Yellowbelly Citra Pale Ale

If you looked at a satellite image of Ireland and zoomed in around the ass of the teddy bear, which the country is often said to resemble, you would find the town of Wexford, just by the mouth of the River Slaney.


Home to approx 20,000 people or YellowBelly's as they are locally known, Wexford is where you will also find Yellowbelly Beer, a two year old Brewery that started from a brew kit in a basement below local watering hole Simon Lambert & Sons.

In that short 2 year period Declan Nixon (head brewer) & Nicky Lambert (director) collaborated on over 100 different beers. Although the majority remained keg only releases, 13 specialities were given nationwide releases.

In early 2017, having outgrown their basement site, the guys moved production to a new brewery, not far from the pub where it all began, now with more space & canning facilities the quest to take over the world one beer at a time is in full swing!

Each Of the guys Beers releases includes unique artwork featuring "Yellowbelly" the brand Character & somewhat uniquely a comic & digital content including games & animated videos, all produced under the watchful eye of designer Paul Reck.

The company title is of course ironic, in that YellowBelly Beer never fears to be progressive and innovative with their beer styles and ingredients.


It was a can of their award winning Citra Pale Ale that introduced me to Yellowbelly. The eye catching can featuring the aforementioned Yellowbelly, who reminds me of a wrench wielding maniacal Circus Master, was one of the first I took hold of on a recent visit to the Vineyard.

Having rested in the Liquorjunky fridge the 300ml can of 4.8% Citra Pale Ale was poured after a long warm day of baby sitting, or parenting as my wife insists I should call it. Perfectly chilled & ready to sink

Pouring a hazy golden orange with a thin albeit fluffy white head. I could detect the grapefruit scent on this immediately. It wasn't overly carbonated and the citrus, grapefruit taste combined with a little zest made it extremely refreshing.

Overall, Yellowbelly Citra Pale Ale is a medium bodied, not overpowering in taste yet refreshingly finished Pale Ale.


It's perfect for an afternoon in the garden in a can sized serving. Not sure my palate would welcome several pints of this, although I would be keen to sample it on draught

I purchased my beer in The Vineyard, Belfast - a 330ml can cost £1.99

More info can be found here www.yellowbellybeer.ie