If you’re into hazy beers that push boundaries and surprise your tastebuds in all the right ways, Augury by Otherworld Brewing is one to add to your must-try list. This isn’t just another hazy pale ale. It’s a unique fusion of Japanese ingredients and modern British brewing that works far better than you’d expect. I cracked open a can of this intriguing brew and here’s the full scoop: the story, the pour, the flavor journey, and my final verdict. Spoiler: this beer seriously impressed me.
A Little Backstory on Augury
Augury is one of the newer releases from Otherworld Brewing, a bold and creative craft brewery based in Scotland. Known for their experimental and often genre-bending brews, Otherworld dropped this one in spring 2025, and it’s been popping up in specialty bottle shops and craft beer fridges ever since.
The concept behind Augury is what really caught my attention. It’s described as a Japanese Hazy Pale Ale — which already sets it apart — brewed with yuzu (a fragrant Japanese citrus), matcha green tea, and Loral hops. It’s part of Otherworld’s lineup of modern, unfiltered, vegan-friendly beers, and it seems like they went into this one aiming to combine Eastern ingredients with the approachable haze and fruit-forwardness of a good pale ale.
They pulled it off.
The Pour: A Golden Glow
As soon as I poured Augury into a glass, I could tell I was in for something a little different. It pours a hazy pale straw color, almost glowing, with a soft, golden haze that’s cloudy but vibrant. The head formed quickly — a fluffy, white cap about two fingers thick — and stuck around just long enough to leave some nice lacing down the sides.
There’s something almost juice-like about its look. Not thick like a milkshake IPA, but definitely not transparent. It’s got that unfiltered haze that feels fresh, alive, and full of character.
Right from the pour, you start getting the aroma — which leads us to the next part of the experience.
Aroma & Taste: East Meets West in a Can
The aroma is where Augury really announces itself. As soon as it hits the glass, you’re greeted by this bright, zesty scent of yuzu — somewhere between lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit — but fresher and a bit more floral. It smells crisp and clean, with a tang that wakes up your nose before the first sip.
But it doesn’t stop there. Behind the citrus, you start picking up more subtle notes: a gentle herbal earthiness, thanks to the matcha, and a hint of vanilla sweetness that softens everything nicely. There’s also a light floral character from the Loral hops, and maybe just a whisper of fresh wheat dough underneath. It smells like a citrus grove and a teahouse had a baby.
On the palate, Augury delivers exactly what it promises. It starts bright and refreshing, with the yuzu leading the charge — tangy, zippy, and citrus-forward, but not in a sour way. It’s clean and sharp, but very balanced. There’s a touch of tropical fruit behind it, like passionfruit or peach, but it’s more about refined complexity than juicy overload.
Midway through the sip, the matcha comes into play. It doesn’t taste like drinking a cup of green tea — more like the faint earthy bitterness you get in the background of a really good Japanese dessert. It adds depth without making the beer heavy. The mouthfeel is soft and slightly creamy, with a pillowy body thanks to the use of oats and maltodextrin, but it still finishes dry and crisp.
The finish is maybe the most interesting part — it ends with a clean, herbal dryness that’s gently bitter but also sort of calming. It’s the kind of finish that makes you pause for a second, then reach for another sip.
My Verdict: A Mix of Cultures That Really Works
So, where does Augury land on my beer-o-meter? I’m giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5.
This beer is a brilliant example of how you can take inspiration from another culture’s flavors without turning it into a gimmick. Everything here feels intentional and well-balanced — nothing is overpowering or out of place. The yuzu gives it brightness, the matcha brings subtle earthy complexity, and the base hazy pale ale keeps it soft, drinkable, and super approachable.
It’s not just creative for creativity’s sake — it’s refreshing, flavorful, and genuinely enjoyable, whether you’re a haze lover, a pale ale fan, or just curious about something new. The lower ABV (4.3%) makes it an easy sipper too, which is always a bonus if you’re in the mood for more than one.
Otherworld Brewing has nailed the fusion vibe here. Augury doesn’t feel forced — it feels like something familiar and totally new at the same time. A little Japanese tea garden meets modern UK craft scene in a can.
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