Elusive Double Oregon Trail DIPA 8.0%
Elusive’s Double Oregon Trail DIPA is a celebration of classic West Coast IPA flavours, amplified with the strength and intensity of a double IPA. At 8.0% ABV, this beer packs a punch, delivering resinous piney bitterness balanced by bright citrus notes. The prominent hops—Simcoe, Chinook, and Columbus—impart earthy pine and citrus flavours that are typical of the West Coast style, but with an added depth of resinous complexity. The malt profile, which leans towards light caramel, offers a subtle sweetness that helps temper the bitterness, resulting in a smooth yet bold flavour profile. The body of the beer is clean, with a slight sweetness, making it a drink that’s both intense and well-balanced, ideal for fans of strong hop-forward beers.
Interesting Fact: The West Coast Double IPA style is known for its bold hop character, especially its piney and resinous qualities. The combination of Simcoe, Chinook, and Columbus hops is a nod to traditional West Coast brewing, where these hops are used to create a beer that showcases the best of citrus and pine with a clean, bitter finish. Elusive’s decision to double the strength of this brew elevates these classic characteristics, creating a beer that’s both a tribute to the style and a step forward in terms of hop intensity.
Food Pairings: Double Oregon Trail DIPA pairs perfectly with grilled meats, particularly smoky barbecue dishes like ribs or pulled pork, where the beer’s bitterness balances the richness of the meat. It also works wonderfully with spicy dishes, such as a hot buffalo chicken sandwich or a curry, where the bitterness of the hops contrasts with the heat of the spices. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with a sharp blue cheese, where the beer’s bitterness and piney notes will cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a satisfying balance.
Burnt Mill Rising Up West Coast DIPA 8.0%
Burnt Mill’s Rising Up West Coast DIPA is another 8.0% ABV powerhouse that brings together tropical fruit notes and classic West Coast bitterness in a bold and balanced brew. The beer features Citra, Comet, and Eclipse hops, which create a tropical mash of citrus fruits, complemented by the piney, resinous bitterness that defines the West Coast style. The addition of Columbus hops adds depth, enhancing the citrusy pine character and rounding out the beer with a well-structured bitterness. The malt bill is carefully balanced to support the hops without overwhelming the palate, allowing the tropical fruit flavours to shine through while maintaining the beer’s crisp finish.
Interesting Fact: The collaboration with a diverse group of women behind the scenes of Burnt Mill Brewing reflects the brewery’s commitment to inclusivity and community within the beer industry. The use of hops like Citra and Comet, known for their tropical and citrus-forward flavours, emphasizes Burnt Mill’s dedication to crafting bold, hop-driven beers. This West Coast DIPA brings a fresh take on the style while maintaining the classic piney bitterness that fans of the genre love.
Food Pairings: Rising Up pairs excellently with tropical-inspired dishes, such as grilled shrimp with a pineapple salsa or a mango-glazed chicken. The bitterness of the beer also complements the richness of chargrilled meats, particularly a smoky steak or barbecued chicken. For a more adventurous pairing, try it with a spicy fish taco, where the heat of the salsa and the beer’s bitterness work in harmony. The tropical fruit notes also make it a great match for a fruit-based dessert, such as a lemon meringue pie, where the beer’s citrus flavours enhance the zesty tang of the dessert.
Two Flints Big Jack DIPA 8.0%
Two Flints’ Big Jack DIPA is a full-bodied and intense beer that delivers an explosion of dank tropical flavours, with an ABV of 8.0%. Using a blend of Nelson Sauvin, Clayton, Mosaic, and Spectrum hops, Big Jack offers a complex aroma profile of white wine, papaya, and overripe mango, underpinned by a subtle grassy and piney finish. The combination of these hops gives the beer a tropical fruit-forward character that’s balanced by a mild bitterness, making it rich without being overwhelming. The malt base supports the hops with a smooth backbone, ensuring that the intense hop flavours take centre stage without any distractions.
Interesting Fact: The use of Nelson Sauvin, a hop known for its distinctive white wine and gooseberry flavours, brings a unique twist to the DIPA style. When paired with hops like Mosaic and Spectrum, which bring tropical fruit flavours such as papaya and mango, Big Jack delivers a depth of flavour that’s both rich and complex. The addition of Clayton hops, another New Zealand variety, enhances the herbal and piney finish, creating a well-rounded beer that showcases the best of modern hop innovation.
