August 2024: Strong Mixed Beer Box

August 2024: Strong Mixed Beer Box

Two Flints x Rivington ~ Coasting 7.0% DDH Hazy IPA

Coasting is a punchy 7% DDH Hazy IPA, a collaborative effort between Two Flints and Rivington. This brew is soft and drinkable, thanks to a combination of chit malt and a slightly lower finishing gravity. Its profile is dominated by New Zealand hops, including Superdelic, Riwaka, and Motueka. The beer presents a delightful mix of juicy mango, zingy passionfruit, and sweet berries, with a hazy appearance that enhances its fruit-forward character.

Interesting Fact: The use of chit malt in Coasting is a nod to traditional brewing practices that date back to the early 20th century. Chit malt, also known as "chit" or "chit barley," is malted barley that has undergone partial germination. This process contributes to a lighter, more delicate body and a smoother mouthfeel in the finished beer, enhancing its drinkability.

Pair Coasting with fresh, summery dishes to complement its fruity and tropical notes. Try it with grilled chicken skewers marinated in a mango-lime glaze or a light seafood salad with citrus vinaigrette. The beer’s juicy mango and passionfruit flavours also work well with a fresh fruit tart or a coconut panna cotta, balancing the sweetness and acidity beautifully.

Quantock ~ Is This Just Fantasy 8.0% DIPA

Is This Just Fantasy is an 8% DIPA that pays homage to the iconic Queen anthem. This robust double IPA amplifies the brewery's house IPA recipe with a massive dry hop infusion. It features a dynamic blend of tropical flavours and aromas, including striking stone fruits and vibrant citrus. Each sip reveals a dramatic taste experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Interesting Fact: The phrase "Is This Just Fantasy" nods to the idea of transcending the mundane. This DIPA reflects that sentiment by using an elevated dry hopping technique to deliver an extraordinary flavour profile. The result is a beer that pushes the boundaries of traditional IPA, offering a bold and memorable experience.

To pair with Is This Just Fantasy, opt for rich and flavourful foods that can stand up to its intensity. It complements spicy dishes like jerk chicken or Thai green curry, where the bold hop character enhances the spice. For a more decadent option, try it with a blue cheese burger or a charcuterie board featuring strong, aged cheeses. The tropical and citrus notes also balance well with a fruit-forward dessert like a pineapple upside-down cake.

Verdant ~ Whale Sharks 8.4% DIPA

Whale Sharks is an 8.4% DIPA that stands out for its triple dry hopping and absence of dextrose. Brewed with a malt base of extra pale, oats, and flaked wheat, this beer showcases the hops Citra and Galaxy. It delivers a punch of tropical fruit flavours with a smooth, balanced finish, making it a quintessential example of a modern DIPA.

Interesting Fact: The triple dry hopping technique used in Whale Sharks is a method employed to maximize hop aroma and flavour without adding bitterness. This technique highlights the fresh and juicy characteristics of the hops, a hallmark of contemporary DIPA styles.

Pair Whale Sharks with dishes that match its tropical and hoppy profile. Enjoy it with a spicy seafood paella or a creamy coconut curry, where the hop flavours can cut through the richness. The beer’s fruitiness also pairs well with a bright and tangy goat cheese salad or a dessert like a mango sorbet, enhancing the tropical notes in both the beer and the food.

DEYA ~ Sounds About Right 8.0% DIPA

Sounds About Right is an 8% DIPA that features a prominent Nelson and Citra hop presence, with HBC 1019 contributing layers of Pina Colada flavour. This brew is a juicy, tropical delight that balances hop intensity with smooth, fruity undertones. Its combination of hops and flavours creates a beer that’s both bold and approachable.

Interesting Fact: The inclusion of HBC 1019 hops in Sounds About Right is notable for its unique tropical fruit profile, including hints of pineapple and coconut. HBC 1019 is a relatively new hop variety, known for its ability to impart a Pina Colada-like flavour, making it an ideal choice for a beer with a tropical theme.

For pairing, Sounds About Right complements dishes with tropical and fruity elements. Try it with a shrimp and pineapple skewers or a tropical salsa with fish tacos. The beer’s Pina Colada flavours also go well with a coconut milk curry or a dessert featuring pineapple, such as a pineapple crème brûlée. The creamy and fruity notes enhance both savoury and sweet dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Siren Craft Brew ~ Mucha Mora Mocha 9.0% Imperial Stout

Mucha Mora Mocha is a robust 9% Imperial Stout that exemplifies the collaboration between beer and coffee. This brew is infused with coffee at every stage of production, creating a deep and complex flavour profile. Its rich, smooth cocoa notes are complemented by the bold, aromatic coffee, resulting in a velvety texture and a long, satisfying finish. The stout’s dark, almost opaque appearance hints at its intense flavours, with aromas of roasted coffee beans and chocolate leading the way.

