February 2025: Strong Mixed Beer Box

February 2025: Strong Mixed Beer Box

Floc ~ Plenty Everything 8.0% DIPA

Floc’s Plenty Everything is an exceptionally juicy Double IPA that brings an explosion of tropical flavours with every sip. The beer pours a hazy, golden amber, with a frothy white head that leaves a lasting lacing on the glass. The aroma is an enticing mix of white grape, passionfruit, lime, and citrus, which draws you in with its brightness. On the palate, the beer is smooth and tropical, with layers of juicy fruit—especially pineapple and passionfruit—coated with a slight dankness that rounds out the finish. The mouthfeel is full and velvety, making it a refreshing yet satisfying DIPA that packs all the punch without feeling overly heavy.

Interesting Fact: The combination of hops in Plenty Everything helps create its complex flavour profile. While the white grape and lime notes come from the hops’ bright, citric properties, the passionfruit is likely coming from a blend of tropical hops, including Nelson Sauvin and Galaxy, known for imparting passionfruit and citrus flavours. The slight dankness gives the beer an added layer of complexity, elevating it beyond just a juicy tropical IPA into something with a little more depth.

Pairing Suggestions: This vibrant DIPA is perfect with bold and flavourful foods. Pair it with a grilled fish taco, where the beer’s tropical fruitiness enhances the richness of the fish and contrasts with the spicy kick of salsa. It also works well with roasted chicken, particularly with a citrus glaze, where the lime and citrus notes of the beer bring out the zest in the dish. For dessert, enjoy it with a tropical fruit salad or a passionfruit sorbet, where the beer’s fruit-forward character will elevate the sweetness and freshness of the fruit.


Full Circle ~ Dip Club 8.2% Cold DIPA

Dip Club from Full Circle is a Cold Double IPA that showcases a crisp and refreshing hop character, making it feel like a dip in the ocean. Pouring a hazy golden colour with a thick, creamy head, the beer greets you with a pithy citrus aroma from the Cascade, CTZ, and Talus hops, accompanied by delicate floral notes. On the palate, the beer is incredibly smooth, with grapefruit, lime, and a subtle tropical punch from Luminosa hops. The finish is dry, with a clean, crisp bitterness that makes this a drinkable and refreshing DIPA, ideal for those who want the hop intensity without the heaviness.

Interesting Fact: Dip Club is part of Full Circle’s Balance series, and it stands out due to its use of Luminosa hops. Luminosa, a relatively new hop variety, adds a tropical fruit punch with notes of pineapple and citrus, creating a perfect balance to the pithy, floral bitterness of the Cascade, CTZ, and Talus hops. The use of the cold fermentation method enhances the clarity and crispness of the beer, resulting in a refreshing DIPA that maintains hop complexity while being lighter on the palate.

Pairing Suggestions: The bright, citrusy flavours of Dip Club pair beautifully with fresh seafood, such as a grilled shrimp or a ceviche, where the beer’s crispness complements the lightness of the fish. It also works wonderfully with a citrus-marinated chicken dish, where the zesty flavours of the beer align with the tangy marinade. For dessert, consider pairing it with a lemon meringue pie or a fresh fruit tart, where the beer’s citrus notes bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit.


Pentrich ~ Low Lays The Devil 8.0% DIPA

Pentrich’s Low Lays The Devil is an intensely hopped DIPA that brings the best of Citra and Riwaka hops together in one beer. Pouring a hazy, golden hue with a thick, white head, the beer offers a bouquet of aromas featuring citrus, pineapple, and tropical fruit. The first sip reveals an explosion of juicy, tropical flavours—think grapefruit, orange, and passionfruit—balanced by a soft bitterness that’s barely noticeable. The finish is smooth, and the beer drinks far lighter than its 8.0% ABV, making it a dangerously easy DIPA to consume.

Interesting Fact: The unique hop combination of Citra and Riwaka hops in Low Lays The Devil creates a beer that is both juicy and balanced. Citra is known for its tropical fruit and citrus flavours, while Riwaka, a New Zealand hop, adds bright, tropical citrus and pineapple characteristics. Together, these hops produce a lively and aromatic beer with a complex yet approachable bitterness that makes the beer highly drinkable despite its strength.

