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.
Hammerton Swiss Prism – Chocolate, Almond & Honey Stout (5.7%)
A decadent delight, Hammerton’s Swiss Prism starts with a luscious chocolate base infused with almonds and honey, creating a dessert-like stout. Milk sugars enhance its smooth, velvety texture, while notes of dark chocolate and roasted malts are perfectly balanced by a nutty sweetness and a floral honey finish. It’s indulgent yet surprisingly drinkable.
Interesting Fact: Inspired by Swiss confectionery, this stout celebrates Hammerton’s creative approach to blending beer and dessert. The addition of milk sugars not only enriches the texture but also nods to the creamy character of Swiss milk chocolate.
Pairing Suggestions: This stout pairs wonderfully with sweet treats like almond biscotti or chocolate mousse. For a savoury pairing, try it with aged gouda or a honey-glazed ham to enhance its sweet and nutty notes.
Lost & Grounded Lost Wolf – American-Style Brown Ale (5.2%)
Lost Wolf is a nostalgic nod to the 1990s craft beer revolution, featuring a balanced profile of biscuit malt, piney hops, and citrus zest. Its amber-brown colour invites you in, revealing aromas of caramel, freshly baked bread, and subtle grapefruit. On the palate, biscuit and toffee malts mingle with resinous pine and a crisp citrus bite, resulting in a complex yet refreshing beer.
Interesting Fact: This collaborative brew with Wicklow Wolf symbolizes the camaraderie of the craft beer community. The "Hippo and Wolf" reference hints at the quirky partnership that brought this beer to life.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this brown ale with grilled pork chops or roasted vegetables. It also complements earthy cheeses like Stilton or a hearty beef stew. For dessert, a citrus tart would highlight its zesty hop notes.
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.
Howling Hops Fruit Session No. 3 – Raspberry, Kiwi, Lemon Sour (4.0%)
Light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, Fruit Session No. 3 combines raspberry, kiwi, and a splash of lemon to create a subtly tart yet fruity sour. The aroma is bright and inviting, with notes of fresh berries and tropical fruit. The flavour is a seamless blend of sweet raspberries, tangy kiwi, and a zesty lemon finish, all carried by a light, effervescent body.
Interesting Fact: This is the third instalment in Howling Hops’ Fruit Session series, each showcasing unique fruit combinations. The use of kiwi—an uncommon brewing ingredient—adds an exotic twist that sets this beer apart.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair this sour with a fresh fruit salad or a soft brie cheese. For dessert, a lemon tart or raspberry mousse echoes the beer’s vibrant flavours.
Vault City Teacake Sour – Modern Sour (5.0%)
A playful homage to a beloved Scottish treat, Teacake Sour combines marshmallow sweetness, creamy milk chocolate, rich biscuit, and juicy strawberries for a dessert-inspired delight. This beer pours a light brown with a slight haze, offering aromas of chocolate and jam. The flavour is an indulgent mix of soft sweetness and tart berry brightness, balanced by a smooth, biscuity finish.
Interesting Fact: Vault City’s Teacake Sour celebrates the nostalgic flavours of Scotland’s iconic tea-time snack while pushing the boundaries of what a sour beer can be. It’s a testament to the brewery’s experimental spirit.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this beer with a chocolate-dipped shortbread or a strawberry cheesecake. For a savoury pairing, try it with creamy blue cheese to contrast the beer’s sweetness.