Signature Brew ~ Good Vibrations 5.2% NEPA
Signature Brew’s Good Vibrations is a New England Pale Ale that delivers a burst of hazy golden goodness. At 5.2% ABV, this hazy ale showcases a symphony of stone fruit and vanilla notes, creating a rich and smooth drinking experience. The aroma opens with inviting hints of peach and apricot, complemented by a subtle touch of creamy vanilla. The body is medium, with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel that enhances the juicy, fruity character. The finish is clean, leaving a lingering essence of stone fruits and vanilla.
Interesting Fact: The use of stone fruits and vanilla in this NEPA reflects a growing trend in craft brewing to blend traditional fruit flavours with dessert-like notes. This approach not only adds depth to the beer's flavour profile but also makes it accessible to those who might typically shy away from more bitter IPAs.
Pairing Suggestions: This NEPA pairs exceptionally well with a range of foods that complement its fruity and creamy profile. Consider enjoying it with a grilled chicken salad featuring stone fruits or a creamy brie cheese. The fruitiness of the beer will enhance the sweetness of the salad, while the creamy texture of the brie matches the beer’s smooth mouthfeel.
Dark Revolution ~ Fat Hops 5.4% DDH Pale Ale
Fat Hops by Dark Revolution is a Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale with a 5.4% ABV that offers a vibrant burst of tropical flavours. The beer's aroma is dominated by bright citrus notes, with prominent grapefruit and lemon. On the palate, it delivers a juicy combination of tropical fruits, including pineapple and mango, balanced by a mild bitterness. The wheat and oats in the malt bill contribute to a silky mouthfeel, while the dextrin adds a touch of sweetness to balance the hop bitterness.
Interesting Fact: The use of both hot side and cold side hopping techniques in Fat Hops exemplifies modern brewing practices designed to maximize hop aroma and flavour. This method ensures that the beer’s hoppy characteristics are pronounced and fresh, showcasing the versatility of hops like Citra and Idaho 7.
Pairing Suggestions: This Pale Ale is ideal for pairing with spicy dishes such as Thai green curry or a zesty fish taco. The tropical fruit flavours will complement the heat, while the beer’s mild bitterness helps cut through rich, spicy flavours. For a simpler option, try it with a sharp cheddar cheese to balance the beer’s hoppy bitterness.
Pentrich ~ Louder Than Bombs 4.5% Pale Ale
Pentrich's Louder Than Bombs is a 4.5% ABV Pale Ale that shines with its vibrant hop character. Brewed with Citra and Vista hops, this beer offers a delightful mix of citrus and tropical fruit flavours. The Citra hops contribute notes of bright citrus and light tropical fruit, while the Vista hops add a unique touch of honeydew melon and pear. The result is a well-rounded Pale Ale with a juicy and refreshing profile, supported by a light malt backbone.
Interesting Fact: Vista hops are known for their distinct melon and pear flavours, which complement the citrus notes of Citra hops in this Pale Ale. This blend highlights how different hop varieties can be combined to create complex and appealing flavour profiles.
Pairing Suggestions: Louder Than Bombs pairs well with dishes that highlight fruity and citrus elements. Try it with a fresh summer salad with honeydew melon and a citrus vinaigrette or a light seafood dish such as shrimp scampi. The beer’s fruit-forward profile enhances the flavours of these dishes, creating a refreshing and balanced meal.
Full Circle ~ First Krush 3.9% Session IPA
First Krush by Full Circle is a 3.9% ABV Session IPA that features the recently renamed Krush hop (HBC-586). This session IPA is packed with vibrant tropical flavours, predominantly mango, pineapple, and passionfruit. The beer’s light body and moderate carbonation make it highly drinkable, while its juicy fruit profile ensures a refreshing experience.
Interesting Fact: HBC-586, now known as Krush, is a hop variety celebrated for its exceptional tropical fruit flavours. This hop’s inclusion in First Krush highlights its ability to deliver intense fruit character even in a lower ABV beer, making it a standout choice for session IPAs.
Pairing Suggestions: First Krush pairs well with light and flavourful dishes. Try it with a fresh mango salsa or a grilled shrimp salad. The tropical fruit notes of the beer will enhance the flavours of the dishes, while its light body keeps the pairing refreshing and enjoyable.
