North East Beer Review

Ossett Brewery is a brewery I have tried a few times before with brews such the collaboration brew with the Metal band President called King of Terrors and the famous cask ale called the White Rat. I noticed a double NEIPA called Smog Rat whilst shopping in Tesco. Adding to their famous brand called Rat, this is juicy and hazy ale which carries an ABV of 8.4%. So what did I think? I will cover the history of this beer and brewery, the pour, the taste and aroma and finally my verdict.

History spanning almost 3 decades

Ossett Brewery was founded by Bob Lawson, a former Tetley Brewer, in 1998. Its foundations were that of a small brewery behind a pub called The Brewers Pride. This is where they gained a big reputation for high quality traditional cask ales. Throughout the 2000s, Ossett expanded by acquiring Rat Brewery, Riverhead and Fernandes whilst also moving to a larger site in 2005. Today, Ossett is a major player in the UK cask ale game operating across Yorkshire and beyond.

The Rat range is known as the brewery’s more creative area. Originating, from the BrewPub called The Rat & Ratchet it has expanded their brand to major part of the brewery. The beers are usually known for their hop forward and experimental nature. They have dipped their fingers into styles such as NEIPAs, Stouts and Sours.

Smog Rat is a new addition to the range which was released in late 2025. Smog Rat is a Double NEIPA which carries an ABV of 8.4% and is described as hazy, full bodied and heavily hopped beer. The beer is brewed with the likes of the Amarillo and Nelson Sauvin hops as well as a combined malt bill of oats and wheats. The name is a play on the urban and underground movement which also symbolises the murky nature of the NEIPA.

A smoggy pour

Ossett Brewery Smog Rat presents a golden to orange colour which is thick and hazy. This is typical of the unfiltered and opaque nature of the Double NEIPA. A soft and foamy white head forms which retains throughout the drinking experience. This left a soft amount of lacing down the glass. The carbonation of this beer is moderate and thick. Overall, it is a typical NEIPA which lives up to the smog name of the beer.

A big, juicy flavour profile.

Aroma

Smog Rat unlocks a lot of flavour, mainly of the hop forward nature. Aromas of tropical and citrus fruits is immediately present which includes the likes of pineapple, mango, orange and grapefruit. Due to the Nelson Sauvin, there is a subtle white grape flavour which adds a sharper angle to the aroma. A sweet finish appears which is smooth and slightly smoothie like. Overall, this is a hazy and juicy pour which has a slight herbal tone.

Taste

When it comes to the taste of Smog Rat, it basically delivers what the aroma promises. It begins with dominant flavours of tropical and citrus fruits such as mango, passion fruit and orange zest. A slight hint of stonefruit such as peach is also present. There is a subtle sweetness which comes from the creamy and oaty malt bill. This also adds a smoothie like mouthfeel. A hint of dank herbal flavours adds a slightly bitter edge as well as a lingering white grape flavour. The finish is clean, dry and slightly bitter which invites you for another sip. Overall, this is soft and well balanced ale which was bursting with hop forward flavours.

Time for my verdict

I have a high opinion of Ossett Brewery and their Rat range is pretty iconic. When it comes to my opinion of Smog Rat, this might just be my favourite pour from Ossett. I love a hazy IPA and my opinion on a double IPA is accelerating rapidly. So merging these together is pretty much perfect to me. I feel this was a majorly juicy and hop forward beer which offered a remarkable amount of drinkability but be careful as this will have you on your backside. Overall, I rate this a great 4.5 out of 5. Cheers.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I bought this beer from the UK supermarket Tesco. You can get this beer as part of 4 for 3 offer.

Thanks for reading my review. If you enjoyed my review you will love my review of Bullhouse Brew Co Rolling Papers.