Pairing Suggestions: The tropical fruit flavours in Low Lays The Devil are ideal for pairing with dishes that have bright, zesty flavours. Try it with a spicy tuna poke bowl, where the beer’s juiciness complements the freshness of the fish and the heat from the chili. It also pairs excellently with grilled meats, especially a spicy barbecue, where the beer’s bitterness helps to balance the richness of the sauce. For dessert, this DIPA pairs well with a coconut cream pie or a tropical fruit sorbet, where the beer’s fruitiness enhances the sweetness of the dish.


Siren Craft Brew ~ Smart Shuffle 8.0% DIPA

Siren’s Smart Shuffle is a hop-saturated, sticky, and tropical hazy Double IPA that presents itself as a juicy, aromatic experience. The beer pours a murky golden amber with a frothy white head. On the nose, it offers an enticing mix of citrus and orange aromas, combined with the sweet, ripe fruitiness of mango. The flavour is just as tropical, with notes of orange zest, mango, and a delicate piney bitterness that builds through the finish. The beer’s mouthfeel is soft and smooth, and it has just the right amount of sweetness to balance the hop bitterness.

Interesting Fact: Smart Shuffle gets its tropical and citrus character from an array of hops, including Citra and Mosaic, two varieties known for their intense fruit flavours. Citra imparts a burst of citrus, orange, and lime, while Mosaic adds tropical fruit and piney notes. The combination of these hops creates a beer that is both aromatic and flavourful, with a slight dankness from the Mosaic, making it a perfect example of a hop-forward DIPA.

Pairing Suggestions: This DIPA pairs well with foods that have bold, tropical flavours. Try it with a spicy jerk chicken, where the beer’s citrus and mango notes complement the heat and spices. It also works beautifully with a seafood platter, especially grilled lobster or crab, where the beer’s refreshing citrus notes cut through the richness of the shellfish. For dessert, enjoy it with a mango sorbet or a tropical fruit salad, where the beer’s fruitiness enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit. 

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Cloudwater ~ Beyond The Sun & The Stars 7.0% Baltic Porter

Beyond The Sun & The Stars is a rich, dark Baltic Porter brewed in collaboration with Estonia’s Pühaste brewery. Pouring a deep, almost opaque brown with a tan, dense head, this beer immediately evokes the deep, roasted flavours of traditional Baltic porters. The aroma is filled with dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt, which carries through to the palate with smooth, rich notes of dark cocoa and subtle liquorice. The mouthfeel is velvety and medium-bodied, with a gentle sweetness that balances the roasted bitterness. There's a smooth, almost creamy finish, with the roasted malt flavours lingering on the tongue, giving this beer a warming, comforting feel.

Interesting Fact: Baltic porters, like Beyond The Sun & The Stars, have their roots in the traditional brewing methods of Eastern Europe, particularly around the Baltic Sea. Unlike other porters, Baltic porters are fermented at cooler temperatures with lager yeast, which results in a cleaner, smoother beer with less fruity esters. This collaboration with Pühaste brings a touch of Estonian brewing tradition to the recipe, creating a beer that showcases the deep, roasted malt profile typical of the style, with a refined and well-balanced finish.

Pairing Suggestions: The smooth and roasted flavours of this Baltic Porter make it an excellent pairing for rich, savoury dishes. Try it with a hearty beef stew or braised short ribs, where the beer’s malty sweetness contrasts with the richness of the meat. It also works wonderfully with aged cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, where the creamy texture of the cheese complements the smoothness of the beer. For dessert, Beyond The Sun & The Stars is a great match for a chocolate lava cake or dark chocolate truffles, where the roasted malt and dark cocoa flavours enhance the richness of the dessert.


Siren Craft Brew ~ Origin Storey 10.0% Imperial Stout

Siren Craft Brew’s Origin Storey is an intricate and robust Imperial Stout that showcases the brewery’s talent for crafting complex, rich beers. Pouring pitch black with a deep, tan head, the beer offers a tantalizing aroma of roasted coffee, chocolate, and caramel, with subtle notes of oak and smoke. The first sip reveals a symphony of flavours—rich caramel, honey, and toasted nuts, layered with chocolate and coffee bitterness. The oak tannins provide a smooth, slightly astringent finish that rounds out the beer beautifully, keeping the sweetness in check and enhancing the beer’s depth and complexity.

