Cloudwater ~ Stollen From Ivor 5.0% Festive Stout
The Stollen From Ivor Festive Stout is a perfect beer to usher in the cozy atmosphere of winter celebrations. On the nose, you are greeted by the familiar aromas of spices like cardamom and allspice, reminiscent of the traditional German stollen. The malt bill provides a deep, malty backbone that delivers dark fruit flavours, with hints of marzipan, dried fruit, and a soft bread-like quality. A subtle sweetness from the mixed peel balances the spices, while the dry finish makes each sip moreish and satisfying.
Interesting Fact: The beer takes inspiration from traditional German stollen, a festive cake made with fruits, marzipan, and spices. Cloudwater expertly incorporated cardamom and allspice into the brew, creating a liquid homage to this beloved Christmas treat. The use of mixed peel adds a citrusy, fruity zest that elevates the beer’s holiday spirit.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This beer pairs beautifully with rich desserts like fruitcake, gingerbread, or even a traditional stollen. It also works well with hearty roasted meats, such as pork with apple sauce, where the beer's subtle sweetness can complement the richness of the dish. For cheese lovers, a creamy Brie or a tangy blue cheese will balance out the spices in the beer.
Jiddlers Tipple ~ Yule Log Stout 5.1% Christmas Stout
Yule Log Stout is the perfect Christmas treat in a glass. This rich and velvety stout opens with aromas of roasted malt and dark chocolate, followed by sweet vanilla and caramel. There is a noticeable sponge cake character, evoking memories of a festive Yule log. The beer’s smooth, creamy mouthfeel is complemented by a touch of pastry sweetness, making it feel like a decadent holiday dessert. The slight bitterness on the finish provides a well-rounded balance to the sweetness.
Interesting Fact: This stout is inspired by the iconic Yule log cake, which is a classic holiday dessert. The use of vanilla and caramel mimics the sweet and creamy layers of the traditional treat, while the roasted malts and dark chocolate create a rich and indulgent body. Plus, the beer is gluten-free, making it accessible to a wider range of beer drinkers.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair this beer with a chocolate yule log or a spiced apple crumble. The beer’s smooth, sweet finish complements the richness of chocolate desserts and balances out the spices in fruity treats. For a savoury option, consider pairing it with a hearty dish like a beef Wellington or a rich, creamy stew, where the beer’s complexity will stand up to the depth of flavour in the food.
Northern Monk ~ Festive Star 5.2% Vanilla, Cinnamon & Chocolate Porter
Northern Monk’s Festive Star is a seasonal porter that’s as sweet as it is spicy, bringing together chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon for the ultimate holiday indulgence. The dark malt base offers rich, roasty flavours, while the vanilla adds a creamy sweetness and the cinnamon gives it a warm, festive character. Each sip is smooth and comforting, like curling up by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa. The beer has just the right amount of sweetness to evoke memories of holiday baking, with a touch of bitterness to keep it balanced.
Interesting Fact: Festive Star is Northern Monk’s annual holiday release, crafted to celebrate the spirit of the season. The beer draws on the flavours of classic holiday desserts, with the addition of vanilla and cinnamon to evoke memories of cookies and spiced cakes. Each year, the recipe is refined to ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This porter is a natural companion for chocolate desserts—think chocolate torte or a rich chocolate mousse. The beer’s cinnamon and vanilla notes will enhance the spices in the dessert. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, particularly duck or turkey with cranberry sauce, where the beer’s sweetness complements the savoury and fruity flavours.
Dark Revolution ~ Atomic Baby 3.8% Dark Mild
For those seeking something lighter but still packed with flavour, Atomic Baby is a fantastic choice. This dark mild offers a smooth malt base with notes of toast, caramel, and a hint of honey. The slight bitterness from the hops complements the malt sweetness, creating a well-rounded beer with a clean finish. The use of Vienna and Crystal malts adds depth, while the honey provides a subtle richness that makes the beer feel indulgent without being overwhelming.
Interesting Fact: Atomic Baby is a modern take on the traditional English mild ale, a style known for its low alcohol content and malty sweetness. The beer’s use of Vienna and Crystal malts gives it a unique depth of flavour, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that isn’t typically found in other mild ales.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This dark mild pairs well with classic pub fare, such as a hearty steak and ale pie or a cheese ploughman’s. The beer’s malt sweetness complements the richness of the meat, while its clean finish balances the heaviness of the dish. It also pairs beautifully with a caramelized onion tart or roasted vegetables, where the beer’s sweetness can enhance the savoury flavours.
Pilot ~ Trop Trop 5.3% Tropical Sour
Trop Trop is a zesty, vibrant tropical sour that bursts with juicy flavours. This beer delivers a harmonious blend of passionfruit, mango, and pineapple, offering a refreshing and lively taste experience. The tropical fruit profile dominates the flavour, with each fruit providing its own distinct sweetness and tang. The sour base balances the fruitiness with a crisp, clean finish that makes this beer extremely drinkable and perfect for warm weather or tropical cravings.
