Pilot ~ Trop Trop 5.3% Tropical Sour
Trop Trop is a zesty, vibrant tropical sour that bursts with juicy flavours. This beer delivers a harmonious blend of passionfruit, mango, and pineapple, offering a refreshing and lively taste experience. The tropical fruit profile dominates the flavour, with each fruit providing its own distinct sweetness and tang. The sour base balances the fruitiness with a crisp, clean finish that makes this beer extremely drinkable and perfect for warm weather or tropical cravings.
Interesting Fact: The use of fresh passionfruit, mango, and pineapple in Trop Trop isn’t just about flavour—it’s also about creating a vibrant, natural beer that celebrates the fruit’s natural acidity and sweetness. These fruits are known for their high vitamin C content and are often celebrated for their ability to elevate sour styles. This combination not only provides a punch of tropical fruit but also showcases the brewery’s expertise in balancing complex flavours in sour beers.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Trop Trop with dishes that complement its tropical and tangy flavours. A fresh seafood ceviche would bring out the beer’s citrus and fruitiness, while a light, tangy goat cheese salad would balance the sour notes. For a more substantial pairing, consider grilled chicken or pork with a sweet, spicy glaze, as the beer’s fruitiness will enhance the dish’s flavours. A tropical fruit salad for dessert would be a perfect end to a meal with Trop Trop.
Brew York ~ Dreams of Brew York 6.5% Apple & Cinnamon Sour
Dreams of Brew York brings a cozy, festive twist to the sour category, blending the familiar and comforting flavours of apple and cinnamon. This sour offers an inviting tartness with juicy apple flavours and a hint of spicy warmth from the cinnamon. The addition of lactose softens the acidity, providing a creamy texture that balances the sharpness of the fruit and spice, creating a smooth and indulgent drink. The beer's festive notes make it a perfect choice for colder months or holiday gatherings.
Interesting Fact: Dreams of Brew York was inspired by classic winter flavours, specifically the cozy combination of apple and cinnamon. The use of lactose is key to rounding out the beer’s sourness, a common technique in brewing to add creaminess and soften the acidity in fruit-forward sours. The addition of cinnamon is also notable, as it helps bridge the gap between the tartness of the apple and the richness of the malt base, creating a multidimensional flavour experience.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The apple and cinnamon notes in Dreams of Brew York make it an ideal match for festive comfort foods. Try pairing it with a hearty roast pork dish, where the sweet apple and savoury meat create a wonderful contrast. A slice of warm apple pie or a cinnamon roll would complement the beer’s spicy sweetness. For a cheese pairing, opt for a mild, creamy brie or a nutty gouda—both will highlight the rich, spiced flavours in the beer.
360° ~ Rosehip, Hibiscus, Raspberry 4.7% Fruited Sour
Rosehip, Hibiscus, Raspberry is a complex and vibrant fruited sour that brings together bold, red fruit flavours with herbal undertones. The hibiscus and rosehip create a unique floral character, while the raspberry provides a juicy tartness that brings balance to the beer’s flavour profile. The beer’s delicate sourness is accentuated by the fruity infusion, creating a refreshing and flavourful drink with layers of complexity. This is a perfect example of how floral and fruit elements can blend seamlessly in a sour beer.
Interesting Fact: The choice of hibiscus and rosehip as adjuncts in this beer adds not only unique flavour but also depth and complexity. Hibiscus contributes a slight tanginess and floral aroma, while rosehip adds a delicate sweetness and complexity. These ingredients are often used in herbal teas for their vibrant colour and aromatic qualities, making them an excellent pairing for the tartness of the raspberry. The extended kettle souring process further enhances the beer’s acidity, creating a clean and crisp finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Rosehip, Hibiscus, Raspberry pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its herbal and fruity notes. A goat cheese salad with fresh berries and a light vinaigrette would bring out the beer’s fruitiness, while a soft, mild cheese like ricotta or chèvre would balance its acidity. For a more savoury pairing, try it with roasted chicken or a charcuterie board featuring prosciutto and salami. For dessert, this beer would be perfect with a raspberry sorbet or a fruit tart, where the fruity notes of the beer echo the dessert’s flavours.
Vault City ~ Last Christmas! 4.1% WHAM! Sour
Last Christmas! brings a fun, nostalgic twist to the sour beer category, inspired by the classic holiday hit "Last Christmas" by Wham!. The beer features a sharp raspberry flavour with a fizzy, tangy finish that evokes the feeling of biting into a holiday treat. The sour base is punchy, providing an invigorating tartness that is balanced by the sweetness of the fruit. This is a playful beer that captures the festive spirit with its bright, fruity profile and lively carbonation.
Interesting Fact: Last Christmas! is a playful take on the festive season, capturing the essence of the classic holiday song through its bright raspberry notes and effervescent quality. The beer is designed to bring a sense of joy and celebration, much like the song itself. The use of raspberries not only brings a tart fruitiness but also provides vibrant colour and aroma, making it a standout in the holiday sour beer category.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Last Christmas! with fresh, fruity dishes that highlight its tangy, effervescent character. A cranberry and brie crostini would be a perfect match, as the sour notes complement the sweetness of the cranberry and the richness of the cheese. For a heartier pairing, try roasted pork with cranberry sauce, where the beer’s acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. For dessert, a simple berry tart or a lemon meringue pie would play off the beer’s bright fruit flavours and tart finish.
