Lost & Grounded ~ Together Sounds Better 3.2% Blackcurrant Berliner Weisse
Lost & Grounded’s Together Sounds Better is a delightful tribute to International Women’s Day, a beer that embodies the spirit of celebration and inclusivity. This Blackcurrant Berliner Weisse presents itself with a beautifully hazy, pale pink hue, foreshadowing the burst of fruitiness to come. On the nose, the beer greets you with a bright, tangy aroma of ripe blackcurrants, balanced by a whisper of citrus from the Mittlefruh hops. The flavour is effervescent and refreshing, with the tartness of blackcurrants upfront, complemented by a slight salinity that adds an unexpected twist to the usual Berliner Weisse profile. The body is light and crisp, making it an incredibly drinkable and refreshing beer, perfect for a sunny day or a casual gathering.
Interesting fact: Together Sounds Better is brewed to support Womankind Bristol, with 10p from each can sold being donated to the organization. The use of Mittlefruh hops, known for their mild bitterness and subtle citrus notes, along with the addition of salinity, is a nod to the brewery’s commitment to creating balanced, approachable sours. This beer also celebrates the women in the beer and hospitality industries, making it a true symbol of community and empowerment.
Food pairings: The zesty, fruity nature of Together Sounds Better pairs excellently with light, fresh dishes. Try it alongside a goat cheese salad with tangy citrus dressing, where the acidity of the beer complements the creamy cheese. It also works beautifully with seafood dishes like smoked salmon or grilled shrimp, as the beer’s slight saltiness will enhance the natural flavours of the ocean. For dessert, pair it with a lemon sorbet or a berry pavlova to amplify the fruity notes while balancing the tartness of the beer.
Howling Hops ~ Fruit Sour No.5 4.0% Cherry, Guava, Lime Sour
Howling Hops’ Fruit Sour No.5 is a light, vibrant sour that showcases a dynamic combination of cherry, guava, and lime. The beer pours a pale amber with a soft, bubbly head, setting the stage for a burst of tropical fruit aromas. The cherries bring a sweet, tart foundation, while the guava adds a layer of exotic fruitiness, and the lime injects a lively citrus sharpness that lifts the entire profile. On the palate, the beer strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sour, with a gentle acidity that makes each sip refreshing and mouthwatering. The finish is clean, with the citrus notes lingering on the tongue, making it a perfect beer for a warm afternoon or a casual gathering.
Interesting fact: The use of guava in Fruit Sour No.5 is a nod to the brewery’s penchant for blending tropical fruits into their sours. Guava is often used in sour beers to provide a smooth, exotic sweetness that contrasts with the natural tartness of the base beer. The addition of lime is a clever twist, amplifying the beer's refreshing qualities and adding complexity to the fruit-forward profile.
Food pairings: Fruit Sour No.5 pairs wonderfully with dishes that have a balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Try it with a spicy Thai green curry, where the citrus sharpness complements the heat, while the guava provides a sweet contrast to the spices. For a lighter pairing, go with a tropical fruit salad or grilled chicken tacos with a tangy salsa verde. The beer also works well with soft, creamy cheeses like ricotta or brie, where the acidity cuts through the richness, creating a balanced, satisfying combination.
Brew York ~ Cosmic Coil 4.5% Cherry and Peach Sour
Cosmic Coil from Brew York is a fruit-packed sour that takes inspiration from Norse mythology, drawing its name and theme from the mighty World Serpent, Jörmungandr. The beer pours a vibrant red, reminiscent of the deep fruitiness within, and offers an enticing aroma of tart cherries and ripe peaches. The flavour is bold and juicy, with the tartness of the cherries leading the charge, quickly followed by the succulent sweetness of peaches. The sourness is bright but not overpowering, making this beer both refreshing and full of character. The mouthfeel is light, with a soft, clean finish that leaves you craving the next sip.
Interesting fact: The Cosmic Coil is part of Brew York’s Nine Realms Ale Series, celebrating the brewery’s 9th birthday with beers inspired by legendary creatures of Norse mythology. The use of cherries and peaches in this sour not only brings a vibrant fruitiness to the beer but also adds depth, with the tart cherry contrasting beautifully against the sweet peach. This mythic combination reflects the power and balance of Jörmungandr himself, coiling around the Earth.
Food pairings: Cosmic Coil is a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The tart cherry and peach combination works well with charcuterie, particularly with rich, fatty meats like prosciutto or smoked duck, where the beer’s acidity helps cut through the richness. It’s also great with grilled pork, where the sweetness of the peaches complements the smoky, caramelized flavours of the meat. For dessert, serve it with a fruit tart or a light cheesecake, where the fruitiness of the beer enhances the fresh fruit flavours in the dessert.
