Abbeydale ~ Restoration 5.2% Extra Special Bitter
Restoration is Abbeydale’s take on the traditional Extra Special Bitter (ESB), a style known for its balanced malty sweetness and mild hop bitterness. This modern interpretation uses Fuggles and Goldings hops—two of the most classic English hop varieties—to impart a mild, herbal grassiness to the beer. The malt profile, which includes a mix of caramel and toasty biscuit flavours, is the perfect complement to the light bitterness and slightly floral notes from the hops. The body is medium in weight, offering a satisfying drinkability that makes it ideal for sipping throughout a long evening.
Interesting Fact: The ESB style has a long and storied history in England, originating as a stronger, hoppier version of the traditional Bitter. Abbeydale’s version takes a modern approach by using English-grown hops that bring a blend of traditional flavours with just a touch of modern finesse. The Fuggles and Goldings hops not only contribute earthy, herbal flavours but also a slight fruitiness, creating a harmonious balance in the beer.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Restoration’s balanced maltiness and gentle hop bitterness make it a versatile beer to pair with a wide variety of foods. Try it with a classic British pub meal such as fish and chips, where the beer’s light grassiness cuts through the richness of the fried fish. It would also pair well with a hearty ploughman’s lunch, featuring sharp cheddar, crusty bread, and a selection of pickles. For a more adventurous pairing, serve it with a roasted vegetable tart or a savoury meat pie, where the beer’s caramel sweetness complements the rich, hearty flavours.
Jiddlers Tipple ~ Another IPA 3.8% West Coast IPA
Another IPA is a West Coast IPA that nails the balance between bitterness and hop aroma. With a mix of four hops—Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka, Rakau, and a touch of Citra—this beer delivers a punchy piney aroma paired with a citrus burst of grapefruit, pineapple, and gooseberry. The malt profile adds layers of bready complexity and a touch of caramel sweetness, while the beer’s moderate ABV and crisp finish make it eminently drinkable. There’s a resinous quality to the hops that lingers pleasantly on the palate, leaving behind a crisp, moreish bitterness.
Interesting Fact: West Coast IPAs, with their emphasis on piney and resinous hop profiles, were the dominant IPA style before the hazy East Coast IPAs took over. Jiddlers Tipple’s "Another IPA" revives this classic style, showcasing hops like Nelson Sauvin and Riwaka, which are known for their expressive, tropical fruit flavours and their unique ability to bring a citrusy tang alongside their bitterness. The beer is also carbon negative and brewed using 40% solar power—further evidence that craft breweries are increasingly adopting sustainable practices.
Food Pairing Suggestions: With its bright citrus notes and hop bitterness, Another IPA pairs wonderfully with dishes that have rich, savoury flavours. It’s a perfect match for grilled meats, like BBQ chicken or pork ribs, where the beer’s bitterness will cut through the richness. Pair it with sharp cheeses such as blue cheese or aged cheddar, which will complement the beer’s hops. For a light pairing, enjoy it with fresh seafood like grilled shrimp or oysters, where the beer’s citrusy finish enhances the delicate flavours of the shellfish.
Campervan ~ Leith Pils 4.8% Keller Pilsner
Campervan’s Leith Pils is a traditional Keller Pilsner, a style of lager that’s known for its smoothness and crisp finish. It’s brewed with European hops, which provide herbal and slightly floral notes, balanced by a malt base that gives the beer a clean, biscuity flavour. The beer is conditioned for several weeks, giving it a slightly cloudy appearance and a fresh, unfiltered taste. It’s refreshing with just enough bitterness to keep things interesting but remains light and easy-drinking, making it perfect for casual sipping.
Interesting Fact: Keller Pils is a style that originates from the southern regions of Germany, where it was traditionally stored in cool cellars to ferment. The “Keller” refers to the storage method, and the beer retains some of its unfiltered character, giving it a more robust flavour than traditional Pilsners. While many modern Pilsners are clear and highly carbonated, the Keller version keeps more body and depth.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Leith Pils is a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of foods due to its crispness and light malt character. It’s ideal with fresh, delicate dishes like salads with a lemony vinaigrette or light fish dishes such as grilled cod or trout. For a heartier pairing, enjoy it with a plate of roasted chicken, where the clean finish will help cut through the richness of the meat. It also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, as well as a spread of charcuterie.
Abbeydale ~ Salvation 5.2% Black Forest Gateau Stout
Salvation is a decadent stout inspired by the beloved Black Forest Gateau, a dessert made with layers of chocolate, cherry, and whipped cream. This stout perfectly captures the essence of the cake, with a rich malt base that delivers smooth chocolate flavours complemented by a subtle cherry sweetness. The finish is creamy and indulgent, with just a touch of tartness from the cherries to balance the beer’s sweetness. The 5.2% ABV makes it sessionable enough to enjoy as a dessert beer, while the creamy body and layered flavours make it a luxurious treat.
Interesting Fact: Salvation is part of Abbeydale’s Brewers Emporium range, which showcases their creativity and ability to turn beloved desserts into beer. The Black Forest Gateau flavour comes from a blend of dark malts and cherries, creating a stout that mimics the rich, fruity, and creamy notes of the cake. Abbeydale’s use of Brewers Clarex, a brewing enzyme that breaks down gluten, makes this beer gluten-free, allowing a wider audience to enjoy it.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Salvation is the perfect dessert beer, complementing a wide range of sweet treats. Pair it with a slice of actual Black Forest Gateau for the ultimate indulgence. The beer would also go well with a rich chocolate torte or a creamy cheesecake with fruit compote. For a more savoury pairing, try it with a charcuterie board that includes rich cheeses like brie or camembert, which will contrast nicely with the beer’s sweet and creamy flavours.
