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.
Cloudwater ~ Proper DIPA: Stockport Edition 8.0% DIPA
Proper DIPA: Stockport Edition is an 8% double IPA that pays tribute to Manchester’s brewing heritage with a traditional yeast strain from Robinsons. Featuring a heavy dose of Citra hops, this DIPA offers a bold hop profile with vibrant aromas and flavours. The use of a historic yeast strain adds depth and character, highlighting Manchester’s rich brewing history.
Interesting Fact: The yeast strain used in Proper DIPA: Stockport Edition is an example of how traditional brewing techniques can enhance modern craft beers. By incorporating an old yeast strain from Robinsons, the brewery connects past and present, creating a beer that respects brewing traditions while showcasing contemporary hop flavours.
Pair Proper DIPA with hearty dishes that can match its robust hop character. It goes well with a rich beef stew or a hearty steak with peppercorn sauce. For a more casual pairing, try it with loaded nachos or a spicy sausage pizza. The beer’s bold hop flavours also complement a sharp cheddar or aged gouda, enhancing the complexity of both the cheese and the beer.
Otherworld ~ Kelpie’s Wrath 8.3% West Coast DIPA
Kelpie’s Wrath is an 8.3% West Coast DIPA featuring Simcoe, Centennial, and Idaho Gem hops, along with whole juniper berries. This beer delivers layers of grapefruit, pine, and sweet orange flavours, with a dry, bittersweet finish that’s both refreshing and complex. The juniper berries add an extra layer of pine and resin, enhancing the traditional West Coast IPA profile.
Interesting Fact: The use of whole juniper berries in Kelpie’s Wrath is a nod to traditional brewing practices that incorporate botanicals for added complexity. Juniper berries contribute a piney, herbal character that complements the hoppy bitterness of the beer, creating a unique and flavourful experience.
Pair Kelpie’s Wrath with dishes that highlight its bold, piney flavours. It complements roasted meats like pork or lamb, where the beer’s bitterness can cut through the richness. For a more adventurous pairing, try it with a smoked salmon dish or a juniper-infused charcuterie board. The beer’s citrus and pine notes also work well with a citrusy salad or a sharp, aged cheese, enhancing the beer’s complexity and depth.
Rivington ~ Hills Have Eyes 8.0% DIPA
Hills Have Eyes is an 8% DIPA hopped with El Dorado, Idaho 7, Mosaic, and their cryo versions. This beer presents a vibrant mix of tropical and citrus flavours, with a focus on juicy fruit notes and a balanced bitterness. The combination of hops delivers a rich, flavourful experience that is both bold and approachable.
Interesting Fact: The use of cryo hops in Hills Have Eyes is a technique designed to concentrate hop flavours while reducing vegetal and grassy notes. Cryo hops provide a cleaner, more intense hop aroma and flavour, enhancing the overall impact of the beer without overwhelming bitterness.
Pair Hills Have Eyes with dishes that match its juicy, tropical profile. Enjoy it with a grilled fish or seafood curry, where the beer’s fruitiness complements the spices. It also pairs well with a hearty burger or a spicy barbecue chicken, where the beer’s bold hop character enhances the flavours of the food. For a lighter option, try it with a fresh fruit salad or a tropical sorbet, where the beer’s tropical notes can shine.
Modest Beers ~ Half Decent DIPA #2 8.0% DIPA
Half Decent DIPA #2 is an 8% DIPA that showcases Nectaron hops for a big hit of tropical fruit. This brew features prominent flavours of peach, pineapple, and passionfruit, creating a juicy and vibrant taste experience. The use of Idaho 7 DynaBoost, Cryo Pop, and Mosaic hops adds additional layers of complexity, making this a standout in the Half Decent DIPA series.
Interesting Fact: The Nectaron hop variety used in Half Decent DIPA #2 is known for its intense tropical fruit character, including notes of pineapple and passionfruit. This hop variety is relatively new but has quickly gained recognition for its ability to deliver bold, fruity flavours that are ideal for modern DIPAs.
Pair Half Decent DIPA #2 with dishes that complement its tropical fruit flavours. Try it with a spicy Thai curry or a pineapple glazed ham, where the beer’s fruitiness enhances the dish’s sweetness. It also pairs well with a fruit-forward dessert like a peach cobbler or a tropical fruit salad, where the beer’s flavours can shine. For a savoury option, consider pairing it with a creamy goat cheese or a rich, aged cheddar, where the beer’s tropical notes contrast beautifully with the cheese’s richness.