Atom ~ Bystander Effect 4.5% NZ Hazy Pale Ale
Bystander Effect is a New Zealand-inspired hazy pale ale, packing all the tropical juiciness you’d expect from a brew featuring Nelson, Riwaka, and Rakau hops. The combination of oats and Vermont yeast creates a smooth, velvety mouthfeel that elevates the soft body of the beer. On the nose, expect bold aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, and white wine, while the flavour profile bursts with citrus and gooseberry notes. This sessionable pale ale is a refreshing and flavourful brew, perfect for those looking for a vibrant, hop-forward experience without the heavy ABV.
Interesting Fact: The inclusion of Riwaka and Rakau hops in Bystander Effect is a nod to the growing popularity of New Zealand hops in modern brewing. Riwaka is known for its intensely tropical aroma, often showcasing flavours like passion fruit, which shines through in this beer, while Rakau contributes a lovely stone fruit character. Vermont yeast, which is often used in hazy styles like NEIPAs, adds to the beer’s smooth texture and fruity profile, making it a standout example of a New Zealand-inspired hazy pale ale.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Bystander Effect pairs perfectly with light, fresh dishes that can complement its vibrant tropical notes. Consider enjoying it with a citrus-marinated shrimp ceviche or a grilled white fish taco topped with a mango salsa. The beer’s tropical fruit flavours would also work well with a tangy goat cheese salad or a light, fresh melon and prosciutto appetizer. For a dessert pairing, a passion fruit sorbet or a mango panna cotta would tie in beautifully with the beer’s fruity, juicy finish.
Staggeringly Good ~ Forward To The Past 5.2% West Coast Pale Ale
Forward To The Past is a West Coast pale ale that takes the classic style to new heights with a blend of hops that deliver a robust, hoppy experience. The beer opens with notes of pine, resin, and citrus, courtesy of Citra, Columbus, Centennial, and Simcoe hops. While it’s packed with flavour, the malt backbone provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bitterness. With a crisp, clean finish, this beer embodies everything you’d expect from a well-crafted West Coast pale ale—intense hop character with a refreshing dryness.
Interesting Fact: West Coast pale ales like Forward To The Past are known for their intense bitterness, often showcasing piney, resinous hop character, which is characteristic of American hops like Simcoe and Centennial. This style, which originated on the West Coast of the United States, has been the foundation of modern IPA brewing. Despite the rise of New England IPAs, West Coast styles continue to offer a bold, hop-forward alternative that focuses on bitterness and clarity.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Forward To The Past is ideal with foods that can stand up to its bitterness and bold hop character. Pair it with a smoky BBQ brisket or a spicy buffalo chicken pizza, where the malt sweetness will counterbalance the heat. The beer’s piney notes also make it a great match for grilled meats or a charcuterie board with aged cheeses. If you are in the mood for something lighter, a lemon and rosemary roast chicken with garlic butter potatoes would complement the beer’s citrusy flavours and refreshing dryness.
Unbarred ~ Session Pale Ale 4.8% SPA w/ Azacca & Ekuanot
Session Pale Ale is a refreshing and easy-drinking pale ale that brings tropical fruit flavours to the forefront. The use of Azacca and Ekuanot hops provides vibrant citrus and tropical fruit notes, including pineapple, tangerine, and mango. The malt base, which includes pale malts and oats, gives the beer a smooth mouthfeel with just a hint of sweetness, balancing the moderate bitterness. With an ABV of 4.8%, this pale ale is light enough for session drinking but still packs enough hop flavour to keep things exciting.
Interesting Fact: Azacca hops are a relatively new variety that has gained popularity for its tropical fruit character, especially mango and pineapple, while Ekuanot is known for its versatility, offering notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and even a slight herbal quality. Together, these hops make Session Pale Ale a burst of fruity freshness that stands out among its peers. The beer is a great example of how modern hop varieties can bring out layers of flavour in a lower ABV, sessionable beer without sacrificing complexity.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Given its crisp and juicy character, Session Pale Ale is perfect for pairing with fresh and light fare. Try it with a grilled vegetable salad, featuring avocado, corn, and lime, or a fresh tuna poke bowl, where the citrusy notes of the beer will highlight the fish’s delicate flavours. For something heartier, serve it with a soft-shell crab sandwich with a tangy slaw, or a grilled chicken sandwich with a lemon and herb dressing. If you are in the mood for cheese, a creamy brie or a tangy goat cheese would complement the beer’s tropical fruit notes beautifully.
Hackney Church ~ The Pilgrim 6.3% Hazy IPA
The Pilgrim is a hazy IPA that combines two standout hop varieties—Simcoe and Kohia Nelson—to create a beer that’s both plush and punchy. The addition of these hops brings a delightful burst of tropical flavours, with a pop of passion fruit rounding out the taste profile. The beer features a soft, hazy body thanks to its use of oats and a smooth yeast fermentation, providing a rounded mouthfeel. Despite its hop intensity, the bitterness is well balanced, allowing the fruity flavours to shine through without overwhelming the palate.
Interesting Fact: The Pilgrim is a collaboration between Hackney Church Brew Co and Two Blokes Brewing, combining innovative brewing techniques from both breweries. Simcoe, one of the most popular hops in craft brewing, is known for its complex aroma, featuring citrus, pine, and tropical fruit notes, while Kohia Nelson brings its signature passion fruit and gooseberry notes, further enhancing the tropical profile. This combination creates a balanced and multi-layered beer, showing the creative potential of collaboration brews.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The Pilgrim pairs wonderfully with dishes that highlight fresh, vibrant flavours. Try it with a grilled tuna steak or a spicy Szechuan stir-fry, where the beer’s tropical fruit notes can complement the bold, flavourful dishes. For something lighter, a citrus-infused chicken salad with avocado and mixed greens would be a refreshing match. If you’re in the mood for cheese, a creamy brie or a sharp cheddar would pair nicely with the beer’s smooth texture and fruity finish.
