Welcome to the March 2024 Strong, Pale & Hoppy Beer Box, exclusively curated for members of Beer Dad's Craft Beer Club. This month, we invite you to embark on a journey of bold flavours and hop-forward brews with our selection of eight cans of strong, pale, and hoppy craft beers, each boasting an ABV above 7%. From intense double IPAs to refreshing pale ales, this collection showcases the best of hoppy goodness, offering a diverse range of profiles to tantalize your taste buds. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of high-alcohol, hop-driven brews, and discover the remarkable craftsmanship behind each can. Get ready to elevate your beer experience with this lineup of bold, flavourful, and satisfying brews. Cheers to strong, pale, and hoppy indulgence!
Gravity Well's Luminiferous Aether showcases the mesmerizing interplay of Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Nectaron hops in this intense hazy double IPA. At a robust 8.0% ABV, this beer commands attention with its hazy golden hue and enticing aromas of tropical fruit, citrus zest, and pine resin. Each sip reveals layers of juicy mango, ripe peach, and tangy grapefruit, balanced by a sturdy malt backbone that provides a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. As the flavours linger on the palate, a gentle bitterness emerges, leaving a lingering impression of hoppy bliss. Luminiferous Aether is a stellar example of the artistry and complexity that can be achieved with a carefully selected blend of hops.
Interesting Fact: Nectaron hops, a relatively new hop variety from New Zealand, are prized for their intense tropical fruit flavours, including passion fruit, pineapple, and stone fruit, making them a popular choice among brewers for adding depth and complexity to hazy IPAs.
Pair this intense hazy double IPA with spicy dishes like Thai curry or buffalo chicken wings to complement its tropical fruit flavours and provide a refreshing contrast to the heat. The beer's robust malt backbone also makes it a great match for rich and savoury dishes like barbecue ribs or chili con carne, enhancing the beer's complexity. For a vegetarian option, try serving it alongside grilled vegetable skewers or black bean tacos to echo the beer's hoppy intensity and create a harmonious flavour experience.
Cloudwater's I Have Observed the Most Distant Planet presents a luxurious experience with its thick and juicy triple IPA profile. At a formidable 10.0% ABV, this beer indulges the senses with hints of lime and nectarine on the nose, setting the stage for an opulent tasting journey. Its soft body envelops the palate, delivering luscious flavours of ripe tropical fruits and creamy coconut, courtesy of the Sabro hops. As the beer unfolds, a subtle yet satisfying bitterness emerges, providing balance and depth to the flavour profile. I Have Observed the Most Distant Planet is a testament to the art of brewing, showcasing the exquisite harmony of ingredients and technique.
Interesting Fact: Sabro hops, known for their unique coconut and tropical fruit aroma, are a relatively new hop variety developed by the Hop Breeding Company and released in 2018. They have quickly gained popularity among brewers for their distinct flavour profile, which adds a tropical twist to IPAs and other hop-forward beers.
Pair this luxurious triple IPA with bold and flavourful dishes like spicy mango curry or grilled pineapple glazed pork ribs to complement its tropical fruit notes and enhance the overall dining experience. The beer's creamy body and subtle bitterness also make it a great match for creamy cheeses like aged cheddar or Gouda, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. For a sweet pairing, serve it alongside a tropical fruit tart or coconut cream pie to echo the beer's flavours and create a decadent dessert pairing.
Floc's Dreams Of You offers a vibrant and exhilarating experience with its double IPA profile. Brewed with Pacific Sunrise and Nelson Sauvin hops, this beer delivers a fusion of tropical fruitiness and distinctive Southern Hemisphere aromatics. At 8.0% ABV, Dreams Of You commands attention with its radiant golden hue and enticing aroma of passion fruit, mango, and gooseberry. Each sip reveals layers of juicy pineapple, ripe papaya, and zesty citrus, balanced by a subtle malt sweetness that lingers on the palate. With its velvety mouthfeel and lingering bitterness, Dreams Of You is a tantalizing journey through a dreamscape of flavour.
Interesting Fact: Nelson Sauvin hops, originating from New Zealand, are renowned for their unique aroma profile, which includes notes of white wine, gooseberry, and crushed grapes, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc wine.
Pair this vibrant double IPA with spicy Asian dishes like Thai green curry or Vietnamese banh mi to complement its tropical fruit flavours and provide a refreshing contrast to the heat. The beer's bold hop profile also makes it a great match for grilled seafood like shrimp skewers or fish tacos, enhancing the flavours of the dish. For a sweet pairing, serve it alongside a tropical fruit salad or mango sticky rice to echo the beer's fruity notes and create a harmonious flavour experience.
Track's Bright Light Vision offers a refreshing take on the classic West Coast IPA style, showcasing bright notes of ruby grapefruit, orange peel, and tart gooseberry. At 7.5% ABV, this double dry-hopped IPA combines the defining characteristics of Nelson Sauvin and Citra hops, resulting in a bold and aromatic brew that captures the essence of both New Zealand and American hop profiles. With its deep amber hue and lively carbonation, Bright Light Vision captivates the senses from the first pour, inviting the drinker on a journey of citrusy delight and resinous pine.
Interesting Fact: Nelson Sauvin hops, named after the famous wine region of New Zealand, are prized for their unique aroma profile, which resembles the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc wine, with notes of gooseberry, grape, and tropical fruit.
