SOUP

Tasting Notes

SOUP pours into the hazy IPA lane with the expected soft, pillowy body and low bitterness that lets the hops do their aromatic work upfront. Expect a nose heavy on tropical and stone fruit — think mango, peach, maybe a little guava — with a doughy, oat-forward malt base underneath. The flavor follows through with juicy hop character, a gentle resinous note on the mid-palate, and a finish that fades smoothly without much astringency. The texture is full and round, which is characteristic of the style's heavy use of oats and wheat in the grain bill.

About the Brewery

Garage Beer Co. is based in Barcelona, Spain, and has been one of the more prominent craft beer operations on the Iberian Peninsula since the mid-2010s. They built their reputation on hop-forward styles and have helped push the Spanish craft beer scene toward more internationally recognized formats like IPAs, hazy beers, and pastry-adjacent styles. Their branding and taproom presence in Barcelona have made them something of an anchor for the local craft community.

Food Pairings

Spicy Thai noodles work well here because the beer's soft bitterness and fruit-forward hops temper chili heat without clashing. A good fish taco with mango salsa mirrors the tropical hop profile and keeps the pairing coherent. Mild washed-rind cheese provides enough fat and funk to stand up to the juicy hop character without overwhelming it. Grilled chicken with a citrus-herb marinade echoes the beer's bright aromatics while the round body handles the char from the grill.

Style Guide

Hazy IPA — sometimes called New England IPA or NEIPA — is defined by its intentionally cloudy appearance, low perceived bitterness, and intensely aromatic hop character driven by late and dry-hop additions. The style originated in New England breweries in the early 2010s, most often credited to The Alchemist in Vermont, and spread rapidly worldwide through the 2010s. It differs from West Coast IPA primarily in its softer bitterness, fuller body from oats and wheat, and emphasis on aroma and juiciness over resinous dryness. ABV typically runs from about 6% to 8%, though the style spans a wide range.