Liquid Sunshine - Best of Welsh IPA's
- Abigail Saltmarsh
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
There’s nothing quite like a cold beer on a warm day – and what could bring even more sunshine into our lives than a Welsh IPA? Abigail Saltmarsh reviews some of the finest Indian pale ales to sip, savour and raise a glass with this summer
Purple Moose
Colourfully named Purple Moose Brewery grew out of owner Lawrence Washington’s passion for homebrew 20 years ago. Today it produces more than 57,000 pints from its base in Porthmadog, on the fringes of Eryri National Park.
Its range includes cask, keg and bottled beers that between them have won more than 100 major awards. Tasty, memorable names to look out for include the likes of 5.5% rich stout Chocolate Moose and 4.6% real ale Dark Side of the Moose. Its 5.2% Antlered IPA is a tempting amber ale, with a strong hop character and tangerine and citrus aromas. It also embodies a lasting bitterness with hints of pine.
Conwy Brewery
Experimentation at the Llandudno home of chemist Gwynne Thomas, who was passionate about ale brewing, led to the birth of Conwy Brewery in the early 2000s. Today his son Oliver runs the operation, which still aims to produce natural beers with as little impact on the environment as possible.
Among their collection of Welsh brews are Conwy IPA and Surfin IPA. Conwy is an easy-drinking 4.3% choice with hints of both citrus and tropical fruits. At 5.1%, Surfin packs more classic American tastes with its full hop flavour, zesty bitterness and sweet malty finish.
Hafod Brewing Co
Producing just one barrel at a time when it first started out in 2011, Mold-based Hafod Brewing Co has grown to become one of North Wales’s best-loved breweries. Still family run, it produces an array of well-balanced, drinkable beers for all occasions.
This summer, why not sup on its Freestyle IPA? This award-winning, 5.4% tipple is a hugely fruity option, which is dry hopped with mosaic for a sweet berry flavour. A picnic and garden party favourite!
Monty’s Brewery
Situated near Montgomery, Powys, close to the Shropshire border, Monty’s Brewery was launched in 2008 by husband and wife team Russ and Pam Honeyman. Today it produces a range of real ales, many of which are gluten free.
Among its collection is Red IPA, brewed from mosaic, jester and magnum hops – and enjoyed for its bitterness. This tasty gluten-free beer was recently entered into the Cask Session Pale Ale category of the SIBA Wales and West Independent Beer Awards, where it scooped Gold. Red IPA is 4.2% and available in cask, bottle and keg. Congratulations!
Antur Brew Co
Passion for the great outdoors as well as good craft beer, led to the birth of Antur Brew Co. The word “antur” means “adventure” in Welsh – and indeed this brewery is situated in Crickhowell, deep in Bannau Brycheiniog, with its exceptional opportunities for outdoor fun.
Those busy walking, hiking or climbing this summer might like to pause to refresh themselves with a pint of Antur Brew’s New England IPA. At 5.8%, this is heavily dry hopped, with a full body that brings with it a juicy mouthful of mango and tropical notes.
Bragdy Cybi
Husband and wife team Dan and Bethan Jones launched Bragdy Cybi on the Isle of Anglesey in 2020. Today they produce their beers in small batches from Holyhead, where they also have a taproom and bottle shop.
Their 5.3% IPA, Sunshine Dan (clearly named after one of their cheery owners!) is a slightly hazy ale, with a nice bitterness and really fruity punch. Just like eating a packet of Opal Fruits (or Starburst for younger readers!).
Cwrw Llŷn
First produced in the middle of the picturesque Llŷn countryside in an old cow shed, this beer is now brewed in Nefyn. Still handmade in small batches, its ales are created using soft mountain water drawn from Llŷn Cwmystradllyn in Snowdonia.
The North Wales brewery’s IPA was conjured up for a festival held to celebrate the finding of a Bronze Age brewing trough beneath the sand and clay on the beach at Porth Neigwl. Amber in colour, Porth Neigwl IPA is made with finished North American hops, combining bitterness with fruitiness to result in a well-balanced, flavoursome pint. Its draft is 4.5% and bottle 5%.
Felinfoel
Felinfoel Brewery, close to Llanelli, has an incredible history, reaching right back to the 1800s. Brewing initially took place in the Felinfoel village pub but in 1878, then owner David John decided to relocate his operation to a stone building opposite. This purpose-built brewery is still the centre of production for the company today.
Known for its Welsh beer range that includes 4.2% Double Dragon, a deep copper red ale, and Dragons Heart, a 4.5% canned craft ale, the brewery has also recently launched its 3.6% Craft IPA. Golden straw in colour, with a lacing head, this is a medium-bodied ale that balances delicious caramelised malt with bitter hops. Perfect.
Glamorgan Brewing Co
Glamorgan Brewing Co was initially founded in 1994 in Gorslas, South Wales, to supply beers, wine and spirits to local hospitality operations. But in 2011 owner John Anstee bought a small kit and started brewing his own – and the rest is history. Since then, the company, now based at Llantrisant, has expanded exponentially and today produces an abundant range of its own keg, cask, bottled and canned beers.
