July 2024 Sour Beer Box Tasting Notes

July 2024 Sour Beer Box Tasting Notes

New Bristol ~ Tropical Fruit & Toffee Drizzle Sundae Sour 6.0%

New Bristol's Tropical Fruit & Toffee Drizzle Sundae Sour is a celebration in a glass, crafted specifically for the Bristol Craft Beer Festival. At 6.0% ABV, this beer delivers a delightful blend of summertime flavours, featuring juicy mango and peach that harmonize with hints of creamy vanilla ice cream and luscious toffee sauce. The result is a beer that evokes memories of enjoying a decadent dessert on a warm summer evening, offering a tantalizing balance between tartness and sweetness.

Interesting Fact: New Bristol Brewery collaborated closely with local artisans to create a beer that not only reflects the vibrant spirit of the Bristol Craft Beer Festival but also aligns with their commitment to vegan-friendly brewing practices, using natural ingredients to achieve rich, dessert-like flavours without animal products.

Pair Tropical Fruit & Toffee Drizzle Sundae Sour with a tropical fruit salad featuring fresh mango, pineapple, and papaya to complement its fruity profile and enhance the beer's juicy character. For a dessert pairing, serve alongside a slice of peach cobbler topped with vanilla bean ice cream to accentuate the beer's creamy and toffee notes while providing a satisfying contrast of textures. Whichever pairing you choose, Tropical Fruit & Toffee Drizzle Sundae Sour promises a sensory experience that captures the essence of summer indulgence.

Farm Yard Brew ~ Squeeze 3.8% Orange & Raspberry Sour

Farm Yard Brew presents Squeeze, a 3.8% Orange & Raspberry Sour that embodies the essence of summer refreshment. Pouring a vibrant pink with a frothy white head, this sessionable sour bursts with aromas of ripe oranges and tart raspberries, teasing the senses with its fruity bouquet. The first sip reveals a delightful interplay of tangy citrus and juicy raspberry flavours, balanced by a subtle sweetness from oats, wheat, and a touch of lactose. Squeeze offers a crisp and clean mouthfeel, making it perfect for quenching thirsts on hot summer days. This sour exemplifies Farm Yard Brew’s commitment to crafting beers that marry bold flavours with drinkability.

Interesting Fact: Farm Yard Brew’s Squeeze incorporates oats, wheat, and lactose to enhance the beer’s body and sweetness, complementing the tartness of orange and raspberry. This combination creates a balanced and refreshing sour that appeals to both sour beer enthusiasts and those new to the style. The brewery’s dedication to using quality ingredients ensures that each sip of Squeeze delivers a burst of fruity goodness, making it a standout choice for summer enjoyment.

Pair Farm Yard Brew’s Squeeze with light and fresh dishes like grilled chicken salad or seafood ceviche to complement its vibrant citrus and berry flavours. The beer’s tartness cuts through the richness of grilled meats or oily fish, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the overall dining experience. For a dessert pairing, enjoy it with lemon sorbet or raspberry cheesecake to accentuate the beer’s fruit-forward profile, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tart flavours that linger pleasantly on the palate.

Hammerton ~ Malus Fruit 4.4% Blackcurrant & Apple Sour

Hammerton’s Malus Fruit is a 4.4% Blackcurrant & Apple Sour that transports drinkers to the nostalgic flavours of a classic blackcurrant and apple crumble. Pouring a deep ruby red with a thin pinkish head, this sour entices with aromas of ripe blackcurrants, sweet apples, and a hint of vanilla spice. The first sip reveals a symphony of tart blackcurrant and crisp apple flavours, complemented by a subtle undertone of cinnamon that adds warmth and complexity. Malus Fruit offers a medium-bodied mouthfeel with a crisp finish, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a balance of fruitiness and subtle sweetness.

Interesting Fact: Hammerton’s Malus Fruit Sour is conditioned with a dash of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon, evoking the comforting flavours of a blackcurrant and apple crumble. This unique addition enhances the beer’s complexity, creating a sensory experience reminiscent of homemade desserts enjoyed on cool evenings. Hammerton’s dedication to using natural ingredients ensures that each batch of Malus Fruit delivers authentic fruit flavours that capture the essence of the season.

Pair Hammerton’s Malus Fruit Sour with savoury dishes like duck breast with blackcurrant sauce or roasted pork loin with apple compote to complement its fruity profile. The beer’s tartness cuts through the richness of the meat, while its subtle sweetness enhances the savoury flavours, creating a harmonious pairing that satisfies the palate. For a dessert pairing, enjoy it with apple pie or blackcurrant cheesecake to echo the beer’s fruit-forward character, enhancing the overall sweetness and creating a memorable dining experience that celebrates the flavours of the season.

Mondo ~ Lawn Club 4.2% Strawberries & Cream Sour

Lawn Club emerges like a burst of sunshine in a glass, inviting summer revellers to indulge in its tart, yet creamy embrace. At 4.2%, this session sour delivers a delightful collision of ripe strawberries mingled with subtle hints of mint and sweet vanilla. The acidity is balanced impeccably, offering a refreshing twist that lingers playfully on the palate. Whether enjoyed courtside or basking in the park, this beer promises to elevate any sunny occasion with its vibrant personality.

