Plenty of Clouds - Phantom
Double IPA | 8.0% ABV
Plenty of Clouds from Phantom is a beautifully balanced New England-style Double IPA that tantalizes the taste buds with juicy, tropical notes and a smooth, easy-drinking finish. With a soft hazy appearance typical of the New England style, this brew presents an inviting mouthfeel that is neither too bitter nor overpoweringly sweet. The combination of Idaho 7, Azacca, Nectaron, and Sabro hops delivers a medley of ripe tropical fruits. You'll first experience bursts of pineapple, citrus, and a touch of peach, followed by an earthy, herbal undertone. The bitterness is kept in check, making this an approachable DIPA for both newcomers and seasoned hopheads alike. The smooth malt backbone adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the hop-forward flavour profile.
Interesting fact: Phantom’s Plenty of Clouds contains Nectaron, a hop variety that has gained attention for its tropical fruit punch characteristics, including passionfruit, pineapple, and a delicate citrus zing. This hop is grown primarily in New Zealand, where the brewery sources much of its hop varieties. Nectaron’s high oil content is part of what gives this beer its tropical intensity, alongside the other distinctive hop varieties like Idaho 7 and Sabro, which contribute to the beer's signature aroma and flavour profile.
Food Pairings: Plenty of Clouds pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of food. The tropical fruit flavours can be complemented by dishes that feature citrus or fresh, sweet flavours, such as a grilled fish taco with mango salsa or a fresh goat cheese salad with citrus dressing. The beer’s smooth, balanced bitterness makes it a great match for spicier foods too, so try it with Thai or Indian curry, where the fruity hops can cut through the heat while enhancing the dish’s aromatic spices.
Desire - Floc
Double IPA | 8.0% ABV
Floc’s Desire is a tropical explosion that invites drinkers into a paradise of flavours. This Double IPA presents an aromatic profile full of juicy peach, passionfruit, and citrus, with a smooth malt base that gives it a softness in texture. The blend of Nectaron, Citra, Nelson Sauvin, and Mosaic hops creates a dynamic flavour journey from start to finish. As you take the first sip, you're hit with waves of ripe peach and passionfruit that gently evolve into grapefruit zest and white grape. The malt backbone offers a touch of sweetness, providing a refreshing balance to the hops' fruity intensity. The finish is slightly dank and resinous, typical of a well-crafted DIPA, but it doesn’t overwhelm, making it extremely drinkable despite its higher ABV.
Interesting fact: The inclusion of Nelson Sauvin hops in Desire is an interesting twist. Known for their distinct white wine and gooseberry notes, these hops are often used in conjunction with other fruity hops to add complexity. This hop variety hails from New Zealand, where it’s a beloved ingredient in many modern IPAs and DIPAs, contributing to Desire’s delicate, yet bold, profile. It’s the unique combination of these hops that sets Desire apart from other tropical DIPAs, offering not just fruit, but also a touch of herbal and floral nuances.
Food Pairings: Desire’s vibrant, tropical character makes it a natural match for seafood dishes. Pair it with grilled lobster with lemon butter or a light ceviche to complement the beer's bright fruitiness. It also works wonderfully with creamy dishes like a rich seafood pasta or goat cheese and roasted vegetable pizza. For those craving something more adventurous, try pairing it with spiced barbecue chicken or jerk pork to create a delightful contrast of heat and sweetness.
Psychedelic Dragonfly - Azvex
IPA | 7.2% ABV
Azvex’s Psychedelic Dragonfly is a standout New England IPA, showcasing the bold, vibrant flavours that have come to define this popular style. A hazy pour reveals a dense, cloud-like texture that promises an exciting mouthful. The beer is saturated with the hop power of Simcoe, Mosaic, and Motueka, resulting in a deep tropical fruit character with layers of citrus, tropical pineapple, and stone fruit. The bitterness is soft and smooth, allowing the juicy hop flavours to take centre stage. Psychedelic Dragonfly balances its higher ABV well, offering both complexity and refreshment without the harsh finish that can sometimes accompany stronger IPAs.
