Embracing Autumn: A Journey Through Pale Ales
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's a sense of comfort that comes with the season of autumn. This is the perfect time to enjoy a selection of pale ales, each crafted to showcase vibrant flavours that complement the earthy tones of fall. Join us as we explore a variety of refreshing and hoppy pale ales, perfect for cozying up with a warm blanket or enjoying by the fireside.
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.
Moor ~ Eternal Hoppiness 5.8% Celebration IPA
Eternal Hoppiness is a lively Celebration IPA that delivers a blend of Mosaic, Columbus, Citra, and Amarillo hops. This IPA opens with a burst of tropical aroma, delivering juicy flavours on the palate, rounded out by a pleasant hoppy bitterness that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
Interesting Fact: The art of blending multiple hop varieties in this Celebration IPA highlights the brewer’s ability to create a well-rounded flavour profile. Each hop contributes unique characteristics, from floral and citrus notes to earthy undertones, making it a dynamic beer that showcases the best of the style.
Pairing Suggestions: This IPA is perfect for pairing with spicy foods, such as chili con carne or barbecue wings, where the hoppy bitterness can cut through the heat. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with grilled fish drizzled with lemon, enhancing the beer's vibrant flavours.
Howling Hops ~ Single Hops Pale 4.8% Centennial Pale Ale
Single Hops Pale 4.8% Centennial showcases the classic Centennial hop, known for its piney and dank aroma. This pale ale delivers flavours that are both comforting and familiar, making it a perfect choice for the autumn season.
Interesting Fact: Centennial hops, often referred to as the "Super Cascade," were developed as an alternative to Cascade hops, offering a more robust flavour profile with well-rounded bitterness. This hop variety is a staple for many brewers creating pale ales and IPAs.
Pairing Suggestions: The Centennial Pale Ale pairs excellently with hearty foods, such as a savoury shepherd's pie, where the beer's bitterness complements the richness of the dish. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with a fresh garden salad topped with roasted nuts, enhancing the beer's refreshing qualities.
Disruption IS Brewing ~ Isolate Your Mind 4.5% Hazy Pale Ale
Isolate Your Mind invites you to unwind with its light tropical flavours and smooth mouthfeel. This hazy pale ale is crafted to be refreshing and satisfying, perfect for a cozy autumn evening.
Interesting Fact: The name of this beer emphasizes a focus on creating a tranquil drinking experience. Hazy ales are known for their softer mouthfeel, achieved through the use of flaked grains, which contribute to their smoothness and luscious texture.
Pairing Suggestions: This pale ale pairs wonderfully with light appetizers, such as a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses and fruit preserves. For a main course, consider pairing it with lemon herb roasted chicken, where the beer can complement the fresh flavours beautifully.
Marble ~ Camp Ivanhoe 6.5% NEIPA
Camp Ivanhoe captures the spirit of autumn with its vibrant tropical fruit profile. Brewed with Mosaic, El Dorado, and Vic Secret hops, this NEIPA delivers ripe mango, juicy pineapple, and zesty citrus flavours, all wrapped in a velvety smooth mouthfeel.
Interesting Fact: NEIPAs are known for their hazy appearance and juicy character, which can be attributed to the use of flaked oats and wheat in the malt bill. These ingredients contribute to the beer's creamy texture, making each sip a delight.
Pairing Suggestions: This refreshing NEIPA is perfect for pairing with spicy tacos or fish dishes, where the fruity notes can enhance the flavours of the meal. For dessert, consider enjoying it alongside a pumpkin cheesecake, allowing the beer's sweetness to shine.
As autumn settles in, these exceptional pale ales are perfect companions for cooler days and cozy evenings. With their vibrant flavours and innovative brewing techniques, each beer invites you to embrace the season and enjoy the simple pleasures of craft brewing. Cheers to an autumn filled with delightful brews!