Merakai Brewing This Is A Thirst Trap

Merakai Brewing Co Ltd were incorporated on 1st April 2019, but the company are certainly no April fools. The East Sussex-based brewer is the fruit of the efforts of craft beer-loving couple Emma and Olly Parsons, who went from avid home brewers to successful beer producers. The name ‘Merakai’ comes from a contraction of the Greek philosophy of ‘Meraki’, which means to do something with soul and passion, and Japanese word ‘Ikigai’, which relates to the purpose of your life. Very deep!

The company see themselves as a collective, trying to create a community of likeminded collaborators to produce quality beers.  They aim to be inclusive and safe with equal opportunities and fair treatment for all – great stuff! ‘This Is A Thirst Trap’ was the brewer’s first nolo offering, and came to market in February 2022 – just missing Dry January. A pale ale at heart, but with the addition of both mango and papaya puree into the mix. Both fruits I love to eat, and my wife is especially fond of papaya; legend has it she once ate so much she turned orange. Moving on, and it’s hopped with Ekuanot Cryo, which is known for its tropical flavours, and Mosaic Spectrum, which is a hop oil extract; in effect hop pellets in liquid form. Depending on how these are used, I’d question whether the addition of fruit juice is actually needed? Let’s see shall we…

The beer pours a hazy light orange colour and is pretty much opaque when it fills the glass. A big loose frothy head is produced, though this is short lived. On the nose, you guessed it, we get big hits of both tropical mango and papaya, with aromas of sweet malt and some orange citrus in the background. Very fresh and enticing aromas on display here.

The papaya and mango make the transition to the taste, and in a plethora of tropical flavours the mango is the dominant fruit. A background of grapefruit citrus bitterness, grassy hop, earthy dankness and wheat round off and balance out the beer. The bitterness comes out on top, but is well tempered and in harmony with the sweetness. The carbonation is a decent tingly level, with the body being quite thick with a smooth mouthfeel. We get a bitter tropical finish to the drink.

Merakai Brewing’s ‘This Is A Thirst Trap’ is a triumph of a beer from this brewer, and an outstanding nolo debut. Fruity tropical flavours, pleasing bitterness and earthy notes come together to form an insanely drinkable alcohol-free beer. My thirst has certainly been trapped by this brew, and I’m going to have to keep a section of my fridge clear for a small stock of these lovely 440ml tins.

Buy Merakai Brewing This Is A Thirst Trap

If you’re in the East Sussex area you can visit the Merakai brewery to get your hands on cans. Otherwise you can either buy direct from the brewer’s website, or buy some ‘This Is A Thirst Trap’ from the stores below:

Nutritional Information (per 100ml, taken from the side of the can)
ABV	0.5%
Additional nutritional information not given. Boo, hiss!
Ingredients
Hops, Yeast, Gluten, Barley, Oats, Wheat, Mango, Papaya
Additional Information
Country of Production	United Kingdom
Brewer	Merakai Brewing – https://www.merakaibrewing.com/
Gluten Free?	No
Vegan Friendly?	Yes