Last Updated: 16 February 2026

Updated: January 2026

Key Takeaways

• Beer Style: IPA / NW DIPA (North West Double IPA).
• Flavour Profile: Tangerine, mango, pine, and caramel.
• Brewery: Cloudwater Brew Co (Manchester, UK).
• Dietary: Vegan-friendly.
• Verdict: A world-class example of modern British brewing that puts Manchester on the map.

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So, I picked up a bottle of Cloudwater IPA (India Pale Ale), as it features an intriguing mix of German, Maori, and US hops such as Perle, Green Bullet, and Centennial.

The only side note is that I picked up two bottles of this and decided to try an experiment: I wanted to age one and see how it would turn out. And boy, was I in for a treat.

If you are looking for a review of the famous Cloudwater NW DIPA, or just want to know if this Manchester heavyweight lives up to the hype, read on.

Who are Cloudwater Brew Co.?

Cloudwater is an independent craft brewery based out of a unit complex in Manchester. Since opening, their growth has been seen going from strength to strength with every season. They are a brewery which has been pushing out some serious beers that have had many people wanting more from these guys.

Not only do you get a Cloudwater brew that tastes fantastic, but you also get a gorgeous, well-rounded package. The artwork matches the quality of the beers, and in most cases, you can even purchase the art prints depending on whether or not they are limited edition.

The Manchester craft beer scene has without a doubt been growing in momentum. Judging by the recent Indy Man Beer Con (IMBC), it is set to be heading in the right direction. It is great to see, as this will open the door for many venues, from bars, pubs, and microbreweries to hopefully larger-scale breweries, to open up and push some great quality beer for us to find.

Tasting Notes: Cloudwater IPA

Popping open the bottle (depending on how close your nose is!), I was held stunned.

It has a gorgeous, light, and elegant aroma of tangerine and mandarin. There is a subtle bitter orange note, very floral with hints of mango, passion fruit, pineapple, pine, and grapefruit with a touch of resin.

Diving in and pouring out my first glass full, you are welcomed with a hazy, dark amber, golden colour with an average to thick off-white head. Taste it, and you are belted with a hoppy punch. It has a crisp taste to the palate, followed by notes of mango, passion fruit, grapefruit, pine, citrus peel, and light apricot with a smooth caramel finish.

The Aging Experiment

In my eyes, this was an outstanding beer. It was the first beer I have ever aged myself. From the first drinking of this beer back last year, the flavours really were enhanced but did not lose any of their body whilst ageing.

I stored this in the fridge but then moved it out for a couple of days into a dark cupboard and then back in the fridge. I did this scattered over time. While most dry-hopped beers are best drunk fresh, this one stood the test of time.

The Cloudwater NW DIPA Features

I love Cloudwater, and their NW DIPA (North West Double IPA) Citra was an absolute belter.

If you are wondering what makes their specific style so special, it often comes down to the yeast. Many of their best brews are fermented using a specific generation of our local JW Lees yeast. This local Manchester yeast strain gives the beer a unique body and fruity ester profile that you just don’t get from standard American yeasts.

It is a fantastic standout beer that proves the United Kingdom can produce a banging double IPA to rival the Americans.

The fact that Cloudwater provides Vegan-friendly beer is always a positive to anybody reaching out to our meat-free friends.

I will be checking out more Cloudwater very soon. If you are a fan of hazy, juice-forward beers, you need to get this in your glass.

Until then, I shall see you in my next post, cheers!

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FAQ: Cloudwater Brew Co

What is an NW DIPA? NW DIPA features a specific style of Double IPA pioneered in the Northwest of England (specifically Manchester). It often balances the haze of a New England IPA with a bit more bitterness and uses local yeast strains.

Is Cloudwater beer vegan? Yes, the vast majority of Cloudwater beers are vegan-friendly. They label their cans clearly, so you can always be sure.

Where is Cloudwater brewed? They are based in Manchester, close to Piccadilly Station. They have a taproom unit on the Piccadilly Trading Estate, which is a must-visit for beer fans.

What hops does Cloudwater use? They use a massive variety, but they are famous for their heavy use of Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe, often dry hopped at high rates to get that intense aroma.

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