January 2025: Mixed No Sour Beer Box

January 2025: Mixed No Sour Beer Box

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.

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.

 

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