BrewDog Analogue Dream IPA Review

I've just reviewed the BrewDog Analogue Dream, an 8% ABV hazy IPA that I picked up in ASDA for £3.92, and I'll say from the start, it's a gorgeous beer..

I believe this was originally part of a BrewDog’s Berlin Series, and it’s brewed in Germany. That’s interesting in itself, because the water profile over there is different to Ellon in Scotland, and that can subtly change the overall feel of the beer (that can only be for the better).

It’s fairly well accepted that BrewDog are at their best when they’re doing stronger IPAs and darker beers. Their core range is solid and reliable, but it doesn’t quite hit the same heights as some of these bigger, more flavour-driven releases.

What I found interesting here is that they’ve just called it a “Hazy IPA” on the can. No mention of DIPA or Imperial IPA, which feels quite restrained for BrewDog, and probably a bit more accessible for the average buyer, especially at this price-point too.

The economics of beer has always interested me ... so I'll pass on this little thought to you all ... an imperial-strength IPA usually adds a couple of pounds per litre in pure costs, this is down to the raw materials (extra malts and more or beter hops) and the stupid alcohol duty alone, so seeing this at £3.92 makes it feel like good value straight away.

This is a good example of the value you can still find if you know what you’re looking for, something I’ve covered more in my guide to good beers you can buy in UK supermarkets.

In the glass, this beer looks absolutely superb. It pours a thick bright orange (it looks like a breakfast juice), it's definately got that classic East Coast IPA appearance to it.

I love it when you get a punchy hop from just the pour and Analogue Dream doesn't disappoint, The aroma is amazing, pungent stoned fruit and tropical vibes coming through in buckets, I have to say that it smells very fresh and very inviting.

The flavour delivers on that promise. Peach and apricot lead the way, with a bit of mango sitting quietly in the background. There’s also a lovely dry, slightly tea-like note in there, that soft, green, almost vegetal edge you get from the likes of Verdant, Deya, Burnt Mill and Phantom Brewing (RIP) etc, for me this alone elevates this BrewDog IPA.

Right at the end, there’s a gentle hint of coconut, which adds to the already thick and creamy feel of the beer. It just rounds everything off nicely and makes the mouthfeel feel even softer.

There’s a decent bitterness on the finish too, just enough to balance things out without taking away from the softness.

But for me, it’s the freshness and that pillowy mouthfeel that really stand out. It drinks like something from a high-quality craft brewery, not just a supermarket shelf.

This is definitely up there for me, easily in my top 10 BrewDog beers.

This feels like a beer for people who already enjoy hazy IPAs but want something with a bit more weight behind it. It’s not overly aggressive, but at 8% it’s not one you rush either. Definitely more of a sit-down and enjoy kind of beer rather than a fridge filler.

If you’ve had some of BrewDog’s bigger releases before, this sits somewhere above their core range but just below their more extreme imperial offerings. It feels more refined than loud, which actually works in its favour.

At £3.92, I’d happily pick this up again. It feels like you’re getting something a bit more premium without paying specialist bottle shop prices.

Score: 8.5/10