Interesting fact: Motueka hops, used in Psychedelic Dragonfly, are a unique variety originating in New Zealand. Known for their distinctive lime and tropical fruit flavours, they are the perfect companion to the piney, earthy notes of Simcoe and the citrus-forward Mosaic hops. Motueka is particularly prized for its clean bitterness and aromatic punch, which contribute to this IPA’s bold yet balanced flavour profile.
Food Pairings: This IPA pairs excellently with rich and flavourful foods. Consider a char-grilled burger with sharp cheddar, where the beer’s juicy hops can cut through the richness of the meat. It also goes beautifully with tangy blue cheese, smoked meats, and spicy sausages. If you prefer something lighter, a mango and avocado salad would highlight the beer’s citrus and tropical notes. For dessert, try pairing it with a coconut cream pie for a harmonious combination of tropical fruit and creamy sweetness.
Hooked On Superdelic - Cloudwater
DDH IPA | 7.0% ABV
Cloudwater’s Hooked On Superdelic is a high-intensity Double Dry-Hopped IPA that stands out with its powerful hop profile and vibrant flavours. The beer showcases the use of Superdelic, an ancestral hop variety that blends the best traits of both North American and European hops. This hop contributes a fascinating mix of red candy, pomegranate, and strawberry aromas, with a burst of citrus and tropical fruits like grapefruit and pineapple. The mouthfeel is full-bodied but not overly heavy, with a slight sweetness from the malt backbone that balances the intense hop bitterness. The complex hop blend creates a flavour profile that is both bold and refreshing, with an almost candy-like sweetness lingering on the palate.
Interesting fact: Superdelic hops, which are part of the hop family developed in New Zealand, are a hybrid variety created to bring out a complex and unusual flavour profile. Their red candy, pomegranate, and strawberry flavours are distinct from typical hops, making them a unique addition to Cloudwater’s already impressive hop portfolio. This hop’s versatility allows for both the familiar citrus and tropical fruit notes, as well as more experimental and bold flavours, making this DDH IPA an exciting choice for hop lovers.
Food Pairings: Hooked On Superdelic pairs well with bold and rich flavours, particularly those with a hint of sweetness to complement its candy-like character. A grilled pork belly with a sweet glaze or a barbecue rib platter would be fantastic options. The beer’s fruity sweetness also works well with a cheese platter featuring creamy Brie or tangy goat cheese. For dessert, consider pairing it with a strawberry tart or a fruit-forward sorbet to accentuate the beer’s strawberry and pomegranate notes.
Roamin - Drop Project
Double IPA | 8.0% ABV
Drop Project’s Roamin is a bold and juicy Double IPA that is a true celebration of hop flavour. At 8.0% ABV, this DIPA is full-bodied yet dangerously smooth, with an explosion of tropical fruit character. The initial sip brings layers of juicy mango, ripe peach, and citrus, followed by a dank, resinous finish that lingers on the palate. The bright fruit notes are complemented by a rich malt sweetness, creating a well-balanced brew that is both refreshing and satisfying. Roamin’s full-bodied profile makes it a perfect example of what a DIPA should be: intense, juicy, and incredibly drinkable.
Interesting fact: Roamin’s hop blend includes a variety of carefully chosen hops that impart a wide array of flavours. The addition of tropical fruit flavours like mango and peach comes from a careful selection of hops, with a particularly strong contribution from varieties like Citra and Simcoe. These hops are known for their juicy, citrus-forward characteristics, which complement the malt sweetness and create a harmonious balance of flavours in this DIPA.
Food Pairings: Roamin pairs beautifully with rich, savoury dishes. Consider pairing it with a grilled steak or a hearty pork roast, where the beer’s juicy fruit notes can cut through the richness of the meat. The tropical fruit flavours also work well with spicy dishes, like a Jamaican jerk chicken or a spicy Thai curry. For a vegetarian option, try it with a roasted vegetable platter or a creamy risotto to contrast the beer’s bold flavours.
