Brass Kitty ~ Pineapple Pale 4.8% Pale Ale
Brass Kitty’s Pineapple Pale is a tropical escape in a can, offering a sunny burst of flavours that brighten even the greyest days. This 4.8% pale ale uses Chinook and Citra hops to balance the sweetness of ripe pineapple with layers of piney bitterness and citrus zing. On the nose, the beer offers a delightful tropical fruit aroma, with the pineapple coming through as sweet and fresh, balanced by a hint of resinous pine from the Chinook hops. The first sip delivers the expected fruitiness, with the pineapple taking centre stage, but it is quickly joined by the crisp bitterness from the hops, giving the beer a refreshing edge. The finish is clean and slightly dry, with a touch of citrus that lingers pleasantly, making it easy to reach for another sip.
Interesting fact: The use of both Chinook and Citra hops in this pale ale creates a hop profile that is both vibrant and balanced. Chinook is known for its pine and resinous characteristics, which complement the bright, tropical fruit notes of Citra. This pairing not only enhances the pineapple flavours but also helps keep the beer from being overly sweet, giving it a refreshing complexity that makes it perfect for the Northern climes where sun is often in short supply.
Food pairings: Pineapple Pale pairs wonderfully with tropical or citrus-infused dishes. Try it alongside a grilled chicken taco with a tangy pineapple salsa, where the beer’s tropical sweetness complements the bright, spicy flavours of the salsa. It also works well with seafood, particularly grilled shrimp or a fish ceviche, where the citrusy bitterness helps cut through the richness of the fish. For a fun pairing, serve it with a spicy pork belly bao bun, as the beer’s bitterness and pineapple notes balance the rich, fatty pork and spicy sauce.
Bellfield ~ Daft Days Porter 6.5% Porter
Daft Days Porter from Bellfield is an inky-black ale that delivers a rich and satisfying experience. At 6.5%, it’s a medium-strength porter that strikes a perfect balance between malt sweetness and bitterness. On the nose, it’s filled with deep aromas of roasted chocolate, coffee, and a subtle fruity note, likely from the Bramling Cross hops. The first sip reveals layers of flavour—dark chocolate and coffee dominate, complemented by a slight blackcurrant note from the hops and a smooth, malty sweetness that lingers on the palate. The body is full and creamy, making it a rich yet approachable porter. The bitterness is mid-level, ensuring that the malt-forward profile remains the star of the show, with a finish that is smooth and satisfying.
Interesting fact: The use of Bramling Cross and Phoenix hops in Daft Days Porter is a nod to traditional British ale brewing, with Bramling Cross contributing a fruity, blackcurrant character, while Phoenix adds a touch of spiciness and dark chocolate aroma. These hops are perfectly suited to a porter, where their subtlety allows the malt profile to shine while adding complexity to the beer’s flavour profile. Inspired by Robert Fergusson’s poem on festive merriment, this beer celebrates rich, wintery nights and the joys of good company.
Food pairings: The rich, roasted character of Daft Days Porter makes it an ideal companion for hearty, comforting foods. Pair it with a slow-cooked beef stew, where the beer’s malt sweetness complements the richness of the meat. It also works well with grilled sausages, particularly those with a slightly spicy or herby profile, as the beer’s bitterness balances the fattiness. For dessert, serve it with a warm chocolate brownie or a rich chocolate tart, where the dark chocolate and coffee flavours in the beer enhance the dessert’s richness.
Blue Monkey ~ Mosaic Session 4.3% Pale Ale
Blue Monkey’s Mosaic Session is a beautifully smooth, easy-drinking pale ale that packs a punch of tropical fruit flavour. At 4.3%, this session pale ale is brewed with heaps of oats to create a full-bodied beer that remains light and refreshing. The Mosaic hops take centre stage, offering aromas of passionfruit, mango, and grapefruit. On the palate, the beer delivers a delightful tropical fruit explosion, with passionfruit and mango leading the way, followed by a zesty grapefruit finish that adds a touch of citrus bitterness. The body is smooth and creamy, thanks to the oats, making this a beer that’s both flavourful and highly drinkable.
Interesting fact: The use of Mosaic hops in both the kettle and dry hopping stages allows the beer to showcase the full range of tropical stone fruit flavours that the hop is known for. Mosaic is prized for its complex character, often contributing notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine. In this session pale ale, it creates a perfect balance of juicy fruit and subtle bitterness, making it a go-to beer for those who appreciate vibrant hop flavours without the high ABV of traditional pale ales.
Food pairings: Mosaic Session is a fantastic beer to pair with lighter, fresh dishes. Try it with a grilled chicken salad featuring tropical fruits like mango and avocado, where the beer’s fruitiness enhances the freshness of the salad. It also pairs wonderfully with seafood, particularly grilled fish or shrimp tacos, as the beer’s tropical flavours complement the natural sweetness of the seafood. For a more casual pairing, serve it with a goat cheese salad or a fresh vegetable stir-fry to highlight the beer’s citrus and tropical notes.
Buxton ~ Cavern 4.2% Lager
Buxton’s Cavern lager is the brewery’s flagship, offering a crisp, clean, and refreshingly smooth lager experience. At 4.2%, it’s light and easy-drinking, with a clean malt profile and a touch of fruity character that makes it highly sessionable. On the nose, the beer presents aromas of light malt sweetness with hints of fruitiness, likely from the yeast strain used in brewing. The first sip is smooth, with a slightly bready malt backbone that provides a subtle sweetness, balanced by a gentle bitterness that finishes crisp and dry. The body is light, making it incredibly refreshing and perfect for hot weather or as a palate cleanser between richer dishes.
