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.
Blue Monkey Pac-Man Weisse 4.0%
Blue Monkey's Pac-Man Weisse is a Berliner Weisse that brings a delightful twist to the classic style. At just 4.0% ABV, this beer is light, crisp, and refreshing, with the perfect balance of tartness and fruitiness. The beer pours a pale, hazy yellow with a thin, white head, releasing aromas of fresh pineapple and zesty ginger. On the palate, the sharp tartness typical of a Berliner Weisse is balanced by the sweet, tropical fruitiness of pineapple puree. The root ginger adds a pleasant, spicy warmth that lingers on the finish, enhancing the beer's refreshing qualities without overpowering it. The overall experience is smooth and easy-drinking, making it an ideal choice for a summer day or as a palate cleanser between richer dishes.
Interesting Fact: Berliner Weisse is a traditional German sour wheat beer that has been brewed for centuries. Typically low in alcohol and intensely refreshing, the style is often enjoyed with flavoured syrups to enhance its fruity tartness. Pac-Man Weisse takes a unique approach by infusing the beer with both root ginger and pineapple puree, elevating the complexity and adding an extra layer of warmth and fruitiness. This blend of flavours makes it a contemporary take on the classic Berliner Weisse.
Food Pairings: Pac-Man Weisse pairs beautifully with light, fresh dishes. Try it with a simple goat cheese salad, where the beer’s acidity and fruitiness will complement the tangy cheese. It also works wonderfully with grilled seafood, like shrimp or scallops, where the beer’s crispness will enhance the delicate flavours of the fish. For a snack pairing, enjoy it with spiced nuts or lightly salted popcorn, where the beer’s ginger warmth and tartness will balance the salty flavours.
SALT Blackcurrant Krush Fruited Sour 4.5% VG
SALT's Blackcurrant Krush is a fruited sour that packs a serious punch in terms of both flavour and refreshment. At 4.5% ABV, this beer is juicy, tart, and downright sessionable. The colour is a deep, vibrant purple, and the nose is bursting with the rich, tangy aroma of blackcurrants. On the palate, Blackcurrant Krush is incredibly juicy, with the blackcurrants providing a tangy burst of fruitiness that is both tart and slightly sweet. The sourness is bright and clean, cutting through the richness of the fruit and leaving a crisp, refreshing finish. The beer’s moderate alcohol content and vibrant flavour make it an ideal choice for easy drinking.
Interesting Fact: Blackcurrants are known for their high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, and they are often used in beverages for their bold, tangy flavour. SALT has taken full advantage of these qualities by creating a beer that showcases the fruit’s sharp, tart profile. This fruited sour combines the refreshing acidity of blackcurrants with the complex, funky characteristics of a sour beer, offering a lively and satisfying drink.
Food Pairings: Blackcurrant Krush is perfect for pairing with fresh, summery dishes. Try it with a goat cheese salad or a fruit-forward cheese platter, where the tartness of the beer will complement the creamy cheese. It also works wonderfully with chargrilled chicken, where the beer’s acidity contrasts with the savoury richness of the meat. For dessert, enjoy it with a lemon meringue pie or a berry sorbet, where the beer’s blackcurrant flavours will enhance the fruitiness of the dessert.
Dark Revolution Space Ghost Hazy Pale Ale 4.9% VG
Dark Revolution’s Space Ghost Hazy Pale Ale is an effortlessly smooth and juicy beer, perfect for those who enjoy a tropical fruit punch in every sip. At 4.9% ABV, it provides a soft mouthfeel and a rich, hazy appearance that’s characteristic of the hazy pale ale style. The malt bill isn’t overly heavy, allowing the hops to take centre stage. On the hot side, Saaz and Citra hops contribute a bright, citrusy aroma, while the cold side blend of Talus and Galaxy hops introduces vibrant flavours of peach, tropical passionfruit, and pink grapefruit. Together, these hops deliver a beer bursting with tropical fruit character, without overwhelming bitterness. The addition of subdued cedar adds an intriguing layer of complexity, providing a mild woody undertone that balances the beer’s sweetness.
Interesting Fact: Space Ghost is an excellent example of how modern hop combinations can transform a classic pale ale. Saaz, traditionally known for its earthy, herbal qualities, is combined with the tropical punch of Citra, Talus, and Galaxy hops to create a complex yet approachable beer. The inclusion of cedar, while unusual for a pale ale, adds a nuanced layer of woodiness, making this brew an exciting and slightly adventurous take on the hazy pale ale style.
Food Pairings: Space Ghost pairs wonderfully with fresh, light dishes. Try it with a grilled chicken salad featuring citrus vinaigrette, where the beer’s fruity and citrus notes will complement the tanginess of the dressing. It also works well with seafood, particularly grilled prawns or a tuna tartare, where the beer’s tropical fruit character enhances the freshness of the dish. For something heartier, enjoy it with a pork belly sandwich, where the beer’s mild bitterness and fruitiness will balance the richness of the meat.
