Cloudwater ~ Tenuto Sempre 8.0% DIPA
Tenuto Sempre presents itself as a bold, tropical double IPA that highlights the distinctive qualities of New Zealand hops. Riwaka takes centre stage, offering an aroma that's both dank and intensely tropical, with layers of citrus, passionfruit, and a touch of pine. The malt body is smooth and sturdy, balancing the hop-forward bitterness with subtle sweetness. Expect a punch of tropical fruits such as pineapple and guava, with a whisper of resinous pine that creates a lingering finish. It’s a refreshing and vibrant beer, with a rich texture that doesn’t overwhelm despite its 8% ABV.
Interesting Fact: Riwaka hops, the star of this beer, are renowned for their high oil content and tropical aroma, making them a favourite in New Zealand hop-forward beers. They are known to contribute explosive fruitiness and a smooth bitterness that defines Tenuto Sempre’s character. The use of Riwaka, along with the careful fermentation and hop timing, ensures a distinct and memorable experience, perfect for both hop lovers and those seeking a juicy IPA with plenty of depth.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Tenuto Sempre with tropical dishes like jerk chicken or grilled shrimp. The fruity, citrusy notes of the beer will enhance the heat and spices of these dishes. For a vegetarian option, consider a mango and avocado salad with a lime dressing; the beer’s tropical fruit character will complement the sweetness of the mango and the freshness of the avocado. As a dessert option, try pairing it with a coconut and lime cheesecake—this will bring out the fruity flavours of the beer while the creamy texture of the dessert complements its smooth mouthfeel.
Dark Revolution ~ Trouble Maker 8.0% DIPA
Trouble Maker is a double IPA that bursts with tropical and citrus fruit flavours, delivering an explosive hop experience. The combination of Citra, Simcoe, Nectaron, and Superdelic hops gives this beer an enticing nose of grapefruit, pineapple, and orange zest. The taste follows suit, offering a juicy and punchy mix of tropical fruit with a slight bitterness that cleanses the palate. The malt bill, which includes Extra Pale, Wheat, and Oats, provides a smooth and creamy body, balancing the hop-forward bitterness and creating a beer that's both refreshing and satisfying despite its high ABV.
Interesting Fact: This beer is a showcase of New Zealand and American hops, with Nectaron and Superdelic contributing an extra layer of complexity with their citrus-forward and tropical fruit notes. The use of multiple hop varieties in both the hot and cold side of brewing enhances the beer's freshness and hop intensity. The malt profile is designed to support, rather than overpower, the hops, allowing the fruity and piney characteristics to shine through in every sip.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Trouble Maker pairs beautifully with spicy foods like buffalo wings or BBQ ribs, where the hops’ bitterness balances out the richness and spice. For a vegetarian pairing, consider a spicy Thai curry with coconut milk, which will complement the tropical fruit flavours of the beer while the smooth malt body softens the heat. If you’re in the mood for a snack, this DIPA works wonders with salty snacks such as roasted almonds or a sharp cheddar cheese platter, as the beer’s bitterness will cut through the richness of the cheese.
Pretty Decent ~ Costa Del Nightmares 7.0% Oatcream IPA
Costa Del Nightmares is an oatcream IPA that brings a smooth and creamy texture alongside juicy tropical flavours. Hops like Citra, Galaxy, and Nelson Sauvin deliver a beautiful medley of fruit flavours, with notes of passionfruit, mango, and citrus zest. The addition of oats and lactose enhances the body, creating a luscious mouthfeel that balances the beer's vibrant fruitiness. This IPA is full of personality, with a smooth, sweet finish that adds to its sessionable nature, making it a delight to sip on again and again.