Turning Fragile - Polly’s
Quadruple IPA | 13.0% ABV
Polly’s Turning Fragile is an unapologetically bold Quadruple IPA (QIPA) that pushes the boundaries of hop intensity and strength. At 13.0% ABV, this brew is not for the faint-hearted, but those who embrace its power will be rewarded with an incredible array of fruit-forward flavours. Passionfruit, pineapple, peach, tangerine, and blueberry dance on the tongue, while a hint of bubblegum sweetness adds a layer of intrigue. The large additions of hops like Mosaic Lupomax and Nectaron contribute to the beer’s full, round profile. The alcohol warmth is noticeable, but it’s beautifully balanced by the complexity of flavours, making this a truly remarkable beer.
Interesting fact: The inclusion of Mosaic Lupomax in Turning Fragile is particularly noteworthy. Lupomax is a concentrated hop product that amplifies the hop character without increasing bitterness. This results in a supercharged hop profile with intense fruit and tropical notes, making it the perfect choice for a QIPA. This hop technology allows the beer to maintain balance despite its hefty ABV and provides a new dimension of hop experience.
Food Pairings: Turning Fragile’s bold and fruity nature pairs perfectly with rich, flavourful dishes. Try it with grilled meats like a smoky BBQ brisket or a spicy chorizo sausage. The beer’s sweetness and fruitiness would also complement creamy dishes like a blue cheese burger or a rich mushroom risotto. For dessert, a fruit-based cheesecake or a tropical fruit salad would bring out the best in the beer’s fruity profile, creating a delicious and harmonious pairing.
An Even Bigger Boat - Quantock
Double IPA | 8.0% ABV
Quantock’s An Even Bigger Boat is an exciting, hop-forward Double IPA that builds on the success of its predecessor, “We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat.” This DIPA takes the hop action to the next level, delivering a tropical fruit symphony with citrus aromas crashing over the bow and layers of stone fruits like peach and apricot. The malt foundation is hearty enough to support the bold hops, creating a well-rounded, flavourful beer. The body is full, and the bitterness is just right, ensuring a satisfying drinking experience from start to finish.
Interesting fact: The use of IPA yeast combined with a dry hop infusion gives An Even Bigger Boat a pronounced hop profile that stands out even among other DIPAs. This yeast and hop pairing ensures that the beer retains its complexity and depth of flavour, while also allowing the tropical and citrus notes to shine. This particular blend is carefully crafted to create a fresh, vibrant character that appeals to hop lovers looking for both intensity and drinkability.
Food Pairings: This DIPA would be an excellent match for grilled seafood, such as shrimp or crab, where the beer’s citrus and tropical fruit flavours can enhance the sweetness of the shellfish. It would also pair beautifully with a char-grilled steak or a spicy sausage dish. For a lighter option, try pairing it with a citrusy salad with avocado or a fresh Caprese salad. The beer’s tropical character also makes it a great complement to a spicy salsa or guacamole, highlighting the zesty, bright flavours.
Cosmic Ballet - Unity
Double IPA | 8.2% ABV
Unity’s Cosmic Ballet is a beautifully crafted Double IPA that brings together some of the most beloved Southern Hemisphere hops: Galaxy and Vic Secret. This DIPA bursts with juicy tropical goodness, featuring flavours of passionfruit, pineapple, and citrus. The beer has a smooth, silky mouthfeel and a well-rounded bitterness that makes it exceptionally drinkable despite its higher ABV. The hop profile is bright and aromatic, with a complexity that deepens as the beer warms. Cosmic Ballet is an ideal beer for those who appreciate a harmonious blend of fruit-forward hops with a subtle malt sweetness.
Interesting fact: Galaxy hops, known for their unique combination of tropical fruit, citrus, and earthy aromas, are one of the key ingredients in Cosmic Ballet. Originating from Australia, Galaxy is highly prized for its intense hop profile and ability to bring out the juiciness in any beer it’s used in. Paired with Vic Secret, another Australian hop known for its tropical fruit and herbal character, this DIPA delivers a flavour profile that is both fresh and full of depth.
Food Pairings: Cosmic Ballet’s tropical fruit flavours make it an ideal pairing for light, fresh dishes such as grilled fish or a seafood ceviche. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a goat cheese salad. The beer’s tropical notes would enhance a fruit salad or a dessert like lemon sorbet or passionfruit cheesecake. The vibrant hops also make it a perfect match for spicy food, such as a Thai curry or jerk chicken, where the beer’s fruity sweetness can balance the heat.