That’s how I felt when I tried Bravehop Dark from Loch Lomond Brewery. I'd like to say I picked up up on whim when in Lidl, but the truth is, I like to review all sorts of beers, so I pick up anything I've never tried before! I cost me just £1.99, and being serious for a moment, the artwork did catch my eye and I’ve been trying to expand my Black IPA review collection and knowledge of the style.
What I didn’t expect was that it would end up as one of my favourites in the style, scoring a solid 8/10.
Black IPAs are one of those beers that can take a little getting used to, they look dark and heavy, like a stout, but then hit you with hoppy fruit and usually a touch of pine. I can understand that for some people, that contrast is off-putting the first time around.
But for me, Bravehop Dark nailed it, the balance was there, and it made me sit back and appreciate exactly what this style can do.
Appearance
Poured into a glass, Bravehop Dark shows off a rich, deep brown colour, almost opaque.
There’s a creamy tan head that settles slowly and leaves a nice lacing on the glass.
It doesn’t sparkle like a pale ale or IPA, but there’s a subtle shine that hints at its drinkability.
Even just looking at it, you can tell this is a beer with layers waiting to be discovered.
It looks serious, but it doesn’t intimidate. The colour tells you there’s roast in the beer, but you also get the feeling there’s more going on than just malt.
It’s inviting, and that’s the first thing it got right.
Aroma
The first thing I noticed when I brought the glass to my nose was the roastiness.
There’s a subtle chocolate and coffee note in the background, but it’s not overwhelming.
It smells like it’s got depth, but it also smells drinkable.
After that initial roast, you catch a whiff of citrus,soft, almost orange-zesty, I didn't get any pine on the aroma. The hops aren’t screaming at you like some American IPAs, but they’re there, quietly balancing the darker notes.
It’s not just a dark beer that happens to have hops; it’s a proper Black IPA where both sides get their moment.
I’ve said it before about other Black IPAs, but it’s worth repeating: this style can confuse your senses at first.
You expect a dark beer to be all malt, chocolate, and coffee, then the citrus hits, and your brain pauses.
It’s a strange, enjoyable contradiction, and Bravehop Dark does it subtly and well.
Taste
This is where the beer really won me over, It's worth saying that it is a really smooth beer, and when it comes to enjoying a beer, this really does help.
The first sip hits with that roastiness you noticed in the aroma. It’s warm, smooth, and malty, but not heavy or cloying. It gives the beer a backbone and sets the stage for the hops to play their part.
Then the hops come in, gentle citrus and just a hint of pine. Like the aroma, there is nothing agressive in here, nothing that overpowers the malt.
Instead, they slide in just behind the roast, creating a nice push-pull effect on your taste buds.
It’s the kind of balance that makes you want to take another sip immediately.
The bitterness is there, as you’d expect from a Black IPA, but it’s measured, it lingers just enough to remind you thatthere are some soft roasty flavours, I mainly picked up the coffee bitters from the malts, but I'm sure under that there was a subtle btterness coming from the hops too.
The finish is clean, dry, and lightly coffee-like, which makes the whole drinking experience feel polished and complete.
I have to say, I was genuinely impressed at the level of flavour you get for under £2.
Most beers in this price range either fall flat or go heavy on one element; Bravehop Dark is well-rounded, thoughtful, and satisfying (to be honest Loch Lomand always impress, not sure I've had a truly bad beer from them!).
Mouthfeel
Like I've already mentioned, this is a lovely smooth beer, and body-wise, it sits in the medium range.
It’s not too light, but it’s not heavy either, just enough weight to support the roasted malt flavours without feeling like you’re drinking full bodied, rich coffee or a dessert!
The carbonation is moderate, which gives it a nice lift on the palate and keeps the beer from feeling too dense.
It’s smooth enough to drink on its own, but it also has presence. It’s the kind of beer that pairs well with food, or that you can just enjoy in front of the TV without it being too much work.
Value for Money
Here’s the kicker: I picked up a 440ml can for just £1.99 at Lidl ... Let that sink in.
A beer that tastes this good, has this much balance, and is actually a proper Black IPA for under £2?
It’s almost criminal.
Of course, you don’t always get value like this, especially in craft or Black IPA territory, so this one felt like a win straight away.
Even if the price weren’t a factor, I’d still recommend it.
It’s now officially one of my favourite Black IPAs, and I can see myself picking it up again purely for the enjoyment.
Overall Impression
Bravehop Dark scores an 8/10 from me.
It’s not perfect, there are bigger, bolder Black IPAs out there, but for what it is, it delivers everything you want from the style.
It’s balanced: the roastiness leads without dominating, the hops are present without being aggressive, and the finish is clean and drinkable.
It’s approachable for someone getting into Black IPAs but still satisfying for a seasoned fan of the style.
It’s the kind of beer that makes you want to explore more Black IPAs and see how different breweries play with the style.
For a style that can be a bit tricky at first, this is a brilliant example of why it’s worth sticking with it.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Bravehop Dark is a standout Black IPA in the UK market.
It may not have the same hype as some bigger craft releases, but for me, it’s the kind of beer that sticks with you.
- Roastiness first, followed by gentle citrus and pine.
- Medium body and moderate carbonation.
- Balanced bitterness that doesn’t overwhelm.
- Excellent value at £1.99 for a 440ml can.
It earns a solid 8/10 and has earned a permanent place on my Black IPA shortlist.
If you see it in Lidl (or elsewhere), I’d say grab a can, pour it into a glass, and take the time to enjoy it.
This is a beer that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get something complex, enjoyable, and memorable.
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