Hammerton ~ Pecilla 5.7% Vanilla & Pecan Stout
Indulge in Hammerton's Pecilla, a 5.7% Vanilla & Pecan Stout that's a true testament to decadence in a glass. Pouring a rich, opaque black with a creamy tan head, this stout envelops the senses with a massive hit of vanilla on both the nose and the palate. The initial sweetness of vanilla is beautifully balanced by notes of bitter chocolate, adding depth and complexity to every sip. Subtle hints of pecan emerge, enhancing the overall nuttiness and contributing to a velvety smooth mouthfeel. Pecilla is a highly drinkable stout that combines richness with drinkability, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a robust yet approachable dark beer experience.
Interesting Fact: Hammerton's Pecilla Stout is crafted with a unique combination of vanilla and pecan, inspired by traditional dessert flavours. This stout pays homage to Hammerton's commitment to blending innovative ingredients with classic brewing techniques, resulting in a beer that stands out for its rich, indulgent profile. The brewery's dedication to quality and creativity shines through in every sip, making Pecilla a favourite among stout enthusiasts and dessert beer aficionados alike.
Pair Hammerton's Pecilla Vanilla & Pecan Stout with desserts like chocolate brownies or tiramisu to complement its rich chocolate and vanilla flavours. The nuttiness from the pecans pairs perfectly with creamy desserts, enhancing the overall sweetness and creating a harmonious balance of flavours. For a savoury option, pair it with roasted meats like pork tenderloin or grilled lamb chops to contrast the beer's sweetness with hearty, savoury notes, making for a satisfying dining experience that highlights the stout's complexity and versatility.
Farm Yard Brew ~ Smoove Dark 4.5% Nitro Stout
Farm Yard Brew's Smoove Dark is a 4.5% Nitro Stout that exudes elegance and smoothness in every sip. Pouring with a cascading creamy head, this velvet-like stout offers a complex malt bill featuring roasted barley and chocolate malt. The result is a beer that's rich, dark, and full-bodied, yet remarkably smooth and approachable. Smoove Dark balances deep, roasted flavours with a subtle sweetness, creating a drinking experience that's both comforting and sophisticated. The use of nitrogen enhances the beer's creamy texture, elevating its velvety mouthfeel to deliver a luxurious sensation with each sip.
Interesting Fact: Farm Yard Brew's Smoove Dark Nitro Stout is renowned for its smooth and creamy texture, achieved through the use of nitrogen rather than traditional carbonation. This method of serving enhances the beer's mouthfeel, giving it a velvety smoothness that lingers on the palate. It's a testament to the brewery's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, creating a stout that's not only rich in flavour but also a pleasure to drink.
Pair Farm Yard Brew's Smoove Dark Nitro Stout with hearty dishes like beef stew or shepherd's pie to complement its robust flavours and creamy texture. The roasted notes of the stout harmonize with the savoury richness of these dishes, enhancing both the food and beer experience. For a lighter pairing, try it with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or Stilton to contrast the beer's smoothness with tangy flavours, creating a delightful balance that highlights the stout's complexity and depth.
Mondo ~ Borealis 7.9% B.A. Baltic Porter
Enter the realm of Mondo's Borealis, a 7.9% Barrel Aged Baltic Porter that embodies sophistication and warmth. Barrel-aged in Heaven Hill ex-Bourbon barrels for 12 months, Borealis pours a deep, lustrous brown with hints of garnet, offering a sensory journey through layers of complexity. Aromas of toffee and vanilla waft from the glass, while flavours of chocolate, coffee, and dried fruit dance on the palate. This Baltic Porter boasts a smooth and silky mouthfeel, with a lingering sweetness that warms the soul, making it an ideal companion for stargazing on chilly evenings or indulging in contemplative moments of solitude.
Interesting Fact: Mondo's Borealis Baltic Porter is aged in Heaven Hill ex-Bourbon barrels, adding depth and character to the beer's already rich flavour profile. The use of barrel aging imparts notes of vanilla and toffee, elevating the beer to a luxurious level of complexity. This aging process reflects Mondo's commitment to crafting beers that marry tradition with innovation, creating a Baltic Porter that's as timeless as it is indulgent.
