Blackjack Summer’s Porter – American Style Porter (5.0%)
This American-style porter greets you with its visually striking appearance: a deepest, darkest brown body crowned by a medium tan head. On the nose, expect a symphony of aromas: rich chocolate, orange citrus zests reminiscent of marmalade, hints of chicory, and a touch of earthy leather. The palate is equally enchanting, dominated by complex malt flavours. Brown and chocolate malts create a roasted, bittersweet backdrop, while notes of marmalade and a Cointreau-like orange essence lend a vibrant, zesty quality. The mouthfeel is thick and luscious, with an oily texture that leads into a long-lasting bitterness, perfect for savouring in the afternoon sunshine.
Interesting Fact: The name "Summer’s Porter" pays homage to E. Summers, who played a key role in the development of this beer. It reflects the brewery’s ethos of blending tradition with a modern twist, showcasing tropical hoppiness alongside a comforting malt body.
Pairing Suggestions: This porter’s roasted malts and orange zest pair beautifully with charred meats, particularly barbecue ribs glazed with a citrusy sauce. For a vegetarian option, try it with roasted sweet potatoes spiced with smoked paprika. To finish, enjoy it with a dark chocolate and orange tart for a decadent dessert.
Pilot American Brown – Brown Ale (4.9%)
Pilot’s American Brown Ale is an inviting blend of caramel sweetness, toasty malt notes, and vibrant hops. Its deep brown hue carries aromas of nuts, baked bread, and a whisper of citrus from American hops. On the palate, expect a rich malt backbone with layers of toffee, caramel, and a subtle hint of pine resin. This beer is full-bodied yet drinkable, delivering the perfect harmony of malty depth and hoppy brightness.
Interesting Fact: The "badly timed" release of this beer, as cheekily noted by the brewery, nods to its debut during a season typically dominated by lighter ales. However, its versatility proves that brown ales have a place on the table year-round.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair this ale with roasted chicken or a mushroom risotto to complement its nutty and caramel notes. For cheese lovers, aged cheddar or Gruyère is an excellent match. End the evening with a pecan pie or toffee pudding to echo the beer’s sweet and nutty profile.
Brick Hedgerow Sour – Hedgerow Sour (5.0%)
Brick’s Hedgerow Sour captures the vibrant, wild essence of a British hedgerow in its lively, tart profile. Pouring a hazy pinkish-red, it bursts with aromas of cranberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry. The flavour follows suit, offering a complex interplay of bright acidity and rich berry sweetness, balanced by a dry finish. This beer is both refreshing and intriguing, celebrating the bounty of seasonal fruits.
Interesting Fact: Inspired by traditional foraging practices, this beer is a nod to Britain’s natural abundance. The inclusion of wild fruits ties it to the changing seasons and underscores the brewery’s dedication to local, sustainable ingredients.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair this sour with creamy goat cheese or a fresh spinach salad topped with berries and nuts. For dessert, a raspberry sorbet or blackberry crumble perfectly complements the beer’s tartness.
Otherworld Elysia – Juicy Sour (4.0%)
Elysia is a refreshing and unique juicy sour infused with lime, fresh ginger, and Chinese Mu Tan tea. The beer pours a golden hue with a subtle haze and offers enticing aromas of peach, lime zest, and a touch of herbal tea. On the palate, the lime and ginger provide a zingy brightness, while the tea lends a soft, tannic complexity. Citra hops add a vibrant citrus tang that enhances the beer’s lively character.
Interesting Fact: The use of Mu Tan tea in brewing is a rare and innovative touch, bringing delicate floral and fruity notes to the beer. This ingredient showcases Otherworld’s creative approach to blending global flavours with classic sour styles.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this beer with Thai green curry or sushi rolls with fresh ginger. Its citrusy profile also pairs wonderfully with a peach cobbler or lime-infused cheesecake.
Elusive Snowfall – Pale Ale (4.0%)
Snowfall is a showcase for Mosaic hops, offering a delicate yet captivating drinking experience. The beer pours a pale golden hue with a light, frothy head. On the nose, Mosaic’s characteristic aromas shine through, delivering notes of ripe blueberries, fresh peaches, and subtle pine. On the palate, the light malt backbone provides the perfect canvas for the fruity hop profile, balancing its stone fruit sweetness with a refreshing, dry finish.
Interesting Fact: Mosaic hops are renowned for their versatility and complexity, often described as a "one-stop shop" hop due to their ability to provide fruit, floral, and earthy characteristics in a single variety. Snowfall’s exclusive use of Mosaic allows this hop’s full potential to shine.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair Snowfall with grilled chicken or a fresh peach and goat cheese salad. For a vegetarian option, try it with roasted butternut squash. The beer’s fruit-forward character also makes it a great match for a light berry tart or a bowl of mixed fruit.
Phantom Style – Pale Ale (4.0%)
Style is a vibrant pale ale brewed with Krush, El Dorado, and Peacharine hops, delivering a medley of fruit-forward aromas. The beer pours a hazy gold with a soft white head. Expect notes of juicy peaches, tropical pineapple, and a hint of ripe mango, balanced with a subtle floral undertone. On the palate, the tropical flavours are complemented by a gentle bitterness, leading to a smooth, refreshing finish.
Interesting Fact: Peacharine is a relatively new hop variety from New Zealand, celebrated for its ability to impart intense stone fruit flavours, particularly peach and nectarine. Combined with the bold tropical notes of El Dorado, Style is a true testament to modern hop innovation.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Style with spicy Thai curry or mango salsa-topped fish tacos. For dessert, a peach cobbler or nectarine galette would harmonize beautifully with the beer’s stone fruit notes.
360° All Day – Extra Pale Ale (3.7%)
All Day is a super sessionable extra pale ale that balances refreshing flavours with impressive depth. Pouring a pale straw colour with a bright, bubbly head, the beer exudes aromas of melon, raspberry, and a hint of spruce. The palate mirrors these aromas, offering a playful mix of Twister ice-cream-like sweetness and a crisp, slightly resinous finish. Despite its lower ABV, All Day delivers a full-flavored experience that’s perfect for casual sipping.
Interesting Fact: The combination of Chinook and Galaxy hops gives All Day its unique character. While Chinook brings notes of pine and spice, Galaxy adds bursts of tropical fruit, making this beer a delightful blend of old and new world hop profiles.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair All Day with a classic margherita pizza or a light cucumber and dill salad. Its crisp finish also complements fresh seafood dishes like ceviche or shrimp cocktail.
Siren Craft Brew x Indie Rabble Still Spinning – IPA (6.8%)
Still Spinning is a bold, hop-forward IPA brewed to celebrate the 5th anniversary of A Hoppy Place and Indie Rabble’s emerging presence in the UK beer scene. This beer pours a bright amber with a creamy white head. Expect an explosion of citrus, tropical fruit, and resinous pine aromas, thanks to the combination of Motueka, Idaho7, Citra, and El Dorado hops. The palate is juicy and vibrant, with a lingering bitterness that leaves you wanting more.
Interesting Fact: Idaho7 hops, known for their dual-purpose capabilities, add layers of complexity to Still Spinning. From tropical fruit to resinous pine and hints of black tea, this hop is a favourite for creating rich, dynamic IPAs.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Still Spinning with grilled meats like a smoky barbecue brisket or spicy chorizo. For a vegetarian pairing, try it with roasted red pepper and feta flatbread. Finish with a tropical fruit pavlova to echo the beer’s fruity notes.