Full Circle Magical Bike Ride XPA 4.0% VG
Full Circle’s Magical Bike Ride is their first Extra Pale Ale (XPA), and it sets a high bar for the style. At 4.0% ABV, this XPA is a perfect balance of lightness and flavour. The beer pours a pale golden colour, with a bright, crisp appearance. The hops—Chinook, Hallertau Blanc, and Luminosa—create a delightful burst of lemongrass aroma that immediately grabs your attention, followed by juicy peach and candied orange flavours that develop as the beer hits the palate. The body is light and clean, with just the right amount of malt sweetness to support the vibrant hop character. The finish is crisp and refreshing, making this beer incredibly sessionable and ideal for warm weather.
Interesting Fact: Magical Bike Ride is a prime example of the growing popularity of XPAs, which sit somewhere between pale ales and IPAs in terms of both flavour and alcohol content. The use of Hallertau Blanc hops, known for their distinct tropical fruit and white wine characteristics, adds a unique twist to the beer’s profile. This, combined with the citrus-forward Chinook hops and the juicy peach and orange from Luminosa, makes it a wonderfully complex yet easy-drinking beer.
Food Pairings: Magical Bike Ride is a fantastic pairing for light, fresh foods. Try it with a goat cheese and beetroot salad, where the beer’s citrusy lemongrass notes will complement the earthy sweetness of the beets. It also pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like grilled white fish or scallops, where the beer’s hop profile will enhance the delicate flavours of the seafood. For a more indulgent pairing, enjoy it with a spicy chicken tikka, where the beer’s freshness will balance the heat of the curry.
Phantom New Obsession Pale Ale 4.9%
Phantom’s New Obsession Pale Ale is a beautifully balanced beer that showcases the synergy between hops and time. At 4.9% ABV, this pale ale pours a pale amber with a slight haze. The nose is dominated by a blend of Amarillo, Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, and Citra hops, which come together to create a vibrant medley of citrus, tropical fruit, and floral notes. On the palate, the beer is crisp and clean, with juicy pineapple, mango, and citrus fruit flavours upfront, followed by a mild bitterness that lingers pleasantly on the finish. The malt profile is subtle, allowing the hops to take centre stage, but it provides enough body to give the beer a smooth, well-rounded finish.
Interesting Fact: The hop combination in New Obsession is a well-loved mix of both American and New Zealand hops, each contributing their unique flavour profile. Amarillo and Citra bring citrus and tropical fruit flavours, while Mosaic and Nelson Sauvin add a complexity of floral and earthy notes, making the beer multi-layered and exciting. The careful control of time and temperature during the brewing process ensures the hop character is fully expressed, resulting in a beer that highlights the best of both worlds.
Food Pairings: New Obsession pairs wonderfully with bold, flavourful foods. Try it with a grilled lamb burger or a smoky barbecue chicken, where the beer’s fruitiness will complement the richness of the meat. It also works well with a fresh seafood platter, particularly with oysters or prawns, where the beer’s crisp finish will enhance the freshness of the shellfish. For a more casual pairing, enjoy it with a pizza topped with fresh vegetables and citrusy dressing, where the beer’s tropical fruit flavours will add a refreshing contrast to the pizza’s richness.
Siren Craft Brew Intergalactic Lumina DDH Session IPA 5.3% VG GF
Siren Craft Brew’s Intergalactic Lumina DDH Session IPA is a flagship beer that represents the brewery’s innovative approach to brewing. At 5.3% ABV, it is a soft, hazy, and crushable IPA that packs a punch without the heavy bitterness often found in traditional IPAs. The beer is double dry-hopped with Galaxy and Strata hops, resulting in an explosion of tropical fruit flavours, particularly peach, tropical berries, and citrus. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, thanks to the low carbonation and hazy texture. The beer finishes crisp and refreshing, making it the perfect session IPA for those who want flavour without the high ABV.
Interesting Fact: Lumina has become Siren Craft Brew’s best-selling beer since its launch in 2020, and it’s easy to see why. The double dry-hopping technique, which involves adding hops during both the fermentation and conditioning stages, results in a more intense hop aroma and flavour without increasing the bitterness. The combination of Galaxy and Strata hops is particularly exciting, as they bring tropical fruit notes that make this beer bright and fresh, with just a hint of earthy complexity.
Food Pairings: Intergalactic Lumina is ideal for pairing with fresh, vibrant dishes. Try it with a light seafood ceviche or a citrus-infused crab salad, where the beer’s fruity flavours will complement the freshness of the dish. It also works wonderfully with grilled chicken, particularly with a mango salsa or a citrus marinade, where the beer’s tropical character enhances the sweetness of the fruit. For a more indulgent option, enjoy it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh Caprese salad, where the beer’s smooth mouthfeel and hop profile add a delightful contrast to the richness of the cheese.