North East Beer Review

This was a beer I purchased a while ago from LowCostBeer.com, I never got around to doing this review and I really should have as I realised I consumed this beer and didn’t really have a clue about Colbier Brew Co and where they came from. Colbier Solo is an American India Pale Ale and during this review I will cover the history of this beer and Colbier itself. I will also go over the pour, the taste and aroma and finally my verdict on this beer. Cheers

Sound beers from Liverpool

Colbier Brew Co is a new independent brewery from Bootle, Liverpool. This was founded by Mike Corbett and Vik Williams in 2024 which roots in craft beers and musical culture. Colbier use a ‘proper sound beers’ which appears to blend beer styles and musical themes through the brewery.

Mike and Vik have over a decade of brewing experience from working in local craft beers bars and breweries before deciding go at it themselves. Their ethos is quality, simplicity and balance whilst also managing the emphasis on traditional and modern brewing styles. Colbier currently operate a full size 20hl brew house in Bootle.

Being founded in 2024, Colbier have already won the 2025 SIBA Uk’s Best New Independent Brewery. They have subsequently been nominated for other award recognition.

Moving onto the beer now, Solo by Colbier Brew Co is a 5.5% ABV American IPA. It is quoted by Colbier that Solo is ‘inspired by the IPAs that got us into beer’. Solo is a brewed using Maris Otter barley and Cascade hops which is used throughout the bittering, whirlpool and dry hop stages. This beer was brewed for a nostalgic nod to IPA bitterness with aromatic complexity.

A golden pour

When pour from the can, this presents an amber gold colour which glows in the light. The carbonation is moderate and the bubbles linger throughout the consumption. A foamy head forms which left a moderate level of lacing down the glass. This was an inviting pour which wants you to dive in for a taste.

A citrusy and hoppy taste and aroma

Aroma

Coming from the glass, Colbier Solo is hop lead with distinguishable flavours of citrus notes such as orange zest, grapefruit and a hint of lemon. To round off the aroma, there is a biscuit-like malt base which perfectly allows for the bitterness to be well balanced. This is an inviting and balanced ale.

Taste

On the palate, with the first sip the American IPA opens with a zesty flavour such as grapefruit, orange and lemon. Mid palate, a floral and piney flavour begins to present itself with the addition of a light biscuit malt base gives Solo a well balanced flavour. The bitterness is present but not overwhelming, enough to be refreshing and inviting for another sip. Overall, a well balanced and refreshing American IPA.

Time for my verdict

I feel that this beer was a great introduction to Colbier Brew Co. I feel that the brewery does the simple things really well. And this beer supports this, Solo is a well balanced and remarkable in terms of depth by utilising the Cascade Hop to its full extent. I really enjoyed this one in all honesty and I look forward to trying more Colbier if I can get my hands on some more. Overall, I rate this a very good 4 out of 5.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I bought this beer back in September from LowCostBeer.com as part of a rather large beer haul. Check them out, they are great.

Thanks for reading this beer review I really appreciate it. If you enjoyed this review you will love my review on another Liverpool based brewery called Lovelane Nectaron.