BEER REVIEW: 337

BREWER: Hive Mind, Monmouthshire, Wales

STYLE: Hazy Pale 

ABV: 3.4%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 24th March 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

OK, we have to start with the can art… It is suburb!!! An almost cyborg honeybee just doing it’s very important thing. So, so good. I kinda wish the brewery logo wasn’t getting in the way a little, stopping our beast of a friend being displayed in all their glory but whatever, I’m picking, this is a seriously decent looking tin of beer.

And the reason for the robot bee is not just for tin art kicks, no no, it represents a beer brewed with pollen and also a nod to our winged friends that play such an important role in all our lives. They go about their business without fuss nor fanfare and are without doubt an under appreciated lot.

I quote our can…

As you savour each sip, take a moment to reflect on the essential work of pollinators in our world and their gift to our food chain.

I can assume that the vast majority of those reading will not be sipping THE POLLINATOR as they read this but please, take a moment. Take a moment to appreciate the nature around you. How beautiful and essential it is. Without it, we’re nothing. Humans may think they’re King Kong with a mighty dong but remove the essentials that make our lives possible and as mentioned, we’re nothing.

Anyway, to the beer itself… I really hope it’s not shit after that environmental outburst!

Thankfully, it is not. It’s actually pretty good.

It is clear in the drinking that this brew is only 3.4%. The body is thin and the aftertaste is short lived. However, the flavour is great. There is a sweet / citrus / savoury balance that delivers a very drinkable beer for sure.

In a sun soaked beer garden surrounded by flowers, trees and maybe a smattering of birdsong, The Pollinator would be an absolute delight, I’m sure of it.

Keep up the good work Hive Mind x

Jymi’s Rating: 71%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Ok. Let’s shake this out a little. We shall begin at the start. Logical, I know. 

So, I like the terminator themed packaging but it does resemble a computer game graphic. I absolutely get the whole terminator/Pollinator vibe, but I also think come on, do your own thing. 

Let me put that little gripe aside. And I do need to put it aside because the truth is, I really, really like the Pollinator. 

I am on board with the nod to it being linked to environmental concerns.  This is supported by bee keepers and brewers vibe which makes absolute sense that the team at Hive Mind create mead, honey and beer products. 

At only 3.4% abv, The Pollinator is a belter of a brew. It’s light on the nose but so reminiscent of an old style good IPA. Sure it’s lighter, but the notes you want are all there.

Make no bones about it, the Pollinator is so very  incredibly refreshing. There’s no doubt it has hints of fruits and hops, but do not be distracted that is USP is unashamedly it’s refreshing bangingness. 

The Pollinator is absolutely perfect as a session IPA. It manages to achieve things that others don’t manage to do. 

Sammy’s Rating: 83%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 77%

MOB review next weekend: EARL GREY IPA by MARBLE BEERS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024