Embark on a hop-forward odyssey as we usher in February 2024 with the Strong, Pale & Hoppy beer box. This curated collection promises a thrilling exploration of bold flavours, high ABVs, and an abundance of hops that define the robust category of strong, pale, and hoppy brews. Crafted by visionary breweries, each beer in this selection is a testament to the artistry of hop utilization and the pursuit of palate-enchanting experiences. From the citrusy zest of Double IPAs to the tropical symphony of DDH IPAs, this box is a celebration of the hops' aromatic prowess and the brewers' dedication to crafting bold, unforgettable brews. Join us on this exhilarating journey into the hop-centric universe, where each sip promises a cascade of flavour and a celebration of brewing innovation. Cheers to the Strong, Pale & Hoppy beer box for February 2024 – a month of hop-driven delights that will undoubtedly leave beer enthusiasts craving more.
Blue Monkey's Double IPA, a 7.5% DIPA, dances on the palate with an orchestrated blend of Cashmere, Galaxy, Citra, and Vic Secret hops. The aroma is a tropical invitation, offering notes of ripe peach, passion fruit, and a citrusy zing. The first sip reveals a juicy symphony, with the interplay of peach and apricot harmonizing with the velvety malt backbone. As the bitterness lingers, hints of pine resin provide a sublime conclusion to this hop-forward masterpiece.
Pairing this Double IPA with grilled shrimp skewers accentuates the beer's tropical notes. The beer's citrusy brightness complements the succulent shrimp, while the hop bitterness contrasts with the smoky char from the grill, creating a dynamic and flavourful union that elevates both the beer and the dish.
Bullhouse's Brick, an 8.0% DIPA, boasts a lavish hop ensemble of Cashmere, Sabro, and Strata, resulting in a tropical paradise. The aroma offers a bouquet of coconut, citrus, and a hint of dankness. With each sip, the beer unfolds a luxurious tapestry of tropical flavours—creamy coconut, juicy pineapple, and a subtle touch of berry sweetness. The velvety malt backbone and a restrained bitterness make this DIPA a decadent hop-driven delight.
Pairing Brick with a mango and avocado salad enhances the beer's tropical notes. The beer's coconut and citrus elements complement the creamy avocado, while the hop bitterness cuts through the sweetness of the mango, creating a refreshing and harmonious pairing that elevates both the beer and the salad.
Burnt Mill's Galaxy Fog, an 8.0% Galaxy NE DIPA, is a hazy masterpiece that combines extra pale malt, oats, chit, and Galaxy hops. The aroma is an explosion of peach and passion fruit, courtesy of the Galaxy hops and the peachy esters from the house yeast. Each sip delivers a smooth, hazy body with pronounced peach and passion fruit flavours, creating an indulgent yet balanced drinking experience.
Pairing Galaxy Fog with spicy Thai green curry brings out the beer's fruity and tropical character. The beer's peach and passion fruit notes complement the curry's vibrant flavours, while the hop bitterness helps cut through the richness of the coconut milk, creating a dynamic and satisfying pairing.
Cloudwater's Hooked on 586, a 7.2% DDH IPA, showcases the experimental hop variety HBC586. The aroma is a burst of bold tropical flavours—mango, passion fruit, and guava. The smooth hazy body is accompanied by a crisp, slightly herbal finish, creating a beer that's both intense and refreshing.
Pairing Hooked on 586 with ceviche enhances the beer's tropical notes. The beer's bold flavours complement the zesty acidity of the ceviche, while the crisp finish cleanses the palate between bites, creating a lively and complementary pairing.
New Bristol's Up Close Magic, a 7.0% DDH IPA, packs a DIPA punch with Simcoe, Citra, and Mosaic hops. The nose is greeted with pine needles and massive fruit aromas. Each sip is a burst of chewy, tropical dankness, with the interplay of citrus, pine, and a tantalizing complexity that makes this beer a star in its category.
Pairing Up Close Magic with spicy chicken tacos enhances the beer's pine and citrus notes. The beer's chewy and tropical character complements the heat of the tacos, while the hop bitterness balances the richness of the spiced chicken, creating a bold and flavourful union.
Pentrich's Big Stache, an 8.4% DIPA, is a juicy imperial IPA hopped with Citra and El Dorado. The beer unfolds a juicy symphony of grapefruit, tangerine, papaya, and pineapple, creating a super juicy DIPA that's both refreshing and indulgent.
Pairing Big Stache with a pineapple and jalapeño salsa enhances the beer's juicy and citrusy character. The beer's tropical notes complement the sweetness of the pineapple, while the hop bitterness contrasts with the heat of the jalapeño, creating a dynamic and palate-stimulating pairing.
RedWillow's Double Weightless, an 8.4% Big Session IPA, is a glorious transformation of their classic session IPA. With double the strength and triple the hops, it is a Big SIPA ripe with sweet sticky mango on the nose, followed by a weighty hit of citrus and pine.
Pairing Double Weightless with a spicy mango chutney grilled cheese elevates the beer's fruity and citrusy character. The beer's mango notes complement the chutney's sweetness, while the hop bitterness cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a delightful and balanced pairing.
Unbarred's Danker Juice, a 7.4% Hazy IPA, ramps up the cult classic Dank Juice with Hemp Terpenes and a triple dry-hop featuring Cashmere, Chinook, Citra, and Mosaic. The beer delivers grassy dankness, stone fruit, citrus, and pine, backed up with ripe papaya, gooseberry, and subtle melon.
Pairing Danker Juice with a tangy blue cheese and walnut salad enhances the beer's dank and fruity character. The beer's grassy notes complement the richness of the blue cheese, while the hop bitterness contrasts with the crunch of the walnuts, creating a balanced and flavourful pairing.