Welcome to the hop-filled extravaganza of February 2024, where the Pale & Hoppy box takes centre stage, showcasing a curated selection of beers that promise to captivate your taste buds. Crafted from renowned breweries, each beer in this collection is a testament to the artistry of hop blending, offering a spectrum of flavours that range from fruity and dank to tropical and juicy. Join us on a journey through this hop-centric odyssey, as we delve into the tasting notes of each brew, guided by the spirit of exploration and appreciation for the diverse world of pale ales and IPAs. From vibrant hazy concoctions to sessionable delights, this collection is a celebration of hop-forward excellence, promising an unforgettable tasting experience that will leave you craving more. So, grab your favourite glass, sit back, and immerse yourself in the aromatic symphony of the Pale & Hoppy box for February 2024. Cheers to the hop enthusiasts and flavour seekers alike!
Modest Beers' Hazy IPA is a vibrant symphony of fruity and dank notes that dance upon the taste buds. The concoction of Columbus, Cryo Pop, Simcoe Cryo, Motueka, and Mosaic Cryo hops creates a harmonious blend, bringing forth an intense yet balanced hop profile. As the golden elixir caresses the palate, the addition of wheat and oats lends a velvety texture, enhancing the overall mouthfeel. The interplay of gluten, barley, wheat, and oats, combined with the absence of animal-derived products, makes it a welcome choice for vegans seeking a luscious IPA experience.
For a culinary companionship, consider pairing this Hazy IPA with spicy dishes, such as a Thai green curry. The beer's fruity complexity will complement the heat, while its lush body provides a soothing counterpoint. The intermingling flavours create a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, much like the beer itself.
Disruption IS Brewing's Demokracy, a DDH Session IPA, stands as a beacon of hop enlightenment in a world marred by mediocrity. Crafted with Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops, it unleashes waves of tropical fruit, berry abundance, and a hint of light lemon zest. At a modest 3.8%, it's a testament to the fact that greatness can be achieved without excess. The beer's citrusy vibrancy is further elevated by the double dry-hopping process, ensuring each sip is a refreshing burst of revitalizing flavours.
Pairing Demokracy with grilled shrimp tacos enhances the beer's citrus notes, creating a delightful synergy with the lime-accented seafood. The beer's moderate alcohol content and crisp finish cut through the richness of the dish, making it a marriage of flavours that elevates both the beer and the meal.
Round Corner's Shimmering Pond, a Hazy IPA, unfolds like a tropical paradise in a glass. With an infusion of Talus, Sabro, and Idaho-7 hops, it invites the senses on a journey through mango orchards, guava groves, and coconut palm-lined shores. The use of coconut adds a nuanced layer to the beer, contributing to its overall lusciousness and complexity.
Pairing Shimmering Pond with a coconut shrimp curry creates a harmonious union of flavours. The beer's tropical notes resonate with the dish's coconut-infused richness, while the hoppy bitterness cuts through the curry's creaminess. This pairing transforms a meal into a sensory expedition, where each sip and bite enhance the other.
Unbarred's Little Hazy, a Pale Ale with a generous dose of oats, emerges as a sessionable delight. The marriage of El Dorado and Comet hops yields succulent stone fruits, bright tropical notes, and zingy citrus. The liberal use of oats in the brewing process contributes to a plush mouthfeel, elevating the drinking experience to one of sheer indulgence.
For a delectable pairing, match Little Hazy with a grilled peach and arugula salad. The beer's fruity notes complement the sweetness of the grilled peaches, while the oats in the beer harmonize with the salad's textures. This combination transforms a simple salad into a gastronomic adventure, where each component is accentuated by the other.
Drop Project's Carve, a Session IPA packing a hoppy, juicy punch, exemplifies the adage that good things come in small packages. With a triumvirate of Simcoe, Citra, and Mosaic hops, it delivers a compact explosion of hop-driven flavours. The 4.6% ABV ensures that each sip is a burst of hoppy delight, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
Pairing Carve with a classic margherita pizza enhances both the beer and the food. The beer's hoppy notes cut through the richness of the cheese, while the light malt backbone complements the pizza's dough. This pairing is a testament to the versatility of both beer and pizza, creating a timeless combination that never fails to please.
Mad Squirrel's Pin Drop, a Tropical Pale Ale infused with Citra and Mosaic hops, is a flavourful journey into the tropics. With an IBU of 10, it balances hop bitterness with a tropical twist, offering a refreshing take on the classic pale ale. The partnership with a nightlife safety app adds a modern touch to this tropical-infused creation.
For a delightful pairing, enjoy Pin Drop with a pineapple salsa-topped grilled chicken. The beer's tropical fruit infusion complements the sweetness of the pineapple salsa, while the hop bitterness contrasts with the savoury grilled chicken. This culinary duet transforms a casual meal into a tropical escape for the senses.
Duration's Schnitt, a NEPA born from a collaboration with Fuerst Wiacek, strikes a perfect balance between juicy IPA and yeast-driven delight. With melon and citrus notes dancing on the palate, this Hazy IPA is a testament to the artistry of blending brewing styles. The term 'Schnitt' encapsulates the foamy, open-tap pour, inviting beer enthusiasts to revel in the communal joy of good brews.
Pairing Schnitt with a creamy lemon tart creates a symphony of flavours. The beer's citrus notes complement the tart's zesty profile, while the creamy texture of the dessert harmonizes with the beer's full-bodied nature. This pairing transforms a simple dessert into a culinary experience that engages the taste buds in a delightful dance.
Vibrant Forest's Pupa, a Juicy Pale Ale, navigates the space between east and west coast styles with finesse. A medley of light citrus and ripe tropical fruits takes centre stage, while oats contribute to a velvety mouthfeel. The fruity yeast strain adds a soft stone fruit finish, creating a beer that encapsulates the best of both worlds.
To elevate the Pupa experience, pair it with a grilled peach and prosciutto bruschetta. The beer's citrus and stone fruit notes complement the sweetness of the grilled peaches, while the salty prosciutto enhances the overall flavour complexity. This pairing transforms a simple snack into a gourmet affair, where each bite and sip enhance the other in perfect harmony.