BEYOND

BEER REVIEW: 421

BREWER: Northern Monk, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 6.5%

VESSEL: 568ml tin (pint)

DATE OF POST: 31st October 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

The name suggests escape velocity. You picture something bold, boundary-breaking, maybe even a little cosmic. But then you meet the pint-sized tin—stretched like a mural across a surface too large for its own good. The colours are sharp, the design intriguing, but it feels like a 330ml soul trapped in a 568ml body. A spacecraft built for short hops, not deep space.
The nose is where the promise flickers: pine-forward with a twist of lime, bright and clean without veering into bathroom cleaner territory. It’s a well-judged aroma—fresh, inviting, and just restrained enough to avoid cliché.
Drinking it, the pine and citrus return, but softened. The boldness hinted at in the nose becomes a whisper on the tongue. It’s refreshing, light, and well-behaved—like a craft beer that’s been told to mind its manners at a dinner party. There’s no haze, no hop bomb, no syrupy weight. Just a clean sip that knows its limits.
Mouthfeel is modest, packaging underwhelms, but the name earns its keep. “Beyond” may be a stretch, but it’s not a lie—it just doesn’t quite reach orbit. Still, there’s charm in its restraint. It’s a beer for many occasions: a post-hike pint, a barbecue companion, a fridge staple that won’t demand a dissertation.
A decent drop that flirts with ambition but never quite leaves the launchpad. Not quite beyond—but not stuck in the past either.

Sammy’s Rating: 70%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

EXTERNAL

First things first, why on earth does this tin look so massive??? Actually, massive is the wrong word, LONG. Why on earth does this tin look so long???

I mean, I know why really, it’s a pint can. And I applaud Northern Monk for having the presence of mind to deliver this traditional IPA in such a vessel.

But why the f**k does it look so long??? I was fully expecting to lift the lid and for four tennis balls to come rolling out.

Look, I’m well versed in a bigger than standard 440ml tin. Arbor and Deya have been chucking them out for what seems like forever, but somehow Northern Monk have made theirs look longer than a conga.

Anyway, to the all important internal…

 

INTERNAL

The beer pours with a medium body and a slightly creamy mouthfeel that primes the palate. The nose is inviting, offering a zesty citrus aroma which captures the bright, vibrant spirit typical of trad IPAs.

There is defo a hoppy bite in the first sip, which is lovely and settles the nerves, confirming that Beyond is a classic IPA, from a craft brewery. As it settles, the hops linger, coming forward most assertively in the aftertaste, while the overall malt base stays subtle and clean. The beer feels somewhat one dimensional on the swallow however, as the flavour drops off mid sip. While the finish is crisp, it could benefit from additional depth or complexity to truly shine.

The hop presence remains strong and satisfying for those who crave classic IPA bitterness. If there’s a weakness, it’s a slight lack of richness as the beer goes down, leaving a bit to be desired for those looking for layered flavours.

But when all is said n done, Beyond is a very good representation of its category. Solid, reliable, and refreshing, if slightly restrained in complexity.

And a Jymi Hats off to Northern Monk for going classic (trad) rather than craft (modern)… though it is a modern take on trad. Oh gawd… do I need to start this review again??!!

Jymi’s Rating: 79%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 74.5%

MOB review next weekend: CONEY by BREW YORK

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Bluesky: @museonbooze.bsky.social

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M O B 2025 

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