Dark Revolution ~ The Groove 4.2% Pale Ale
The Groove is a light, citrus-forward pale ale with bright and zesty flavours. Brewed with Simcoe, Citra, and Loral hops, this beer brings tropical fruit and lemon notes to the forefront, accompanied by floral undertones. The malt bill, including Golden Promise, Biscuit, and Chit, adds a touch of sweetness and depth, while the beer’s balanced bitterness keeps it crisp and refreshing. With a body that’s light yet full-flavored, The Groove is a perfect example of an easy-drinking pale ale that offers a burst of hoppy goodness.
Interesting Fact: The Groove uses Simcoe, Citra, and Loral hops—three hop varieties that are beloved by brewers for their ability to deliver both fruity and floral characteristics. Simcoe is known for its complex aroma of pine, citrus, and tropical fruits, while Citra is prized for its punchy citrus and tropical fruit flavours, particularly lime and grapefruit. Loral, on the other hand, adds a floral and earthy balance to the mix. Together, these hops create a beer that’s both vibrant and well-rounded.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The Groove pairs beautifully with light, fresh dishes that highlight its citrusy and floral notes. Try it with a citrus-marinated shrimp salad or a grilled chicken Caesar wrap. The beer’s crisp bitterness would also balance nicely with the richness of a creamy goat cheese salad or a smoked salmon bagel. For a more substantial pairing, serve it with a chicken tikka masala, where the beer’s brightness will cut through the richness of the curry.
Brew York ~ Liquid Gold 5.4% Hazy IPA
Liquid Gold is a hazy IPA brewed in collaboration with Shed Seven to celebrate their album of the same name. This beer offers a juicy burst of citrus and grapefruit from the Idaho 7 and Citra hops, with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The hazy body is packed with tropical flavours like pineapple and mango, which make this IPA both refreshing and flavourful. The beer’s bitterness is balanced with a touch of sweetness, making it a well-rounded and drinkable IPA that’s easy to enjoy on its own or with food.
Interesting Fact: Liquid Gold is a tribute to both the iconic album by Shed Seven and the craft beer scene’s love of hazy IPAs. The beer’s hazy appearance is a result of using oats and wheat, which contribute to its smooth body and enhance the fruity, juicy characteristics. The use of Idaho 7 and Citra hops is a nod to the trend of using high-quality American hops to create IPAs that showcase bold citrus and tropical fruit flavours.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Liquid Gold is perfect for pairing with foods that complement its juicy, citrus-forward profile. Try it with a fresh ceviche made with lime, mango, and avocado, or a spicy shrimp taco with pineapple salsa. The beer’s bright fruit flavours would also work well with a grilled chicken sandwich topped with a tangy citrus mayo. For dessert, pair it with a citrus-infused cheesecake or a light fruit sorbet to enhance the beer’s tropical notes.
Pretty Decent ~ Stanley 5.8% NEIPA
Stanley is a juicy New England IPA that showcases the power of modern hops, with Citra, Nelson Sauvin, and Mosaic coming together to create a beer packed with tropical fruit flavours. Expect bold aromas of mango, passionfruit, and grapefruit, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel thanks to the use of oats and wheat. The beer’s soft bitterness and balanced body make it an easy-drinking, flavourful IPA that’s full of character but not overwhelming. The hazy appearance and vibrant flavours make it a standout NEIPA.
Interesting Fact: Stanley features a hop combination of Citra, Nelson Sauvin, and Mosaic—three of the most popular hops in the craft beer world. Citra brings punchy citrus and tropical fruit notes, Nelson Sauvin adds gooseberry and white wine flavours, and Mosaic contributes a complex array of fruit, floral, and earthy flavours. Together, these hops create a multi-layered and well-balanced beer that captures the essence of a New England IPA.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Stanley pairs wonderfully with dishes that highlight fresh and tropical flavours. Try it with a mango and avocado salad, or grilled fish tacos with a citrus slaw. The beer’s fruity profile also makes it a great match for a creamy goat cheese salad or a fruit-heavy charcuterie board. For dessert, pair it with a tropical fruit salad or a coconut cream pie to complement the beer’s smooth mouthfeel and tropical fruit flavours.
Crafty Brewing ~ El Dorado 3.9% Pale Ale
El Dorado is a bright and refreshing pale ale that showcases the tropical flavours of the El Dorado hop. This hop imparts subtle pineapple and mango notes, along with a resinous back note that gives the beer depth and complexity. The beer’s malt base is clean and crisp, with just enough sweetness to balance the hop bitterness. At 3.9%, this pale ale is sessionable and light, making it perfect for long drinking sessions without overwhelming the palate.
Interesting Fact: The El Dorado hop is known for its distinct tropical fruit character, especially pineapple and mango. It’s a relatively new hop variety but has quickly gained popularity for its versatility in both lighter pale ales and more robust IPAs. The resinous back note it provides adds complexity to the beer, making it a great choice for brewers looking to create a balanced beer with a punch of tropical flavour.
Food Pairing Suggestions: El Dorado pairs perfectly with dishes that are light and fresh. Try it with a grilled chicken Caesar salad or a tuna poke bowl, where the tropical flavours of the beer will complement the fresh ingredients. It also works well with lighter seafood dishes, such as shrimp scampi or grilled white fish with a citrus marinade. For a more indulgent pairing, enjoy it with a creamy goat cheese salad or a tangy lemon sorbet to bring out the beer’s fruity character.