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.
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.
Vault City Sugar Plum Spritz Plum, Grape & Cherry Cocktail Sour 4.5% VG
Vault City's Sugar Plum Spritz is a cocktail-inspired sour that combines juicy plum, grape, and cherry flavours in a beautifully balanced brew. At 4.5% ABV, this beer is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with fruitiness. The beer pours a light pink, almost sparkling, with a fizzy carbonation that makes it feel like a fizzy, fruity cocktail. The plum flavour is prominent, providing a rich, sweet base, while the grape and cherry add layers of tartness and complexity. The wine grape juice enhances the beer’s vinous character, making it feel almost like a spritz or a sangria in beer form. The finish is clean and crisp, with a slight sweetness that balances the tartness of the fruit.
Interesting Fact: The idea for Sugar Plum Spritz came from the growing trend of cocktail-inspired sour beers, where brewers are taking inspiration from popular mixed drinks and infusing them into the beer world. The combination of plums, grapes, and cherries is particularly notable because these fruits work together to create a beer that is both sweet and tart, with a complexity that mirrors the layered flavours of a cocktail. The use of wine grape juice adds a touch of sophistication and depth to the sour beer style.
Food Pairings: Sugar Plum Spritz is an excellent pairing for light, fruity dishes. Try it with a goat cheese salad with fresh berries, where the beer’s fruitiness will complement the tangy cheese. It also pairs well with grilled seafood, especially shellfish like prawns or lobster, where the beer’s crisp finish will enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood. For dessert, enjoy it with a fresh fruit tart or a citrus sorbet, where the beer’s refreshing acidity and fruit flavours will complement the dessert’s sweetness.
Farm Yard Stay Crumble Plum & Apricot Sour 4.5%
Farm Yard’s Stay Crumble is a fruit-forward sour inspired by the comforting flavours of a classic fruit crumble. At 4.5% ABV, this beer is rich and fruity, with the tangy sweetness of plums and apricots leading the way. The beer pours a hazy amber, with aromas of baked fruit, vanilla, and a hint of creaminess. On the palate, the fruit flavours are front and centre, with the plums providing a tart, juicy kick and the apricots adding a smooth, mellow sweetness. The lactose and vanilla add a creamy, dessert-like quality, balancing the tartness and giving the beer a smooth, satisfying finish that’s reminiscent of a warm fruit crumble topped with custard.
Interesting Fact: The use of lactose in Stay Crumble is key to achieving the smooth, creamy mouthfeel that makes this beer feel like a dessert in a glass. Lactose, a milk sugar that doesn’t ferment in beer, adds sweetness and body without contributing to alcohol content. The combination of plums, apricots, and vanilla gives this sour a well-rounded, dessert-inspired character, making it a beer that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Food Pairings: Stay Crumble is a natural match for rich, dessert-like foods. Try it with a classic apple crumble or a fruit tart, where the beer’s tart fruit flavours complement the sweetness of the dessert. It also pairs well with a soft, creamy cheese like brie or camembert, where the beer’s fruitiness will enhance the richness of the cheese. For a savoury option, enjoy it with a roasted pork dish with a fruit glaze, where the beer’s fruity sweetness will balance the richness of the meat.