North East Beer Review

Edinburgh Beer Factory is not only a new brewery to me, but one with interesting inspirations. Drawing art alongside the aim to change perspectives in regard to Scottish brewery. Edinburgh Beer Factory combine traditional brewing methods with modern innovation. So how does translate across to their brews and in particular their IPA called Untitled. During this review, I will cover the history of this brewery and beer, the pour, the taste and aroma and finally my verdict. Cheers

History of Edinburgh Beer Factory

Edinburgh Beer Factory was founded in 2015 by the Dunsmore family with the aim of changing perceptions around Scottish brewing culture. Drawing from traditional methods and merging them with modern innovation. The brewery draws much of its inspiration from Edinburgh born artist Eduardo Paolozzi who is regarded as the “Father of pop art”.

The brewery’s philosophy is based on Paolozzi’s idea of finding the “sublime in the everyday.” Just as the artist transformed ordinary objects into works of art, Edinburgh Beer Factory seeks to elevate familiar beer styles through careful brewing and distinctive presentation. The brewery supports the Paolozzi Foundation through charitable donations linked to sales of selected beers. Since launching, the brewery has gained recognition for its Paolozzi lager and other modern craft styles such as the topic of today’s review, Untitled IPA. The brewery has earned multiple awards at the World Beer Awards, helping establish its reputation within Scotland’s growing craft beer scene.

Untitled IPA is a modern craft India Pale Ale which reflects the brewery’s combination of European influences and contemporary hop varieties. Standing is 5.5% ABV, Untitled is hoped with Styrian Wolf and Mandarina Bavaria hops, which contribute notes of mandarin, blackcurrant, and citrus balanced by a dry malt backbone. Untitled continues the inspiration from Eduardo Paolozzi as it contains one of the artists vibrant artworks called “Trial for As Is When,” According to Edinburgh Beer Factory, Untitled IPA was designed to represent modern Edinburgh: outward-looking, creative, and distinctive. Unlike heavily bitter West Coast IPAs, it focuses on balance and drinkability while still delivering the fruity hop character expected from the style.

A West coast type pour

Edinburgh Beer Factory Untitled IPA pours a deep gold to amber colour which has a slight haze in appearance. A thin bubbly white head forms which dissipates rather quickly leaving a fine white ring across the top, thus leaving minimal lacing. This beer was lively and the carbonation was visible with constant streams of bubbles present. Overall, it presents as a clean, traditional-looking IPA rather than a hazy New England-style IPA.

Citrus led with a touch of berry

Aroma

Untitled IPA opens with a fresh, hop forward aroma specifically that of the citrus origin with flavours of orange and grapefruit dominating. Beneath, a subtle blackcurrant flavour is present alongside subtle tropical fruits. A light floral aroma accompanies the gentle malt sweetness which acts to balance the hop flavour out. Overall, on the nose, aroma is fresh, inviting and clean.

Taste

The first sip of Untitled IPA delivers a citrus flavour which is predominantly that of orange and grapefruit, followed a subtle hint of blackcurrant and peach. Mid-Palate, this is followed by biscuit and caramel malts which balances and supports the hop forward nature. There is a subtle bitterness which is well controlled and adds a refreshing charm to the drinking experience. The finish is crisp, clean and dry. Overall, this is a well crafted and deeply flavoured IPA, however the style is quite confusing, it doesn’t explicitly feel like a west coast inspired ale as it hasn’t got that resinous heavy feel.

Time for my verdict

Edinburgh Beer Factory Untitled IPA gives you an insight into the brewery’s ethos of maintaining tradition whilst exploring modern techniques. All whilst exploring the artist Eduardo Paolozzi. In terms of the beer, I feel it is deep in flavour and offers in interesting profile especially with the addition of the Styrian Wolf and Mandarina Bavaria hops. My only issue is that I struggle to see the actual identity, this almost wants to be a West Coast IPA but lacks the herbal nature necessary. This was still a pleasant drinker and I would have this again. Overall, I rate this a solid 3.5 out of 5.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I purchased this beer from the Hamilton and Brown store within Livingston Designer Outlets in Scotland.

Thanks for reading my review. If you like this review, you will love my review of FoxCub Brewing Windfall.