Early Bird IPA
Early Bird is an alcohol-free IPA brewed by ThornBridge that arrived in my Sober Sauce subscription box. Thornbridge has been brewing a number of different award-winning beers in the grounds of historic Thornbridge Hall, Bakewell, UK for over 15 years including their popular Jaipur IPA beer (which helped to skyrocket the business).
Like other brewers, Thornbridge has decided to create an alcohol-free beer and Early Bird was born. This IPA uses a heady mix of Australian and New Zealand hops (Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin) to create a punchy bitter and fruity drink.
So is Early Bird an award-winner like its alcoholic siblings? Well, you’ll just need to read my review to find out.
Is Early Bird IPA any good?
Taste
Not bad, not bad. Early Bird is certainly a light and bitter IPA thanks to the brewing process and selected mix of hops. In addition, along with the bitterness, there are subtle citrus and floral flavours. That said, personally, the body and carbonation (compared to other alcohol-free IPAs) are a bit weak for my liking but this would still make a decent beer to drink in the sunshine.
Aroma & Appearance
When the bottle is first opened you certainly get notes of bitter hops but also quite a lemony aroma too. In the glass it pours with a light amber colour and gives a low frothy head.
Bonus points
Early Bird is one of the lowest-calorie alcohol-free beers I’ve tried (just 8 kcal per 100 ml) but I am unable to find out if this beer is suitable for vegans. The best way to pick up a bottle of this is via Thornbridge’s own site or an online specialist.
The Dry Drinker is a great allrounder when it comes to alcohol-free drinks with a great range of wines, beers and spirits.
Key information
– per 330ml
Brewery – Thornbridge
Country – UK
Alcohol content – 0.5%
Calories – 27
Ingredients – HOPS – Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin | MALTS – Munich, Carapils and Crystal
Vegan friendly? – unknown
Gluten-free? – no
Availability –medium
“Drunkenness is nothing but voluntary madness.”
-Seneca, AD 50 BC
