Hammerton ~ Quaff 4.0% NZ Session IPA
Quaff is a delightful homage to Hammerton’s decade of brewing, embodying a truly quaffable New Zealand Session IPA. With a burst of tropical flavour despite its low ABV, this beer is dry-hopped with Kohatu and Rakau hops, delivering a powerful aroma of citrus, stone fruit, and a hint of pine. Its refreshing body makes it an ideal choice for autumn gatherings.
Interesting Fact: New Zealand hops are prized for their unique flavour profiles, often featuring bold tropical fruit characteristics. Kohatu hops, known for their juicy and bright notes, are a perfect match for this session IPA, elevating its fruity essence.
Pairing Suggestions: Quaff pairs wonderfully with roasted pumpkin soup, where its citrus notes can brighten the dish. For a heartier option, enjoy it alongside a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses and cured meats, enhancing the beer’s refreshing qualities.
Abbeydale x Utopian ~ Nelson Pale Ale 5.2%
The Nelson Pale Ale is a vibrant collaboration that showcases the beloved Nelson Sauvin hop. This pale ale bursts with tropical fruit aromas and citrus notes, enriched by hints of elderflower. The smooth body provides a crisp and clean finish, making it an enjoyable brew for autumn evenings.
Interesting Fact: Nelson Sauvin hops are renowned for their ability to impart unique flavours reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc wine. This hop variety lends its character to this pale ale, resulting in a complex and refreshing drinking experience.
Pairing Suggestions: This pale ale pairs beautifully with grilled chicken drizzled with a citrus glaze, allowing the beer’s tropical notes to complement the dish. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with a quinoa salad featuring roasted vegetables, where the flavours will harmonize beautifully.
Burnt Mill ~ Tidal Reach 4.6% Fog Pale Ale
Tidal Reach captures the essence of autumn with its homage to local landmarks. This Fog Pale Ale features a soft malt bill that results in a hazy, golden colour. With ripe tropical fruit aromas and flavours of orange and stone fruit, this brew is a comforting choice for the cooler months.
Interesting Fact: Foggy ales, like this one, are often brewed using techniques that create a smooth mouthfeel and a vibrant hazy appearance. The use of oats in the malt bill contributes to the beer's creamy texture, enhancing the overall experience.
Pairing Suggestions: This pale ale pairs excellently with roasted vegetable tart, where the beer's fruity notes can complement the dish's earthy flavours. Alternatively, enjoy it with a butternut squash risotto, allowing the richness of the meal to balance with the beer’s bright fruitiness.
Siren Craft Brew ~ Suspended in … Krush 4.0% Hazy Pale Ale
Suspended in … Krush offers a delightful exploration of fruity flavours with the new hop variety, Krush™. This hazy pale ale features sweet fruit and citrus notes alongside subtle grassy and spicy undertones, creating a refreshing and enjoyable beer for the autumn season.
Interesting Fact: The Krush™ hop has been celebrated for its complex flavour profile that combines tropical fruits with a smooth finish. Its unique characteristics make it a versatile ingredient for brewers looking to create dynamic and flavourful brews.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this hazy pale ale with a savoury pumpkin and sage pasta dish, where the beer's fruity notes can enhance the meal's flavours. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad featuring citrus vinaigrette, allowing the beer to elevate the dish.
Vault City ~ Piece Of Cake 4.8% Birthday Cake Sour
Piece Of Cake is a celebration in a glass, brewed to mark Vault City's sixth birthday. This pastry sour brings together the jammy sweetness of strawberries, the tartness of raspberries, and the luxurious touch of sweet vanilla icing. The result is a dessert-inspired beer that pours a beautiful pink hue, with a creamy head that invites you to indulge. Each sip delivers a rich, indulgent flavour, reminiscent of a freshly baked birthday cake.
Interesting Fact: The concept of cake-inspired beers has gained popularity in recent years, showcasing brewers' creativity in blending dessert flavours with traditional brewing techniques. This beer exemplifies how fruit and sweetness can come together to create a memorable drinking experience that captures the joy of celebration.
Pairing Suggestions: Piece Of Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts, particularly a classic vanilla sponge or cheesecake topped with fresh berries. For a savoury option, try it with a charcuterie board featuring rich cheeses and cured meats; the sweetness of the beer can balance the salty, savoury notes beautifully.
Howling Hops ~ Fruit Sour No.2 4.0% Orange, Apricot & Lime Sour
The Fruit Sour No.2 offers a delightful spin on seasonal fruit, combining the vibrant flavours of blood oranges, apricots, and a splash of lime. This refreshing sour strikes a harmonious balance between tartness and sweetness, making it incredibly drinkable. With its bright orange hue and crisp finish, it’s the ideal thirst-quencher for sunny afternoons.
Interesting Fact: This sour is part of a seasonal fruit series designed to showcase the best of what nature has to offer. The careful selection of blood oranges and apricots not only provides an explosion of flavour but also highlights how different fruits can interact to create complex tasting notes in sour beers.
Pairing Suggestions: This beer is perfect for outdoor picnics or barbecues. Pair it with grilled chicken marinated in citrus, where the flavours of the beer can complement the dish. For a light dessert, consider serving it with lemon sorbet or fruit salad to keep the refreshing vibe going.
Blue Monkey ~ Guerrilla Nitro Stout 4.9% Nitro Stout
The Guerrilla Nitro Stout presents itself as a hearty, pitch-black delight that captivates from the first pour. With its nitrogen infusion, this stout boasts a smooth, creamy head that enhances its complex flavours and aromas. As you take your first sip, expect a rich tapestry of roasted malt, chocolate, and subtle coffee notes that meld seamlessly together. The mouthfeel is remarkably silky, thanks to the nitrogenation, making each gulp incredibly refreshing and satisfying.
Interesting Fact: The nitro infusion in this stout not only enhances the texture but also alters the beer’s aroma. Nitrogen bubbles are smaller than those of carbon dioxide, allowing the beer to develop a different flavour profile, emphasizing smoother and creamier elements. To get the full effect, be sure to pour hard right after opening the can, allowing the nitro to work its magic.
Pairing Suggestions: This stout pairs wonderfully with rich desserts, making it a fantastic choice alongside a decadent chocolate cake or a creamy tiramisu. For a savoury option, consider pairing it with a hearty beef stew or a rich cheese platter. The roasted malt flavours will enhance the depth of flavours in your meal, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Wilde Child ~ Rik Van Nutter 4.9% Hazelnut Porter
Rik Van Nutter is a playful nod to indulgence, brewed by a group of passionate 'nutters.' This hazelnut porter brings together seven different malts, resulting in a medium-bodied brew that's sweet and utterly satisfying. Each sip reveals layers of rich chocolate, roasted nuts, and a hint of caramel. The addition of lactose lends a smooth creaminess, making it incredibly drinkable, perfect for those colder months when comfort is key.
Interesting Fact: The use of hazelnut flavouring in this porter highlights the beer's dedication to creating a nostalgic experience reminiscent of popular dessert flavours. Hazelnuts are not just delicious; they’re also rich in vitamins and minerals, making this indulgence just a little bit more rewarding.
Pairing Suggestions: This porter is a delightful companion to various desserts. Try pairing it with a hazelnut tart or a slice of chocolate hazelnut cake to amplify the nutty flavours. Alternatively, it can also complement a cheese board featuring creamy brie or aged gouda, enhancing the richness of both the beer and the cheese.