Interesting Fact: The use of fresh passionfruit, mango, and pineapple in Trop Trop isn’t just about flavour—it’s also about creating a vibrant, natural beer that celebrates the fruit’s natural acidity and sweetness. These fruits are known for their high vitamin C content and are often celebrated for their ability to elevate sour styles. This combination not only provides a punch of tropical fruit but also showcases the brewery’s expertise in balancing complex flavours in sour beers.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Trop Trop with dishes that complement its tropical and tangy flavours. A fresh seafood ceviche would bring out the beer’s citrus and fruitiness, while a light, tangy goat cheese salad would balance the sour notes. For a more substantial pairing, consider grilled chicken or pork with a sweet, spicy glaze, as the beer’s fruitiness will enhance the dish’s flavours. A tropical fruit salad for dessert would be a perfect end to a meal with Trop Trop.
Brew York ~ Dreams of Brew York 6.5% Apple & Cinnamon Sour
Dreams of Brew York brings a cozy, festive twist to the sour category, blending the familiar and comforting flavours of apple and cinnamon. This sour offers an inviting tartness with juicy apple flavours and a hint of spicy warmth from the cinnamon. The addition of lactose softens the acidity, providing a creamy texture that balances the sharpness of the fruit and spice, creating a smooth and indulgent drink. The beer's festive notes make it a perfect choice for colder months or holiday gatherings.
Interesting Fact: Dreams of Brew York was inspired by classic winter flavours, specifically the cozy combination of apple and cinnamon. The use of lactose is key to rounding out the beer’s sourness, a common technique in brewing to add creaminess and soften the acidity in fruit-forward sours. The addition of cinnamon is also notable, as it helps bridge the gap between the tartness of the apple and the richness of the malt base, creating a multidimensional flavour experience.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The apple and cinnamon notes in Dreams of Brew York make it an ideal match for festive comfort foods. Try pairing it with a hearty roast pork dish, where the sweet apple and savoury meat create a wonderful contrast. A slice of warm apple pie or a cinnamon roll would complement the beer’s spicy sweetness. For a cheese pairing, opt for a mild, creamy brie or a nutty gouda—both will highlight the rich, spiced flavours in the beer.
360° ~ Rosehip, Hibiscus, Raspberry 4.7% Fruited Sour
Rosehip, Hibiscus, Raspberry is a complex and vibrant fruited sour that brings together bold, red fruit flavours with herbal undertones. The hibiscus and rosehip create a unique floral character, while the raspberry provides a juicy tartness that brings balance to the beer’s flavour profile. The beer’s delicate sourness is accentuated by the fruity infusion, creating a refreshing and flavourful drink with layers of complexity. This is a perfect example of how floral and fruit elements can blend seamlessly in a sour beer.
Interesting Fact: The choice of hibiscus and rosehip as adjuncts in this beer adds not only unique flavour but also depth and complexity. Hibiscus contributes a slight tanginess and floral aroma, while rosehip adds a delicate sweetness and complexity. These ingredients are often used in herbal teas for their vibrant colour and aromatic qualities, making them an excellent pairing for the tartness of the raspberry. The extended kettle souring process further enhances the beer’s acidity, creating a clean and crisp finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Rosehip, Hibiscus, Raspberry pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its herbal and fruity notes. A goat cheese salad with fresh berries and a light vinaigrette would bring out the beer’s fruitiness, while a soft, mild cheese like ricotta or chèvre would balance its acidity. For a more savoury pairing, try it with roasted chicken or a charcuterie board featuring prosciutto and salami. For dessert, this beer would be perfect with a raspberry sorbet or a fruit tart, where the fruity notes of the beer echo the dessert’s flavours.
Vault City ~ Last Christmas! 4.1% WHAM! Sour
Last Christmas! brings a fun, nostalgic twist to the sour beer category, inspired by the classic holiday hit "Last Christmas" by Wham!. The beer features a sharp raspberry flavour with a fizzy, tangy finish that evokes the feeling of biting into a holiday treat. The sour base is punchy, providing an invigorating tartness that is balanced by the sweetness of the fruit. This is a playful beer that captures the festive spirit with its bright, fruity profile and lively carbonation.
Interesting Fact: Last Christmas! is a playful take on the festive season, capturing the essence of the classic holiday song through its bright raspberry notes and effervescent quality. The beer is designed to bring a sense of joy and celebration, much like the song itself. The use of raspberries not only brings a tart fruitiness but also provides vibrant colour and aroma, making it a standout in the holiday sour beer category.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Last Christmas! with fresh, fruity dishes that highlight its tangy, effervescent character. A cranberry and brie crostini would be a perfect match, as the sour notes complement the sweetness of the cranberry and the richness of the cheese. For a heartier pairing, try roasted pork with cranberry sauce, where the beer’s acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. For dessert, a simple berry tart or a lemon meringue pie would play off the beer’s bright fruit flavours and tart finish.