North East Beer Review

I wasn’t meant to try Verdant Putty 26 as I only popped into Beermoth in Manchester to browse their can selection for a couple of MCR based craft beer cans. Unfortunately, they had sold out of the cans but I was informed that Beermoth still had the beer on tap, available in 1/3 pints. So, in a spur of the moment thing I quickly decided I wanted to try this. So tune into to see what I think of this beer. I will also tell you about the beer, brewery and the flavour profile. Cheers

An annual cult classic

Verdant Brewing was founded in 2014 by home brewers Adam Robertson, James Heffron and Rich Warren to create US craft inspired beers. Their mission is ‘: “We make beers we love, now and forever.’ This was performed with quality, hop forwardness and innovation in mind.

Based in Penryn, Cornwall, their ethos has is mainly focused around being independent and inclusive. Verdant Brewing are known for juicy hop forward beers which are hazy and unfiltered . So everything I like in a beer. This led to Verdant Brewing being one of the brewers to set a high benchmark in terms of Craft Brewing in the UK.

Putty is Verdant’s flagship DIPA which is an anticipated annual release. The first edition was brewed in 2017 for Northern Monks Hop City festival which offers something bold and juicy. It was designed with malt profiles such as Golden Promise, wheat, oats and flaked wheat. A whirlpool and dry hopping combo of Galaxy, Mosaic and Azacca hops. Every January, Putty quickly sells out.

Verdant Putty 26’ has an ABV of 8% and is styled as New England IPA inspired Double IPA. This is seen as a cult release especially with the likes of untappd and Beer Advocate. The 2026 edition has a message of ‘be weird’ which celebrates individuality and self expression. This is crafted with the same ingredients as its predecessors.

A deep hazy pour

Verdant Putty 26 pours a deep, hazy golden colour which is almost opaque orange when held to the light. This is done to preserve the New England IPA style, giving Putty its juicy appearance. A thin white head forms which was creamy. A consistent stream of bubbles rises to top of the pour. Overall, this was a juicy, inviting and rich beer.

A taste and aroma bursting with juice

Aroma

Verdant Putty ‘26 was extremely aromatic to the point where my Girlfriend said wow they smells fruity. It immediately opens with a burst of tropical fruits which was big and expressive. The notes are that of mango, peach, passionfruit and pineapple. A hint of citrus and pine is available too. The undertones of this beer, is that of oat malts. The aroma was immense and unbelievably strong. Very pleasant to experience.

Taste

Putty ‘26 fulls almost most fully on with the aroma. This is intense, rich and extremely hop forward. There is an upfront spray of tropical and stone fruits which is that of mango, peach and passionfruit. Mid palate, a citrus brightness is apparent along with the earthy tone from the pine which adds a pleasant amount of bitterness to balance out the sweetness. The beer soft and silky with a lingering maltness which is similar to oats. This beer is smooth and pillowy which overall allows the hops to shine whilst providing a balanced experience. To note too, the alcohol is basically non existent, which is EXTREMELY dangerous and could see you in a state.

Time for my verdict

This was beer was immense. Verdant Putty ‘26 is easily up there with one of my favourite DIPAs. I honestly find it hard to find a criticism. I really enjoyed the smooth depth of flavour that it presents especially allowing the tropical fruit flavour to shine but not letting it get so overpowering. Putty was perfectly balanced and I really wish I had a can so I could have tried more. Overall, I rate this 5 out of 5 and I will definitely get in there next year for the ‘27 edition of Putty.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I purchased this beer in the draught form from Beermoth in Manchester City Centre. I paid £5.50 for 1/3 pint and it was an immense sipper. I really enjoyed my experience at Beermoth and I really hope to visit again when I next go to Manchester. Top notch beer shop.

Thanks for the reading this review. If you enjoyed this review you will love my review of Verdant Sundialer.