Cloudwater ~ Mimosa Breeze 4.8% Fruit Sour
Mimosa Breeze is a vibrant fruit sour that captures the essence of a classic mimosa. With notes of blood orange and a slight dryness, this beer evokes the refreshing qualities of the popular breakfast cocktail. The gentle carbonation and tart base provide the perfect balance to the fruity and citrusy flavours, making it an easy-drinking and refreshing sour. It’s the ideal drink to brighten up any occasion, whether you're relaxing at home or celebrating a special moment.
Interesting Fact: Inspired by the mimosa cocktail, Mimosa Breeze brings a unique twist to the fruit sour style. The use of blood orange gives the beer a deeper, more complex citrus flavour compared to the traditional orange used in a mimosa. The beer’s light body and refreshing tartness are designed to emulate the effervescence of the cocktail, making it a perfect beer for brunch or casual daytime drinking.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Mimosa Breeze pairs well with light, fresh dishes. A classic avocado toast with a poached egg would highlight the beer’s citrusy flavours, while a shrimp cocktail or fresh seafood salad would complement its bright, zesty notes. For dessert, a citrus-flavoured sorbet or a light lemon chiffon cake would echo the beer’s refreshing acidity. It also makes a great match for brunch spreads, especially when paired with eggs benedict or a fruit salad.
Campervan ~ Mango Mimosa 4.8% Mango & Lime Berliner Weisse
Campervan’s Mango Mimosa is a delightful twist on the classic Berliner Weisse, infused with tropical flavours of mango and lime. The beer delivers a refreshing, sour punch, with the smooth, tangy lime complementing the ripe mango. The Berliner Weisse style lends a gentle tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the mango and the sharp lime, creating a beer that is both tart and fruity. The smooth mouthfeel and clean finish make this an incredibly easy drinker that will keep you coming back for more.
Interesting Fact: Berliner Weisse is traditionally a low-alcohol, highly carbonated style from Berlin, known for its tartness and often served with flavoured syrups. Campervan’s Mango Mimosa takes the traditional Berliner Weisse and adds a tropical spin, showcasing how versatile and creative this sour style can be. By adding mango and lime, the beer embraces the refreshing qualities of the classic style while adding a juicy, fruit-forward kick that makes it perfect for sunny days or casual sipping.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The tartness of Mango Mimosa pairs beautifully with dishes that balance sour and sweet. Try it with ceviche or a fresh shrimp taco—where the lime and mango will enhance the citrusy notes of the seafood. A light, creamy goat cheese salad with a citrus dressing would be an excellent match, as the beer’s acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese. For dessert, pair it with a coconut lime cheesecake or a tropical fruit sorbet, as the beer’s mango and lime flavours will echo the bright, fruity sweetness of the dishes.
Pretty Decent ~ Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, Cry Because It Happened 5.5% Mango & Raspberry Sour
Don’t Cry Because It’s Over brings a bold and fruity sour experience with a delightful blend of mango and raspberry. The beer showcases the tropical sweetness of mango balanced by the tartness of raspberry, delivering a mouth-puckering sourness that is softened by the smoothness of lactose. The beer’s vibrant colour and fruity profile make it visually appealing as well as delicious, with the tangy fruit flavours taking centre stage and leaving a refreshing finish.
Interesting Fact: The name Don’t Cry Because It’s Over draws inspiration from the famous song lyric, but this beer is anything but sad. The combination of mango and raspberry is a fantastic way to bring out both sweet and sour elements, creating a well-rounded flavour profile. The use of lactose in this beer adds a smooth creaminess that balances the sourness and enhances the overall drinkability, making it accessible for both sour beer lovers and newcomers.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The tropical fruit notes in Don’t Cry Because It’s Over make it an excellent companion to bright, zesty dishes. Pair it with a light salad of mixed greens and citrus segments, topped with grilled shrimp or chicken for a refreshing, balanced meal. For something heartier, consider pairing the beer with BBQ chicken skewers or spicy tacos—where the beer’s tang will complement the smoky flavours. For dessert, a raspberry sorbet or a tropical fruit salad would mirror the beer’s fruity notes, creating a cohesive pairing.
Hand ~ Lemon Tart 5.5% Sour
Lemon Tart is a crisp and refreshing sour that brings the beloved flavours of a classic lemon tart to life in liquid form. With the sharp zest of lemon and a creamy, sweet malt backbone, this beer has the perfect balance of tangy acidity and rich, pastry-like sweetness. The Ekuanot hops used in the boil bring light tropical hints to the aroma, complementing the citrus character. The slight creaminess of the body mimics the indulgence of a lemon tart, while the gentle carbonation adds a refreshing lift to each sip.
Interesting Fact: Lemon Tart draws inspiration from the French dessert, combining tart citrus flavours with a smooth, buttery finish. The addition of Ekuanot hops is a clever touch, as the hop variety is known for its tropical fruit profile, which enhances the beer’s lemon and lime character. By using Ekuanot in the boil, the brewery achieves a unique complexity that elevates the otherwise simple citrus flavours of the beer. This combination of hops, citrus, and creamy texture is what makes Lemon Tart a standout sour in the dessert-inspired beer category.
Food Pairing Suggestions: With its tart, zesty character and creamy body, Lemon Tart is an ideal pairing for light and refreshing dishes. Pair it with seafood, such as grilled scallops or a delicate lemon-dill salmon, where the beer’s citrus notes will complement the fresh, briny flavours. For a sweet pairing, enjoy it with a classic lemon meringue pie or a lemon drizzle cake—where the beer mirrors the dessert’s tangy and sweet notes. A simple goat cheese salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be a perfect match, as the beer’s acidity helps balance the richness of the cheese.