Pair Mondo's Borealis Barrel Aged Baltic Porter with rich desserts like chocolate truffles or bread pudding to complement its decadent flavours of chocolate and toffee. The beer's smooth finish and subtle vanilla notes harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of these desserts, creating a luxurious dining experience. For a savoury option, pair it with grilled meats like steak or lamb chops to contrast the beer's sweetness with hearty, savoury flavours, making each bite and sip a celebration of bold flavours and refined tastes.
Drop Project ~ Glow 4.0% Dark Mild
Step into the realm of Drop Project’s Glow, a 4.0% Dark Mild that defies expectations with its robust character and smooth drinkability. Pouring a deep mahogany with a creamy tan head, Glow emanates aromas of roasted coffee and dark chocolate, inviting you to explore its complex malt profile. Brewed with Amber, Crystal, and Chocolate malts, along with a touch of naked golden oats, this Dark Mild offers a full-bodied experience with a velvety mouthfeel. Despite its lower ABV, Glow delivers layers of roasted malt flavours, featuring notes of caramel and a subtle nuttiness, culminating in a satisfyingly smooth finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Interesting Fact: Drop Project’s Glow Dark Mild showcases a blend of malt varieties, including Amber, Crystal, and Chocolate malts, which contribute to its rich and complex flavour profile. The addition of naked golden oats enhances the beer’s smooth mouthfeel, making it a standout example of the Dark Mild style. This beer reflects Drop Project’s commitment to crafting sessionable yet flavourful brews that appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Pair Drop Project’s Glow Dark Mild with classic British pub fare like steak and ale pie or bangers and mash to complement its malt-forward flavours. The roasted notes of the beer harmonize with the savoury richness of these dishes, creating a comforting and satisfying dining experience. For a sweet pairing, pair it with desserts like sticky toffee pudding or chocolate brownies to accentuate the beer’s caramel and chocolate flavours, enhancing the overall sweetness and creating a delightful contrast.
Pressure Drop ~ American Brown Ale 5.2% American Brown Ale
Discover the bold flavours of Pressure Drop’s American Brown Ale, a 5.2% brew that pays homage to the classic style with a modern twist. Pouring a deep mahogany with a creamy tan head, this ale greets the senses with aromas of toasted bread and caramel, underscored by hints of pine and citrus from Columbus and Mosaic hops. The flavour profile is a delightful interplay of roasted malt sweetness and a subtle hop bitterness, leading to a clean and dry finish that invites another sip. Pressure Drop’s American Brown Ale is a testament to craftsmanship, balancing tradition with innovation for a beer that satisfies both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Interesting Fact: Pressure Drop’s American Brown Ale showcases a blend of seven toasted malts, which contribute to its rich and complex flavour profile. The use of Columbus and Mosaic hops adds layers of piney and citrusy aromas, enhancing the beer’s overall depth. This ale reflects Pressure Drop’s dedication to brewing exceptional beers that celebrate the nuances of malt and hop combinations, making it a standout choice in the American Brown Ale category.
Pair Pressure Drop’s American Brown Ale with grilled meats like barbecue ribs or burgers to complement its robust flavours and caramel malt sweetness. The beer’s balanced bitterness from the hops contrasts beautifully with the smoky char of grilled dishes, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances both the food and beer experience. For a savoury option, pair it with aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to accentuate the beer’s malt complexity and create a satisfying balance of flavours on the palate.
Brass Castle ~ Bad Kitty 5.5% Vanilla Porter
Embrace the allure of Brass Castle’s Bad Kitty, a 5.5% Vanilla Porter that captivates with its rich and velvety texture. Pouring a deep mahogany with a creamy tan head, Bad Kitty entices with aromas of dark chocolate and roasted coffee, complemented by a pronounced vanilla sweetness. The first sip reveals layers of chewy chocolate and roasted malt flavours, balanced perfectly by the smooth vanilla undertones. This porter offers a luxurious mouthfeel with a lingering sweetness that invites further exploration, making it a beloved choice among Porter enthusiasts and a testament to Brass Castle’s expertise in crafting exceptional dark ales.