Interesting fact: Cavern is inspired by the crystal-clear waters that filter through Derbyshire’s mysterious, millennia-old caverns. This connection to nature is reflected in the beer’s clean, pure taste, which is achieved through careful brewing methods that highlight the quality of the ingredients. The light malt character and clean finish make this lager an ideal representation of Buxton Brewery’s commitment to crafting beers that are both simple and elegant.
Food pairings: Cavern is a versatile lager that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of foods. It works especially well with lighter dishes like grilled chicken, seafood, or salads, where its crisp finish can cleanse the palate between bites. For something heartier, it pairs beautifully with a classic fish and chips, where the beer’s light malt character complements the richness of the batter. It also makes an excellent pairing for creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, as its clean profile helps to balance the cheese’s richness.
Buxton ~ Deepdale 4.0% Session Pale Ale
Deepdale is a light and refreshing session pale ale that packs a lot of flavour into its 4.0% ABV. The beer is brewed with modern hops, giving it a burst of tropical fruit character, but it remains crisp and easy-drinking. On the nose, the beer offers aromas of ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, with a hint of citrus. The first sip delivers soft, juicy stone fruit flavours, followed by a clean, crisp finish that makes this beer incredibly sessionable. The bitterness is mild, allowing the fruitiness to shine without being overpowering, making it an ideal beer for all-day drinking.
Interesting fact: Deepdale is not only refreshing but also gluten-free, which makes it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. The use of modern hops gives it a contemporary twist on the traditional pale ale, creating a beer that’s light, fruity, and highly drinkable, perfect for a casual pint or a long afternoon session.
Food pairings: This session pale ale pairs wonderfully with light, fresh dishes. Try it with a grilled vegetable salad or a fresh tuna salad, where the beer’s stone fruit character complements the vegetables’ natural sweetness. It also works well with a citrusy chicken dish or a light seafood pasta, where the beer’s mild bitterness balances the richness of the sauce. For dessert, pair it with a light fruit sorbet or a peach crumble to enhance the beer’s fruity notes.
Campervan ~ Alpine Tour 2.2% Radler
Alpine Tour is a refreshing and light Radler, perfect for those who want a low-ABV beer with a burst of citrus flavour. Collaboration with Drop Project, this 2.2% Radler is brewed with a blend of grapefruit and mandarin, creating a zesty, fruity profile that is both refreshing and energizing. On the nose, the beer delivers a bright, citrus aroma, with the grapefruit and mandarin coming together in perfect harmony. The taste is light and effervescent, with the citrus fruits providing a tangy, slightly sweet flavour that’s complemented by a bready malt backbone. The finish is crisp and clean, making this Radler an excellent choice for a hot day or as a pre-dinner drink.
Interesting fact: Alpine Tour is brewed with Weyermann® Barke® Pilsner and wheat malt, which contribute to its smooth, slightly bready base. The use of these high-quality malts enhances the beer’s light, clean profile, while the addition of grapefruit and mandarin brings a refreshing, citrusy twist. This Radler is a nod to the traditional German style, which blends beer with fruit soda to create a light and refreshing beverage.
Food pairings: The citrusy nature of Alpine Tour makes it a great match for light, summery dishes. Pair it with a grilled chicken salad featuring citrus dressing, or a fresh seafood platter with lemon wedges. It also works well with spicy foods, such as a Thai green curry or a spicy grilled fish, where the beer’s citrus character helps to balance the heat. For dessert, enjoy it with a lemon meringue pie or a fruit sorbet to complement the beer’s refreshing citrus notes.
Roosters ~ Haus Lager Bier 4.2% Lager
Roosters’ Haus Lager Bier is a clean, crisp lager that is perfect for easy drinking. At 4.2%, it strikes a balance between malt and hop character, offering a smooth, refreshing experience. The beer pours a pale gold, with aromas of light malt sweetness and a hint of floral hops. The first sip is clean and crisp, with a slight bready malt flavour that’s balanced by a gentle bitterness. The finish is dry and refreshing, making it incredibly easy to drink, whether you’re enjoying it on its own or with food.
Interesting fact: Haus Lager Bier is designed to be approachable and sessionable, with a well-balanced flavour profile that makes it perfect for a wide range of occasions. The carefully measured balance of malt and hops ensures that the beer is both refreshing and flavourful, without being overwhelming.
Food pairings: This lager pairs well with classic pub fare, such as a hearty burger or fish and chips. The beer’s crisp finish helps to cut through the richness of fried foods, making it an ideal pairing for these dishes. It also works wonderfully with light salads, grilled chicken, or fresh seafood, where its clean, refreshing nature enhances the flavours of the food. For a simple snack, pair it with pretzels or a mild cheese like gouda for a satisfying combination.
Drop Project ~ Scoff 3.5% Table Beer
Scoff from Drop Project is a low-ABV table beer that packs a lot of flavour into just 3.5%. Brewed with Cascade and Simcoe hops, this beer delivers a burst of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. On the nose, it’s filled with aromas of grapefruit, apricot, and orange peel, with a touch of pine from the hops. The first sip is crisp and refreshing, with zesty grapefruit and apricot flavours leading the way, balanced by a mild bitterness that adds complexity. The finish is clean, with a lingering citrus note that makes it an easy-drinking, sessionable beer.
Interesting fact: Scoff is brewed with Cascade and Simcoe hops, which are both known for their bold, citrus-forward flavours. Cascade contributes the grapefruit and floral notes, while Simcoe adds pine, apricot, and tropical fruit characteristics, creating a well-rounded and complex beer despite its low ABV.
Food pairings: Scoff is perfect for pairing with light, fresh dishes. Try it with a citrusy grilled chicken or a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad. It also works well with spicy dishes, such as a spicy Thai salad or a zesty chicken curry, where the beer’s citrus and fruit notes balance the heat. For dessert, pair it with a lemon tart or a fruity sorbet to highlight the beer’s refreshing citrus character.