November 2024: Dark Beer Box

November 2024: Dark Beer Box

Siren Craft Brew ~ Follow Me to the Fields 5.4% Brown Ale

Follow Me to the Fields is a beautifully crafted brown ale that celebrates the diversity of malt flavours. Inspired by a visit to a malt house, this brew incorporates nine different malt varieties, including Munich, Crystal Rye, and Chocolate malts. The result is a complex tapestry of flavours, featuring notes of toasted bread, caramel, and rich chocolate, which blend harmoniously with the fruity hop additions of Mosaic, Strata, and HBC630. The vibrant hop profile introduces hints of berry and tropical fruit, elevating the traditional brown ale experience.

Interesting Fact: This brown ale showcases the versatility of malted grains, with each variety contributing distinct flavours and aromas. The combination of malt and hops creates a perfect balance that is often overlooked in the brown ale category, inviting both traditionalists and adventurous drinkers to explore this delightful style.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Follow Me to the Fields with a hearty beef stew, where the rich maltiness complements the savoury flavours of the dish. Alternatively, try it alongside a cheese platter featuring aged cheddar and blue cheese. The beer's caramel notes will enhance the complexity of the cheeses, making for a memorable pairing.

New Bristol Brewery ~ Cinder Toffee Stout 4.0% Torched Honeycomb Stout

Cinder Toffee Stout is a delightful creation that combines the richness of traditional stout with the sweet allure of blow-torched honeycomb. The base of this stout is crafted from Maris Otter, Crystal, and Roasted Barley malts, providing a deep, jet-black hue and flavours of rich coffee and roasted malt. The standout feature is the addition of the honeycomb, which imparts a delectable caramel flavour and a touch of crunchy texture. Each sip delivers notes of milk chocolate, toasted almonds, and a hint of hop bitterness, creating a complex and indulgent drinking experience.

Interesting Fact: The use of blow-torched honeycomb in this stout is a unique approach that highlights the brewery's commitment to innovation and flavour. This special ingredient not only adds sweetness but also brings a nostalgic element reminiscent of childhood treats, making the stout feel like a comforting dessert in a glass.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Cinder Toffee Stout with a slice of rich chocolate cake or a sticky toffee pudding. The sweetness of the dessert will complement the caramel and chocolate notes in the beer, creating a harmonious match. For a savoury option, consider pairing it with a charcuterie board featuring smoked meats and rich cheeses, where the stout's flavours will balance the richness of the platter.

Round Corner ~ Monochrome 5.5% Cacao & Vanilla Porter

Monochrome is a luscious and velvety porter that marries the decadent flavours of cacao and vanilla beautifully. This brew presents a deep, dark profile with layers of chocolate, dark fruits, and a subtle hint of mocha. The creamy vanilla sweetness adds a comforting touch, creating a smooth and well-rounded beer. With its bittersweet chocolate finish, this porter is an indulgent treat for those who appreciate rich flavours.

Interesting Fact: The combination of cacao and vanilla in this porter is a classic pairing in dessert-making, echoing the sweet and comforting flavours found in many beloved treats. This brew reflects a growing trend in craft brewing to incorporate dessert-inspired ingredients into traditional beer styles, making it appealing to those who enjoy both desserts and beers.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Monochrome with a slice of dark chocolate tart or a rich brownie. The chocolate flavours in the beer will enhance the dessert, creating a blissful experience. Alternatively, pair it with a cheese selection featuring creamy brie or a sharp blue cheese, allowing the sweetness of the beer to offset the saltiness of the cheeses.

Elusive ~ Fall 3.8% Ruby Rye Mild

Fall captures the essence of autumn with its deep ruby colour and inviting malt profile. This English-style mild is brewed with red crystal rye malt, delivering toasty flavours and a hint of spice. The use of traditional British hops adds a subtle complexity, creating a balanced beer that is perfect for cooler days. With its lower ABV, this ruby rye mild is ideal for leisurely sipping while enjoying the changing seasons.

