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.
Moonwake ~ Yuzu & Kaffir Lime Sour 4.2% Fruited Gose
Yuzu & Kaffir Lime Sour invites you to experience a burst of tangy flavour like no other. This Gose features the unique combination of yuzu rind and kaffir lime leaves, creating a vibrant, bittersweet sensation on the palate. The result is a refreshingly sharp sour that evokes memories of sipping refreshing beverages on a sunny day.
Interesting Fact: Yuzu is a citrus fruit from East Asia, often used in Japanese cuisine for its fragrant zest. Its popularity in craft brewing has grown, thanks to its bold flavour and aromatic qualities, which lend a delightful twist to sour beers like this one.
Pairing Suggestions: The zesty nature of this Gose makes it an excellent pairing for sushi or sashimi, where the bright flavours of the beer can enhance the freshness of the fish. For a casual option, try it with spicy Thai dishes, as the acidity will cut through the heat and complement the vibrant flavours.
Siren Craft Brew ~ Delicious Things 6.0% Tropical Fruit Sour
As the name suggests, Delicious Things is an explosion of tropical flavours. This summer sour packs a punch with juicy Alphonso mango, peach, and guava, all harmonizing in a mouth-puckeringly sharp base beer. With a vibrant colour and fruity aroma, it invites you to indulge in the tropics, making it a perfect choice for those hot summer days.
Interesting Fact: The use of Alphonso mango, known for its sweetness and rich flavour, showcases how specific fruit varieties can enhance the quality of a brew. This tropical fruit sour celebrates the art of blending different fruits to create a complex yet balanced beer that speaks to the essence of summer.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair this sour with light, fresh dishes such as fish tacos topped with mango salsa or a summer salad bursting with fruits and nuts. For dessert, consider enjoying it alongside a tropical fruit tart, where the sweetness of the beer can enhance the dessert’s flavours.
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.
Marble ~ Major Leagues 5.1% American Brown Ale
Major Leagues is an American Brown Ale that stands out with its deep, nutty aroma and robust flavour profile. Brewed with a blend of malts, this beer showcases notes of caramel, chocolate, and roasted malt, balanced by the zesty citrus of Centennial hops and the earthy spice of Akoya. Each sip is a well-rounded experience, making it a perfect beer for those who enjoy complexity in their brews.
Interesting Fact: The American Brown Ale style originated as a nod to traditional English Brown Ales but was adapted in the U.S. to include more hop character, making them more vibrant and aromatic. The use of American hops in this brew highlights the evolution of this style, resulting in a beer that is both familiar and exciting.
Pairing Suggestions: The malty sweetness of Major Leagues pairs well with a variety of dishes. Enjoy it with grilled meats, where the caramel notes can complement the charred flavours. For a more casual pairing, consider a hearty burger topped with blue cheese or a rich chocolate brownie to echo the beer's chocolatey undertones.
Howling Hops ~ Life Coach 4.4% London Stout
Life Coach is a London Stout that embodies the essence of a traditional stout with a contemporary twist. This brew greets you with a rich, roasted malt aroma, followed by a delightful dark chocolate bitterness that lingers on the palate. The creamy texture provided by nitro adds a layer of indulgence, making this stout not just a drink but an experience.
Interesting Fact: This stout is designed to reflect the philosophy of personal development—encouraging drinkers to embrace their journey while savouring something delightful. Its smoothness and rich flavours serve as a reminder that enjoying life is an art in itself.
Pairing Suggestions: Life Coach pairs beautifully with hearty fare. Consider enjoying it with a shepherd’s pie or a rich beef chili, where the stout’s deep flavours can enhance the meal’s savoury profile. For dessert, a slice of dark chocolate cake will echo the beer’s chocolate notes, providing a satisfying end to your meal.