Signature Brew ~ Summer In The City 4.8% Strawberry, Raspberry & Watermelon Sour
Signature Brew's Summer In The City is a vibrant sour that embodies the essence of a summer fruit punch. At 4.8% ABV, this beer is both thirst-quenching and invigorating, boasting a dynamic blend of strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon. Each sip delivers a fruity explosion of tartness that is beautifully balanced by the beer's slight sweetness. The texture is light and effervescent, providing a refreshing mouthfeel that complements its bold fruit flavours. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a lingering taste of ripe berries and watermelon.
Interesting Fact: The combination of strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon in this sour is not just about flavour but also about creating a visual and sensory experience reminiscent of a summer day. This fruit trio is known for its high vitamin content and hydrating properties, making it a perfect choice for a beer designed to keep you cool and refreshed.
Pairing Suggestions: This sour beer pairs wonderfully with light, fresh dishes. Try it with a summer salad featuring strawberries and feta cheese, or a watermelon and mint salsa served with grilled chicken. The fruity tang of the beer complements the sweetness and acidity of the salad, while the refreshing qualities of the beer enhance the flavours of the salsa.
Brick ~ Raspberry & Basil Sour 3.3% Fruited Sour
Brick's Raspberry & Basil Sour is an intriguing twist on the fruited sour style. With a moderate ABV of 3.3%, it offers a delicate balance of sweet, tangy raspberries and the aromatic, herbal notes of basil. The initial burst of raspberry juice is both bright and vibrant, quickly followed by the basil’s grassy, minty undertones. This combination creates a complex, multi-layered flavour profile that is both refreshing and unique.
Interesting Fact: Basil, a herb traditionally used in Italian cuisine, provides an unexpected yet delightful contrast to the tartness of raspberries. The herb's inclusion in brewing is relatively rare but adds a sophisticated depth of flavour that enhances the overall sour profile. This beer exemplifies how combining unconventional ingredients can lead to innovative and delightful beer experiences.
Pairing Suggestions: The herbal basil notes of this sour pair well with dishes that feature similar herbal elements. Consider enjoying it alongside a goat cheese and basil salad or a light, fresh pasta with pesto. The tangy raspberry flavour will complement the creaminess of the goat cheese, while the basil will echo the herbal notes in the pasta dish.
Vault City ~ Lemon Drizzleberry Cupcake 4.8% Blackberry & Lemon Drizzle Pastry Sour
Vault City's Lemon Drizzleberry Cupcake is a delightful pastry sour that balances tartness with a creamy, sweet finish. This 4.8% ABV beer features a mix of Scottish blackberries and zesty lemon, layered with vanilla and lactose to create a cupcake-like experience. The result is a creamy mouthfeel with a tangy citrus edge, reminiscent of freshly baked lemon cupcakes topped with berries and sweet vanilla icing.
Interesting Fact: The incorporation of lactose into this sour not only adds sweetness but also contributes to a richer, creamier texture that mirrors the mouthfeel of a cupcake. This technique highlights how brewers are increasingly using adjuncts to create more complex and dessert-like flavours in sour beers.
Pairing Suggestions: This beer pairs perfectly with light, sweet desserts like lemon bars or blackberry crumble. The tart and creamy elements of the beer will complement the tanginess of lemon desserts and the sweetness of berry dishes. For a more savoury pairing, consider enjoying it with a mild, creamy cheese like brie or a light, fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette.
New Bristol x Fierce ~ Peach Melba Frozen Yoghurt Sour 4.0%
The Peach Melba Frozen Yoghurt Sour is a collaborative creation from New Bristol and Fierce, presenting a juicy and refreshing session sour with a 4.0% ABV. This beer captures the essence of peach melba through the use of peach puree, raspberry puree, and Madagascan vanilla, creating a frozen yoghurt-inspired sour that is both creamy and tangy.
Interesting Fact: The inclusion of Madagascan vanilla in this sour adds a layer of depth and sweetness that mimics the creamy texture of frozen yoghurt. This approach demonstrates how brewers are creatively using traditional dessert elements to enhance the flavour profile of their beers, creating a delightful fusion of tastes and textures.
Pairing Suggestions: This beer pairs excellently with summer desserts like peach melba or a raspberry and peach fool. The creamy and fruity elements of the beer will complement the desserts' flavours, while the tangy finish provides a refreshing contrast. For a more savoury option, try it with a light, citrusy salad or a mild cheese platter featuring fresh fruits.