North East Beer Review

Fierce Beer is a brewery I have tried before but only with the Iron Brew Beer Cooler, so when I saw this I thought stuff it let’s give it a go. Fierce Beer is a Scottish based brewery who are famous its bold and experimental styles. The beer I bought was Fierce IPA which is Fierce’s take on a classic west coast style IPA. So what did I think? To find out I will cover the history, the pour, the taste and aroma. Cheers.

Scottish takes on American styles

A brewery born in Aberdeen, Fierce Beer began as a home brewing project where the founders were inspired by hoppy and flavourful US West Coast beers. Their first commercial brew took place in 2016 and they operated a small scale brewing operation in Great Western Road ,Aberdeen. Due to a reputation of ‘flavour packed beers’, an investment was made to a new facility at Kirkhill Industrial Estate in Dyce, Aberdeen.

Fierce Beer built its reputation up on the back of fruity, hoppy, dark specialty beers which differ from more standard types. Due to this they currently operate a taproom in their Dyce Brewery and two bar/taprooms in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. In recognition of their growing reputation, Fierce won Scottish Brewery of the year in 2021.

Fierce IPA is a West Coast style IPA which has an ABV of 5% as well as being gluten free and vegan. The gluten is removed post fermentation. It is hopped with citra and mosaic hops which offers a citrus note as well as a caramel sweetness. It is given the nicknamed ‘FIPA’ by the brewers.

A golden West Coast pour

When poured, Fierce IPA presents a golden colour which was pretty clear. Typical of a west coast style IPA. A frothy white head forms which is a decent size and persists throughout the experience. Furthermore, a modest amount of lacing is left down the glass. The carbonation was moderate and you could see a steady stream of bubbles working their way up the glass. Overall, a pretty typical west coast IPA pour.

A citrusy taste and aroma

Aroma

On the nose, Fierce IPA expresses a citrus and hop forward character. It commences with an aroma of citrus zest such as lemon zest and grapefruit zest. It is followed by hints of stonefruit such as peach. An earthy resinous tone becomes apparent leaning into the hoppy nature. Following on, there is a light malt backbone which offers a faint biscuity sweetness and balance. Overall, quite a clean and inviting aroma.

Taste

On the palate, the IPA immediately begins with a citrus splash which is that of grapefruit and orange. The flavour then progress to a slight stone fruit and tropical edge which is that of mango and peach. Mid Palate, the malt base presents itself with a modest sweetness whilst adding a slight bitterness. The finish was clean and dry. Overall, this was a nice tasting beer however I was left wanting more. This felt quite restrained and didn’t feel like unlocked the potential a really good West Coast IPA could offer.

Time for my verdict

Overall, Fierce IPA is a beer that looks like a West Coast IPA, smells like a West Coast IPA but left me really wanting more. Like this wasn’t a bad beer but I certainly wouldn’t go out my way for it again. In terms of the positives, this was quite drinkable and certainly went down well. The flavours presented were still very pleasant. Overall, I rate this 3 out of 5.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I bought this beer from Wetherspoons in the craft beer cans and bottles section.

Thank you for reading my beer review. If you enjoyed this review you will love my review of another Scottish beer in the from of Up Front Brewing Das Ist Techno Sex.