HOPIQ FACEOFF
THE HOPIQ TAKE
Punk IPA is the establishment craft beer — the one that built the category in the UK and became what everyone compares against. BRLO IPA is what happened when Berlin's most interesting craft brewery decided to make their version, with slightly more ABV, slightly more aggression, and a Germanic directness about what it's trying to do. Punk IPA is more universally pleasing, better marketed, available everywhere. BRLO IPA is more interesting in a quieter way. If you want the reliable choice, Punk. If you want to see what Berlin is doing with the format, BRLO.
SIDE BY SIDE
| BrewDog Punk IPA | BRLO IPA | |
| ABV | 5.6% | 6.0% |
| IBU | 35 | 40 |
| Colour | Golden amber, SRM 7 | Amber, SRM 8 |
| Style | American IPA | American IPA |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Germany |
WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH
Pick BrewDog Punk IPA when…
- →You want the reliable, crowd-pleasing IPA that everyone will enjoy
- →Tropical hop character — mango and citrus over resin
- →Price and availability — Punk is everywhere at good prices
- →Lower IBU — if the most assertive bitterness isn't what you're after
Pick BRLO IPA when…
- →You want more bitterness and body — BRLO pushes harder on both
- →Food pairing — the extra bitterness handles richer dishes better
- →Craft beer exploration — BRLO is interesting and underrated outside Germany
- →You've had Punk a hundred times and want to taste Berlin doing it
WHAT IT TASTES OF
Both beers
STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT
TASTING NOTES
SIMILARITY SCORE
80%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between BrewDog Punk IPA and BRLO IPA?
BrewDog Punk IPA (5.6% ABV) is the established British craft IPA — tropical, citrusy and widely distributed. BRLO IPA (6.0% ABV) is a Berlin craft brewery's take — slightly stronger, hop-forward with a more modern, resinous character. BRLO represents the new wave of serious European craft brewing challenging the British craft establishment.
What is BRLO?
BRLO (pronounced 'ber-lo', an old Slavic name for Berlin) is a Berlin-based craft brewery founded in 2014. It is one of Germany's most respected craft breweries, known for innovative beers that combine German brewing precision with modern craft sensibility. BRLO operates a brewery and taproom in Berlin's Gleisdreieck park.
Is BRLO available outside Germany?
BRLO distributes within Germany and to selected European markets. It is available in parts of the UK, Scandinavia and beyond through craft beer importers, though it is primarily a German brand. In Germany it is widely available in craft beer shops and supermarkets.
Which is hoppier, Punk IPA or BRLO IPA?
BRLO IPA at 6.0% ABV has a more resinous, modern hop character. Punk IPA's hop profile is more tropical and citrusy from its blend of New World hops. Both are firmly hop-forward, but BRLO leans more bitter and resinous while Punk IPA is fruitier.