Food Pairings: Big Jack DIPA is perfect for pairing with bold, rich foods. Try it with a spicy barbecue brisket or grilled pork belly, where the beer’s bitterness helps balance the richness of the meat. The tropical fruit flavours also make it an excellent match for a coconut curry or spicy Thai noodles, where the beer’s juicy sweetness contrasts with the heat of the dish. For a more indulgent pairing, enjoy it with a creamy brie cheese or a blue cheese, where the beer’s bitterness cuts through the richness of the cheese, providing a satisfying balance.
Unbarred Dank Juice Hazy IPA 7.0%
Unbarred’s Dank Juice Hazy IPA is a cult classic, packed with dank, chewy hops that deliver an aromatic and flavour-packed experience. At 7.0% ABV, it’s a hazy IPA that’s triple dry-hopped with Cashmere, Chinook, Citra, and Mosaic hops, which result in a beer full of grassy dankness, stone fruit, citrus, and pine aromas. The flavour profile is equally complex, with ripe papaya, stone fruit, gooseberry, and subtle melon notes coating the palate. The body is soft and smooth, with a juicy mouthfeel that lingers, followed by a lingering herbal dankness that enhances the overall experience.
Interesting Fact: The term "dank" is often used in brewing to describe beers with intense hop aromas and flavours, particularly those that have earthy, herbal, and resinous characteristics. Unbarred’s use of a combination of hops like Cashmere and Chinook, known for their dank and piney profiles, makes Dank Juice a true representation of the style. The beer’s soft, smooth mouthfeel is the perfect base for these big hop flavours, making it a favourite among hazy IPA enthusiasts.
Food Pairings: Dank Juice pairs wonderfully with bold, flavourful dishes. Try it with a spicy chili or jalapeño poppers, where the beer’s bitterness complements the heat of the dish. It also works well with a chargrilled steak, where the beer’s piney and dank notes cut through the richness of the meat. For a lighter pairing, enjoy it with a goat cheese salad or a seafood ceviche, where the beer’s tropical fruit flavours will enhance the freshness of the ingredients.
Brass Castle Fluffernutter Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Imperial Stout 8.4%
Brass Castle’s Fluffernutter Imperial Stout is an indulgent and decadent winter treat that brings together the rich, savoury flavours of peanut butter and the sweet creaminess of marshmallow in an 8.4% ABV imperial stout. The beer pours a deep, almost black colour, with a rich, velvety mouthfeel that coats the palate with a luxurious sweetness. The roasted malts provide a foundation of chocolate and coffee, while the peanut butter adds a savoury, nutty depth, and the marshmallow crème imparts a smooth sweetness that enhances the beer’s complexity. The beer is rich without being overly heavy, making it a perfect winter warmer, particularly as the colder months roll in.
Interesting Fact: The Fluffernutter sandwich, a classic American treat, was originally invented in Massachusetts and has since become a beloved staple in the state. Brass Castle has captured the essence of this iconic sandwich in liquid form, combining the sweetness of marshmallow and the savoury depth of peanut butter into a decadent stout. What's more, this beer is certified gluten-free, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions who still want to indulge in this dessert-inspired beer.
Food Pairings: Fluffernutter pairs beautifully with rich, comforting foods. For a classic match, try it with a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich, where the beer’s creamy sweetness will complement the richness of the peanut butter. It also works wonderfully with desserts like chocolate lava cake or a rich cheesecake, where the beer’s smooth peanut butter notes enhance the richness of the chocolate and cheese. For a more savoury pairing, enjoy it with a charcuterie board featuring smoked meats and aged cheeses, where the beer’s sweetness contrasts with the saltiness of the meats and the sharpness of the cheese.
