Gipsy Hill ~ Breakbeat 5.6% Stout VG
Breakbeat, a stout from Gipsy Hill, is a sophisticated tribute to the tropical stout style, offering a delicate balance between roasted flavours and a tropical twist. Pouring a deep, dark brown with a tan head, the beer greets you with a fragrant blend of roasted coffee, light chocolate, and an unexpected but delightful hit of coconut. The use of lager yeast sets this stout apart, contributing to a crisp finish that lightens the otherwise rich profile. Vanilla accents the dark malt base, giving it a smooth and slightly sweet edge.
Interesting Fact: Gipsy Hill's Breakbeat is fermented with lager yeast, which is atypical for a stout. This unique choice not only enhances the beer's clean finish but also adds an interesting layer of complexity to the flavour. The brewery's commitment to pushing boundaries is evident in their innovative use of ingredients like Sabro hops, known for their tropical fruit character, especially coconut, which pairs wonderfully with the roasty elements of the stout.
Pairing Suggestions: Breakbeat pairs beautifully with rich and savoury foods. Try it with barbecue ribs, where the roasty bitterness of the stout complements the smoky, sweet glaze of the ribs. It also pairs excellently with creamy, coconut-based curries or a decadent coconut and dark chocolate dessert. The beer’s vanilla notes will heighten the richness of the dessert, offering a delightful contrast to the spice of the curry.
Siren Craft Brew ~ Marshmallow Mountain 5.1% Chocolate Marshmallow Porter
Siren Craft Brew's Marshmallow Mountain is a decadent and indulgent porter that combines the comforting flavours of chocolate and marshmallow with an unexpected depth. At 5.1%, it is a beer that is rich but not overwhelming, offering a smooth body that showcases the luxurious mouthfeel of marshmallow. The malt base provides a solid foundation of caramel, toffee, and biscuity sweetness, which perfectly complements the dark chocolate notes from the Venezuelan cacao nibs. Hints of vanilla round off the flavour, making each sip creamy and comforting.
Interesting Fact: The cacao nibs in Marshmallow Mountain come from Venezuela, renowned for its rich and nuanced chocolate beans. By using high-quality cacao, Siren Craft Brew elevates the traditional porter into something special, giving it a full, round chocolate flavour that interacts beautifully with the marshmallow character.
Pairing Suggestions: This marshmallow porter is a perfect match for a rich, chocolate dessert like molten lava cake or a dense chocolate cheesecake. For a savoury option, try pairing it with a blue cheese and walnut salad. The creaminess and slight tang of the cheese balance out the sweetness of the beer, while the walnuts enhance the beer’s roasted and biscuity flavours. This beer is also an excellent companion for a night of board games and snacking, especially with some lightly salted caramel popcorn.
Wilde Child ~ Insatiable Circumstance 5.1% Caramel Latte Porter
Wilde Child’s Insatiable Circumstance is a velvety caramel latte porter that combines the seductive flavours of coffee, caramel, and cream. This beer is a rich experience, with each sip delivering a luscious blend of roasted coffee, dark caramel, and a touch of creaminess, thanks to the addition of lactose. The malt profile is further enhanced by a smooth mouthfeel, giving the beer a decadent texture that lingers long after each sip. The oatmeal and milk stout characteristics give it a slight sweetness that rounds out the bitterness from the coffee.
Interesting Fact: The use of lactose in this porter adds a creaminess that complements the caramel and coffee flavours. Lactose is a sugar derived from milk, and while it does not ferment into alcohol, it contributes to the body and sweetness of the beer, making it an ideal ingredient for a dessert-like porter.
Pairing Suggestions: Insatiable Circumstance is ideal with breakfast foods, particularly those featuring caramel or toffee, such as sticky toffee pudding or caramelized banana pancakes. It also pairs wonderfully with rich, creamy desserts like tiramisu or crème brûlée, where the beer’s smooth, coffee-like flavour enhances the richness of the dessert. For something savoury, enjoy it with a sharp cheddar or smoked gouda, as the beer’s creamy sweetness complements the bold, tangy flavours of the cheese.
Blackjack ~ All Angels 5.0% American-Style Brown Ale VG
All Angels from Blackjack Brewery is a standout American-style brown ale, showcasing an exciting balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. With its characteristic horse chestnut brown hue and light tan head, the beer offers aromas of grapefruit, pine resin, and a touch of chocolate. The flavour is a delightful mix of coffee, toffee, and hop bitterness, with the piney, resinous hops providing a fresh counterpoint to the malt-driven sweetness. The mouthfeel is rich and chewy, with a lingering bitterness that invites another sip.
Interesting Fact: All Angels is inspired by the American brown ale style, which was created as a hybrid between British brown ales and the more hop-forward beers of the US. The choice of hops like Ella, Talus, and Columbus imparts not only a pleasant bitterness but also unique aromas of citrus and pine, which enhance the beer’s profile and make it a standout in its style.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair this brown ale with hearty dishes like roast beef or a classic beef burger, where the malt sweetness and the hoppy bitterness create a harmonious balance. It is also great with smoked meats or a rich chili, where the beer’s flavour complements the bold, savoury notes of the dish. For dessert, try it with a pecan pie or a salted caramel brownie, where the beer’s coffee and toffee notes enhance the caramelized sugars in the dessert.
