Gamma Ray APA vs Heathen APA: Which Should You Drink?

HOPIQ FACEOFF

Gamma Ray APA

Beavertown Brewery

United Kingdom · American Pale Ale

hopIQ rank #1083

89%

Overall similarity

side by side, across 56 flavour tags

Heathen APA

Northern Monk

United Kingdom · American Pale Ale

HOPIQ TAKE

Gamma Ray APA if you want a brighter, more assertive hop presence, Heathen APA if you want something smoother and more sessionable. Both hit the same IBU target at 38, but Gamma Ray's extra 0.4% ABV gives it a slightly fuller body that lets those hops sing louder. Heathen sits back a touch more — it's got the bitterness but doesn't throw it in your face. Really depends if you're in a "let me taste the beer" mood or a "let me just enjoy drinking" mood.

See what fits your taste

Build your Beer DNA

hopIQ scores every beer against your palate, not the average drinker's.

WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH

Pick Gamma Ray APA when…

→You want to actually taste distinct hop flavours — citrus, pine, resin
→You're at the start of the evening and want something with a bit more presence
→You're comparing it side-by-side with other IPAs and need definition

Pick Heathen APA when…

→You want bitterness without aggression — something balanced and approachable
→You're planning to have more than one and don't want hop fatigue
→You like beers that feel refined rather than bold

SIDE BY SIDE

	Gamma Ray APA	Heathen APA
ABV	5.4%	5%
Bitterness	Noticeably bitter	Noticeably bitter
Colour	Golden	Golden
Style	American Pale Ale	American Pale Ale
Origin	United Kingdom	United Kingdom

WHAT IT TASTES OF

9 shared · 2 distinct

Both beers

tropicalhoppyfruitycrispcitrusyorangepeachcleanlight

STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT

Gamma Ray APAHeathen APA

Bitterness

Body

TASTING NOTES

Gamma Ray APA

TropicalHoppyFruity

Gamma Ray comes at you with this bright, almost citrus-forward character that feels quite sharp on the first sip. There's a clean pine backbone and this subtle stone fruit thing happening underneath — it's not sweet, but it's got presence. The finish is crisp and doesn't linger too long, which actually makes you want another sip. At 5.4%, you feel like you're actually drinking something substantial, even though it's still totally crushable.

Heathen APA

TropicalHoppyFruity

Heathen is the more measured sibling here — the hop bitterness is definitely there, but it's integrated better into the beer itself rather than sitting on top. It's softer in the mouth, almost velvety compared to Gamma Ray. The flavour profile is more restrained; you get some floral notes and a gentle herbal quality. At 5%, it's genuinely easy-drinking without sacrificing the hop character, which is a neat trick.

Find beers like Gamma Ray APA

View alternatives →

Find beers like Heathen APA

View alternatives →

← All comparisons