hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Big Hit

Tap to rate

Big Hit is a big-hitting, hoppy IPA with an unusual twist: dark caramel malts added alongside the hops. At 4.2% it comes from Arkell's in Swindon on cask and draught as well as in bottles, and it has been listed since January 2018. Head brewer Alex Arkell is the sixth generation of the family.

ABV
4.2%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppycaramelmalty
hoppy
caramel
malty
clean
tropical
citrusy
Aroma
The nose is dominated by assertive noble and citrus hop character—grapefruit zest and herbal notes lead the profile.
not found:juicy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Big Hit

◎ Appearance

Big Hit presents a pale amber hue with a warm golden undertone, reflecting the SRM of 8. The beer displays good clarity with a resilient, off-white head that maintains a fine layer of lacing down the glass. Carbonation appears moderate and well-integrated, producing a steady stream of small bubbles.

pale ambergolden warmthpersistent headclean clarity

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by assertive noble and citrus hop character—grapefruit zest and herbal notes lead the profile. Beneath the hop intensity lies a supporting caramel sweetness from the dark malts, adding depth without overshadowing the floral Edelhopfen character. A faint green apple note suggests clean fermentation and contributes freshness to the overall impression.

citrus hopscaramel sweetnessherbal, floralgreen apple

◐ Taste

The palate opens with bright, resinous hop bitterness balanced by the promised caramel malt backbone, which provides a gentle sweetness through the mid-palate. A tropical fruitiness—mango and peach notes—emerges alongside the citrus character, keeping the beer lively and complex. At 4.2% ABV, the body remains clean and drinkable, with a dry, hop-forward finish that never becomes astringent.

resinous bitternesscaramel malttropical fruitdry and clean

◑ Finish

The finish is medium-length with a lingering herbal and citrus hop aftertaste that gradually fades. A dry, slightly woody character persists, leaving the palate refreshed rather than heavy.

herbal persistencecitrus fadedry and refreshing
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
79
Appearance
76
Finish
75
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve well-chilled. Session IPAs are at their best cold — the lower ABV means less warmth to balance the hops.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

Drink fresh. Session IPAs are brewed to be consumed young — the hops are at their best now.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Big Hit

More from Arkell's Brewery

3B
3B
Best Bitter
4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Backstamp
Backstamp
Best Bitter
4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Bee's Honey Pale Ale
Bee's Honey Pale Ale
Pale Ale
4.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Belt Driver
Belt Driver
IPA
4.2%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Coronation Ale
Coronation Ale
Brown Ale
4.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Desi Biyar
Desi Biyar
Lager
4.2%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Haze
Haze
Pale Ale
4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Honest John
Honest John
Best Bitter
4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →

About IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, caramel, malty character as Big Hit will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all IPA beers in hopIQ →New to IPA? Read our guide →Browse United Kingdom beers →