Brew York Champurrado Chilli & Chocolate Mexican Brownie Imperial Stout 11.0%
Brew York’s Champurrado Chilli & Chocolate Mexican Brownie Imperial Stout is a 11.0% ABV behemoth that’s rich, indulgent, and full of complexity. Brewed in collaboration with Thiccc Sauce, this imperial stout blends the deep, rich flavours of chocolate with the subtle heat of cinnamon and chilli peppers, creating a decadent beer that’s as warming as it is flavourful. The beer pours dark and opaque, with aromas of roasted chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of spice. The body is thick and creamy, providing a rich backdrop for the cocoa and vanilla sweetness, while the chilli and cinnamon add warmth and a gentle kick to the finish, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
Interesting Fact: Champurrado, the namesake of this beer, is a traditional Mexican hot drink made with chocolate, cornmeal, and spices, often enjoyed during the colder months. This imperial stout is inspired by the flavours of that drink, and the addition of chilli peppers brings a touch of authenticity and warmth to the beer. The collaboration with Thiccc Sauce—known for their bold flavour combinations—adds an extra layer of spice and depth, making this beer a true standout in the world of decadent stouts.
Food Pairings: Champurrado pairs excellently with spicy foods, where the heat of the chilli complements the richness of the dish. Try it with a smoky chili con carne, where the beer’s warmth and spice will enhance the savoury depth of the chili. It also works wonderfully with chocolate desserts, such as a flourless chocolate cake or a dark chocolate mousse, where the beer’s cocoa flavours will enhance the richness of the dessert. For something more unexpected, try it with a grilled steak with a chili rub, where the beer’s warmth balances the smoky, savoury flavours of the meat.
Vault City Sweet Shop - Flying Saucers Lemon Sherbet Sour 8.2%
Vault City’s Sweet Shop - Flying Saucers Lemon Sherbet Sour is a delightful and nostalgic beer that takes you back to childhood candy shops with every sip. At 8.2% ABV, this sour is light, bright, and irresistibly tangy, with a vibrant lemon sherbet flavour that’s as zesty as it is refreshing. The beer is bursting with sharp, citrusy lemon character, complemented by a clean, tart finish that’s reminiscent of the classic flying saucer sweets. The sourness is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the lemon, creating a beer that’s not only fun but also incredibly refreshing.
Interesting Fact: Vault City is known for pushing the boundaries of sour beers, and the Sweet Shop series is a prime example of their creativity. This beer takes inspiration from the flying saucer sweets, which are iconic in British confectionery, combining tangy sherbet with a light sweetness. The result is a beer that’s a true reflection of the brand’s playful spirit while also delivering a complex and refreshing sour experience. With a zesty lemon profile, it’s an excellent example of how sour beers can bring back nostalgic flavours in a modern context.
Food Pairings: Flying Saucers Lemon Sherbet Sour is a perfect match for light, refreshing dishes. Try it with a fresh seafood salad, where the beer’s acidity will complement the delicate flavours of the fish and the tangy dressing. It also pairs wonderfully with a light goat cheese salad, where the beer’s sourness enhances the tanginess of the cheese. For dessert, try pairing it with a lemon sorbet or a lemon meringue pie, where the beer’s lemon sherbet character will enhance the citrus notes of the dessert, creating a refreshing pairing.
Otherworld Snare Sour 7.5%
Otherworld’s Snare Sour is a bold and vibrant beer that showcases the intense flavours of passionfruit in a way that’s both complex and refreshing. At 7.5% ABV, this sour delivers a punch of fruitiness, with passionfruit taking centre stage. The beer opens with a tart, acidic kick that is balanced by floral notes and a sweet finish. The addition of lime and salt enhances the beer’s acidity, creating a lively and zesty flavour profile. The use of rye and oats in the malt bill gives the beer a smooth, slightly creamy body, providing a perfect contrast to the sharp acidity and fruitiness of the sour.
Interesting Fact: Passionfruit is known for its unique tartness and tropical fruitiness, making it a perfect fruit for sour beers. The addition of lime and salt in Snare Sour brings a level of complexity to the beer, creating a drink that’s not just sour but also refreshingly zesty. Otherworld’s use of rye and oats in the malt bill helps to round out the beer’s body, providing a smooth mouthfeel that balances the acidity and fruitiness of the beer.
Food Pairings: Snare Sour is an excellent match for tangy and fresh dishes. Try it with ceviche, where the beer’s acidity enhances the freshness of the fish and the zesty citrus notes. It also pairs wonderfully with a grilled chicken salad, where the beer’s tartness complements the lightness of the dish. For a more indulgent pairing, enjoy it with a soft cheese like brie or goat cheese, where the beer’s sourness cuts through the richness of the cheese. The beer’s fruitiness also makes it a great match for a tropical fruit salad or a mango sorbet.