Cold Town Beer New England IPA

Cold Town Beer is an Edinburgh brewery with a tap room on the Royal Mile — one of the most dramatically located breweries in Scotland, with views of the city and a space that attracts both tourists and serious beer drinkers in equal measure. They’ve built a reputation for well-made, hop-forward craft beers, and the New England IPA is their most celebrated offering. NEIPAs (New England India Pale Ales) are characterised by their hazy appearance, soft body, juicy tropical fruit character, and relatively restrained bitterness compared to West Coast IPAs.

Tasting Notes

Cold Town NEIPA pours a hazy, golden-orange colour with a white head — the turbidity is a hallmark of the style and a sign of the hop oils and yeast that give it its characteristic texture. The nose is vivid and tropical — mango, passion fruit, citrus, and peach, with a softness that’s very different from a classic West Coast IPA. On the palate it’s smooth and juicy: tropical fruit leads, the body is full and soft, and the bitterness is moderate and gentle rather than assertive. The finish is long and fruity.

Verdict

Serve fresh and cold — NEIPAs don’t improve with age and Cold Town’s is at its vivid best when just released. It’s an excellent example of the style from a brewery that deserves more attention beyond Edinburgh. If you’re on the Royal Mile, the tap room is essential. If you spot the cans elsewhere, get them. One of Edinburgh’s best craft beers.