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.
Siren Craft Brew ~ Eleven Finger Discount 7.4% NZ IPA with Cedar Wood
Eleven Finger Discount from Siren Craft Brew is a 7.4% ABV New Zealand IPA that features an intriguing twist with the addition of cedar wood. This beer offers a bright and spicy aroma, thanks to the Superdelic, Nelson Sauvin, Nectaron, and Motueka hops. The cedar wood imparts a unique depth and complexity, complementing the punchy tropical fruit flavours. On the palate, the beer is rich and aromatic, with a smooth texture and a hint of woodiness that enhances the hop profile.
Interesting Fact: The use of cedar wood in Eleven Finger Discount is a nod to traditional brewing techniques, where wood aging was used to impart unique flavours and aromas to beers. In this IPA, the cedar wood adds a layer of spice and complexity, making it a standout example of how modern techniques can blend with classic elements to create innovative flavours.
Pairing Suggestions: The spicy and tropical character of Eleven Finger Discount pairs well with dishes that can match its complexity. Consider enjoying it with a spicy grilled lamb or a tangy citrus-marinated chicken. The beer’s bright fruit flavours and cedar notes will complement the bold and spicy flavours of these dishes. For a snack pairing, try some smoked almonds or a sharp cheddar cheese, which will enhance the beer’s aromatic qualities.
Pollys ~ 58bpm 8.0%
58bpm from Polly’s is a 8.0% ABV Double IPA that impresses with its intense flavour profile. Brewed with Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic, and Azacca hops, this beer delivers a punch of stone fruits, mango, and pineapple, with a subtle hint of grapefruit. The hazy appearance and high dry hop rate result in a juicy and flavourful brew with a rich mouthfeel. The bitterness is well-balanced, allowing the fruity and tropical notes to shine through.
Interesting Fact: 58bpm continues the trend of linking Polly’s beers, being a relative of the popular Circadian Rhythm. The use of Azacca hops, known for their strong tropical fruit flavours, adds a new dimension to the beer, enhancing its fruit-forward profile and making it a standout example of modern DIPA brewing.
Pairing Suggestions: The fruity and juicy nature of 58bpm pairs well with a range of dishes. Enjoy it with a tropical chicken curry or a fresh mango salsa, where the beer’s tropical flavours complement the vibrant, spicy elements of the dishes. For a snack, consider pairing it with some spicy jalapeño peppers or a fruit-based dessert, which will enhance the beer’s fruity character.
Gravity Well ~ The Javelin Of Time 8.3%
The Javelin Of Time by Gravity Well is an 8.3% ABV Double IPA that features a bold and juicy profile. Brewed with Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops, this beer delivers a burst of tropical fruit flavours, including mango and pineapple, along with a subtle hint of pine. The hazy appearance and rich mouthfeel contribute to the beer’s smooth and balanced character. The finish is slightly bitter, providing a satisfying end to the tasting experience.
Interesting Fact: The Javelin Of Time is an amplified version of Gravity Well’s NEIPA "The Arrow of Time." The use of Nelson Sauvin hops adds a unique white wine and gooseberry character to the beer, making it a distinctive example of how different hop varieties can influence the flavour profile of a DIPA.
Pairing Suggestions: The rich and tropical flavours of The Javelin Of Time are well-suited to hearty and flavourful dishes. Pair it with a spicy jerk chicken or a tropical fruit salad, where the beer’s fruitiness and subtle bitterness can enhance the flavours of the dishes. For a snack, try some tangy cheese or spicy nuts, which will complement the beer’s 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.
Overtone ~ Talking Backwards 8.0%
Talking Backwards by Overtone is an 8.0% ABV Double IPA that marries vibrant citrus notes with subtle stone fruit undertones. Brewed with a blend of Cashmere, Citra Cryo, and El Dorado hops, this beer offers a refreshing and balanced flavour profile. The aroma is a burst of citrus, including tangerine and grapefruit, while the taste features a blend of tropical fruit and a hint of sweetness. The beer’s hazy appearance and smooth mouthfeel make it a satisfying choice for hop lovers.
Interesting Fact: Talking Backwards is inspired by the American indie band Real Estate, and the beer’s name reflects the band’s introspective and melodic style. The use of Cryo hops, known for their intense flavour extraction, adds a unique dimension to the beer’s citrus and fruit notes, making it a distinctive example of modern DIPA brewing.
Pairing Suggestions: The refreshing and fruity nature of Talking Backwards pairs well with a variety of dishes. Enjoy it with a zesty fish taco or a citrus-marinated chicken, where the beer’s citrus and tropical flavours can enhance the bright, tangy elements of the dishes. For a snack, consider pairing it with some spicy chips or a fresh fruit salad, which will complement the beer’s fruity and citrus character.