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Solar Drift

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An American IPA at 6.2% ABV with a fresh, lively aroma of citrus, lime and tropical fruit. Solar Drift is a one-off from Brouwerij Kees in Middelburg, in Zeeland, where Kees Bubberman opened the brewery in 2015. The brewery files it as an American IPA and names lime next to citrus and tropical fruit in the aroma, which keeps the profile bright. The shop lists it in the one-off series.

ABV
6.2%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
tropicalcitrusyfruity
tropical
citrusy
fruity
hoppy
clean
Aroma
The nose is dominated by vibrant citrus and lime notes that lead the charge, immediately fresh and zesty.
not found:juicy,caramel,sour,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Solar Drift

◎ Appearance

Solar Drift presents a bright golden-amber hue with excellent clarity and visible carbonation. The head is white and persistent, forming delicate lacing that clings to the glass walls with each sip. The overall presentation is clean and inviting, characteristic of a well-crafted American IPA.

golden-amberbright claritypersistent lacingfine carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by vibrant citrus and lime notes that lead the charge, immediately fresh and zesty. Supporting these are tropical fruit esters—pineapple, mango, and stone fruit—layered beneath, creating a complex and layered profile. The hop aroma is clean and refined, without aggressive green or vegetal character, maintaining an inviting brightness throughout.

lime, citrustropical fruit estersclean hop characterbright, lively

◐ Taste

The palate enters crisp and dry, with citrus flavors unfolding across the front and mid-palate before a gentle wave of tropical fruit sweetness appears. The bitterness is measured and well-integrated at 60 IBU, providing structure without overwhelming the delicate fruit flavors. The finish is clean and refreshing, with a light resinous quality that enhances rather than dominates.

citrus-forwardbalanced bitternesstropical undertonesdry, crisp finish

◑ Finish

The aftertaste is short to medium in length, fading gracefully with lingering lime and a subtle herbaceous note. The beer leaves the palate clean and refreshed, inviting another sip.

medium fadelime persistencerefreshing aftertaste
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
76
Appearance
78
Finish
74
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

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.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Solar Drift

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About American IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American 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 American IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same tropical, citrusy, fruity character as Solar Drift will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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