The Garage Project brewery was founded in 2011 by Pete Gillespie, Jos Ruffell, and Ian Gillespie in a literal garage in Wellington, New Zealand. As for where the name came from… well, that remains a mystery. Ahem. Despite being relatively young – just over a decade old – Garage Project has certainly made its mark on the craft beer scene. You can now find their beers in more and more stockists each year. The reason is simple: people enjoy their beers. And when you make a good product, they’ll keep coming back. The Garage Project Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA is their first foray into the world of non-alcoholic beers
Can they bring their signature craft beer expertise to the non-alcoholic category? Let’s find out.
Appearance
First impressions are important, and Garage Project Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA makes a strong one. Upon pouring, the beer presents a golden body with a fluffy white head that suggests a highly appealing brew. The slight haze in the beer is often a good indicator of juicy, fruity flavours to come. The carbonation is lively, and I’d recommend letting the beer settle for a few moments to let the bubbles calm down and the full profile develop. The appearance is inviting, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Aroma
When it comes to aroma, Garage Project Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA immediately delivers a tropical fruit and citrus punch. Mango, pineapple, and grapefruit all jump out, making it impossible not to take a deep, satisfying sniff. The hops are there too, but they take a secondary role, providing a gentle backbone to the otherwise fruity scent. It’s a heady, full-bodied aroma that has the effect of making you want to dive right in. The aromatic intensity sets the tone for the beer, offering a clear indication that this is not a timid, flavourless non-alcoholic beer.
Taste
Garage Project’s craftsmanship is clear in the flavour profile of this beer. The juicy hop character and tropical fruit notes dominate, offering a rich and satisfying taste on the tongue. Many non-alcoholic beers can feel watered down or too light, but Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA is the opposite. It’s got substance, with a lovely bitterness that builds across the mouth, balancing the sweetness of the fruit with a pleasing dry edge. The fruitiness isn’t overpowering, though – it’s just right. You’ll notice the hops on the finish, contributing to the beer’s depth without overshadowing the fruity complexity.
Mouthfeel
In terms of mouthfeel, Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA is smooth and medium-bodied, striking the perfect balance between being light and hefty enough to feel like a real IPA. It’s not overly thick or syrupy like some traditional IPAs can be, and it lacks a bit of the viscosity that you’d typically find in an alcoholic version, but it’s still got enough presence to make it feel satisfying on the palate. Its smoothness makes it easy to drink, but it retains enough body to remind you that you’re having a craft beer, not just a beverage.
Finish
The finish is clean and crisp, leaving behind lingering citrus and pine notes that bring the beer to a refreshing conclusion. Unlike many alcoholic IPAs, the finish is a bit shorter, which might surprise some, but I actually prefer it in this case. It doesn’t stick around too long, which makes you want to reach for another sip, creating a refreshing loop. It’s not cloying or overbearing, just clean and straightforward, and I appreciate that simplicity.
Pairing Suggestions
Thanks to its balanced bitterness, Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA is a versatile companion to a variety of foods. For a refreshing contrast, consider pairing it with spicy dishes like Thai curry or buffalo wings – the beer’s hop character helps temper the heat without overpowering the flavours. On the other hand, the beer’s tropical fruit notes would complement seafood options such as grilled shrimp or ceviche, where the lightness of the beer won’t overwhelm the freshness of the dish. For a more casual pairing, a classic burger – especially if cooked on the grill on a warm summer evening – would be perfect. The beer’s crispness and flavour profile make it ideal for pairing with almost anything you’d typically enjoy with a traditional IPA.
Overall Impressions of Garage Project Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA
In conclusion, Garage Project Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA is a standout non-alcoholic beer that demonstrates the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. With its bold flavour profile, balanced bitterness, and refreshing finish, this brew provides an enjoyable experience for beer enthusiasts who are seeking a satisfying alternative to traditional alcoholic options. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with food, Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA offers a memorable drinking experience that shows non-alcoholic beer can be just as flavourful and enjoyable as its alcoholic counterparts.
If you’re after a non-alcoholic beer that doesn’t compromise on taste or character, this one should definitely be on your radar. Garage Project has proven that they’re more than capable of creating a non-alcoholic brew that holds its own.