Interesting Fact: The inclusion of oats and lactose in Costa Del Nightmares creates the characteristic "creaminess" found in oatcream IPAs. This style typically uses oats to add body and mouthfeel, and lactose to bring a touch of sweetness that balances the bitterness of the hops. The result is a beer that is smooth, juicy, and easy to drink, with an indulgent texture that makes it stand out in the IPA category.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This beer’s fruity and creamy character pairs perfectly with rich, creamy dishes. Consider pairing it with a fresh seafood pasta in a cream sauce or a grilled chicken sandwich with a tangy aioli. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with a creamy risotto, such as one made with mushrooms and Parmesan. The smoothness of the beer will complement the creamy texture of the dishes, while the tropical fruit notes will add a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Pentrich ~ Double Dream Tempo 10.0% TIPA
Double Dream Tempo is a massive double IPA that delivers intense hop character, with Nelson Cryo and Strata hops offering a robust mix of tropical fruit and pine notes. Despite its high ABV, this beer maintains a drinkability thanks to its smooth body and clean finish. The aroma is bold, with pronounced mango, pineapple, and grapefruit, while the flavour profile evolves into a rich mix of tropical fruits with a hint of pine resin. The hops come together in a symphony of juicy, slightly dank flavours that linger long after each sip.
Interesting Fact: The use of Nelson Cryo and Strata hops in Double Dream Tempo is a nod to the growing trend of using Cryo hops for their enhanced intensity. Cryo hops are processed to preserve hop oils and compounds while reducing vegetal matter, resulting in more concentrated hop flavours and aromas. This technique, combined with the juicy characteristics of the hops, gives the beer its bold tropical profile and smooth, silky mouthfeel.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Double Dream Tempo pairs wonderfully with strong flavours and hearty dishes. A rich, cheesy burger with caramelized onions will balance out the bitterness of the hops and complement the tropical fruit flavours. For a lighter option, try pairing it with grilled fish tacos topped with a mango salsa; the sweetness of the mango salsa will play off the beer’s fruitiness while the tacos provide a satisfying base. A sharp, tangy cheese like blue cheese will also pair beautifully with the beer, cutting through its intensity while enhancing its flavours.
Siren Craft Brew ~ Caribbean Chocolate Cake: Chocolate Orange Tiramisu 8.4% Tropical White Stout with Cacao & Orange
Siren Craft Brew's Caribbean Chocolate Cake: Chocolate Orange Tiramisu is an indulgent tropical white stout, designed to be as decadent as its dessert namesake. The beer pours a pale, golden hue, more reminiscent of a pale ale than a stout, but don’t be fooled—this beer packs all the rich, dessert-like flavours you expect. The first sip hits with intense cacao and orange, followed by a smooth, creamy body that evokes memories of tiramisu. The biscuit and espresso notes create a grounding base, while the mascarpone-like creaminess and cocoa dusting round out the experience. It’s a rich, luxurious mouthful with just the right amount of sweetness and bitterness, making it both a satisfying sipper and a treat for those who love dessert beers.
Interesting Fact: Inspired by the Caribbean Chocolate Cake dessert, this tropical white stout takes a unique twist with its infusion of cacao and orange. Traditionally, white stouts are brewed to have the flavours and intensity of a dark stout but without the dark malt base. Instead, Siren Craft Brew uses lighter malts to achieve that silky texture, while adding tropical flavours like orange to make this beer a bright, aromatic experience. The use of classic tiramisu flavours—coffee, mascarpone, and chocolate—reflects the brewery's commitment to pushing the boundaries of flavour while staying true to the beer style.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The rich and sweet flavours of this beer make it the perfect pairing for a variety of desserts. Try it with a chocolate orange torte, where the beer’s orange and cacao elements will be echoed in the cake. It would also pair beautifully with tiramisu, complementing the dessert’s creamy, coffee-infused layers. For a more savoury option, serve this beer alongside a cheese board featuring soft, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or brie, which will enhance the beer’s smooth mouthfeel and decadent flavour profile.
Atom ~ Hypersleep 11.0% Banoffee Imperial Stout
Hypersleep is a rich, decadent imperial stout that takes inspiration from the beloved banoffee pie. With an impressive 11% ABV, this beer is as bold and luxurious as the dessert it’s named after. The base is a deeply malty stout that brings forward flavours of brown sugar, caramel, and roasted coffee. These are perfectly complemented by the sweet banana and vanilla flavours, which add a smooth creaminess to the overall experience. A layer of bitter chocolate on the finish balances the sweetness, creating a complex, indulgent stout that drinks like a dessert in a glass. Despite its sweetness, Hypersleep retains a full-bodied, yet surprisingly smooth character.
