Elusive Serenity Dark Mild 3.8%
Elusive’s Serenity Dark Mild is a beautifully balanced beer that demonstrates how the Dark Mild style can pack surprising depth. At a modest 3.8% ABV, this beer opens with the comforting aroma of brown bread toast, quickly followed by the sweetness of caramel and molasses. The malt-forward body remains deceptively light, letting the subtle fruity hop notes peek through to provide a lift without overpowering the core flavours. It's an easy-drinking brew that doesn’t sacrifice complexity, making it a perfect session beer.
Interesting Fact: The Dark Mild was a popular English style during the 19th century, originally brewed to be low in alcohol but full of flavour, perfect for long, sociable pub sessions. While often overshadowed by stronger ales, Serenity Dark Mild highlights the enduring appeal of this style with its layered malt complexity, setting it apart in today’s beer market.
Food Pairings: Serenity’s malt richness pairs excellently with comforting foods like beef stew or braised lamb. If you're looking for lighter fare, a ploughman’s lunch with sharp cheese and pickles works beautifully. Roasted nuts or a slice of dark chocolate cake would also be a great match, enhancing the beer’s malt sweetness.
Brass Kitty Cherry Kitty Cherry Vanilla Porter 5.5% VG GF
Brass Kitty’s Cherry Kitty Cherry Vanilla Porter takes the classic porter style and adds a sweet, fruity twist with cherries and vanilla. At 5.5% ABV, the beer’s robust body is balanced by the smooth, sweet flavours of ripe cherries and vanilla, while the underlying roasted malts provide a rich backbone. The combination is reminiscent of a Black Forest Cake in beer form—decadent, yet incredibly drinkable, with a silky mouthfeel that’s sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Interesting Fact: The marriage of cherries and vanilla in this porter is a nod to dessert-inspired beers, a trend that has gained popularity for creating indulgent and accessible flavours. The cherry’s tartness contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the vanilla, while the malt base adds a layer of depth, making it a well-rounded brew that’s gluten-free (GF) for all to enjoy.
Food Pairings: This beer is a natural partner for rich desserts like chocolate mousse or a slice of Black Forest cake. For a savoury option, try pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar—its creaminess will enhance the beer’s smooth texture. A bowl of spiced nuts could also make for a great snack, balancing out the sweet, roasty malt flavours.
Marble Up All Night Cortado Porter 4.1%
Marble’s Up All Night Cortado Porter combines two beloved beverages—coffee and porter—into a harmonious 4.1% ABV brew. Infused with Castillo coffee beans from the Alta Mogiana region, the beer has an inviting nose of chocolate, apple, and hazelnut, while the coffee imparts a natural sweetness that’s complemented by the smooth mouthfeel from added lactose. The result is a rich, velvety porter that mirrors the comforting experience of sipping a perfectly brewed cortado.
Interesting Fact: The Alta Mogiana coffee region in Brazil is known for its premium coffee beans, prized for their balance of flavours. By collaborating with Fort Coffee, a local roaster, Marble ensures that the coffee in this porter enhances both the beer’s complexity and smoothness, creating a beverage that’s as much about craftsmanship as it is about flavour.
Food Pairings: This porter is perfect with breakfast-style dishes, like a classic Eggs Benedict, where the richness of the hollandaise complements the creamy beer. A decadent chocolate cake would also be an ideal match, enhancing the porter’s chocolate and coffee flavours. For something savoury, try pairing it with grilled meats or a smoky barbecue burger, where the roasted malt and coffee notes will shine through.
Turning Point Lucid Dream Milk Stout 5.0%
Turning Point’s Lucid Dream is a milk stout that strikes the perfect balance between smoothness and richness. At 5.0% ABV, the beer’s creamy body is made even more indulgent with the use of lactose, which adds a touch of sweetness and a velvety texture. Roasted malts bring dark chocolate and coffee flavours into play, while the slight bitterness from the malts is beautifully countered by the sweetness of the lactose, making it a comforting, drinkable stout that’s never too overwhelming.
Interesting Fact: Milk stouts have a long history, dating back to the 19th century, where lactose was added to provide a smooth, creamy texture. Turning Point’s use of multiple malts and oats ensures the beer has a satisfying mouthfeel, while the lactose contributes to its balance of sweetness and richness, creating a perfectly harmonious stout.
Food Pairings: Lucid Dream pairs wonderfully with rich desserts like a chocolate lava cake or tiramisu. Its sweetness is an excellent match for savoury dishes like braised beef short ribs, where the beer’s smoothness enhances the meat’s depth of flavour. It’s also great with creamy cheese like brie or camembert, which will complement its silky texture.
Brew York What Would Ripley Do? NEIPA 5.5%
Brew York’s What Would Ripley Do? is a bold and hop-driven New England IPA (NEIPA) that embraces the vibrant, juicy flavours that the style is famous for. With a 5.5% ABV, it strikes a balance between drinkability and flavour intensity. The beer pours a hazy, golden yellow, with an inviting tropical aroma that promises a juicy and fruity experience. Expect a luscious combination of citrus, pineapple, and a hint of tropical fruit, which is complemented by a smooth, creamy mouthfeel thanks to the use of oats and wheat in the malt bill. The bitterness is kept in check, allowing the fruit-forward character of the hops to shine through in every sip.
