Cloudwater ~ Stollen From Ivor 5.0% Festive Stout
The Stollen From Ivor Festive Stout is a perfect beer to usher in the cozy atmosphere of winter celebrations. On the nose, you are greeted by the familiar aromas of spices like cardamom and allspice, reminiscent of the traditional German stollen. The malt bill provides a deep, malty backbone that delivers dark fruit flavours, with hints of marzipan, dried fruit, and a soft bread-like quality. A subtle sweetness from the mixed peel balances the spices, while the dry finish makes each sip moreish and satisfying.
Interesting Fact: The beer takes inspiration from traditional German stollen, a festive cake made with fruits, marzipan, and spices. Cloudwater expertly incorporated cardamom and allspice into the brew, creating a liquid homage to this beloved Christmas treat. The use of mixed peel adds a citrusy, fruity zest that elevates the beer’s holiday spirit.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This beer pairs beautifully with rich desserts like fruitcake, gingerbread, or even a traditional stollen. It also works well with hearty roasted meats, such as pork with apple sauce, where the beer's subtle sweetness can complement the richness of the dish. For cheese lovers, a creamy Brie or a tangy blue cheese will balance out the spices in the beer.
Jiddlers Tipple ~ Yule Log Stout 5.1% Christmas Stout
Yule Log Stout is the perfect Christmas treat in a glass. This rich and velvety stout opens with aromas of roasted malt and dark chocolate, followed by sweet vanilla and caramel. There is a noticeable sponge cake character, evoking memories of a festive Yule log. The beer’s smooth, creamy mouthfeel is complemented by a touch of pastry sweetness, making it feel like a decadent holiday dessert. The slight bitterness on the finish provides a well-rounded balance to the sweetness.
Interesting Fact: This stout is inspired by the iconic Yule log cake, which is a classic holiday dessert. The use of vanilla and caramel mimics the sweet and creamy layers of the traditional treat, while the roasted malts and dark chocolate create a rich and indulgent body. Plus, the beer is gluten-free, making it accessible to a wider range of beer drinkers.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair this beer with a chocolate yule log or a spiced apple crumble. The beer’s smooth, sweet finish complements the richness of chocolate desserts and balances out the spices in fruity treats. For a savoury option, consider pairing it with a hearty dish like a beef Wellington or a rich, creamy stew, where the beer’s complexity will stand up to the depth of flavour in the food.
Northern Monk ~ Festive Star 5.2% Vanilla, Cinnamon & Chocolate Porter
Northern Monk’s Festive Star is a seasonal porter that’s as sweet as it is spicy, bringing together chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon for the ultimate holiday indulgence. The dark malt base offers rich, roasty flavours, while the vanilla adds a creamy sweetness and the cinnamon gives it a warm, festive character. Each sip is smooth and comforting, like curling up by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa. The beer has just the right amount of sweetness to evoke memories of holiday baking, with a touch of bitterness to keep it balanced.
Interesting Fact: Festive Star is Northern Monk’s annual holiday release, crafted to celebrate the spirit of the season. The beer draws on the flavours of classic holiday desserts, with the addition of vanilla and cinnamon to evoke memories of cookies and spiced cakes. Each year, the recipe is refined to ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This porter is a natural companion for chocolate desserts—think chocolate torte or a rich chocolate mousse. The beer’s cinnamon and vanilla notes will enhance the spices in the dessert. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, particularly duck or turkey with cranberry sauce, where the beer’s sweetness complements the savoury and fruity flavours.
Dark Revolution ~ Atomic Baby 3.8% Dark Mild
For those seeking something lighter but still packed with flavour, Atomic Baby is a fantastic choice. This dark mild offers a smooth malt base with notes of toast, caramel, and a hint of honey. The slight bitterness from the hops complements the malt sweetness, creating a well-rounded beer with a clean finish. The use of Vienna and Crystal malts adds depth, while the honey provides a subtle richness that makes the beer feel indulgent without being overwhelming.
Interesting Fact: Atomic Baby is a modern take on the traditional English mild ale, a style known for its low alcohol content and malty sweetness. The beer’s use of Vienna and Crystal malts gives it a unique depth of flavour, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that isn’t typically found in other mild ales.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This dark mild pairs well with classic pub fare, such as a hearty steak and ale pie or a cheese ploughman’s. The beer’s malt sweetness complements the richness of the meat, while its clean finish balances the heaviness of the dish. It also pairs beautifully with a caramelized onion tart or roasted vegetables, where the beer’s sweetness can enhance the savoury flavours.