Interesting Fact: Hypersleep is named after the concept of long-term, deep space travel, where the journey is so prolonged that the crew is put into a state of stasis. This imperial stout’s complex, rich flavours and thick, indulgent body are meant to evoke the feeling of a deep, luxurious slumber. The combination of banana, brown sugar, vanilla, and bitter chocolate mirrors the layers of flavour found in banoffee pie, a British dessert that has been beloved for decades. It’s a fitting tribute to both the iconic pie and the science fiction theme.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This beer pairs wonderfully with rich, dessert-inspired foods. A classic banoffee pie would be the obvious choice, as the beer mirrors the flavours perfectly. For a different spin, try it with a warm bread pudding made with caramelized bananas or a rich chocolate lava cake. For a more savoury pairing, a charcuterie board featuring creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie will balance the beer’s sweetness with their mild, creamy textures. The bitterness of a dark chocolate mousse would also be a delightful pairing, providing contrast to the beer’s sweetness while complementing the chocolate flavours.
Vault City ~ Blueberry Muffin Waffle Cone Crunch Triple Scoop 8.3% Triple-Scoop Ice Cream Sour
Vault City’s Blueberry Muffin Waffle Cone Crunch Triple Scoop is a dessert beer lover’s dream come true. This triple-scoop ice cream sour is an indulgent, fruit-forward beer that transports you straight into a dessert shop. Ripe blueberries provide a juicy burst of flavour, while the addition of honeycomb and waffle cones brings a touch of crunch and sweetness. The beer’s smooth vanilla ice cream base rounds out the fruity sharpness with a creamy mouthfeel, making it a deliciously complex and layered beer. At 8.3% ABV, it’s bold but not overwhelming, with the sweetness and acidity balancing perfectly to create a well-rounded flavour profile.
Interesting Fact: Blueberry Muffin Waffle Cone Crunch Triple Scoop is the latest in Vault City’s dessert-inspired sour series. The brewery has gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of sour beers by combining sweet, fruity flavours with complex sour notes. By using a combination of fruit purees, honeycomb, and waffle cones, Vault City replicates the textures and flavours of ice cream in beer form. This beer offers an inventive take on the growing trend of ice cream-inspired beers, showcasing the brewery’s creativity and expertise in blending fruit, sourness, and sweetness.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This beer is ideal for pairing with rich, fruity desserts. A classic blueberry muffin would make an excellent pairing, where the beer’s fruity notes complement the sweetness of the muffin. If you’re in the mood for something colder, pair it with a scoop of vanilla or blueberry ice cream—preferably topped with some crushed waffle cone for a textural match. For a savoury pairing, try it with a goat cheese salad topped with fresh fruit and honey. The creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey will play off the beer’s rich body and fruity acidity.
Yonder ~ Cherry Pie 7.0% Pastry Sour
Yonder’s Cherry Pie is a decadent pastry sour that delivers the comforting flavours of a homemade cherry pie, all in a beer. The tartness of the sour cherries is the star here, delivering a sharp, fruity bite that’s perfectly balanced by a subtle sweetness. The beer is rich with the flavours of almond and vanilla, which add complexity and depth, while the brown sugar-dusted pie crust notes provide a warm, baked finish. At 7% ABV, it’s an approachable yet indulgent beer that’s perfect for those who love fruit-forward sours with a dessert-like quality.
Interesting Fact: Cherry Pie is part of Yonder’s series of fruit-filled pastry sours, which take inspiration from nostalgic desserts. The beer’s combination of sour cherries, almond, and vanilla is designed to evoke the familiar taste of a freshly baked pie, while the beer’s smooth body and tangy finish add a twist to the traditional dessert experience. Yonder’s expertise in creating fruit-driven beers is on full display here, with the sour cherry’s acidity balanced by the sweetness of the pie-like crust.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This pastry sour pairs perfectly with other desserts. A slice of cherry pie, naturally, would be the ideal match, bringing out the beer’s fruity, pie-inspired flavours. For a different approach, pair it with a cheesecake topped with fresh fruit or a creamy almond tart, where the almond and vanilla notes of the beer will enhance the richness of the dessert. If you’re in the mood for something savoury, a fresh goat cheese salad with cherries and candied nuts would complement the beer’s tartness while adding a nice contrast in texture and flavour.