brewdog cybernaut

BrewDog Cybernaut is an oat cream IPA — a style that’s become increasingly popular in the craft beer world for the way it softens the sharp bitterness of IPA with the silky, smooth texture that oats add to the malt bill. The result is a juicy, hazy, tropical IPA that’s considerably more approachable than a traditional West Coast style without sacrificing any of the hop character. The name is admittedly what drew the initial attention, and the beer more than justifies the purchase.

Tasting Notes

Cybernaut pours a hazy, golden colour with a soft white head. The nose is lush and tropical — mango, passion fruit, citrus, and a slight creamy quality from the oats underneath. On the palate it’s smooth and juicy: tropical fruit hop character leads, cushioned by the oat-softened body, with a moderate bitterness that builds through the mid-palate and a long, hoppy finish. The haze and the oats give it a texture that’s genuinely distinctive.

Verdict

Serve cold and drink fresh — hazy IPAs don’t improve with time, and Cybernaut at its best is a vividly tropical experience. It’s a great beer for people who enjoy IPAs but find the bitterness of West Coast styles too aggressive — the oat softening makes it genuinely more accessible without dumbing it down. Very nice indeed, and the name is still excellent.