Atom ~ Eightfold Way 4.0% Irish Stout
Eightfold Way is a classic Irish stout with a robust and rich flavour profile that’s perfect for those who enjoy a malty, slightly bitter brew. The roasted malt gives the beer a strong coffee and dark chocolate character, while a touch of caramel sweetness adds balance. The beer’s crisp finish makes it highly drinkable, despite its full-bodied nature. This 4.0% ABV stout is sessionable yet flavourful, making it a great choice for casual sipping.
Interesting Fact: Eightfold Way is a nod to the traditional Irish stout, a style known for its balance between roasted malt bitterness and malty sweetness. This beer stays true to the style while adding a modern twist with its clean, crisp finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This Irish stout is ideal with classic Irish pub dishes, such as shepherd’s pie or a hearty corned beef sandwich. The roasted malt flavours will complement the richness of the meat, while the beer’s crisp finish helps cleanse the palate. It also pairs well with dark chocolate desserts, where the beer’s maltiness enhances the bitterness of the chocolate.
Brew York ~ Fairytale of Brew York 4.9% Florentine Milk Stout
Inspired by the beloved Florentine biscuit, Fairytale of Brew York is a milk stout that delivers all the decadence of the classic treat. Flavors of pistachio, cherry, and rich chocolate come together in this smooth, creamy stout. The lactose adds a velvety texture, enhancing the sweet and nutty notes. The cherry brings a tart contrast, making this stout a perfect balance of indulgence and refreshment.
Interesting Fact: The beer is inspired by the Florentine biscuit, a traditional treat made with caramelized nuts, cherries, and a dark chocolate base. By incorporating pistachio and cherry into the beer, Brew York brings the flavours of this dessert to life in a milk stout form.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair this beer with a slice of rich chocolate cake or a pistachio-studded tart. The sweetness of the beer will complement the dessert’s nutty and fruity elements. For a savoury pairing, try it with a creamy cheese like Brie or a tangy goat cheese, where the beer’s sweetness and smooth texture will balance the richness of the cheese.
Anspach & Hobday ~ Danelaw 5.5% Brown Ale
Danelaw is a rich, full-bodied brown ale that showcases the complexity of English Chevalier malts. The beer pours a deep amber, with aromas of toasted nuts, caramel, and earthy malts. On the palate, you’ll find a smooth blend of roasted malt sweetness, with hints of toffee and dark fruit. The bitterness is subtle, creating a rounded finish that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Interesting Fact: Danelaw is a collaboration with Væskebalencen Bar & Battleshop in Denmark, and it takes its name from the historical period when the Vikings ruled parts of England. The use of Chevalier malts, once considered one of the finest malts for brewing, gives this beer its unique depth and complexity.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This brown ale pairs perfectly with roasted meats like lamb or beef, where its malty sweetness complements the savoury flavours. It also works well with rich stews or a ploughman’s lunch, where the beer’s depth of flavour enhances the heartiness of the food. For dessert, pair it with a sticky toffee pudding or a pecan pie, where the beer’s caramel and nutty notes will mirror the sweetness of the dessert.
Crafty Brewing ~ Lunar Shadow 4.1% Porter
Lunar Shadow is a smooth, dark porter with a rich, roasted flavour profile. The deep malt character brings layers of chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit, creating a robust but balanced beer. The beer’s smooth mouthfeel is complemented by hints of oak and a slight bitterness that lingers at the finish, making it a perfect beer for sipping on cool evenings. Its lower ABV makes it sessionable, while still providing all the depth and complexity you expect from a porter.
Interesting Fact: Lunar Shadow takes inspiration from traditional English porters, but with a modern twist. The use of chocolate malt and roasted barley enhances the beer's richness, while the subtle bitterness from hops like East Kent Goldings creates a balanced beer that doesn’t overpower. This porter’s lower ABV makes it a more approachable choice for those looking for a flavourful yet easy-drinking dark beer.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair this rich porter with hearty, roasted meats like a roast beef sandwich or a pulled pork bun. The beer’s roasted malt character will complement the savoury richness of the meat. It also pairs well with rich chocolate desserts like flourless chocolate cake or dark chocolate truffles, where the beer’s chocolate notes can mirror the dessert’s depth. For cheese, a creamy Brie or a sharp blue cheese will balance out the beer’s smooth, roasty qualities.