Buxton Nuts & Crosses Peanut Butter Milk Stout 4.5%
Buxton’s Nuts & Crosses is a delightful peanut butter milk stout that combines the creamy sweetness of milk stout with the rich, savoury flavour of peanut butter. At 4.5% ABV, this stout pours a deep, dark brown with a dense, tan head. The first whiff reveals a decadent aroma of roasted peanuts, rich chocolate, and a hint of vanilla, leading into a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The body is full and creamy, as expected from a milk stout, with lactose adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the beer's peanut butter flavour. The finish is long and smooth, with a slight roasted malt bitterness that helps balance the beer’s sweetness, leaving a satisfying peanut butter aftertaste that lingers just long enough to tempt another sip.
Interesting Fact: Milk stouts, also known as sweet stouts, were originally brewed with lactose (milk sugar) to create a smooth, creamy texture and sweetness, which also helps to balance the bitterness of roasted malts. By adding peanut butter, Buxton takes this classic style to the next level, infusing it with the unmistakable nutty richness of peanuts. This beer is perfect for fans of decadent stouts looking for something indulgent but not overpowering, and it is certified gluten-free, making it accessible to more drinkers.
Food Pairings: Nuts & Crosses pairs perfectly with rich, sweet desserts. A slice of chocolate cake or a peanut butter cheesecake would bring out the beer’s creamy sweetness and roasted nutty notes. For a savoury match, enjoy it with a charcuterie board featuring smoked meats and sharp cheeses, as the sweetness of the stout will contrast beautifully with the savoury richness of the meats. It also works wonderfully with a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich, where the smooth, creamy peanut butter in the beer complements the melted cheese perfectly.
Gravity Well Kuiper Belt Dark Mild 3.4% VG
Gravity Well’s Kuiper Belt is a dark mild that defies expectations with its depth of flavour and easy-drinking character. At just 3.4% ABV, this beer is a sessionable delight, perfect for extended sipping. It pours a deep mahogany with a tan head, releasing aromas of light chocolate, toasted nuts, and a hint of caramel. The flavour profile is smooth and balanced, with the chocolate and nutty undertones playing off one another, while a mild malt sweetness rounds out the experience. The beer’s low bitterness allows the malt character to shine through, making it an incredibly drinkable beer that’s perfect for all-day enjoyment.
Interesting Fact: The dark mild style hails from the UK and was traditionally brewed as an everyday, sessionable beer. With a focus on malt character rather than hop bitterness, dark milds like Kuiper Belt showcase the depth that can come from simple ingredients. The inclusion of rye in the brewing process adds a subtle spiciness to the beer, further enhancing the malt-forward profile and making this particular brew stand out among other dark milds.
Food Pairings: Kuiper Belt is an excellent choice for pairing with hearty yet simple dishes. Try it with a classic beef stew or a shepherd’s pie, where the beer’s light chocolate and nutty flavours complement the savoury richness of the meat. It also pairs well with charcuterie, especially a selection of smoked sausages or cured meats. For a sweet pairing, enjoy it with a slice of warm bread pudding or a chocolate biscuit, where the beer’s malt sweetness enhances the dessert’s richness.
Howling Hops Shadow Boxing Brown Ale 5.1% VG
Howling Hops’ Shadow Boxing Brown Ale is a full-bodied beer that packs a punch in flavour, while maintaining a smooth, drinkable character. At 5.1% ABV, it pours a deep amber-brown with a rich, off-white head. On the nose, Shadow Boxing offers a tantalizing blend of caramel, dark fruit, and a touch of candied orange. The flavour profile is complex, with light caramel malt sweetness upfront, followed by a mix of roasted nuts, dried fruit, and a balanced bitterness that lingers pleasantly on the finish. The beer’s malt-forward character is perfectly complemented by a subtle citrus note, making it an easy-drinking brown ale that’s both satisfying and full of depth.
Interesting Fact: Brown ales have their origins in the UK, where they were traditionally brewed with a combination of roasted and crystal malts, creating a malt-forward beer with a rich, toasty flavour. Shadow Boxing takes inspiration from this tradition, incorporating a mix of malts that provide a deep caramel sweetness, while the addition of a hint of candied orange adds a modern twist to the classic brown ale. The balance of sweetness and bitterness makes it a perfect example of how versatile the style can be.
