EXPRESSIONS: CITRA

BEER REVIEW: 410

BREWER: Siren Craft Brew, Berkshire, England

STYLE: DDH Citra IPA

ABV: 5.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 15th August 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Expressions’ Citra brew lands with an instant visual win—the yellow and orange packaging bursts with vibrancy, echoing the single hop’s character. In the glass, the beer stays true to its citrus-forward reputation: a deep golden haze that promises refreshment.
On the nose, grapefruit commands the scene, but lemon weaves in a harmonious counterpoint, keeping the aroma fresh and clean. The first sip reinforces expectations—grapefruit pushes forward with authority, dominating the taste profile. For lovers of pure Citra expression, this is exactly what you’d want. However, there’s a sense that the flavour could use a supporting act, something to carry it beyond that initial hit, stretching its complexity into deeper canyons.
Mouthfeel suffers slightly; it’s bold, intense, and demands commitment. But what it loses in easy drinking, it makes up for in sheer clarity of purpose. The IPA credentials hold strong, and the packaging delivers on theme, making this a beer you’d reach for again, especially if you admire a single hop being showcased at full throttle.
Expressions – Citra does exactly what it sets out to do—it celebrates Citra without compromise. Whether that’s perfection or demands an extra layer will depend entirely on your palate.

Sammy’s Rating: 80%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Of all the hops to use in a single hop brew, Citra is the one for me. Some say, actually most say, it’s the king of hops when it comes to craft beer and who am I (multi-awarding winning, decorated beer reviewer, churning out dross since the 80s) to disagree.

A lot, if not all other hops need a pal or even a few pals to shine, as on their own they lack something. Whereas Citra can stand alone and do myriad jobs by itself.

And here we have a Citra only offering from our mighty local brewers, Siren. Expressions is their single hop range and it just made sense to go with the Citra offering for reasons mentioned above…

This is a really good beer, but is missing something to elevate it to super stardom.

Let’s go through this step by step…

This brew starts off with a spectacular tropical nose, so inviting!

The taste in sip and mouthfeel whilst sipping is also exceptional! Again, it’s tropical goodness and one that defo keeps you a chuggin’, it’s that good.

But it’s at the next stage that Expressions: Citra dips a bit. See the middle is lacking a bit of body, flavour and personality. Shame.

Because the texture and flavour in the aftertaste, though subtle, is nothing short of world class. The aftertaste is one of soft grapefruit, orange and somehow, marshmallow, in taste and texture. And it goes on and on and on, but subtly and softly.

If there was more action in the middle then we would be onto an understated worldy here. But as it is, this is just a really good beer.

Jymi’s Rating: 81%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 80.5%

MOB review next weekend: ROTHAUS PILS by BADISCHE STRAATSBRAUEEI ROTHAUS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Bluesky: @museonbooze.bsky.social

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M O B 2025

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