Tartarus ~ Snawfus 4.9% APA
Tartarus presents a classic American Pale Ale with a 4.9% ABV and a beautifully clear amber hue. This beer is brewed with a blend of pale, wheat, and cara malts, giving it a rich malt backbone and a toasty character. The aroma offers a resinous pine note with subtle hints of stone fruits, courtesy of the Green Bullet and Topaz hops used in dry hopping. On the palate, the beer reveals a well-balanced flavour profile with a moderate bitterness that complements the malt sweetness. The piney resin character is prominent, accompanied by delicate stone fruit undertones that add complexity without overwhelming the taste buds.
Interesting Fact: Snawfus is not just a delightful Pale Ale but also a gluten-free and vegan-friendly option. The use of Green Bullet and Topaz hops provides a distinct pine resin character, which is a hallmark of classic American Pale Ales, setting it apart from more traditional, hop-forward IPAs.
Pairing Suggestions: The piney and slightly fruity profile of Snawfus pairs well with a variety of foods. Try it with grilled chicken marinated in a citrusy glaze or a hearty vegetable stir-fry. The malt sweetness and hop bitterness complement the savoury and slightly sweet flavours of these dishes, creating a well-rounded tasting experience. For a snack pairing, opt for roasted almonds or a mild cheddar cheese, which will enhance the beer’s malt characteristics.
New Bristol Brewery ~ Duvet Vous 4.8% Session IPA
Duvet Vous from New Bristol Brewery is a soft and pillowy Session IPA at 4.8% ABV. This New England Pale Ale boasts a hazy appearance and a remarkably smooth mouthfeel. The beer features a blend of Simcoe, Amarillo, and Idaho 7 hops, resulting in a harmonious mix of tropical fruit flavours and a gentle bitterness. The aroma is inviting with notes of citrus, melon, and a touch of pine, while the flavour profile highlights juicy pineapple and mango with a subtle hint of resin. The low bitterness makes it incredibly easy to drink, perfect for casual sipping.
Interesting Fact: The name Duvet Vous cleverly plays on the French word for "duvet" and the beer’s soft, cozy mouthfeel. This Session IPA is crafted to be as sessionable as a relaxing afternoon nap, thanks to its low bitterness and creamy texture, making it a perfect choice for extended drinking sessions.
Pairing Suggestions: Duvet Vous pairs beautifully with light and flavourful dishes. Consider enjoying it with a fresh seafood ceviche or a creamy avocado toast. The beer’s tropical fruit flavours enhance the freshness of these dishes, while its smoothness balances out the acidity and richness. For a snack pairing, opt for a mild goat cheese or a fruit salad with mango and pineapple to complement the beer’s fruity notes.
Jiddlers Tipple ~ Jacob’s Kriek 4.5% Cherry Sour
Jacob’s Kriek is a Cherry Sour with a 4.5% ABV, offering a tart and refreshing experience. Although not a traditional kriek, this beer captures the essence of the style with a vibrant cherry character. Brewed with 200 litres of cherry puree and a unique yeast strain, Jacob’s Kriek delivers a bold cherry flavour with a pronounced sourness. The aroma is intensely fruity, with fresh cherry notes dominating. On the palate, the beer is tangy and effervescent, with a lively cherry flavour that is both sweet and sour, making it a delightful and refreshing choice.
Interesting Fact: The use of a quirky yeast strain originally found on the back of bees (without harming any bees) adds an interesting layer to the fermentation process, contributing to the beer’s unique flavour profile. This unconventional approach highlights the creativity and experimentation that characterize modern craft brewing.
Pairing Suggestions: The tart cherry notes of Jacob’s Kriek pair well with a range of dishes. Try it with a rich, creamy cheesecake topped with fresh berries or a tangy blue cheese. The beer’s acidity and fruitiness will cut through the richness of these dishes, creating a balanced and complementary pairing. For a unique twist, consider pairing it with a dark chocolate dessert, where the beer’s tartness contrasts nicely with the chocolate’s sweetness.
Great Beyond ~ Hoxton Lager 4.0% Unfiltered Helles
Hoxton Lager by Great Beyond is a 4.0% ABV unfiltered Helles, showcasing a crisp and refreshing profile. Brewed with traditional pilsner malt and classic noble Saaz hops, this Helles offers a clean, crisp finish with a subtle hop bitterness. The unfiltered nature of the beer gives it a slightly cloudy appearance, adding to its rustic charm. The aroma is gently floral with a hint of breadiness from the malt. On the palate, it delivers a smooth, balanced flavour with a touch of sweetness and a refreshing, clean finish.
Interesting Fact: The use of Saaz hops, a traditional Czech hop variety, emphasizes the classic character of this Helles lager. Saaz hops are known for their delicate floral and earthy notes, which perfectly complement the pilsner malt and contribute to the beer’s refreshing quality.
