August 2024: Dark Beer Box

August 2024: Dark Beer Box

Elusive x Bianca Road ~ Coconut Road 5.4% Coconut Stout

Coconut Road is a rich Coconut Stout that marries depth with decadence. It showcases a robust malt profile, including notes of raisins and dark chocolate, thanks to ten different malts. The addition of toasted coconut and a hint of vanilla during brewing enhances its complexity, delivering a creamy, indulgent finish.

Interesting Fact: This stout features a combination of ten malt varieties, which contributes to its deep and layered flavour. Toasted coconut adds a unique twist, providing an extra layer of tropical aroma and richness, making this beer a standout example of coconut-infused stouts.

Pair Coconut Road with a chocolate lava cake or a slice of rich fruitcake. The stout’s dark chocolate and vanilla notes complement the cake’s gooey centre and complex flavours. Alternatively, enjoy it with a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or blue cheese; the beer’s sweetness balances the bold flavours of the cheese.

Siren Craft Brew ~ Viva Patrón 8.0% Dark Ale

Viva Patrón is a Dark Ale that fuses beer with coffee and tequila influences. This beer is part of a special Project Barista series, combining tequila-soaked oak, agave syrup, intense espresso, and Muscovado sugar. It creates a rich coffee liqueur experience, blending beer’s maltiness with bold coffee and sugar notes.

Interesting Fact: This Dark Ale incorporates agave syrup and tequila-soaked oak, adding a unique depth that bridges the gap between beer and spirits. The intense espresso and Muscovado sugar further enhance the beer’s complexity, making it a true standout in the realm of dark ales.

Enjoy Viva Patrón with a rich dessert like a tiramisu or a chocolate espresso cake. The beer’s coffee and tequila flavours will complement the creamy, rich textures of the dessert. For a savoury option, pair it with a charcuterie board featuring smoked meats and aged cheeses; the beer’s complex flavours will enhance the taste experience.

Brew York ~ Hazelnut Tonkoko 4.3% Hazelnut, Coconut & Tonka Milk Stout

Hazelnut Tonkoko is a Milk Stout enriched with hazelnuts, coconut, and vanilla. This version of the beloved Tonkoko series features a rich malt base combined with roasted hazelnuts, creating a creamy, indulgent stout with a delightful balance of sweetness and nutty flavours.

Interesting Fact: The inclusion of roasted hazelnuts in Hazelnut Tonkoko adds a distinctive nutty flavour that complements the existing vanilla and coconut notes. This innovation in flavour pairing highlights how additional ingredients can enhance the complexity and enjoyment of milk stouts.

Pair Hazelnut Tonkoko with a warm chocolate chip cookie or a rich, nutty cheesecake. The beer’s hazelnut and vanilla notes will enhance the dessert’s sweetness and richness. For a more savoury match, try it with a creamy blue cheese; the beer’s sweetness and nuttiness will balance the cheese’s sharpness.

Tartarus ~ Rainbow Serpent 5.8% Milk Stout

Rainbow Serpent is a Milk Stout designed to evoke the essence of a rocky road dessert. Brewed with lactose, it offers a sweet, creamy profile with added vanilla, chocolate, toffee, marshmallow, and hazelnut flavours. This stout presents a dessert-like quality that makes it a rich, indulgent treat.

Interesting Fact: The use of lactose in Rainbow Serpent contributes to its creamy texture and sweet profile, creating a dessert-like experience. The combination of chocolate, toffee, marshmallow, and hazelnut flavours further enhances its resemblance to a rocky road treat.

Pair Rainbow Serpent with a decadent brownie or a s’mores cheesecake. The beer’s dessert-like qualities will complement the rich flavours of the brownie or the sweet, gooey elements of the cheesecake. For a lighter pairing, try it with a simple vanilla ice cream; the beer’s sweet and creamy characteristics will enhance the ice cream’s flavour.

Black Jack ~ Pub Ale 5.2% Dark Ruby Mild

Pub Ale is a Dark Ruby Mild with a rich malt base and a deep, vibrant ruby colour. Its aroma offers hints of hedgerow berries, while its flavour profile is characterized by a smooth, malty sweetness balanced by a touch of Bramling Cross bitterness. This traditional ale provides a full-bodied experience despite its moderate ABV.

Interesting Fact: This Pub Ale is inspired by a famous Victorian Mild brewed near Wolverhampton, incorporating historical brewing techniques and regional ingredients. The use of Bramling Cross hops imparts a unique bitterness that sets this ale apart from other milds.

Pair Pub Ale with a hearty beef and ale pie or a savoury shepherd’s pie. The rich maltiness and subtle berry notes of the ale complement the savoury, meaty flavours of these classic dishes. Alternatively, enjoy it with a cheese board featuring mild and creamy cheeses; the beer’s smoothness will balance the cheese’s richness.

Lost Pier ~ Backwards Flatcap Hopalicious Brown Ale 5.6% US Brown Ale

Backwards Flatcap is a modern US Brown Ale that combines a robust malt body with an intense hop profile. Featuring citrus notes of grapefruit and orange alongside dank, piney undertones, it offers a complex and comforting drink. The low carbonation keeps the beer creamy and smooth.

Interesting Fact: This brown ale uses a variety of specialty dark malts and an array of American hops like Columbus, Sabro, and Centennial. The addition of Voss Kveik yeast contributes to its unique, fruity character, enhancing its overall complexity.

Enjoy Backwards Flatcap with a rich barbecue brisket or a spiced roasted butternut squash. The beer’s citrus and pine flavours will complement the smoky, savoury notes of the barbecue. For a vegetarian option, pair it with a hearty, spicy lentil stew; the beer’s richness will enhance the stew’s flavours.

Simple Things Fermentations ~ Session Stout 4.0% Session Stout

Session Stout offers a surprising depth of flavour for its ABV, with prominent notes of coffee and dark chocolate. This deep, dark beer features a crema-coloured foam and a smooth mouthfeel, thanks to a blend of malted grains and oats. A touch of Summit hops adds a modern, hoppy twist.

Interesting Fact: Session Stouts are a relatively recent innovation in the world of stouts. Traditionally, stouts are known for their high ABV and robust flavours, but Session Stouts are designed to offer a similar depth of flavour in a lower-alcohol format. This style allows for a full-bodied stout experience without the heaviness, making it an excellent choice for extended drinking sessions.

Pair Session Stout with a rich chocolate mousse or a dark chocolate tart. The stout’s coffee and chocolate notes will enhance the dessert’s sweetness and depth. For a savoury option, try it with a spicy sausage roll; the beer’s smoothness will complement the savoury, spiced flavours of the roll.

Wild Childe Brewing ~ Gimme S’More 5.3% Toasted Marshmallow & Chocolate Biscuit Porter

Gimme S’More is a delectable Porter infused with the nostalgic flavours of toasted marshmallow and chocolate biscuit. This milk stout features a rich malt base with added lactose, providing a creamy, dessert-like sweetness. The flavours of cocoa powder and biscuit malt evoke the classic campfire treat.

Interesting Fact: The addition of toasted marshmallow flavouring and lactose makes this porter reminiscent of the traditional s’more, combining flavours that are rarely seen in beer. The use of cocoa powder and biscuit malt enhances the dessert-like qualities, making it a unique offering in the world of stouts.

Pair Gimme S’More with a warm chocolate brownie or a s’mores cheesecake for a delightful dessert experience. The beer’s marshmallow and chocolate notes will complement the rich, sweet flavours of these treats. For a non-dessert option, try it with a charcuterie board featuring smoked meats and cheeses; the beer’s sweetness will balance the savoury and smoky elements.

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