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.
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.