There’s something special about cracking open a can of craft beer from a brewery that started life in a bedroom. Neon Raptor Brewing Co’s Power Move NEIPA is a supermarket-available juice bomb from a Nottingham-based brewery that’s been turning heads in the UK craft scene. As someone always hunting for hazy IPAs that don’t break the bank, I had high hopes—and I’m happy to say it mostly delivered. Let’s dive into the pour, the flavour, the story behind the brew, and whether it earns a spot in your fridge.
History of Neon Raptor Brewing Co
Neon Raptor didn’t begin in a flashy taproom or industrial estate. Like many indie breweries, it started in the humblest of places—a kitchen. Back in 2015, the guys behind the brewery won a BrewDog Nottingham homebrew competition. That win was the lightbulb moment. From there, they officially launched as Neon Raptor Brewing Co, and after a brief stint as gypsy brewers (renting space at other breweries), they moved into their permanent home at Sneinton Market in Nottingham around 2018.
Their beers started getting local attention and quickly built a rep for big flavours, solid haze game, and quirky names—think Jurassic Park meets synthwave. Since then, they’ve grown into one of the East Midlands’ best-known craft breweries, with national recognition and beers popping up in places like M&S, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons. Power Move, the beer I’m reviewing here, is one of their supermarket-focused NEIPAs. It’s brewed to be both accessible and true to the juicy, hazy New England IPA style.
The Pour – Hazy Like It Should Be
As soon as I cracked open the 440ml can, I got a soft burst of citrus on the nose. Pouring it into a glass, it looked exactly how I hoped a NEIPA would—a thick, hazy golden-orange pour with that signature opaque glow. No see-through nonsense here. The head was decent, around a finger thick with a creamy off-white colour. It fizzled down gently, leaving a bit of lace on the side of the glass, which I always appreciate.
The carbonation was soft, almost creamy, and matched the style. There’s something about the pour of a well-made NEIPA that just feels promising, and Power Move nails that look: thick, golden, and inviting.
Taste and Aroma – Juicy, Fruity, and Softly Bitter
If you’re into juicy, low-bitterness IPAs, Power Move is definitely your kind of beer. From the first sniff, it bursts with tropical fruit: mango, passionfruit, peach, and a bit of citrus peel. There’s a dank, almost piney edge that gives it depth, and some light floral notes in the background that make it more complex than you’d expect from a supermarket can.
The first sip is soft and juicy, with those same tropical fruit flavours coming through strong. Mango leads the way, backed by stone fruit and a little grapefruit zest. It’s not overly sweet, though. There’s a smooth, creamy malt backbone that balances everything out—probably some oats or wheat in there to give it that pillowy body.
Bitterness is low, but it’s there just enough to give structure and keep things interesting. The finish is clean and a bit dry, with just a light resinous hop note sticking around. If you’re coming from West Coast IPAs, this will feel mellow, but fans of the NEIPA style will appreciate the balance.
The Verdict – A Supermarket NEIPA Worth Repeating
Here’s the thing: I didn’t expect Power Move to blow my mind. I picked it up on a supermarket run because I’d seen Neon Raptor’s name pop up a few times, and I knew they had a good track record. But I’ve tried a lot of supermarket hazy IPAs that promise the world and deliver… juice-water.
Power Move is not that. It’s well-constructed, flavourful, and smooth, with a real sense of craft behind it. Is it the best NEIPA I’ve ever had? No. But for the price point and accessibility, it’s punching above its weight. It also makes a great “gateway” beer if you’re introducing someone to the hazy IPA style—it’s got the fruit, the softness, and the approachability.
I’d absolutely grab this again, especially if I see it on sale. It earns a solid 4.25 out of 5 from me. If you’re lucky enough to find it fresh and cold, even better—this is the kind of beer that really rewards freshness. Neon Raptor, keep making moves like this one.
Craft beer can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options on the shelves these days. But Power Move by Neon Raptor Brewing Co proves that you don’t have to spend £7 on an obscure can from a bottle shop to enjoy a proper NEIPA. This one’s got the haze, the juice, the softness, and just enough bite to keep your taste buds happy. Grab it, pour it, and enjoy it cold.
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