July 2024 Strong, Pale & Hoppy Beer Box Tasting Notes

July 2024 Strong, Pale & Hoppy Beer Box Tasting Notes

Azvex ~ Wyrm Food 8.4% DIPA

Azvex's Wyrm Food Double IPA is a bold exploration in hop intensity and complexity. Dry-hopped generously with Nelson Sauvin, Kohia Nelson, and Maui Nelson, it pours a hazy golden-orange with a dense white head. Aromas of tropical fruits, white grapes, and a hint of pine greet the senses. On the palate, expect an explosion of flavours dominated by juicy pineapple, passionfruit, and a subtle earthy undertone. The use of barley, wheat, and oats provides a robust malt backbone that balances the beer's hop-forward profile, leading to a smooth and lingering bitterness on the finish.

Interesting Fact: Azvex Brewery is known for its experimental approach to brewing, often pushing the boundaries of hop combinations and techniques to create unique and flavourful beers that stand out in the crowded craft beer market.

Pair Wyrm Food DIPA with spicy chicken tikka masala, as the beer's tropical fruit flavours complement the dish's creamy tomato sauce and spicy chicken, while its bitterness cuts through the richness. For a cheese pairing, try it with aged gouda, allowing the beer's fruity and piney notes to contrast with the cheese's nutty flavours and enhance its complexity. Whether enjoyed at a summer barbecue or a cozy evening indoors, Wyrm Food promises an exhilarating drinking experience for hop enthusiasts.

Floc ~ Plenty Kohia Nelson 8.0% DIPA

Floc's Plenty Kohia Nelson Double IPA is a testament to the intensity and depth of New Zealand hops. Brewed with the 2024 Kohia Nelson hops, this DIPA bursts with tropical fruit flavours, bright citrusy notes, and a subtle herbal character. Pouring a hazy golden-yellow with a fluffy white head, it exudes aromas of mango, pineapple, and a hint of fresh herbs. The addition of flaked oats and wheat creates a smooth and creamy mouthfeel that complements the beer's robust malt backbone, leading to a balanced and satisfying finish.

Interesting Fact: Floc Brewery sources its hops meticulously, selecting the finest varieties to showcase their natural flavours and aromas, ensuring each batch of beer maintains exceptional quality and character.

Pair Plenty Kohia Nelson DIPA with spicy grilled shrimp skewers, as the beer's tropical fruit flavours harmonize with the smoky grilled shrimp while refreshing the palate. For a vegetarian pairing, try it with a quinoa and grilled vegetable salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette, allowing the DIPA's citrusy notes to brighten the dish's flavours. Whether enjoyed at a summer picnic or a lively gathering with friends, Plenty Kohia Nelson promises a vibrant and flavourful drinking experience that showcases the best of New Zealand hops.

Disruption IS Brewing x Staggeringly Good ~ Prehistoric Chaos 8.0% DIPA

Disruption IS Brewing and Staggeringly Good's Prehistoric Chaos DIPA is a monumental collaboration that pushes the boundaries of hoppy indulgence. Loaded with Mosaic, HBC630, Citra, and Galaxy hops, this DIPA pours a hazy golden-orange with a creamy white head. It offers aromas of ripe tropical fruits, citrus zest, and a hint of pine resin. On the palate, expect a soft and juicy mouthfeel with flavours of mango, papaya, and passionfruit dominating, balanced by a subtle sweetness from the malt backbone. The beer finishes with a lingering tropical fruitiness and a gentle bitterness that invites another sip.

Interesting Fact: Prehistoric Chaos DIPA was born out of a collaboration between two innovative breweries known for their bold and experimental brewing styles, resulting in a beer that celebrates the artistry and creativity of the craft beer community.

Pair Prehistoric Chaos DIPA with spicy Korean barbecue ribs, as the beer's tropical fruit flavours complement the spicy marinade and smoky char while refreshing the palate. For a dessert pairing, try it with a mango coconut tart, allowing the DIPA's fruity sweetness to enhance the tropical flavours of the dessert. Whether enjoyed at a summer cookout or a beer tasting event, Prehistoric Chaos promises an exhilarating journey through hoppy bliss and culinary delight.

Dark Revolution ~ On A Mission 8.0% DIPA

Dark Revolution's On A Mission Double IPA is a testament to the bold and hazy characteristics that define this style. Pouring a cloudy golden-orange with a persistent white head, this DIPA bursts with aromas of ripe pineapple, citrus zest, and hints of gooseberry. The flavour profile is dominated by juicy pineapple and citrus notes, complemented by a subtle gooseberry tartness. Brewed with a blend of Extra Pale, Flaked Wheat, Wheat, and Oats, it offers a smooth and creamy mouthfeel that enhances its robust hop profile. The hop additions of Idaho 7, Citra, Nectaron, and Nelson Cryo contribute to a complex layering of tropical fruit flavours with a resinous undertone, leading to a pleasantly bitter finish.

Interesting Fact: Dark Revolution Brewery takes pride in using a unique yeast strain, DR House Hazy, which enhances the hazy and juicy characteristics of their IPAs, making each sip a memorable experience for craft beer enthusiasts.

Pair On A Mission DIPA with spicy Thai green curry, as the beer's tropical fruit flavours complement the dish's aromatic spices and coconut milk while providing a refreshing contrast. For a cheese pairing, try it with aged cheddar, allowing the beer's fruity and resinous notes to balance the cheese's sharpness and complexity. Whether enjoyed at a summer barbecue or a cozy evening indoors, On A Mission promises a flavourful and dynamic drinking experience that showcases the best of hazy DIPA craftsmanship.

