Northern Monk ~ Lord Heathen 8.4% DIPA
Lord Heathen by Northern Monk is a powerful Double IPA, boasting an impressive 8.4% ABV. This beer dazzles with a hazy golden hue and a robust hop character that is both majestic and bold. The aroma is a tapestry of tropical fruit and citrus, with Citra, Columbus, and Mosaic hops coming together to create a sensory feast of grapefruit, pineapple, and stone fruit. The taste follows suit with a burst of tropical sweetness, balanced by a resinous, piney bitterness that lingers on the palate. The body is full and rich, providing a creamy mouthfeel that complements the hop intensity.
Interesting Fact: Lord Heathen is a larger, bolder version of Northern Monk's popular Heathen IPA. The use of Citra, Columbus, and Mosaic hops in this DIPA highlights the brewery’s commitment to crafting beers with complex hop profiles that deliver both depth and clarity. These hops are known for their vibrant fruit and pine notes, making this beer a standout example of the style.
Pairing Suggestions: The bold flavours of Lord Heathen pair well with hearty and flavourful dishes. Consider enjoying it with a spicy barbecue brisket or a rich, creamy blue cheese. The beer’s tropical fruit notes and piney bitterness will complement the smoky and spicy elements of these dishes, while its creamy body balances the richness. For a lighter option, try it with a zesty citrus salad or grilled shrimp, where the beer’s tropical notes enhance the fresh, vibrant flavours.
Dark Revolution ~ Big DIPA 8.0%
Big DIPA from Dark Revolution is a hazy Double IPA with an 8.0% ABV, characterized by its smooth and citrus-forward profile. The beer pours a cloudy, golden colour and offers a creamy mouthfeel, thanks to the use of Extra Pale, Flaked Wheat, Wheat, and Oats malts. On the nose, you’ll find a delightful mix of citrus, including lemon and grapefruit, mingling with a subtle milky sweetness. The flavour profile is rich and smooth, with tropical notes of mango and passionfruit layered over a backdrop of citrus and mild bitterness.
Interesting Fact: Big DIPA features a unique hop bill, including HBC 586, Citra, Riwaka, and Nectaron hops. This combination delivers a complex blend of flavours and aromas, with HBC 586 contributing a distinctive, juicy character. This hop variety is known for its intense fruit and floral notes, adding depth and uniqueness to the beer.
Pairing Suggestions: The juicy and smooth nature of Big DIPA pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it with a creamy chicken Alfredo or a spicy Thai curry, where the beer’s fruitiness and smooth texture complement the rich and spicy flavours. For a snack pairing, consider some crispy nachos with cheese or a tropical fruit platter, which will enhance the beer’s fruity and citrus notes.
Pentrich ~ Heavy Metal Jacket 8.0%
Heavy Metal Jacket by Pentrich is an 8.0% ABV Double IPA that offers a rich and complex flavour profile. This beer features a blend of Citra, Cashmere, and Nelson Sauvin hops, resulting in bold tropical flavours of mango and ripe melon, coupled with dank pine notes. The hazy appearance hints at the juicy character within, while the taste delivers a satisfying bitterness on the finish. The combination of hops provides a well-rounded flavour experience, with a balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and piney bitterness.
Interesting Fact: The use of Nelson Sauvin hops in Heavy Metal Jacket brings a unique element to the beer. Known for its distinct white wine and gooseberry flavours, Nelson Sauvin adds a sophisticated touch to the tropical and pine notes of this DIPA. This hop variety is highly sought after for its complex flavour profile, making it a key ingredient in many standout IPAs.
Pairing Suggestions: The bold flavours of Heavy Metal Jacket are well-suited to hearty and savoury dishes. Pair it with a robust beef stew or a spicy chorizo sausage, where the beer’s tropical fruit notes and piney bitterness can stand up to the rich, savoury flavours. For a snack, try some spicy buffalo wings or a tangy barbecue sauce, which will complement the beer’s complex hop character.
