Yonder ~ Lemon Drizzle 5.0% Pastry Sour
Lemon Drizzle captures the essence of a classic lemon drizzle cake, with a fluffy vanilla base infused with zesty lemon. This pastry sour is a delightful treat that transports you straight to your grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the warm aromas of freshly baked goods. The tartness of the lemon balances beautifully with the sweetness of the vanilla, creating a refreshing yet comforting experience. With each sip, you can taste the nostalgia of homemade cakes, making it a perfect companion for cozy afternoons.
Interesting Fact: The inspiration behind Lemon Drizzle comes from a love for traditional baking, showcasing how brewers can incorporate beloved dessert flavours into their craft beers. The combination of sour and sweet in this beer exemplifies the trend of pastry sours, appealing to both beer enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Lemon Drizzle with a light afternoon tea spread featuring lemon scones, clotted cream, and fresh berries. The tartness of the beer complements the sweetness of the scones beautifully. Alternatively, enjoy it with a lemon tart or a slice of cheesecake for a delightful dessert experience that enhances the beer’s flavours.
Farm Yard Brew ~ On Our Doorstep 4.2% Samphire Gose
On Our Doorstep is a unique samphire Gose that celebrates the coastal flavours of Lancashire. Brewed with foraged ingredients, including samphire, sea purslane, and sea aster, this refreshing sour wheat beer showcases a subtle briny finish that evokes the essence of the sea. The combination of fresh coastal herbs and the mild sourness creates a beer that is both invigorating and intriguing. Its light body and gentle tartness make it an excellent choice for those looking to explore new flavours.
Interesting Fact: The use of foraged ingredients in brewing reflects a growing trend in the craft beer community, where brewers embrace local ecosystems and sustainability. This approach not only highlights regional flavours but also fosters a connection between the brewery and its environment.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy On Our Doorstep with fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled sardines or fish tacos. The briny notes in the beer will complement the oceanic flavours beautifully. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with a light salad featuring roasted beets and goat cheese, where the earthiness of the beets enhances the beer’s herbal characteristics.
Gipsy Hill ~ Toppler 3.4% Fruited Sour
Toppler is a vibrant mango and passionfruit sour that bursts with flavour. Brewed with an impressive 1,000 kg of fruit puree, this brew offers a juicy and tropical experience that is both sweet and sour. It’s refreshing nature makes it an ideal choice for those warm days when you crave something light and fruity. The low ABV ensures you can enjoy this brew leisurely without overwhelming your palate.
Interesting Fact: The sheer volume of mango and passionfruit used in Toppler speaks to the brewery's commitment to crafting bold and flavourful beers. This dedication to quality ingredients ensures that each sip is a celebration of tropical fruits, allowing drinkers to escape to a sun-drenched paradise.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Toppler with spicy Thai dishes, where the fruity notes will complement the heat beautifully. A green curry or pad thai would work exceptionally well, enhancing the overall dining experience. For a lighter option, consider enjoying it with a fresh fruit salad or a tropical salsa, where the flavours will echo the beer’s vibrant profile.
Vault City ~ Jam Roly Poly 4.3% Modern Sour
Jam Roly Poly is a sweet session sour that draws inspiration from a classic British dessert. Infused with layers of vibrant Scottish fruit and creamy vanilla, this beer captures the essence of childhood treats. The combination of fruity sweetness and creamy vanilla creates a luscious mouthfeel that is both comforting and refreshing. Each sip transports you to a nostalgic kitchen, filled with the scents of freshly baked desserts.
Interesting Fact: The idea behind Jam Roly Poly showcases how brewers are increasingly using nostalgia as inspiration for their creations. By incorporating dessert flavours, this beer not only appeals to traditional beer drinkers but also invites those with a sweet tooth to explore the world of craft beer.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Jam Roly Poly with a classic custard or vanilla pudding for a delightful dessert pairing. The flavours of the beer will enhance the creaminess of the pudding, creating a blissful combination. Alternatively, pair it with a selection of shortbread cookies for a cozy afternoon tea experience that complements the beer's sweetness.
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.