Howling Hops x Baron Where Are We? – NEIPA (7.3%)
Where Are We? is a luscious NEIPA that combines the brewing expertise of Howling Hops and Baron Brewing. Pouring a hazy straw colour with a pillowy white head, this beer brims with aromas of ripe peaches, nectarines, and tropical fruits. The use of Nectaron and Citra hop oil creates a juicy stone fruit punch with a soft, chewy mouthfeel and a lingering citrusy finish.
Interesting Fact: Nectaron hops are a relatively new variety from New Zealand, known for their intense tropical and stone fruit aromas. The addition of dip-hopping techniques enhances the hop’s vibrant flavours, making this beer a standout in the NEIPA category.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair Where Are We? with grilled pineapple skewers or a spicy prawn curry. For dessert, a peach cobbler or tropical fruit pavlova would complement the beer’s fruity profile.
Otherworld Horsemen – DIPA (8.0%)
Horsemen is a bold and complex DIPA that showcases the harmonious blend of El Dorado, Galaxy, Alora, and Citra hops. Pouring a hazy golden orange, the beer delivers aromas of pineapple, passionfruit, and ripe citrus. The palate is saturated with tropical fruit flavours, balanced by a subtle resinous bitterness and a smooth, creamy finish.
Interesting Fact: The inclusion of Galaxy hops from Australia brings unique passionfruit and citrus notes, while Alora hops add a touch of tropical sweetness, making Horsemen a dynamic and flavourful DIPA.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Horsemen with spicy chicken wings or a Thai green curry. For dessert, try a passionfruit cheesecake or mango mousse to echo the beer’s tropical notes.
Burnt Mill Condensing Covers – Fog DIPA (8.0%)
Condensing Covers is a soft and tropical Fog DIPA that showcases the power of Citra, Mosaic, and Krush hops. Pouring a hazy straw colour, the beer offers aromas of mango, pineapple, and a touch of dank resin. The malt bill, featuring extra pale and dextrin malts, creates a velvety texture that enhances the beer’s juicy hop character and balanced bitterness.
Interesting Fact: Krush, originally known as HBC 586, has become a favourite at Burnt Mill for its intense tropical fruit flavours. Its hyper-boosted profile in this beer exemplifies the brewery’s dedication to pushing hop boundaries.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair Condensing Covers with a Hawaiian pizza or grilled shrimp tacos. For dessert, a pineapple upside-down cake or coconut panna cotta would highlight the beer’s tropical sweetness.
Gravity Well Binary Star Collision – DIPA (8.0%)
Binary Star Collision is an amplified DIPA that combines Mosaic, Strata, Citra, and Nectaron hops to create a soupy hop monster. Pouring a hazy orange, the beer bursts with flavours of ripe mango, guava, and a hint of strawberry, balanced by a dank, resinous undertone. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy, with a lingering tropical finish.
Interesting Fact: This beer is an evolution of Gravity Well’s Binary Star System, first brewed in 2022. The addition of Nectaron Cryo hops intensifies the tropical and citrus aromas, making it a truly unforgettable brew.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Binary Star Collision with spicy barbecue ribs or a mango salsa-topped burger. For dessert, a guava tart or strawberry shortcake complements the beer’s fruity and creamy notes.
Electric Bear Noisette – Hazelnut Truffle Stout (8.0%)
Noisette is an indulgent stout that pairs the richness of hazelnut with the decadence of chocolate. Pouring a deep ebony with a velvety tan head, this beer fills the air with the aromas of roasted nuts, cocoa, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is luxurious and full-bodied, offering layers of nutty sweetness, dark chocolate, and a creamy mouthfeel, finishing with a touch of warming alcohol.
Interesting Fact: Hazelnut and chocolate are classic dessert pairings, and Electric Bear has elevated this combination using chocolate malts and hazelnut essence to create a beer reminiscent of a truffle. It’s a celebration of dessert-inspired brewing.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair Noisette with a rich chocolate cake or hazelnut praline. For a savoury contrast, try it alongside a charcuterie board featuring aged gouda or blue cheese. For dessert, a Nutella cheesecake would echo its decadent flavours perfectly.
Vault City Fruity Fluff – Modern Sour (8.0%)
Fruity Fluff is a vibrant tropical sour with a dessert-like twist. Pouring a sunny orange with a slight haze, this beer combines Alphonso mango, juicy pineapple, and tart passionfruit with cloud-like marshmallow fluff for an irresistible sweet-tart balance. The marshmallow adds a silky smoothness to the texture, making it as delightful to sip as it is to savour.
Interesting Fact: Alphonso mangoes, known as the "king of mangoes," are celebrated for their intense sweetness and rich flavour. Vault City’s use of this premium ingredient elevates Fruity Fluff into a tropical dessert masterpiece.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair Fruity Fluff with a tropical fruit salad or grilled pineapple skewers. For dessert, mango panna cotta or passionfruit sorbet would mirror its tropical sweetness while complementing the beer’s tart edge.
Blackjack Caminada 2024 – Raspberry Vanilla Imperial Stout (10.0%)
Caminada 2024 is pure indulgence in a glass. This raspberry and vanilla imperial stout pours an inky black with a frothy tan head. The aroma offers layers of molasses, dark chocolate, leather, chicory, and freshly brewed coffee. On the palate, rich treacle sweetness intertwines with bitter dark chocolate, tart raspberry, and a creamy vanilla undertone. The body is full and luscious, with a velvety mouthfeel and a warm, boozy finish.
Interesting Fact: Caminada 2024 continues Blackjack’s tradition of annual releases, each showcasing a unique flavour profile. This year’s raspberry and vanilla edition highlights the versatility of imperial stouts as a canvas for bold, dessert-inspired flavours.
Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Caminada 2024 with a raspberry chocolate torte or a vanilla bean panna cotta. For a savoury option, pair it with braised short ribs or duck breast with a raspberry reduction. Aged cheddar also provides a delightful contrast to its rich sweetness.
Lost & Grounded Apophenia – Tripel (8.4%)
Apophenia is a beautifully crafted Belgian-style Tripel with a modern twist. Pouring a radiant golden hue with a creamy white head, the beer offers aromas of orange zest, coriander, and subtle floral hops. The palate is a delicate balance of sweet malt, vibrant citrus, and a hint of spicy phenols, finishing dry and slightly warming.
Interesting Fact: Tripels originated in Trappist monasteries in Belgium, where they were traditionally brewed as strong ales for special occasions. Lost & Grounded pays homage to this tradition while incorporating orange peel and coriander for added complexity.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair Apophenia with moules-frites or a roasted chicken seasoned with herbs and citrus. For dessert, a crème brûlée or orange-almond cake complements its citrusy and spiced notes beautifully.