Food Pairings: Shadow Boxing pairs well with rich, savoury dishes. Try it with a roasted lamb shank or a savoury meat pie, where the beer’s caramel and roasted malt flavours enhance the richness of the meat. It also works well with grilled vegetables, especially those with a slight char, where the beer’s malt sweetness contrasts with the smoky flavours. For a dessert pairing, enjoy it with a slice of sticky toffee pudding or a rich fruit cake, where the beer’s dark fruit and caramel notes enhance the sweetness of the dessert.
Electric Bear Shenanigans Irish Coffee Stout 5% VG
Electric Bear’s Shenanigans Irish Coffee Stout is a luxurious beer that combines the rich flavours of Irish coffee with the smoothness of a stout. At 5% ABV, this stout offers a balanced combination of roasted coffee, smooth Irish whisky, and dark chocolate. The beer pours a deep, dark brown with a creamy tan head, releasing aromas of freshly brewed coffee, chocolate, and a hint of whisky. On the palate, the coffee notes are bold but not overwhelming, with the smoothness of the Irish whiskey adding warmth and depth to the experience. The beer’s roasted malt character complements the coffee, while the slight sweetness from the malt and lactose rounds out the flavour, making it a perfect after-dinner drink.
Interesting Fact: Shenanigans was created in collaboration with Independent Spirit of Bath and Bailies Coffee Roasters of Belfast, bringing together the best of both worlds: rich, roasted coffee from a renowned roaster and the smooth warmth of Irish whiskey. The use of whisky in the brewing process adds a layer of complexity to the beer, making it more than just a standard coffee stout. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of combining coffee and spirits in the craft beer world, resulting in a flavourful and multifaceted beer.
Food Pairings: Shenanigans pairs excellently with dessert-like dishes. Try it with a rich chocolate mousse or a classic tiramisu, where the beer’s coffee and chocolate notes complement the creamy, indulgent textures of the dessert. It also works well with a cheeseboard, particularly with a creamy brie or sharp cheddar, where the beer’s coffee and whisky character enhances the richness of the cheese. For a savoury pairing, enjoy it with a slow-cooked beef stew or a hearty beef Wellington, where the beer’s deep flavours balance the richness of the meat.
Bellfield Daft Days Porter 6.5% VG GF
Bellfield’s Daft Days Porter is a full-bodied, inky-black ale that delivers rich flavours of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malts. At 6.5% ABV, this beer offers a well-balanced bitterness, with a malty sweetness that lingers on the finish. The beer pours a dark brown with a tan head, releasing aromas of freshly brewed coffee and dark chocolate. On the palate, the rich, roasted malt flavours shine, with notes of blackcurrant and a subtle spice from the hops. The body is smooth and creamy, with a residual sweetness that makes it incredibly drinkable despite its bold flavour.
Interesting Fact: Daft Days Porter uses a mix of traditional British ale hops—Bramling Cross and Phoenix—that contribute to the beer’s depth of flavour. Bramling Cross imparts blackcurrant and spicy notes, while Phoenix adds a touch of chocolate flavour, complementing the rich malt character. The result is a well-balanced porter that is both bold and smooth. The fact that it is gluten-free makes it even more accessible, allowing more people to enjoy the robust flavours of this classic style.
Food Pairings: Daft Days Porter is perfect for pairing with hearty, flavourful dishes. Try it with a rich, slow-braised lamb or a plate of barbecued ribs, where the beer’s roasted malt character will enhance the smoky flavours of the meat. It also pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts like a dark chocolate torte or a chocolate souffle, where the beer’s chocolate and coffee notes will complement the richness of the dessert. For a lighter option, enjoy it with a sharp, aged cheese like stilton, where the beer’s sweetness balances the intensity of the cheese.
Burning Sky Robust Porter 5.8% VG
Burning Sky’s Robust Porter is a rich and satisfying beer that showcases the best of traditional porters. At 5.8% ABV, it pours a deep brown with a creamy tan head, offering aromas of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of caramel. The malt base is built on Maris Otter barley and a complex range of roast and crystal malts, providing a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a rich, roasted character. The spicy Target hops add a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the malt, making this a well-rounded and drinkable porter that is full of depth.
