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.
BBNO ~ 65 6.5% DDH IPA Northern Hemisphere
65 by BBNO is a 6.5% ABV DDH IPA that showcases the best of Northern Hemisphere hops. Packed with Azacca, Chinook, and Simcoe, this IPA delivers a tropical punch of mango and pineapple, with a hint of citrus and spice. The beer’s aroma is a heady mix of fruity and resinous notes, while the flavour profile is a rich tapestry of tropical fruit and piney spice. The finish is slightly dry, providing a satisfying end to each sip.
Interesting Fact: The use of Charles Faram's new quantum series hops in this IPA represents a step forward in hop innovation. These hops offer unique flavour compounds that enhance the beer's tropical fruit character, setting it apart from traditional IPA profiles.
Pairing Suggestions: This IPA is perfect with dishes that have bold flavours and a touch of spice. Pair it with a spicy barbecue chicken or a creamy, spicy cheese like pepper jack. The beer’s tropical and spicy notes will complement the flavours, while its bitterness helps to balance rich, flavourful dishes.
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.
New Bristol ~ Kennedy Lives 5.7% Hazy IPA
Kennedy Lives from New Bristol is a 5.7% ABV Hazy IPA that brings a tropical punch with its mix of pineapple, lemon-lime, and orange sorbet flavours. The beer features a light body and a fluffy mouthfeel, making it a smooth and enjoyable experience. The blend of Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic, and Ekuanot hops provides a complex yet balanced flavour profile, with each hop contributing to the beer’s bright, fruity character.
Interesting Fact: The combination of Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic, and Ekuanot hops in this Hazy IPA demonstrates the effectiveness of blending different hop varieties to achieve a well-rounded tropical flavour profile. This approach allows brewers to craft IPAs with depth and complexity without overwhelming bitterness.
Pairing Suggestions: This Hazy IPA pairs beautifully with dishes that have fruity or citrus elements. Enjoy it with a citrus-marinated grilled chicken or a fruit-infused salad with orange segments. The beer’s fruity notes will complement the flavours of the dishes, while its light body ensures a refreshing and balanced pairing.
Great Beyond ~ Hoxton Fresh 4.0% Session IPA
Hoxton Fresh by Great Beyond is a 4.0% ABV Session IPA that delivers a burst of bright tangerine and lemon flavours, complemented by hints of peach and grapefruit. The hazy appearance and soft palate provide a smooth drinking experience, while the clean finish ensures a refreshing aftertaste. The combination of Galaxy, Idaho 7, and Citra hops creates a well-balanced and flavourful beer that is easy to drink.
Interesting Fact: The use of Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops in Hoxton Fresh highlights the trend towards using Australian and American hop varieties to create session IPAs with vibrant and diverse fruit flavours. This blend of hops allows for a unique flavour profile that stands out in the session IPA category.
Pairing Suggestions: Hoxton Fresh pairs well with light, summery dishes. Try it with a citrus-infused quinoa salad or a fresh seafood dish like ceviche. The beer’s bright citrus and fruit flavours will enhance the flavours of the dishes, while its clean finish provides a refreshing contrast.
Gravity Well ~ Time Dilation V2 4.2% Pale Ale
Time Dilation V2 by Gravity Well is a 4.2% ABV Pale Ale that features a single-hop Mosaic profile. This hazy pale ale offers a juicy, fruity experience with prominent notes of tropical fruit and citrus. The lower ABV makes it an easy-drinking choice, while the Mosaic hops provide a rich, hop-forward character. The beer’s smooth body and balanced bitterness make it a refreshing option for any occasion.
Interesting Fact: The use of Mosaic hops in Time Dilation V2 reflects the popularity of single-hop beers for showcasing the unique characteristics of specific hop varieties. Mosaic hops are known for their complex flavour profile, which includes tropical fruit, pine, and citrus, making them a favourite among craft brewers.
Pairing Suggestions: This Pale Ale pairs well with a variety of foods, including spicy dishes and lighter fare. Enjoy it with a spicy sausage pizza or a grilled vegetable skewer. The beer’s fruitiness will complement the flavours of the dishes, while its balanced bitterness helps to cut through richer or spicier elements.