Commonwealth Brewing Co’s Papi Chulo: A Beer Review

Commonwealth Brewing Company Papi Chulo Review

I’m always on the lookout for a hazy IPA that balances big juicy hop flavors with enough bitterness to keep things interesting, and Papi Chulo delivers on that front. Brewed by Commonwealth Brewing Company, this New England-style IPA packs plenty of tropical fruit character while avoiding the overly sweet finish that can sometimes plague the style. It’s an easy-drinking beer that showcases why hazy IPAs remain one of the most popular categories in craft brewing.

• Brewery: Commonwealth Brewing Company (Virginia Beach, VA)
• Style: New England / Hazy IPA
• ABV: 6.5%
• IBU: 56
• Hops: Citra, Mosaic, Idaho 7
• BeerAdvocate Score: 88 (Very Good); 3.91/5 (86 ratings)
• Untappd Score: 3.93/5 (17,279 ratings)

Appearance

Pours a hazy golden-orange color with a thick white head and solid lacing down the glass. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a well-made New England IPA, looking juicy and inviting from the first pour.

Aroma

The nose is loaded with tropical fruit. Pineapple, citrus, and ripe mango lead the way, while dank herbal notes linger in the background. The hop aroma is prominent without being overwhelming.

Taste

Papi Chulo delivers a pleasant mix of citrus and tropical fruit flavors, with notes of pineapple, orange, grapefruit, and a touch of guava. The hops bring plenty of flavor but avoid excessive bitterness, creating a well-balanced IPA that remains approachable. The finish is crisp enough to keep you coming back for another sip.

Mouthfeel

Medium-bodied with a smooth, soft texture that’s characteristic of the style. The beer feels full without becoming heavy, and the moderate carbonation helps maintain its drinkability.

Overall

Papi Chulo is a very good example of a hazy IPA. It brings plenty of juicy hop character while maintaining enough bitterness and structure to avoid tasting overly sweet. While it may not completely reinvent the style, it executes it extremely well and showcases why Commonwealth Brewing Company has earned such a strong reputation among IPA fans.

Final Score

4.25/5

Papi Chulo is a flavorful, highly drinkable hazy IPA that strikes an excellent balance between juicy fruit character and hop bitterness. It’s the kind of beer that’s easy to recommend to both IPA enthusiasts and craft beer drinkers looking to explore the style.