Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA is another offering from this craft brewer operating out of Ipswich in the United Kingdom. And they’re doing well for themselves. They’re winning awards and diversifying their range. And, importantly, people seem to like drinking their beers. I’ve reviewed another of their NA beers before, but now I’m trying this dry hopped tipple.
The Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA has an ABV of 0.5%, is gluten-free and also vegan-friendly. All plus points for a non-alcoholic beer. But how does it actually taste?
Appearance
When poured into a glass, Paradiso Citra IPA presents a nice amber colour. You get a moderate, slightly frothy head that dissipates quickly but leaves a thin layer of lacing on the glass. Visually, it looks like a pretty decent premium product, although one might hope for a slightly longer-lasting head (if one were being pernickety).
Aroma
This beer smells great. A simple statement, yes. But sometimes NA brews don’t offer that much on the nose, especially compared to their alcoholic brethren. Not the case here. It’s no doubt down to the use of a blend of Citra, Cascade, Simcoe and Columbus hops, but the Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA packs a nasal punch. It’s dominated by tropical and citrus note, as you’d expect from those hops, with pineapple and grapefruit to the fore. But there’s also subtle floral notes mingled in, and an element of sweetness from the malt. Yes, the citrus is powerful, but that’s generally expected of an IPA, and the complexity this beer affords is very noteworthy.
Taste
As on the nose, so on the palate. Citrus-forward flavours such as grapefruit, lime and orange peel unfurl first, with a complimentary sweetness from the malt coming in after a few moments. This NA beer has a comparatively high IBU of 42, but it works, adding that back note of bitterness one expects in craft beers. All up, very tasty.
Mouthfeel
The Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA offers a creamy, smooth mouthfeel – which is somewhat unexpected for an IPA. Its moderate carbonation helps to offset the creamy texture becoming cloying, though. It’s not the crispest IPA on the market, but it is eminently sippable.
Finish
Paradiso Citra IPA finishes cleanly. The tropical and citrus notes persist on the palate, although the bitterness that follows might feel slightly abrasive for some. It’s a finish that aligns well with its IPA identity, although that can be an acquired taste. Me? I like it.
Pairing Suggestions
I’d happily drink this alongside spicy dishes, as that would help to balance out those fruit flavours. That citrus would also cut through the heat on dishes like Thai curries or jalapeño-laden nachos. I personally wouldn’t pair it with citrus-based dishes like lemon-dressed salad, but I could imagine it going well with something like goat’s cheese.
Overall Impressions of Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA
I’ve got to hand it to them, the Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA is another great beer from this non-alcoholic brewer. That adventurous hop profile will reward those who enjoy a complex IPA. There are perhaps a couple of very minor shortcomings, such as a slightly abrasive bitterness on the finish, but it’s hard to find too much fault with it.