy IPA with a modern twist, this is a great pick. Just don’t expect it to change your life.
Leave a Reply