Pair this refreshing West Coast IPA with hearty pub fare like a classic cheeseburger or fish and chips to complement its citrusy hop flavours and provide a satisfying contrast to the richness of the food. The beer's crisp bitterness also makes it a great match for spicy dishes like buffalo chicken wings or jalapeno peppers, cleansing the palate between bites. For a vegetarian option, try serving it alongside a spicy black bean burger or roasted vegetable skewers to enhance the beer's hoppy character and create a well-rounded meal experience.
Three Hills' Co-ordinates: West Coast IPA offers a nostalgic journey back to the early 2000s with its proper West Coast IPA profile. At 7.0% ABV, this beer exudes a radiant orange hue and bursts with the classic aromas of piney bitterness, grapefruit pith, and citrus zest. Brewed with a combination of Citra, Chinook, and Azacca hops, Co-ordinates delivers a bold and assertive hop character that harkens back to the golden age of American craft brewing. With its clean and crisp finish, this West Coast IPA is a testament to the timeless appeal of a well-crafted and perfectly balanced IPA.
Interesting Fact: Chinook hops, a classic American hop variety developed in the 1980s, are prized for their intense pine and resinous aroma, making them a favourite among brewers for imparting bold bitterness and citrusy notes to IPAs and pale ales.
Pair this classic West Coast IPA with spicy barbecue ribs or grilled steak to complement its piney bitterness and enhance the savoury flavours of the dish. The beer's citrusy aromas also make it a great match for tangy dishes like ceviche or lemon chicken, providing a refreshing contrast to the acidity. For a vegetarian option, try serving it alongside spicy tofu stir-fry or roasted Brussels sprouts to echo the beer's hoppy character and create a flavourful pairing that is sure to impress.
Pentrich's Screen Violence presents a bold and juicy experience with its double IPA profile. Brewed with Citra and Vic Secret hops, this beer offers a tantalizing combination of tropical and citrus fruit flavours. At 8.4% ABV, Screen Violence commands attention with its deep golden hue and enticing aroma of mango, pineapple, and citrus zest. Each sip reveals layers of juicy tropical fruits, complemented by a gentle lime undertone from the Vic Secret hops. With its smooth and creamy texture, this DIPA delivers a burst of hoppy goodness that lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression of tropical bliss.
Interesting Fact: Vic Secret hops, an Australian hop variety, are prized for their intense aroma profile, which includes notes of pineapple, passion fruit, and pine, making them a popular choice among brewers for adding complexity and depth to hop-forward beers.
Pair this bold and juicy DIPA with spicy dishes like Korean fried chicken or spicy shrimp tacos to complement its tropical fruit flavours and provide a refreshing contrast to the heat. The beer's creamy texture also makes it a great match for creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, enhancing the richness of the cheese while balancing its creaminess with a touch of bitterness. For a sweet pairing, serve it alongside a slice of mango cheesecake or coconut cream pie to echo the beer's tropical notes and create a delightful dessert experience.
MakeMake's Citra Universe offers an out-of-this-world experience with its 100% Citra-hopped double IPA. At a staggering 8.0% ABV and brewed with a generous 25g/l of hops, this DIPA delivers an explosion of smooth, creamy, hoppy goodness that tantalizes the taste buds. From the moment it hits the glass, Citra Universe emanates a mesmerizing aroma of tropical fruits, citrus zest, and floral notes, inviting the drinker on a cosmic journey through a galaxy of hop flavours. With its velvety mouthfeel and balanced bitterness, this DIPA is a celestial celebration of Citra hops, showcasing their versatility and complexity in every sip.
Interesting Fact: Citra hops, developed by the Hop Breeding Company and released in 2007, are renowned for their intense citrus and tropical fruit aromas, making them a favourite among brewers for adding bright and vibrant flavours to hop-forward beers.
Pair this interstellar DIPA with bold and flavourful dishes like spicy curry or tangy barbecue ribs to complement its tropical fruit flavours and enhance the overall dining experience. The beer's creamy texture and balanced bitterness also make it a great match for creamy cheeses like gorgonzola or aged cheddar, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. For a sweet pairing, serve it alongside a tropical fruit tart or mango sorbet to echo the beer's fruity notes and create a harmonious flavour experience that is truly out of this world.
St Ives' Destination DIPA offers an exhilarating journey into the world of hops with its big, juicy, and crushable profile. Collaborating with Real Ale Craft Beer, this 8.0% Double IPA features a unique blend of Galaxy, Citra, Amarillo, and HBC 630 hops, resulting in a complex aroma and a fruity, bitter explosion with a long-lasting citrus finish. With its hazy yellow appearance, Destination DIPA beckons adventurers to embark on an exploration of hops and balance. From the first sip to the last, this brew delivers a sensory experience that captures the excitement of discovering new flavours and aromas.
Interesting Fact: HBC 630 is an experimental hop variety developed by the Hop Breeding Company. Its precise characteristics and flavour profile are still being explored and refined by brewers, making it a sought-after ingredient in cutting-edge craft beers.
Pair this adventurous DIPA with bold and spicy dishes like jerk chicken or chili con carne to complement its fruity hop flavours and provide a satisfying contrast to the heat. The beer's citrusy finish also makes it a great match for tangy dishes like ceviche or lemon pepper shrimp, enhancing the flavours of the dish while refreshing the palate. For a sweet pairing, serve it alongside a tropical fruit salad or pineapple upside-down cake to echo the beer's fruity notes and create a harmonious flavour experience that is sure to delight.