Cromarty Brewing Co Kowa Bunga

Kowa Bunga is one of Cromarty Brewing Co’s more playful releases — the name alone signals that this is a beer that doesn’t take itself too seriously, even if the brewing behind it absolutely does. It’s a tropical pale ale from the Black Isle brewery, leaning into the fruity, juicy end of the modern pale ale spectrum. Cromarty have a talent for making beers that are approachable without being boring, and Kowa Bunga is a good example of that.

Tasting Notes

Kowa Bunga pours a pale golden colour with some haze and a white head. The nose is immediately tropical — mango, pineapple, and passion fruit, with a clean citrus hop character underneath. On the palate the tropical fruit character carries through: it’s juicy and forward, with a moderate bitterness that keeps it balanced rather than cloying. The finish is clean and refreshing with a pleasant bitter aftertaste.

Verdict

Serve cold and drink fresh — tropical hop character fades quickly, and Kowa Bunga is at its best when the fruit is singing. It’s a brilliant summer beer and works equally well at a barbecue or on a sunny afternoon when you want something that tastes as cheerful as the name suggests. If you enjoy modern tropical pale ales and haven’t tried Cromarty’s take on the style, this one is worth finding.