Bluntrock ~ Mr. Milksop 5.0% Milk Stout VG
Mr. Milksop is a rich and satisfying milk stout from Bluntrock Brewery, offering a decadent combination of chocolate, caramel, and roasted malt flavours. The stout’s creamy mouthfeel is thanks to the generous use of oats, which contribute to its smooth, milky texture. The roasted malts provide a comforting backbone, while the subtle sweetness of caramel and crystal malts gives the beer a delicious, dessert-like character. The absence of lactose doesn’t detract from the beer’s richness, making it a vegan-friendly option that still delivers a satisfying creamy experience.
Interesting Fact: Mr. Milksop’s omission of lactose makes it unique for a milk stout, but it still manages to deliver the rich, smooth texture that is characteristic of the style. Instead of lactose, the beer uses a combination of oats and roasted malts, offering a thick mouthfeel that rivals traditional milk stouts.
Pairing Suggestions: This milk stout pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts like a chocolate mousse or a dense chocolate cake. The smooth, creamy body of the beer complements the rich cocoa flavours, creating a delightful experience. It also pairs well with savoury dishes like a grilled cheese sandwich, where the creaminess of the beer works perfectly with the gooey cheese and crunchy bread. For a more adventurous pairing, try it with a spiced lamb stew, where the beer’s richness balances the heat and depth of flavour in the dish.
Gravity Well ~ Brane Remodelled 5.0% Stout VG
Gravity Well’s Brane Remodelled is a decadent stout that features extra cacao nibs and vanilla, taking the classic oatmeal stout to new heights. The beer is thick and full-bodied, with a rich combination of coffee, dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla sweetness. The oatmeal base gives it a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, while the cacao nibs contribute deep, dark chocolate flavours. This stout is a treat for those who enjoy complex beers with a rich, indulgent character.
Interesting Fact: The addition of extra cacao nibs in Brane Remodelled is a bold move by Gravity Well, intensifying the chocolate character of the beer. Cacao nibs, which are the raw, unprocessed form of chocolate, bring a deep, rich flavour that enhances the overall experience of the stout.
Pairing Suggestions: Brane Remodelled is perfect with chocolate-heavy desserts like a dark chocolate tart or chocolate-covered strawberries. The beer’s rich chocolate and coffee notes complement the depth of these desserts. For something savoury, pair it with a smoked sausage or a charcuterie board, where the beer’s roasted flavours can complement the savoury, salty notes of the meats.
Dark Revolution ~ Dark Matter 5.7% Oatmeal Stout VG
Dark Matter is a beautifully smooth oatmeal stout, brewed with eight different malts and layered with cold brew coffee and vanilla. This stout offers a complex array of flavours, with a balanced blend of roasty malt, coffee bitterness, and vanilla sweetness. The oatmeal adds a silky mouthfeel, making it incredibly drinkable despite its rich flavours. It’s a beer that offers depth without being overpowering, with subtle nutty notes adding an additional layer of complexity.
Interesting Fact: Dark Revolution’s use of eight different malts in Dark Matter is a masterclass in malt blending. Each malt brings its own unique contribution to the beer, from the roasty bitterness of dark malts to the smoothness of oats and the sweetness of caramel malts. The cold brew coffee used in the brewing process ensures a smooth, refined coffee flavour that doesn’t overpower the beer.
Pairing Suggestions: Dark Matter pairs wonderfully with rich, decadent desserts like a flourless chocolate cake or a coffee-flavoured ice cream. The smooth coffee and vanilla notes of the beer work perfectly with these sweet, indulgent treats. For a savoury option, try it with a well-seasoned steak or a roasted mushroom dish, where the beer’s earthy and roasted qualities bring out the depth of flavour in the food.
Fierce ~ S'Mores Edition: Weekend Retreat 6.5% Marshmallow Porter VG
Fierce's S'Mores Edition: Weekend Retreat is a comforting, indulgent beer that encapsulates the essence of a cozy night by the fire. The beer’s flavour profile is dominated by the classic flavours of chocolate, marshmallow, and a subtle smokiness, giving it a nostalgic and warm feeling. With its 6.5% ABV, it’s a beer that’s rich but not too heavy, with a smooth mouthfeel that carries the flavours wonderfully. Each sip is like biting into a gooey s’more, with a perfect balance of sweetness and smoky depth.
Interesting Fact: The marshmallow flavour in Weekend Retreat is achieved through a combination of malt selection and natural flavourings, making it the perfect beer for fans of sweet, dessert-inspired brews. The slight smokiness from the malt adds a campfire-like quality, making it feel like a true indulgence for chilly evenings.
Pairing Suggestions: Weekend Retreat is a perfect match for a decadent dessert like a chocolate lava cake or a rich brownie. The marshmallow and chocolate notes will enhance the sweet, gooey nature of the dessert. For a savoury pairing, try it with a smoked brisket, where the beer’s sweetness and smokiness will complement the deep, smoky flavours of the meat.