Surly Brewing Co. (Minneapolis, Minnesota) has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of craft beer, and Axe Man IPA is no exception. Originally named Todd the Axe Man and brewed as a collaboration with Amager Bryghus in Denmark, this West Coast style IPA stands out in Surly’s lineup for its bold hop character and crisp drinkability. It has developed a strong following, particularly among hop enthusiasts who appreciate a beer that’s packed with aroma and flavor yet remains highly drinkable.
Appearance – 4.5/5
Axe Man pours a vibrant golden-orange color with excellent clarity, topped by a thick, frothy white head that lingers, leaving behind delicate lacing.
Aroma – 4.8/5
The aroma is where Axe Man truly shines. It’s bursting with tropical and citrus hop notes, thanks to a generous dose of Citra and Mosaic hops. Expect a nose full of mango, pineapple, grapefruit, and tangerine, backed by subtle pine and a hint of dankness. There’s also a light malt sweetness underneath that rounds it all out without overshadowing the hops.
Taste – 4.6/5
Axe Man delivers on its aromatic promise with a bold yet balanced hop presence. The front end is filled with juicy citrus and tropical fruit flavors, leading into a mid-palate of resinous pine and light herbal bitterness. The malt backbone, featuring Golden Promise malt, provides just enough sweetness to keep the beer from feeling too sharp, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable sip. The finish is crisp and moderately dry, with a lingering grapefruit bitterness.
Mouthfeel – 4.3/5
The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly creamy texture. The carbonation is spot on, providing enough effervescence to keep the beer refreshing but not overly fizzy. For a hop-forward IPA, it remains incredibly drinkable, never feeling too heavy or sticky on the palate.
Drinkability & Overall Impression – 4.6/5
For fans of hoppy, aromatic IPAs, Axe Man is definitely worth trying. While it leans into bitterness, it never crosses into aggressive territory, making it approachable even for those who typically avoid hop-bombs. The balance of tropical juiciness, piney resin, and subtle malt sweetness makes it a well rounded, modern take on a classic West Coast IPA.
That said, those who prefer a hazier, lower bitterness IPA might find Axe Man a bit too sharp, but for traditional hop lovers…this is a standout!
Final Rating: 4.6/5
Surly Brewing’s Axe Man IPA is a fantastic representation of a hop-forward yet well balanced IPA. Its tropical, citrusy aroma and crisp, slightly bitter finish make it a top choice for hop enthusiasts, and earning its place as a favorite in Surly’s impressive lineup.
If you’ve tried an Axe Man, please share your thoughts about it in the comments below.
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