Whilst on a night out in Durham with the lads, we stopped off at Head of Steam for a drink. Whilst deciding I didn’t want a draught pint, I opted for a can. I noticed a massive selection of DEYA and thought I need to try one. I opted for the DEYA IPA which was 6.5% ABV. So consequently, I thought I needed to review. During the course of this review, I will reveal the history of this beer and brewery, the pour, taste and aroma and finally my verdict.
Formed in Cheltenham
DEYA was founded in 2015 by master brewer Theo Freyne. His vision was to bring hop forward American style flavour driven beers to the UK. Their first beers were brewed with a small scale kit which included early versions of Steady Man Rolling (banging beer). In 2016, DEYA moved to a 4000 square foot unit which included a 10 barrel kit and a taproom. As their presence grew, so did the brewing operation, expanding into a 40hl four-vessel brewing kit with 2000 square foot taproom. This gave them a higher production capacity and room to experiment with different styles. Despite the growth, the founding principles have remained the same.
DEYA over the years have become famous for their striking can design which is bold and distinctive. All designed by one artist called Thom Hobson who works in his studio in Belgium. This allows DEYA to live up to its strong brand identity and allows them to stand out in a saturated craft beer market.
DEYA IPA is a 6.5% ABV American style IPA which is hopped with Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Simcoe, Amarillo and Comet. This was created to celebrate DEYA’s 10th anniversary and uses Odell’s Breweries, who Theo had an internship with, brewing heritage.
A hazy and lively pour
When poured, the DEYA IPA presents a golden orange hazy colour with foamy dense white head which left an excellent amount of lacing around the glass. The carbonation is gentle although it rises through the haze. DEYA IPA appeared to live up to the breweries famous soft and juicy looking beers. Overall, a very appealing beer which invites you for me.
A signature taste and aroma
Aroma
When taking a second to study the aroma, DEYA IPA opens with an immediate citrus aroma. Mainly compromising of Orange zest, grapefruit and lemon peel. This very quickly is joined by tropical fruits which come from the aromas of mango, pineapple and passion fruit. To round off the aroma, it ends with a pine resinous layer. Overall, a brilliant nod to American IPA culture.
Taste
On the first sip, an immediate flavour of citrus and tropical fruits presents itself which pretty much mirrors the aroma. Mid palate, the beer reveals a resinous and pine bitterness which adds to the structure built by this beer. The bitterness gives the beer a clean and balanced feel which makes this refreshing and dangerously sessionable. Overall, the beer doesn’t lean but completely falls into the typical DEYA which has made this famous over the years. Very nice and very very drinkable.
Time for my verdict
Overall, this beer just continues to show why DEYA is one of the most consistent and unique breweries in the United Kingdom. Every beer I have had from them has been delicious and juicy. This beer has it all being heavily hopped but being ridiculously soft and juicy with flavours of citrus and tropical fruits being wonderfully balanced. Cannot wait to try more beers from DEYA. Overall, I have to rate this beer a solid 4.5 out of 5.
Where did I purchase this beer?
I purchased this beer on a night out with my mates in Durham City Centre. I stopped at Head of Steam which I often frequent when out in the city centre. I was ‘politely’ informed that I was pronouncing DEYA wrong.
Thanks for reading this review, I really appreciate it. If you enjoyed this review, you will love my review of DEYA Glue. Cheers
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