Its gluten-free Dead Canary Indian pale ale is described as a modern, Welsh IPA. At 5%, the amber nectar is made with columbus, amarillo, centenial, challenger and simcoe hops. It has a rich malty, almost coffee-like essence, which also manages to be highly refreshing. Superb for summer.
Gower Brewery
Beginning as a tiny, five-barrel operation back in 2011, Penclawdd-based Gower Brewery now sells its Welsh beers in pubs, bars, restaurants and shops right across the UK. It has a restaurant, bar and coffee shop in Swansea, as well as taprooms in Penclawdd and Mumbles.
Its award-winning beers include the fruity 5.5% Gower Power and the lighter 4.5% Gower Gold. Oxwich Bay, its 5% IPA, is made from hops originating from New Zealand as well as the UK. Gluten free and vegan, it is sweet, balanced and hoppy, with a zesty, orangy
resonance that can be enjoyed by all.
Grey Trees Brewery
Situated in Aberdare, close to beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog, Grey Trees brews its beer with water from a fresh Welsh source. Combining this with a complex blend of British malts, as well as hops from around the world, its award-winning ales aim to offer balanced flavours to appeal to a wide range of drinkers.
Its IPA, Afghan Pale Ale, has won many accolades over the years. Indeed, in 2024, it scooped CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Wales. Amber in shade, it is a refreshing 5.4% number, with fruity, berry roots taking centre stage and perfectly complementing its smooth caramel finish.
Magic Dragon Brewing
Waving its wand to ensure its beers are flavoursome and distinctive is Magic Dragon Brewing in North Wales. Situated on the Plassey Leisure Park, near Eyton, it sells to pubs right across Wales and England and has a taproom in Wrexham.
Among its core products is the Green One, a single hop, 4.2% vegan IPA. Golden brown in colour, this is overflowing with gorgeous citrus and hop aromas. Its sharp taste is perfect for the summer months and its peppery finish more than lives up to the Magic Dragon name.
Polly’s Brew Company
On a farm in Mold, Flintshire, Polly’s has grown from a tiny operation in a stable to a sophisticated set-up capable of brewing 10 times a week. Today it produces an incredible range of beers including IPAs such as 5.6% Rosebud, 8.4% Rosa Double and – for those seeking a truly powerful pint this summer – Something Fantastic – Oatcream Triple at 10.5%.
Look out for Polly’s recently released IPAs too. These include 6% Snake City with floral, pine and robust grapefruit notes, together with a slightly herbal edge, and Less Reverb, a 6.7% tipple for those seeking something juicy. This brings hints of mango, blueberry and even bubblegum...
Tenby Brewing Co
For a taste of an IPA brewed in South West Wales, try Tenby Brewing Co’s offering. This brewery has been creating its products in the vibrant Pembrokeshire coastal town since 2015. It also has a tapyard and eatery here, where you can sample its ales alongside freshly cooked dishes.
Tenby Brewing has a diverse core range, plus regular seasonal samples and some limited editions. Its Hammerhead IPA is brewed to be 6% and has a light body that still achieves a punchy bitter edge. Look out for its citrusy, piney notes too.
Tenby Harbwr Brewery
From its historic building overlooking bustling Tenby Harbour, this brewery produces pints that are supped right across Pembrokeshire, as well as in pubs in Swansea and Cardiff. Founded in 2015, Tenby Harbwr Brewery has rooted itself firmly in the coastal town’s past by naming many of its tipples after famous local boats.
Its IPA, Pia Whanga, is something of an exception, however. Created from three New Zealand hops, its name means “harbour beer” in Maori. Marrying the history of Wales with a taste of down under, this 4.2% ale is light in colour and deep in flavour. Think lemon, lime and tropical fruit as you drink – and just imagine that New Zealand sunshine.
Tomos Watkin
Celebrating the magic of Welsh life and colourful stories passed down the generations, Tomos Watkin has more than a tale to tell. Founded in 1996, this family-owned brewery at Llansamlet, near Swansea, evokes the folklore and history of Wales through its range of beers.
Blodwen, Magic Lagyr and Miner’s Pride are among its popular classics – and a newer, but equally spellbinding, character is Dragon’s Keep. This 5%, premium, vegan IPA is crafted from US hops and is fast becoming legendary. A beer with bite, it won’t have you breathing fire but does leave a tropical zing on the tongue.
Wild Horse Brewing Co
At Wild Horse Brewing Co in Llandudno the small team is exceptionally hands-on, doing everything on site, from milling the grain right through to kegging and canning – and all its beers are unfiltered, unpasteurised and vegan.
Its 3.8% Nakota Session IPA is a quaffable, moreish delight, with waves of tropical fruit and citrus. Its 6% Emrallt IPA is a true Welsh gem. Also bursting with bold tropical fruit character, it has a soft, hazy body balanced by a dash of dank, citrusy flavour. Perfect for the beach or out in the garden...