Interesting Fact: Origin Storey is made with a unique brewing technique that involves three separate mashes and the use of three varieties of oak. This approach allows for greater complexity and depth, with the oak adding a subtle smokiness and additional tannin structure. The use of speciality malts, including heritage grains, enhances the beer’s rich, complex flavours, which are complemented by a blend of traditional and modern brewing methods. This Imperial Stout stands as one of Siren Craft Brew’s most elaborate and thoughtfully crafted beers.

Pairing Suggestions: The rich, full-bodied nature of Origin Storey makes it a perfect match for hearty, flavourful foods. Try pairing it with slow-cooked meats, such as smoked brisket or barbecued ribs, where the beer’s roasted flavours and oakiness complement the deep, smoky notes of the meat. It also pairs excellently with a cheese board, featuring strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged gouda, which contrast nicely with the beer’s sweetness and complexity. For dessert, indulge in a classic pairing of this Imperial Stout with a rich, flourless chocolate cake or crème brûlée, where the beer’s deep, roasty flavours enhance the richness of the dessert.


Vault City ~ Giant Lollipop 8.0% Sweetshop Sour

Vault City’s Giant Lollipop is a sweetshop-inspired sour that brings a playful, fruity twist to the sour beer category. The beer pours a vibrant, pinkish-red with a delicate white head that dissipates quickly. On the nose, it offers an immediate burst of juicy raspberry, followed by the smooth, sweet creaminess of vanilla. The first sip is a rush of tart raspberry that quickly gives way to a smooth, almost custard-like sweetness, with the vanilla rounding out the flavours and adding depth. The sourness is bright and refreshing, but the beer remains soft and creamy on the palate, making it a fun and easy-drinking sour.

Interesting Fact: The inspiration behind Giant Lollipop comes from the iconic drumstick lollies, with their combination of raspberry fruitiness and creamy sweetness. Vault City has taken this nostalgic candy flavour and translated it into a beer through their mixed fermentation base, allowing the beer to take on a vibrant fruity character that’s balanced by the smoothness of vanilla. The addition of Scottish raspberries provides the beer with a rich, juicy fruitiness, while the vanilla gives it a creamy, dessert-like finish.

Pairing Suggestions: Giant Lollipop is a perfect beer for pairing with lighter, sweet dishes. Try it with a fresh fruit tart or a raspberry sorbet, where the beer’s tartness enhances the fruitiness of the dessert. It also works well with tangy cheeses, such as goat cheese or cream cheese, where the sourness of the beer contrasts with the creaminess of the cheese. For a savoury pairing, enjoy it with a charcuterie board featuring mild, soft cheeses and fresh fruit, where the beer’s fruitiness complements the flavours of the board.


Holy Goat ~ 180 Shilling Ale 12.0% Scottish Barleywine

180 Shilling Ale from Holy Goat is a powerful, rich, and complex Scottish Barleywine with an ABV of 12.0%. The beer pours a deep amber with a rich, off-white head that lingers. The aroma is a complex blend of toffee, caramel, and dark fruit, with subtle hints of oak and smoke. On the palate, 180 Shilling Ale is full-bodied and smooth, with flavours of rich caramel, dark cherry, and a slight nuttiness, all balanced by the sweetness of malt and the warmth of alcohol. The oak and smoke notes add a layer of complexity, making this a sipping beer to be savoured slowly.

Interesting Fact: 180 Shilling Ale is brewed using a traditional double/reiterated mash technique, a method used since the 17th century to concentrate the wort and create a stronger beer without the need for additional sugars. This brewing technique, combined with the use of Chevallier malt and heritage crystal malt, creates a beer with a deep, rich malt character that is perfect for aging or enjoying fresh. The addition of No. 2 invert sugar provides a touch of sweetness that balances the beer’s depth and warmth.

Pairing Suggestions: The full-bodied nature of 180 Shilling Ale makes it an excellent pairing for hearty, rich dishes. Try it with roasted meats like duck or venison, where the beer’s malty sweetness complements the richness of the meat. It also pairs beautifully with strong, aged cheeses, such as Stilton or sharp cheddar, where the beer’s caramel and dark fruit notes enhance the bold flavours of the cheese. For dessert, enjoy it with a fruitcake, chocolate truffles, or a rich bread pudding, where the beer’s complexity adds depth to the sweetness of the dessert.


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