Interesting Fact: Mild ales have a rich history in British brewing, traditionally enjoyed by workers in the 19th century for their smooth and sessionable qualities. This style has experienced a resurgence in recent years as brewers embrace its unique characteristics and showcase malt-forward flavours.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Fall with a hearty shepherd’s pie or a savoury meat and potato stew. The maltiness of the beer will complement the richness of the dish, creating a satisfying meal. For a lighter option, consider enjoying it with a ploughman’s lunch featuring crusty bread, pickles, and a selection of cheeses.

Gipsy Hill ~ Leg It 4.8% Brown Ale

Leg It offers a delightful twist on the classic brown ale, featuring gingerbread cookie-infused malt as part of its unique profile. This brew showcases layers of soft caramel and biscuit flavours, enhanced by warm wintery spices that create a comforting experience. The use of Pauls Malt in the brewing process highlights the brewery's dedication to quality ingredients, ensuring each sip is a celebration of flavour.

Interesting Fact: The incorporation of gingerbread cookie malt is a testament to the creativity of craft brewers, showcasing how traditional ingredients can be transformed into something entirely new. This innovative approach not only appeals to the palate but also invites drinkers to explore the possibilities of flavour combinations in beer.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Leg It with spiced pumpkin soup, where the flavours will harmonize beautifully. Alternatively, pair it with a rich, creamy blue cheese; the sweetness of the beer will balance the sharpness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast on the palate.

Fierce ~ Gingerbread Moose 4.5% Gingerbread, Chocolate & Vanilla Stout

Gingerbread Moose is a delightful blend of flavours, combining the comforting notes of gingerbread with rich cacao and smooth vanilla. This stout features a bittersweet chocolate base that pairs perfectly with the warming spices of gingerbread, creating a cozy experience for cooler evenings. The gentle sweetness from the vanilla adds depth, making it an inviting brew for anyone seeking a treat.

Interesting Fact: The integration of gingerbread flavours into a stout reflects a growing trend in craft brewing to experiment with seasonal ingredients. This playful approach not only appeals to fans of dessert but also invites new drinkers to explore the rich world of craft beer.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Gingerbread Moose with a slice of gingerbread cake topped with cream cheese frosting. The flavours will complement each other beautifully. For a savoury option, consider a charcuterie board featuring spiced meats and rich cheeses, where the sweetness of the beer will balance the saltiness of the meats.

Azvex ~ Orbiting Treasure 5.8% Chocolate & Biscoff Stout

Orbiting Treasure is a sessionable stout that skilfully combines chocolate and Biscoff flavours. With its smooth mouthfeel and chocolatey notes, this stout provides a rich and indulgent experience. The addition of Biscoff adds a unique caramel and spice profile, making each sip a delightful treat.

Interesting Fact: The use of Biscoff cookies in brewing is a testament to the creativity of craft brewers, allowing them to incorporate popular flavours into their beers. This innovative approach enhances the beer's profile, creating a delicious fusion of dessert-inspired tastes.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Orbiting Treasure with a chocolate torte or a Biscoff cheesecake for a delightful dessert pairing. Alternatively, consider pairing it with a charcuterie board featuring a selection of cheeses and dark chocolate, allowing the flavours to mingle and create a unique tasting experience.

Electric Bear ~ Inspector Remorse 4.7% Porter

Inspector Remorse is a quaffable porter that delivers a rich chocolate experience reminiscent of liquid chocolate digestives. With heaps of chocolate and biscuit malt, this brew offers layers of flavour that develop as it warms. As you sip, hints of cold brew coffee and oaty granola emerge, adding complexity to the experience.

Interesting Fact: This porter highlights the growing trend of brewers exploring dessert flavours in their creations. By incorporating familiar taste profiles, this beer appeals to those who enjoy both dessert and craft beer, creating a delightful crossover experience.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Inspector Remorse with a decadent brownie or chocolate chip cookies for a satisfying dessert experience. For a savoury option, try it with roasted nuts and dark chocolate; the flavours will enhance each other, creating a delightful tasting experience.

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