Interesting Fact: Robust Porter is brewed with a variety of Maris Otter barley, which is prized for its rich malt character, and is known for producing beers with a satisfying depth of flavour. The use of Sussex-grown Target hops adds an earthy, slightly spicy bitterness, which complements the rich, roasted malts perfectly. The result is a beer that’s both smooth and full-bodied, with a perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.
Food Pairings: Robust Porter pairs wonderfully with rich, savoury dishes. Try it with a hearty stew or a roast dinner, where the beer’s roasted malt flavours enhance the depth of the meat. It also works well with smoked meats, such as bacon-wrapped pork belly or chargrilled steak, where the beer’s malt sweetness complements the smokiness of the meat. For a sweet pairing, enjoy it with a dark chocolate mousse or a spiced apple pie, where the beer’s flavours will enhance the dessert’s richness.
Holy Goat Date Porter 5.8% VG
Holy Goat’s Date Porter is a rich, dark ale that brings together the best of traditional porter styles with the unique sweetness of date syrup. At 5.8% ABV, this beer pours a deep brown with a creamy tan head. The malt bill, made from a mixture of Simpsons double-roasted crystal, red crystal rye, amber malts, and a special addition of 150kg of date syrup, results in a complex and full-bodied beer with layers of dark fruit, caramel, and a hint of spice. The kveik yeast adds additional dark fruit flavours, enhancing the beer’s depth and complexity. On the palate, the sweetness of the dates is perfectly balanced by the roasted malt character, with a slightly spicy finish from the rye and malted barley, making this porter both satisfying and smooth.
Interesting Fact: The addition of date syrup to Date Porter adds a unique dimension to the beer. Dates have been used in brewing for centuries, particularly in the Middle East, where they contribute both sweetness and a rich, deep fruit flavour. The use of kveik yeast, a traditional Norwegian yeast known for its ability to ferment at higher temperatures, adds a slightly fruity and spicy complexity to the beer, making it stand out from other porters.
Food Pairings: Date Porter pairs beautifully with rich, savoury dishes. Try it with a slow-cooked lamb shank or a smoked duck breast, where the beer’s sweetness complements the savoury flavours of the meat. It also works well with spiced desserts, such as gingerbread or a cinnamon-flavoured tart, where the beer’s dark fruit and spice notes enhance the flavours of the dessert. For a classic pairing, enjoy it with a wedge of sharp blue cheese, where the beer’s sweetness balances the intensity of the cheese.
Siren Craft Brew Mover & Shaker Nitro Stout 4.5% VG
Siren Craft Brew’s Mover & Shaker Nitro Stout is a smooth and comforting stout that delivers all the rich, roasted flavours you expect from the style with a wonderfully silky mouthfeel. At 4.5% ABV, it’s a more sessionable stout, perfect for those who want the flavour of a stout without the heaviness. The beer is poured with nitrogen, which gives it an extra-creamy texture and a smooth finish. Aromas of coffee, chocolate, and a touch of biscuity malt fill the air, while the flavour is rich and roasty with a slight sweetness. The nitro pour amplifies the creaminess, creating a soft, velvety body that’s easy to drink and incredibly satisfying.
Interesting Fact: The use of nitrogen in Mover & Shaker is what sets it apart from most stouts. Nitrogenated beers have a smaller bubble size than those carbonated with CO2, resulting in a smoother, creamier texture. This makes Mover & Shaker a great example of how nitro stouts can create a rich mouthfeel without being overly heavy, offering the same full-bodied satisfaction as a traditional stout, but with an enhanced, smooth drinking experience.
Food Pairings: Mover & Shaker is an ideal beer for pairing with dessert-like dishes. Try it with a classic chocolate lava cake or a rich chocolate fondant, where the beer’s coffee and chocolate notes complement the richness of the dessert. It also pairs well with a creamy cheese like brie or camembert, where the smoothness of the beer balances the richness of the cheese. For a more savoury option, enjoy it with a hearty beef stew or a roast dinner, where the beer’s roasted malt character enhances the savoury depth of the meat.