Cloudwater ~ Sul Ponticello 8.0%
Sul Ponticello by Cloudwater is an 8.0% ABV Double IPA that offers a symphony of bold and intense flavours. The beer features a luscious mango aroma, complemented by a creamy mouthfeel and a hint of pine. The use of modern and classic hops provides a complex flavour profile, with ripe mango taking centre stage. The full-bodied texture and balanced bitterness make this DIPA a standout choice for hop enthusiasts.
Interesting Fact: The name Sul Ponticello refers to a musical term meaning "on the bridge," reflecting the beer’s bold and intense flavour profile. The combination of hops and the beer’s creamy texture create a harmonious balance, showcasing Cloudwater’s expertise in crafting high-quality IPAs.
Pairing Suggestions: The bold and fruity character of Sul Ponticello pairs well with rich and flavourful dishes. Enjoy it with a spicy seafood paella or a creamy shrimp scampi, where the beer’s tropical flavours and creamy mouthfeel complement the richness of the dishes. For a snack, consider some spicy cheese or a tropical fruit platter, which will enhance the beer’s fruity notes.
Disruption IS Brewing ~ Cows More Cows 7.4% Chocolate Fudge Cake Milk Stout
Disruption IS Brewing’s Cows More Cows is a decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake Milk Stout that celebrates its fifth anniversary with a rich, dessert-like brew. This 7.4% ABV stout pours a deep, opaque black with a creamy tan head. The aroma is an inviting blend of chocolate fudge, vanilla, and roasted malt. On the palate, it reveals a luscious, creamy texture, with flavours of dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and a subtle hint of lactose sweetness that mimics the indulgence of a slice of chocolate cake. The finish is smooth and dessert-like, with a lingering sweetness that makes it truly indulgent.
Interesting Fact: Cows More Cows uses a blend of chocolate and vanilla, paired with lactose to create its creamy body and dessert-like character. The lactose, or milk sugar, is a common ingredient in milk stouts that enhances the mouthfeel and adds sweetness, balancing out the bitterness of the roasted malt. This technique is part of a tradition in brewing where ingredients are carefully chosen to create complex, dessert-inspired flavours.
Pairing Suggestions: The rich, dessert-like qualities of Cows More Cows make it a perfect companion for a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Pair it with a warm chocolate lava cake or a creamy cheesecake to enhance its dessert-like flavours. For a savoury option, consider a rich beef stew or a charcuterie board with aged cheeses. The beer’s sweetness and creamy texture will complement the richness of these dishes, providing a satisfying contrast to their bold flavours.
Farm Yard Brew ~ Back In Black 8.4% Imperial Stout
Back In Black by Farm Yard Brew is a robust 8.4% ABV Imperial Stout that stands out with its complex layers of flavour. This stout pours a deep, pitch-black colour with a thick, frothy tan head. The nose is greeted with a powerful aroma of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and hints of molasses. The flavour profile is rich and intense, with notes of roasted malt, bittersweet chocolate, and a subtle earthiness from the sea salt. The addition of muscovado sugar adds a depth of sweetness and complexity, resulting in a full-bodied, smooth stout with a long, satisfying finish.
Interesting Fact: Back In Black incorporates muscovado sugar, an unrefined sugar with a rich molasses flavour, which adds a unique sweetness and complexity to the beer. The use of sea salt enhances the overall flavour profile, creating a balanced contrast between sweetness and bitterness. This technique is reminiscent of traditional brewing practices where additional ingredients are used to enhance and deepen the flavours of the stout.
Pairing Suggestions: The rich and complex flavours of Back In Black are well-suited to hearty and flavourful dishes. Pair it with a succulent beef brisket or a rich, smoked barbecue to complement its deep, roasted malt flavours. For a sweet pairing, consider a slice of dark chocolate tart or a rich pecan pie. The beer’s sweetness and roasted notes will enhance the flavours of these dishes, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.