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.
Elusive Resonance Pale Ale 4.5%
Elusive’s Resonance Pale Ale is a vibrant and flavourful brew that showcases the best of both British and American hops. With an ABV of 4.5%, it strikes a perfect balance between drinkability and flavour intensity. The combination of UK-grown Jester and Harlequin hops with US varieties like Columbus and Mosaic delivers a burst of tropical fruit flavours, including pineapple, passionfruit, and grapefruit, alongside a dank and herbal edge. The malt base, which includes barley, wheat, and oats, creates a smooth and slightly creamy body that enhances the beer’s hop-forward character. The finish is clean, with a pleasant bitterness that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip.
Interesting Fact: The use of both UK and US hops in Resonance is a nod to the global nature of modern beer brewing. By combining the fruity and earthy notes of British hops with the bold citrus and tropical flavours of American hops, Elusive has created a pale ale that offers the best of both worlds, with a unique and complex flavour profile.
Food Pairings: Resonance Pale Ale pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, especially those with bold, spicy flavours. Try it with a spicy Thai red curry, where the beer’s tropical fruitiness complements the heat and richness of the curry. It also works well with grilled lamb, where the beer’s bitterness helps to cut through the richness of the meat. For a more casual pairing, enjoy it with a cheeseburger, where the beer’s fruity hop character will complement the savoury flavours of the beef and cheese.
Pretty Decent Live Fast, Fly Young West Coast Pale Ale 5.0%
Pretty Decent’s Live Fast, Fly Young is a West Coast pale ale that embodies the hop-forward, resinous character that the style is known for. At 5.0% ABV, it’s a beer that’s both flavourful and highly drinkable, with a crisp, dry finish that makes it incredibly refreshing. The hops—Simcoe, Citra, and Strata—combine to create a burst of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit, while the malt base of barley, oats, and wheat provides a smooth and balanced foundation. The bitterness is assertive but not overpowering, making this a great beer for those who enjoy a hop-driven brew without too much bitterness.
Interesting Fact: The use of Strata hops in this West Coast pale ale is a nod to the innovative hop varieties that have emerged in recent years. Strata hops are known for their unique flavour profile, which combines tropical fruit, herbal, and earthy notes, making them an excellent complement to the citrus and pine flavours from Simcoe and Citra.
Food Pairings: Live Fast, Fly Young is a perfect pairing for bold, flavourful dishes. It works beautifully with grilled meats, such as a smoky barbecue pork ribs or a charred steak, where the beer’s bitterness will balance the richness of the meat. It also pairs well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda, where the beer’s hop character complements the strong, tangy flavours of the cheese. For a lighter pairing, try it with a citrusy quinoa salad with grilled vegetables, where the beer’s freshness will enhance the dish.
71 Brewing Inner Galactic Cold IPA 5.3%
71 Brewing’s Inner Galactic is a cold IPA that offers a refreshing take on the IPA style. Brewed with West Coast hops and cold brewed for a crisp, clean taste, this 5.3% ABV beer delivers a burst of tropical fruit and citrus flavours without the heavy bitterness often found in traditional IPAs. The use of cold brewing helps to preserve the delicate hop aromas while minimizing the bitterness, resulting in a smooth and easy-drinking beer. The malt base provides just enough body to support the hops, while the beer finishes with a clean, refreshing finish that makes it perfect for session drinking.
Interesting Fact: Cold brewing is a technique that’s gaining popularity in the IPA world because it enhances the hop aroma while softening the bitterness. By using this method, 71 Brewing has created an IPA that is bright, fruity, and incredibly smooth, offering a new spin on a classic style.
Food Pairings: Inner Galactic pairs well with light, fresh dishes. Try it with a citrus and avocado salad, where the beer’s hop-forward character will complement the freshness of the ingredients. It also works wonderfully with grilled seafood, such as scallops or shrimp, where the beer’s crisp finish enhances the natural sweetness of the shellfish. For something a bit heartier, enjoy it with a grilled chicken sandwich with a tangy aioli, where the beer’s fruitiness will balance the richness of the chicken.
Burning Sky Dreams Are Free West Coast Pale Ale 4.0%
Burning Sky’s Dreams Are Free is a clean and crisp West Coast pale ale that celebrates the hop-forward flavours of Citra and Mosaic hops. At 4.0% ABV, it’s a light and refreshing beer that offers a burst of tropical fruit and citrus aromas. The malt base of Maris Otter, Vienna, and Château Blanc wheat provides a smooth, slightly sweet foundation, allowing the hops to shine through. The beer is dry-hopped to deliver intense hop character, creating a bright and aromatic beer with a crisp, clean finish.
Interesting Fact: The use of dry-hopping in Dreams Are Free enhances the beer’s hop aroma without adding excessive bitterness. This technique allows the tropical fruit and citrus flavours to shine while maintaining the beer’s drinkability and freshness.
Food Pairings: Dreams Are Free pairs wonderfully with fresh, light dishes like a seafood salad or grilled shrimp with lime. The beer’s crisp finish also makes it a great match for spicy dishes, such as chili or spicy buffalo wings, where the beer’s bitterness balances the heat. For a simple pairing, try it with a fresh goat cheese salad, where the beer’s tropical and citrus notes complement the tangy cheese.