Interesting Fact: Brass Castle’s Bad Kitty Vanilla Porter is named after the mischievous brewhouse cats who oversee the brewing process, adding a touch of whimsy to its rich flavour profile. Brewed with a blend of specialty malts and infused with vanilla, this porter showcases Brass Castle’s commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous brewing techniques. It’s a beer that combines tradition with innovation, delivering a memorable drinking experience for all who indulge.
Pair Brass Castle’s Bad Kitty Vanilla Porter with desserts like chocolate cake or tiramisu to accentuate its chocolate and vanilla flavours. The beer’s smooth and creamy texture complements the richness of these desserts, creating a decadent pairing that satisfies the sweet tooth. For a savoury option, pair it with smoked meats like brisket or ribs to contrast the porter’s sweetness with bold, savoury flavours, creating a delightful balance on the palate and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Polly’s ~ Built To Weather 5.4% Porter
Polly’s Built To Weather is a 5.4% Porter that defies seasonal norms with its bold and robust character. Pouring a deep brown with hints of ruby, this porter showcases a complex grist bill featuring Carafa Special, Chocolate, Crystal Dark, Milled Brown, and Milled Double Roast Crystal malts. The aroma is rich with roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate, leading into flavours that mirror the nose with added notes of caramel and a subtle hint of hoppy bitterness. Built To Weather is a testament to Polly’s dedication to quality brewing, delivering a porter that’s as comforting as it is flavourful, perfect for enjoying year-round.
Interesting Fact: Polly’s Built To Weather Porter features a diverse blend of specialty malts, each contributing unique flavours and textures to the beer. The addition of Chinook hops adds a touch of bitterness that balances the rich malt sweetness, creating a harmonious and well-rounded drinking experience. This porter reflects Polly’s commitment to exploring different beer styles while maintaining a focus on quality ingredients and craftsmanship.
Pair Polly’s Built To Weather Porter with hearty dishes like beef stew or shepherd’s pie to complement its robust malt flavours. The roasted notes of the beer harmonize with the savoury richness of these dishes, enhancing both the food and beer experience. For a sweet pairing, try it with desserts like dark chocolate brownies or chocolate chip cookies to highlight the porter’s chocolatey undertones and create a decadent combination that satisfies the palate.
Elusive ~ Morrisman 5.0% Chocolate Stout
Elusive Morrisman is a 5.0% Chocolate Stout brewed in collaboration with morris dancing friend Tim Lloyd and his dog Obi. This stout stands out with its dry rather than sweet base, making it exceptionally moreish. Chocolate is infused throughout the brewing process to layer the flavour, with a hint of vanilla adding a finishing touch. Pouring a deep brown with a creamy tan head, Morrisman offers aromas of cocoa and roasted coffee, leading into flavours of dark chocolate with a subtle sweetness. It boasts a smooth mouthfeel and a clean finish, making it a delightful choice for stout aficionados and a testament to Elusive’s dedication to quality and creativity in brewing.
Interesting Fact: Elusive Morrisman Chocolate Stout is a collaboration beer inspired by the love of morris dancing, celebrating friendship and shared passions. The use of chocolate at every stage of brewing enhances the beer’s flavour profile, adding depth and complexity to its rich, dark character. This stout reflects Elusive’s commitment to community and creativity, crafting beers that tell stories and bring people together over shared interests.
Pair Elusive Morrisman Chocolate Stout with desserts like chocolate cheesecake or chocolate mousse to complement its rich cocoa flavours. The beer’s smooth texture and chocolatey undertones harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of these desserts, creating a luxurious pairing that satisfies the palate. For a savoury option, pair it with roasted meats like duck or lamb to contrast the stout’s sweetness with savoury notes, creating a balanced and flavourful dining experience that highlights the beer’s versatility.