Last Updated: 15 February 2026

Key Takeaways

• Beer Style: American Pale Ale (APA).
• ABV: 5.4%.
• Tasting Notes: Tropical mango, grapefruit, and juicy peach with a crisp, hoppy finish.
• Best For: Fans of bold, aromatic beers who love iconic can artwork.

Welcome to my Beavertown Gamma Ray review. I have been interested in Beavertown for quite some time now, but I never had the opportunity to buy a can until I stumbled across them in BrewDog Nottingham back in the day.

I couldn’t resist! Their can artwork caught my eye immediately; it is different, vibrant, and adds a unique approach to their branding. If you have never heard of Beavertown, they are a British brewery based in North London. While they began as a small operation in Logan Plant’s kitchen, they have since grown into one of the biggest names in the UK beer scene, now operating out of their massive “Beaverworld” facility in Enfield and their original taproom in Tottenham Hale.

The Beavertown Core Range (2026 Update)

Before we dive into the Gamma Ray American Pale Ale, it is worth looking at the current core range. While the brewery was fully acquired by Heineken in 2022, they have maintained the bold flavours and psychedelic designs that made them famous.

Their core line-up now includes:

• Neck Oil: Their world-famous 4.3% Session IPA.
• Lupuloid: A heavy-hitting 6.7% IPA.
• Bones: A crisp, refreshing 4.4% Lager.
• Satellite: A 2.8% Super Session IPA.
• Gamma Ray: The 5.4% APA that we are focusing on today.

Tasting the Beavertown Gamma Ray

In an American Pale Ale, you are likely to see an average ABV of around 4.0% to 7.0%, and at 5.4%, Beavertown Gamma Ray sits right in the sweet spot. It is strong enough to carry big flavours without being overwhelming.

The aroma is the first thing that hits you. You are welcomed with a tropical blast of mango, peach, and lychee. On the first sip, it is crisp with a medium bitterness (IBU 55) and virtually no cloying sweetness, despite the use of Caramalt and Caragold malts.

The juiciness comes from a powerful selection of hops, including Columbus, Bravo, Amarillo, Citra, Calypso, and Mosaic. These are added in large quantities late in the brewing process to intensify the aroma and flavour without making the beer overly harsh. It is a mouthful of sheer delight.

When it comes to food, you want something that can stand up to those bold hops.

• The Classic: A juicy beef burger or a loaded hotdog.
• The “Fancy” Choice: A thin-base pizza with spicy pepperoni or meaty toppings.
• The Surprise: Spicy Mexican tacos. The citrusy notes of the hops pair perfectly with lime and coriander.

Beavertown Gamma Ray is a great ale, without a doubt. I have literally got no bad words to say about this beer at all! It is a “big” beer that remains incredibly drinkable. I will definitely be picking up some more, along with their other brews like Neck Oil and Lupuloid.

Let me know your thoughts on Beavertown’s recent brews and what you would like to see them do this year.

FAQ: Beavertown Brewery

Is Beavertown Gamma Ray vegan? Yes! Most of Beavertown’s core range, including Gamma Ray and Neck Oil, is vegan-friendly as they do not use isinglass (fish bladder) in the fining process.

Who owns Beavertown now? As of September 2022, Beavertown Brewery is fully owned by Heineken. While founder Logan Plant has stepped down as CEO, he remains involved as a creative consultant, and the brewery still operates as a separate entity in London.

What is the difference between Neck Oil and Gamma Ray? Neck Oil is a “Session IPA” (4.3%), meaning it is lighter and designed for easy drinking over a long period. Gamma Ray is an “American Pale Ale” (5.4%), which is richer, fruitier, and has a more substantial body.

Is Gamma Ray gluten free? No, Gamma Ray contains barley and is not gluten free. However, Beavertown does produce a specific Gluten Free IPA called “Critical Mass” (formerly Spaceman).