Staggeringly Good ~ Shanty Town (2024) 8.2% HDHC DIPA

Staggeringly Good's Shanty Town (2024) HDHC DIPA is a celebration of hop intensity and complexity, crafted for their annual Beer & Music Festival. This Double IPA is brewed with a High Density Hop Charge, combining Nelson Sauvin T90s & CGX, Strata T90s & CGX, El Dorado T90s & Incognito, and Citra Cryo hops. Pouring a hazy golden-yellow with a dense, fluffy white head, it exudes aromas of white wine, lime zest, stone fruits, and hints of elderflower. The flavour profile is bright and juicy, featuring notes of apricot, peach, cantaloupe, and citrus zest, with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. The use of barley, wheat, and oats provides a sturdy malt backbone that supports the beer's intense hop character, leading to a balanced and satisfying finish.

Interesting Fact: Staggeringly Good Brewery is renowned for its creative collaborations and annual festivals, bringing together beer enthusiasts and music lovers to enjoy innovative beers like Shanty Town (2024), which are brewed specifically for these special occasions.

Pair Shanty Town (2024) HDHC DIPA with spicy jerk chicken, as the beer's tropical fruit flavours complement the spicy marinade while refreshing the palate. For a dessert pairing, try it with a mango and passionfruit cheesecake, allowing the DIPA's fruity sweetness to enhance the tropical flavours of the dessert. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or a laid-back afternoon, Shanty Town (2024) promises a vibrant and indulgent drinking experience that embodies the spirit of celebration and creativity.

Northern Monk x Arpus ~ Serpent’s Gaze 8.0% DDH DIPA

Northern Monk's collaboration with Arpus Brewing, Serpent’s Gaze DDH DIPA, is a visual and sensory delight inspired by the artwork of Billelis. Brewed with New Zealand hops Nelson Sauvin and Motueka in CGX enhanced pellet format, this Double IPA pours a super hazy golden-orange with a thick, creamy white head. It offers a bouquet of aromas including white wine, lime, stone fruits, elderflower, and apricot. The flavour profile is rich and vibrant, with pronounced notes of white wine, lime zest, peach, cantaloupe, and citrus zest, all balanced by a soft and velvety mouthfeel. The use of barley, wheat, and oats creates a robust malt foundation that complements the beer's juicy hop character, leading to a smooth and satisfying finish.

Interesting Fact: Northern Monk Brewery is known for its artistic collaborations, blending visual artistry with brewing excellence to create beers like Serpent’s Gaze that not only taste exceptional but also tell a visual story through their labels and packaging.

Pair Serpent’s Gaze DDH DIPA with spicy grilled shrimp tacos, as the beer's tropical fruit flavours complement the dish's zesty lime and cilantro while refreshing the palate. For a cheese pairing, try it with creamy brie, allowing the beer's fruity and floral notes to contrast with the cheese's creamy texture and nutty undertones. Whether enjoyed at an art gallery opening or a cozy evening at home, Serpent’s Gaze promises an immersive and sensory drinking experience that captivates both the palate and the imagination.

Pressure Drop ~ Sardines 7.5% NEIPA

Pressure Drop's Sardines NEIPA is a vibrant and aromatic expression of the New England IPA style. Dry-hopped with Simcoe, Nelson Sauvin, and HBC630, this IPA pours a hazy golden-yellow with a dense, fluffy white head. It exudes aromas of ripe berries, peach, melon, and floral undertones. On the palate, expect a full-bodied tropical flavour explosion with prominent notes of peach, mango, and juicy berries, balanced by a soft and creamy mouthfeel. The addition of barley, wheat, and oats enhances the beer's haze and texture, contributing to a smooth and juicy finish that lingers pleasantly.

Interesting Fact: Pressure Drop Brewery takes its name from the physics concept of pressure drop, reflecting their commitment to creating beers that release intense flavours and aromas with every sip, like the aromatic explosion found in Sardines NEIPA.

Pair Sardines NEIPA with grilled salmon topped with mango salsa, as the beer's tropical fruit flavours complement the dish's sweet and spicy components while refreshing the palate. For a vegetarian pairing, try it with a quinoa and grilled vegetable salad, allowing the beer's fruity and floral notes to enhance the salad's fresh and vibrant flavours. Whether enjoyed at a summer picnic or a weekend brunch, Sardines promises a sensory journey through tropical paradise, making it a standout in the realm of New England IPAs.

 

Phantom x Baron ~ Dressed To Kill 8.0% DIPA

Phantom Brewing Company collaborates with Baron Brewing to create Dressed To Kill, an 8.0% Double IPA that embodies bold flavours and creative brewing craftsmanship. Dry-hopped with Peacharine, Citra, and Strata hops, this DIPA pours a hazy golden-orange hue with a fluffy white head. Aromas of ripe peach, tropical fruits, and citrus zest dominate the nose, inviting you into a juicy and aromatic experience. The flavour profile bursts with juicy peach and tropical fruit flavours, complemented by hints of citrus and a subtle herbal undertone. The use of barley, wheat, and oats contributes to a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, balancing the beer's intense hop character with a sturdy malt backbone.

Interesting Fact: Phantom Brewing Company is known for its innovative collaborations with other breweries like Baron Brewing, blending unique hop varieties and brewing techniques to create exceptional beers that push the boundaries of flavour and aroma.

Pair Dressed To Kill DIPA with spicy pineapple shrimp skewers, as the beer's tropical fruit flavours complement the dish's sweet and spicy marinade while refreshing the palate. For a cheese pairing, try it with aged gouda, allowing the beer's fruity and citrusy notes to contrast with the cheese's nutty and caramel undertones. Whether enjoyed at a summer barbecue or a cozy evening indoors, Dressed To Kill promises a dynamic and flavourful drinking experience that showcases the best of modern DIPA craftsmanship.

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