As summer finally decided to become a thing this year in the England, FAULT UK finally have a reason to seek out new and exciting summer products usually reserved for our NYC, LA and travel team (yay us). With Bestival on the horizon, we discovered that Island Records (yes, THE Island records) have released a new IPA and naturally we just had to try it.

Island Record’s Session Ipa is an Indian pale ale which blends different hops harvested in three different continents. What do the big wigs at Island Records know about beer brewing we hear you ask? Well, we can’t speak for them but Two Tribes Brewing who they’ve partnered up with have a proven track record for producing some of our fave ales which can be bought via The Beer Collective. Two tribes is founded by former DJ and producer Justin Deighton but they aren’t the only music-focused partner behind the beverage. Soundwaves Brewing who previously collaborated on the Island Records Jamaica Porter complete the trio of music lovers behind the product.

With all partners involved with music in some way, it’s only fitting that they have also curated a playlist to listen to while you sip on your tropical beer. From the reggae-acoustic playlist entitled ‘As The Sun Hits The Water’ and ‘Slave To The Rhythm’ it’s clear that they are trying to pair the vibrant and colourful tracks with their equally vibrant ale.

You can access this playlist yourself using The Shazam App; making Island Record’s Session IPA the world’s first “Shazam-able” beer. From the Shazam app you’ll be greeted with numerous Spotify playlists to listen to while you enjoy the beer, which is a great use of the software. It’s exciting to see that they have tried to capture the whole experience of enjoying the IPA and put serious consideration into the mood and different senses of their customers. This goes down to the small details of beer can’s coating which is both colourful and has a great feel so kudos to the product designers on that front. Well, that’s sight, hearing and touch covered, I guess it’s over to taste…

We’re glad to say that they have hit the nail on the head with this one. The citrus and tropical fruit flavours could very easily have created a far too sweet and overpowering taste but thankfully they all blend well with the Ipa’s hoppy taste to create a wonderful summer pale ale fit for any beer garden, festival or barbeque. We listened along to Island’s ‘Porky’s BBQ’ playlist which featured jaunty hits by FAULT favourites, Jimmy Cliff, Hozier, The Rolling stones, Stevie Wonder and other Island greats during our very professional tasting session.

If fruity ales are for you and you’re looking to try something new and a little different, we’d recommend picking up an Island Records Session IPA. While the Shazam-able can and the somewhat shameless self-promoting playlists may seem a little gimmicky, it’s a great use of the tech available and music/beers lovers will appreciate it even if it’s only used the one time. An impressive product and one befitting our fine British summertime. Let’s pray it lasts…!