Interesting Fact: Mondo Brewery, nestled in London’s heart, draws inspiration not only from the city’s dynamic spirit but also from a commitment to sustainability. They utilize innovative brewing techniques that minimize environmental impact, ensuring each sip of Lawn Club is as eco-friendly as it is delicious.

Crafted to complement its fruity essence, Lawn Club pairs harmoniously with light summer fare. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad topped with goat cheese and strawberries to accentuate the beer’s berry notes. For a contrasting twist, pair with a tangy lemon tart that highlights both the beer's tartness and creamy undertones, creating a memorable summer dining experience.

Brew York ~ PARTICIP8 4.5% Pineapple & Raspberry Sour

PARTICIP8 from Brew York emerges from a jubilant celebration, where beer enthusiasts united to choose its vibrant identity. This 4.5% sour ale brims with tropical exuberance, blending juicy pineapples and tart raspberries into a symphony of flavours. It's a testament to community and creativity, encapsulating the spirit of shared brewing passion and adventurous palates. Each sip unveils layers of fruit-forward complexity, making it a must-try for sour beer aficionados seeking a refreshing twist.

Interesting Fact: Brew York's commitment to community involvement extends beyond their beers; they actively engage local artists for label designs, turning each bottle into a canvas that tells a unique visual story alongside its liquid counterpart.

Pair PARTICIP8 with spicy grilled shrimp tacos to accentuate its fruity sweetness while complementing the beer's tangy profile. For a contrasting option, try pairing with a creamy goat cheese salad topped with fresh pineapple salsa, allowing the beer’s vibrant flavours to shine against savoury notes. Whichever route you choose, PARTICIP8 promises a lively dining experience that celebrates the best of summer flavours.

Pastore ~ Limone 2.5% Fruited Sour

Limone by Pastore emerges as a beacon of refreshment, a low-alcohol sour beer that captures the essence of a hazy summer day. Conditioned on Sicilian lemons, mandarin oranges, and pink grapefruit, this 2.5% ABV brew offers a zesty and citrus-forward experience. Its light body and bright acidity make it a perfect companion for leisurely afternoon sipping, transporting drinkers to sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes with every sip.

Interesting Fact: Pastore Brewery’s dedication to crafting low-alcohol sours stems from a mission to provide flavourful options for those seeking sessionable beers without compromising on taste or quality.

Pair Limone with a seafood ceviche to complement its citrusy notes while enhancing the beer’s refreshing character. Alternatively, pair with a lemon-infused chicken salad for a delightful interplay of flavours that accentuate the beer's tartness. Whether enjoyed al fresco or at a cozy indoor gathering, Limone promises to elevate any occasion with its sunny disposition and vibrant flavours.

Vault City ~ Mini Mangoes 3.3% Table Sour

Mini Mangoes from Vault City is a testament to the artistry of sour brewing, offering a vibrant tableau of flavours in a modest 3.3% ABV package. Bursting with the essence of Alphonso mangoes, this table sour combines tropical sweetness with a refreshing tartness, creating a delightful balance on the palate. The mixed fermentation adds layers of complexity, ensuring each sip is filled with fruity nuances that linger pleasantly. Ideal for leisurely gatherings or as a thirst-quencher on warm days, Mini Mangoes invites drinkers to savour its tropical charm.

Interesting Fact: Vault City Brewery in Scotland has gained acclaim for its commitment to using fresh, locally sourced fruits in their sour beers, ensuring each batch captures the essence of its ingredients at their peak.

Pair Mini Mangoes with grilled shrimp skewers glazed with a mango-chili sauce to complement its fruity sweetness and enhance the beer's tropical character. For a contrasting option, pair with a tangy goat cheese salad topped with mango slices and a citrus vinaigrette to elevate both the beer’s tartness and creamy texture. Whichever pairing you choose, Mini Mangoes promises a refreshing and flavourful experience.

New Bristol ~ Blueberry Muffin Sour 6.0%

Blueberry Muffin Sour by New Bristol presents a sensory journey reminiscent of biting into a freshly baked pastry. At 6.0% ABV, this sour ale is a luscious blend of blueberries, vanilla, and a hint of pastry crust, creating a dessert-like indulgence with every sip. The tartness is balanced by sweet notes, offering a nuanced experience that unfolds with each taste. Crafted with additions like blackberry puree and vanilla, it’s a testament to New Bristol’s innovation in blending fruit and beer styles to create something truly unique.

Interesting Fact: New Bristol Brewery takes pride in its experimental approach, often collaborating with local bakeries to source inspiration and ingredients for their pastry-inspired sour ales.

Pair Blueberry Muffin Sour with a creamy cheesecake topped with blueberry compote to complement its fruity sweetness while contrasting with the beer's tart notes. For a savoury twist, pair with a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses and fig jam to balance the beer's sweetness with savoury complexity. Whichever pairing you choose, Blueberry Muffin Sour promises a delightful exploration of dessert-inspired flavours.

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