Pairing Suggestions: Hoxton Lager is ideal for pairing with light and savoury dishes. Enjoy it with a classic pretzel and mustard or a plate of crispy fish and chips. The beer’s clean finish and subtle hop bitterness enhance the flavours of these dishes, while its refreshing quality makes it a perfect match for summer meals. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh garden salad or a mild cheese platter.
Abbeydale ~ Trailblazer 4.4% Hazy Pale Ale
Trailblazer from Abbeydale is a 4.4% ABV Hazy Pale Ale that features a vibrant and juicy profile. Brewed with Amarillo, Simcoe, and Galaxy hops, this beer delivers a burst of tropical fruit flavours, including notes of mango, passionfruit, and a hint of resinous pine. The hazy appearance and soft mouthfeel enhance the beer’s juicy character, while the balanced bitterness provides a satisfying finish. The aroma is a delightful mix of citrus and tropical fruit, setting the stage for a flavourful drinking experience.
Interesting Fact: The combination of Amarillo, Simcoe, and Galaxy hops in Trailblazer is a testament to the global influence of modern hop varieties. Amarillo and Simcoe contribute citrus and tropical fruit flavours, while Galaxy adds a distinctive passionfruit character, creating a complex and enjoyable pale ale.
Pairing Suggestions: Trailblazer pairs well with a variety of foods that complement its fruity and hoppy profile. Consider enjoying it with a spicy chicken curry or a tropical fruit salsa. The beer’s tropical fruit notes will enhance the flavours of these dishes, while its balanced bitterness helps to cut through the richness and spice. For a snack pairing, try it with a sharp cheddar cheese or a fruit-based dessert, such as a mango sorbet.
Cloudwater ~ SoCal 4.8% Bright Pale Ale
SoCal by Cloudwater is a 4.8% ABV Bright Pale Ale that embodies the modern West Coast style. Brewed with a blend of classic and contemporary West Coast hops, this beer offers bright citrus notes and floral tones, complemented by a hint of dankness and pine. The aroma is vibrant and inviting, with prominent lemon and grapefruit scents. On the palate, the beer delivers a crisp, refreshing flavour with a balanced bitterness and a clean finish.
Interesting Fact: The use of both classic and modern West Coast hops in SoCal reflects the evolving nature of hop varieties and brewing techniques. This approach allows for a nuanced flavour profile that pays homage to traditional West Coast IPAs while incorporating contemporary hop characteristics.
Pairing Suggestions: SoCal pairs well with foods that complement its bright citrus and floral notes. Enjoy it with grilled shrimp tacos or a citrus-marinated chicken salad. The beer’s refreshing qualities enhance the flavours of these dishes, while its bitterness balances out rich or tangy elements. For a snack pairing, try it with a light and crisp goat cheese or a citrus-infused appetizer.
Turning Point ~ Nova 4.6% German-Style Pilsner
Nova by Turning Point is a 4.6% ABV German-style Pilsner that is both balanced and refreshing. Brewed with Saaz and Tettnang hops, this pilsner features a floral, bitter finish that is true to style. The beer has a pale, golden colour and a clean, crisp profile with a subtle malt sweetness. The hops contribute a delicate bitterness and a hint of floral notes, making it an excellent choice for a refreshing and easy-drinking lager.
Interesting Fact: Nova is not only a well-crafted German-style Pilsner but also a gluten-free option. The use of Saaz and Tettnang hops highlights the traditional approach to pilsner brewing, ensuring a classic flavour profile that appeals to both traditionalists and those seeking a gluten-free alternative.
Pairing Suggestions: Nova pairs well with a variety of foods that complement its clean and crisp profile. Enjoy it with a plate of bratwurst or a classic German pretzel. The beer’s subtle bitterness and floral notes enhance the flavours of these dishes, while its refreshing quality makes it a perfect choice for summer meals. For a lighter pairing, consider a fresh garden salad or a mild cheese platter.
Abbeydale ~ Unbeliever 4.5% Passionfruit Sour
Unbeliever from Abbeydale is a 4.5% ABV Passionfruit Sour that delivers a punch of tangy tropical flavours. This sour ale features a vibrant passionfruit character with a pronounced tartness and a juicy, mouth-watering finish. The aroma is intensely fruity, with notes of ripe passionfruit and a touch of citrus. On the palate, the beer is refreshing and zesty, with a bold passionfruit flavour that lingers pleasantly.
Interesting Fact: The Unbeliever series from Abbeydale is known for its exploration of sour beer styles, with a focus on fruit-forward flavours. This passionfruit version highlights the brewery’s commitment to crafting bold and flavourful sour beers that push the boundaries of traditional styles.
Pairing Suggestions: Unbeliever pairs well with a variety of dishes that complement its tangy and fruity profile. Try it with a tropical fruit salad or a spicy grilled fish. The beer’s acidity and fruitiness will enhance the flavours of these dishes, while its refreshing quality makes it a great choice for pairing with summer fare. For a unique twist, consider pairing it with a spicy Mexican dish, where the beer’s tartness contrasts nicely with the heat.