hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Halcyon

Tap to rate

Light gold in colour and brimming with intense pineapple, grapefruit, lemon zest and piney hop flavours. Brewed with Galaxy, Ella, Chinook, Nelson Sauvin and Bramling Cross hops on Low Colour Maris Otter, it finishes bitter. Halcyon is Thornbridge's 7.4% imperial IPA, and the base from which the brewery later evolved Mango Halcyon.

ABV
7.4%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
citrusyhoppypiney
citrusy
hoppy
piney
tropical
resinous
fruity
Aroma
The nose is dominated by vibrant citrus and stone fruit notes, with pronounced pineapple and grapefruit leading the charge.
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Halcyon

◎ Appearance

Halcyon presents a bright, light gold hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head that clings to the glass walls with good retention. The carbonation is lively, evident in steady streams of small bubbles rising through the liquid. A thin band of lacing marks each sip.

bright goldclearfine head retentionwell-carbonated

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by vibrant citrus and stone fruit notes, with pronounced pineapple and grapefruit leading the charge. Beneath these sit zesty lemon zest and a distinctive piney, herbal backdrop from the Bramling Cross and Nelson Sauvin, creating an aromatic profile that is both tropical and earthy. The Malz base remains subtle, allowing the hop character to flourish.

pineapplegrapefruitlemon zestherbal pine

◐ Taste

The palate is full-bodied and assertive, opening with the same tropical and citrus intensity encountered on the nose. Mid-palate reveals a refined interplay between the Galaxy and Ella hops' fruity notes and the earthy, slightly woody character of Chinook and Bramling Cross. The finish drives toward a pronounced, lingering bitterness that complements rather than overwhelms the fruit.

citrus-forwardpiney depthdryassertive bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is long and satisfyingly bitter, with the hop bitterness persisting well into the aftertaste without becoming harsh. A subtle dryness remains on the palate, inviting further sips.

bitter fadelingering hop
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
84
Appearance
80
Finish
78
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.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Halcyon

More from Thornbridge Brewery

1838 Pale Ale
1838 Pale Ale
Pale Ale
4.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
AM:PM
AM:PM
Session IPA
4.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Bayern
Bayern
German Pilsner
4.8%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Bracia
Bracia
Strong Ale
10%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Brock
Brock
Irish Dry Stout
4.1%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Chiron
Chiron
American Pale Ale
5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Clear the Vault
Clear the Vault
West Coast IPA
6.8%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Cocoa Wonderland
Cocoa Wonderland
Porter
6.8%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →

About Double IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Double 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 Double IPA

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

Compare with another beer →Explore all Double IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse United Kingdom beers →