Interesting Fact: Brew York’s celebration of Ellen Ripley, the iconic protagonist of Alien, in the form of this NEIPA is a nod to one of the most empowering female characters in science fiction. Ripley’s resilience and fearlessness serve as the perfect inspiration for a beer that combines bold hop flavours with a smooth, easy drinkability—a beer that packs a punch but remains incredibly approachable.
Food Pairings: The juicy, hop-forward profile of this NEIPA pairs wonderfully with dishes that emphasize bright and fresh flavours. Try it with a spicy Thai green curry, where the beer’s fruitiness complements the heat and complexity of the dish. It also works great with a zesty ceviche, where the citrus and tropical notes will enhance the freshness of the seafood. For a simple but delicious pairing, enjoy it with a goat cheese salad featuring fresh fruit, which will highlight the beer’s tart and juicy character.
Electric Bear Maximum Decibels IPA 6.2%
Electric Bear’s Maximum Decibels IPA is a loud and vibrant brew that delivers a powerful hop punch while maintaining a smooth, balanced mouthfeel. At 6.2% ABV, it’s a well-crafted IPA that boasts a rich complexity without overwhelming the palate. The beer is dominated by bright notes of pithy orange rind, resinous pine, and a spicy mango bite. The malt base of wheat, flaked malted oats, and Vienna malts provides a smooth foundation, allowing the hops—Mosaic, Sabro, and Motueka Cryo—to shine through with their bold citrus, tropical fruit, and resinous pine flavours. The bitterness is well-managed, making this a beer that’s both bold and easy to enjoy.
Interesting Fact: The use of Motueka Cryo hops in this IPA is a nod to the latest advancements in hop processing, where Cryo hops are known for their ability to provide intense hop flavour with less bitterness. This results in a beer that delivers big hop character without being too harsh, allowing the complexity of the fruit and pine flavours to shine through.
Food Pairings: Maximum Decibels IPA pairs well with bold, flavourful dishes. A juicy, char-grilled burger with a spicy barbecue sauce would complement the beer’s citrus and pine notes, creating a satisfying contrast between the sweetness of the sauce and the beer’s bitterness. It also works well with a grilled chicken salad featuring citrus dressing, where the hops’ zesty flavours will enhance the dish’s freshness. For a more indulgent pairing, enjoy it with crispy fish tacos, where the beer’s tropical and citrus notes will complement the fish and salsa perfectly.
Farm Yard Oui Chef Little Pale Ale 3.4%
Farm Yard’s Oui Chef Little Pale Ale is a low-alcohol beer that punches well above its weight in flavour. At just 3.4% ABV, it’s a sessionable pale ale that doesn’t skimp on the juicy, tropical hop character. The beer showcases an impressive blend of Strata, Azacca, and Maui Nelson hops, which combine to produce a delightful medley of pineapple, passionfruit, and mango aromas. The malt bill, including barley, wheat, and oats, provides a light and smooth body that allows the hops to shine without being overpowering. The beer finishes clean and crisp, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion.
Interesting Fact: The use of Maui Nelson hops in this pale ale is a tribute to the growing popularity of New Zealand-grown hops, which are known for their tropical and fruity flavour profiles. These hops are a perfect match for the bold tropical flavours of Azacca and Strata, creating a beer that is bright, juicy, and incredibly refreshing.
Food Pairings: Oui Chef Little Pale Ale is a great pairing for light, flavourful dishes. Its tropical fruit character complements seafood dishes like shrimp or scallops, especially when prepared with a citrus glaze or mango salsa. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or vegetable skewers, where the beer’s hop profile enhances the freshness of the ingredients. For a simple, light meal, enjoy it with a goat cheese and avocado salad, where the beer’s crisp finish will balance the creaminess of the cheese.
Turning Point Daydream Nation Pale Ale 3.8%
Turning Point’s Daydream Nation is a soft and sessionable pale ale that delivers a delightful burst of citrus and tropical fruit flavours. At 3.8% ABV, it’s an easy-drinking beer that’s perfect for any time of day. The beer is brewed with Amarillo, Vic Secret, and Mosaic hops, which provide a combination of bright citrus, juicy pineapple, and a touch of stone fruit. The malt base of barley, wheat, and oats ensures a smooth mouthfeel that allows the hops to take centre stage without being too bitter. It’s a pale ale that’s bursting with flavour but remains light and approachable.
Interesting Fact: The use of Vic Secret hops, a variety grown in Australia, brings a unique twist to the beer’s tropical profile. Vic Secret is known for imparting flavours of pineapple, passionfruit, and pine, making it an excellent complement to the citrusy character of Amarillo and the juicy fruit notes from Mosaic hops.
Food Pairings: Daydream Nation pairs beautifully with a range of light dishes. Try it with a fresh and tangy citrus salad with avocado and feta cheese, where the beer’s tropical fruit flavours will enhance the freshness of the salad. It also works well with grilled fish, such as salmon or trout, where the beer’s citrus and tropical notes will complement the fish’s richness. For a more indulgent pairing, enjoy it with a spicy barbecue chicken pizza, where the beer’s crisp finish will balance the heat of the sauce.