Hand ~ 795 4.2% Low Mile Lager
795 is an award-winning pilsner that brings a unique twist to the lager style. This lager is brewed using only UK-grown ingredients, which not only enhances the local character of the beer but also reduces its carbon footprint by over 80%. The malt base is made from pale malt grown in the UK, lending a crisp, biscuity backbone. The hops, delicate and herbaceous, provide a subtle bitterness that balances out the malt sweetness. The carbonation is smooth, contributing to its refreshing finish, while a slightly earthy hop character lingers after each sip.
Interesting Fact: The name 795 refers to the reduced carbon footprint achieved by using locally sourced ingredients. The brewery has managed to reduce the distance between their suppliers and the brewery from 4110 miles to just 795 miles. This dedication to local sourcing makes the beer not only delicious but also eco-conscious, showing how sustainability and quality can go hand in hand.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The delicate and refreshing character of 795 makes it an excellent match for light, fresh dishes. Pair it with grilled white fish like cod or haddock, where the clean malt flavour complements the delicate fish. It also works well with creamy goat cheese or a classic Caesar salad. For a more substantial pairing, try it with a roast chicken or a simple vegetable stir-fry, where the beer’s crispness will balance the richness of the dish.
360° ~ Brighton Session 4.3% IPA
Brighton Session is a dangerously drinkable pale ale, where the hops truly take centre stage. This IPA showcases the tropical fruitiness of Mosaic hops, with zesty grapefruit and tangerine flavours, accompanied by hints of pine and a refreshing bitterness. The light malt bill keeps the beer crisp and easy-drinking, while the dry-hopping process enhances the vibrant, juicy hop character. The finish is clean, with a subtle lingering bitterness that makes you reach for another sip.
Interesting Fact: Brighton Session is designed to be a sessionable IPA, meaning you can enjoy multiple pints without feeling overwhelmed by the alcohol content. The use of Mosaic hops gives this beer its signature tropical fruit character, which has made the variety a favourite among craft brewers worldwide. With a lower ABV of 4.3%, it’s an ideal beer for day drinking or for pairing with a variety of food throughout a long afternoon.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Brighton Session with a variety of lighter dishes that allow its hoppy flavours to shine. Try it with a fresh seafood platter, including shrimp and oysters, where the crispness of the beer will complement the brininess of the shellfish. It’s also a great match with a fresh green salad, especially one with citrus dressing or roasted vegetables. If you’re craving something heartier, go for a grilled chicken sandwich or a cheese quesadilla, where the beer’s bitterness will cut through the richness of the cheese.
Campervan ~ Leith Juice 4.7% Session IPA
Leith Juice is a tropical, fruit-forward session IPA that’s easy on the alcohol but heavy on flavour. With Simcoe and Cascade hops bringing a harmonious balance of citrus and tropical fruit, this IPA delivers juicy notes of pineapple, mango, and tangerine. The malt base is light and clean, letting the hop character take the lead without overwhelming the palate. It’s an incredibly smooth beer with just the right amount of bitterness, making it refreshing and highly drinkable.
Interesting Fact: Leith Juice takes its name from the Leith neighbourhood in Edinburgh, where Campervan Brewery is located. This session IPA is a nod to the laid-back vibes of the area, combining the boldness of an IPA with the drinkability of a session beer. With only 4.7% ABV, it’s designed for long sessions of sipping, whether you're at a pub or hanging out with friends.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This refreshing IPA pairs wonderfully with a range of lighter, fruit-forward dishes. For an ideal pairing, enjoy it with fresh ceviche, where the beer’s citrusy notes will complement the tangy fish. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken skewers, particularly those glazed with a sweet and spicy marinade. For a snack, try it with a mango and avocado salad or even a tropical fruit chutney paired with crackers and mild cheeses.
Hand ~ Toadlicker 4.0% Grapefruit Pale Ale
Toadlicker is a refreshing grapefruit-infused pale ale that combines the bitterness of pine with the zesty flavours of citrus. The pale ale’s malt base is made with malted wheat and barley, creating a smooth, full body that lets the hops take centre stage. Cascade and Chinook hops provide bright piney aromas and hints of lime zest, while Citra hops bring a softer, juicier edge with notes of orange and peach. A high-quality pure grapefruit extract is added to the brew, giving it an extra citrus punch that elevates the whole beer, creating a crisp, vibrant finish.
Interesting Fact: Toadlicker is Hand Brewery's award-winning take on the classic American pale ale, infused with the refreshing essence of grapefruit. The use of grapefruit extract adds a unique twist to the beer, giving it a burst of citrus that complements the earthy bitterness of the hops. This beer was designed to be a crowd-pleaser, with a balanced bitterness and a juicy fruitiness that makes it easy to enjoy and easy to drink.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Toadlicker with dishes that can complement its citrusy sharpness and piney bitterness. It goes wonderfully with grilled seafood, such as shrimp or halibut, where the beer’s grapefruit notes will complement the natural sweetness of the seafood. For a vegetarian option, try it with a fresh avocado and tomato salad, dressed with a lime vinaigrette. The beer’s bright, citrusy flavours also pair well with spicy dishes, so consider enjoying it alongside tacos with a citrusy salsa or spicy Thai dishes like green curry or pad thai. For a snack, Toadlicker pairs nicely with tangy cheese such as goat cheese or a creamy brie.