Nirvana Brewery “Sutra” review – low-alcohol (0.5%) IPA

Originally, IPAs (India pale ales) were apparently brewed to a medium strength (6% or more) to survive the arduous journey from British Isles to the UK.

Nowadays though, while many brewers are still producing IPAs to similar strength, there are quite a few brewing session IPAs too.

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London brewery Nirvana has taken the concept of a low-strength IPA a step – well, several steps – further with “Sutra”.

This ale breaks all the previous IPA rules at just 0.5% ABV – ironic seeing as sutra loosely translates to “rules” in Sanskrit literature.

Sutra has a cracking aroma when you pop it open, with mango and grapefruit and a smidgen of floral hoppiness.

It’s pretty lively straight from the bottle, but loses its head quickly with only a little lacing. It pours a clear golden colour.

Sutra is quite watery, which makes it a thirst-quenching drink. However, its consistency means it gives itself away as a low-ABV beer before taste comes into play. Which is a shame as there’s some good flavours there – peach, grapefruit and hops – complemented by a hint of bitterness.

The finish is quite abrupt though. I also detected a minor chemical aftertaste. But this was oddly not unpleasant and not really a flaw.

Verdict

At just 0.5% ABV, this IPA wouldn’t have survived a long trip around the Cape of Good Hope. And it probably won’t survive long in your fridge either.

That said, I much prefer Nirvana’s “Karma” pale ale – “Sutra” was a little too bland for me.

Still, it’s way better than a soft drink and a great option as a low alcohol beer. And at just 33 calories a bottle, a great option as a healthy drink too.

"Sutra" (0.5%) by Nirvana Brewery

6.2

Aroma

8.2/10

Mouthfeel

4.0/10

Flavour

6.5/10

Pros

• Low calorie
• Great aroma
• Refreshing

Cons

• A little watery

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