Interesting Fact: Mucha Mora Mocha is part of the Project Barista series, which explores the intricate relationship between beer and coffee. The use of coffee at multiple stages of brewing allows for a nuanced flavour profile that highlights the versatility of coffee as an ingredient. This method showcases how coffee’s complexity can enhance the richness of an Imperial Stout.

For pairing, Mucha Mora Mocha is excellent with desserts that mirror its rich flavours. Try it with a decadent chocolate cake or a mocha cheesecake, where the coffee and cocoa notes complement the sweetness. It also pairs well with a cheese board featuring strong, creamy cheeses like blue cheese or aged gouda. For a savoury option, consider pairing it with a charcuterie platter that includes smoky meats and rich pâtés, enhancing the stout’s deep, roasted flavours.

Tartarus ~ Pontianak 8.4% Almond & Vanilla Stout

Pontianak is an 8.4% Almond & Vanilla Stout, crafted to evoke the flavours of frangipane. This smooth, rich stout combines the nutty essence of almonds with the sweetness of vanilla, creating a complex and indulgent flavour profile. The beer’s creamy mouthfeel and dark, roasted malt base provide a perfect canvas for these flavours, offering a satisfying and well-rounded drinking experience.

Interesting Fact: The frangipane-inspired flavours in Pontianak pay homage to the classic almond and vanilla pastry filling. This style of stout, enriched with almond and vanilla, highlights how traditional dessert flavours can be translated into beer, offering a unique and elegant twist on the classic stout.

Pair Pontianak with desserts that enhance its almond and vanilla notes. It pairs beautifully with almond biscotti, vanilla crème brûlée, or a classic frangipane tart. For a savoury option, try it with roasted nuts or a creamy blue cheese, where the beer’s sweetness and nutty flavours can provide a delightful contrast. The stout’s rich profile also complements a charcuterie board with assorted pâtés and creamy cheeses, balancing the beer’s depth with savoury richness.

Yonder ~ Blueberry Freak Shake 8.4% Imperial Pastry Sour

Blueberry Freak Shake is an 8.4% Imperial Pastry Sour that combines blueberry and vanilla with cinder toffee sprinkles. This beer is a vibrant, dessert-like experience that balances fruity tartness with creamy vanilla sweetness. The addition of cinder toffee adds a crunchy, caramelized element, enhancing the beer’s complexity and making each sip a treat.

Interesting Fact: Blueberry Freak Shake showcases the innovative blending of traditional sour brewing methods with modern pastry-inspired flavours. The use of foraged blueberries and cinder toffee reflects the brewery’s commitment to unique, seasonal ingredients, blending creativity with craftsmanship in the brewing process.

For pairing, Blueberry Freak Shake complements desserts and sweet treats that echo its fruity and creamy profile. Enjoy it with a blueberry cheesecake, vanilla bean ice cream, or a toffee apple tart, where the beer’s flavours enhance the dessert’s sweetness. It also pairs well with a cheese board featuring creamy brie or mascarpone, providing a rich contrast to the beer’s tartness. For a lighter option, try it with a fresh fruit salad, where the beer’s fruitiness can shine.

Howling Hops ~ Golden Hour 8.0% Barrel Aged Whiskey Sour

Golden Hour is an 8% Barrel Aged Whiskey Sour, crafted in collaboration with Brasserie L’Ermitage. This beer offers a lightly smoky and gently sour profile, enriched with flavours of naval orange and bitters. The barrel aging imparts subtle notes of whiskey, adding complexity and depth to the sour base, while the citrus and bitters contribute to a refreshing and well-rounded finish.

Interesting Fact: The combination of barrel aging and souring in Golden Hour reflects a growing trend in craft brewing that merges traditional barrel-aging techniques with modern souring methods. The use of whiskey barrels imparts unique flavours that enhance the beer’s complexity, demonstrating how aging can elevate a sour beer.

Pair Golden Hour with dishes that match its smoky and citrusy profile. It goes well with grilled seafood, such as smoked salmon or a citrus-glazed shrimp, where the beer’s flavours complement the smoky and tangy elements. It also pairs nicely with a charcuterie board featuring spicy cured meats and tangy pickles, where the beer’s sourness and bitterness can cut through the richness. For dessert, try it with a citrus tart or a lightly spiced ginger cake, where the beer’s zesty flavours enhance the sweetness and spice.

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