Buxton Brewery make some of the most sought-after IPAs in the UK, so Axed comes with a specific benchmark: does it carry anything of Axe Edge's hop intensity at 0.5%? The answer is — more than most. The same citrus-forward character is there, with grapefruit and orange peel driving the aroma alongside mango and a light pine note. The palate follows suit: tropical and citrus-led, with soft malt sweetness beneath and a balanced bitterness that doesn't overpower. The mouthfeel is lighter than the full-strength version, which is expected. But the hop character holds up well, particularly in the aroma. It pours pale gold with a white head. The finish is clean and hoppy, with a freshness that lingers. Vegan-friendly. Not gluten-free — contains barley, oats and wheat. Available in 440ml cans from the brewery's own shop and specialist AF retailers. One of the stronger AF IPA options from a brewer that clearly understands hops.