Drop Project ~ Tartz 3.8% Cherry Kriek
Drop Project’s Tartz is a modern take on the classic Belgian Kriek, offering a vibrant and tart cherry experience. The beer pours a stunning ruby red with a frothy, pink-tinged head, visually hinting at the bold cherry flavours within. On the nose, the beer bursts with the aroma of fresh cherries, with a slight almond note from the cherry pits. The taste is refreshingly tart, with the natural sweetness of the cherries coming through, balanced by a lively acidity that gives the beer a crisp, dry finish. This beer is light and sessionable, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tart, fruit-forward sour that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
Interesting fact: Tartz is Drop Project’s take on the classic Kriek style, but with a twist. Unlike traditional Krieks, which often use a combination of sweet and sour cherries, Tartz focuses purely on the bright, tangy character of ripe cherries, while the subtle almond notes from the cherry pits add an interesting depth to the flavour. The dry finish is a hallmark of the modern interpretation of the Kriek style, where the beer’s natural tartness is left to shine.
Food pairings: Tartz pairs excellently with foods that are rich in umami, such as a mushroom risotto or a cheese fondue. The tartness of the beer will cut through the richness of these dishes, creating a refreshing contrast. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with a chocolate-covered cherry dessert or a rich dark chocolate torte, where the fruity tang of the beer enhances the depth of the chocolate. It also works well with a simple goat cheese salad, where the beer’s acidity complements the tanginess of the cheese.
Cloudwater ~ The Search for Truth Begins 4.0% Pale Ale
Cloudwater's The Search for Truth Begins is an exploration of hop-forward, low-ABV pale ale perfection. This 4% beauty bursts with a trifecta of hops: Citra, Sabro, and Motueka. The result is a beautifully balanced pale ale that doesn’t compromise on flavour despite its lower strength. On the nose, it invites you in with fresh lime and a hint of sweet sherbet, evoking the playful, citrus-forward aromas you'd expect from such a hop combination. On the palate, the zesty lime takes the lead, followed by a sherbety sweetness that gives the beer a refreshing, almost effervescent quality. The Sabro hops add a creamy texture that softens the sharpness of the citrus, making each sip wonderfully drinkable and leaving a subtle tropical fruit finish.
Interesting fact: The hop combination of Citra, Sabro, and Motueka is an inspired one, with each hop bringing its own unique characteristics. Citra’s bold lime and grapefruit notes are well-known, while Sabro, typically associated with coconut and tropical fruit, adds a creamy, smooth finish to this pale ale. Motueka, a New Zealand hop, brings its signature lemony and herbal notes, rounding out the citrus profile and creating a harmonious balance that enhances the beer’s drinkability.
Food pairings: The Search for Truth Begins is a pale ale that pairs beautifully with lighter, fresh dishes. Its bright citrus profile makes it an excellent match for grilled seafood, such as lemon and herb marinated shrimp or a fresh crab salad. It also works well with a citrusy avocado and tomato salad, where the beer’s lime notes complement the acidity of the tomatoes. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, where the beer’s creamy texture enhances the cheese’s richness while the citrus adds a refreshing contrast.
Farm Yard ~ Opal 5.2% NEIPA
Opal from Farm Yard is a hop-driven New England IPA that delivers an explosion of citrus and tropical fruit flavours. Brewed with a mix of Krush hop buds, Yakima Chief HyperBoost Krush oil extract, Cashmere, and El Dorado hops, this 5.2% NEIPA is a celebration of bright, juicy hops. On the nose, Opal greets you with intense aromas of stone fruit and citrus—think ripe peaches, tangy oranges, and a dash of tropical pineapple. The flavour mirrors these aromas with a luscious, juicy mouthfeel and a burst of juicy citrus followed by hints of ripe mango and pineapple. It’s a soft, smooth beer with just enough bitterness to keep it balanced, making it a satisfying yet approachable NEIPA.
Interesting fact: The use of Krush hops and HyperBoost Krush oil extract in Opal is a testament to Farm Yard’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of hop flavour. These hops are known for their intense citrus and tropical fruit aromas, and the HyperBoost oil extract takes the hop character to another level, intensifying the juicy notes and giving the beer its signature smooth, tropical finish.
Food pairings: The juicy, tropical nature of Opal pairs wonderfully with dishes that feature bright, fresh flavours. It’s a great companion for grilled chicken with citrus and herb marinades, where the beer’s hop profile complements the tangy marinade. It also works beautifully with spicy Thai or Indian cuisine, such as a coconut curry or a mango chicken dish, as the beer’s sweetness and citrus notes balance the heat. For a more casual pairing, try it with a tangy cheese like a goat cheese salad or a creamy brie, where the beer’s fruitiness contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese.
Hackney Church ~ Mum’s The Word 4.8% Pale Ale
Hackney Church’s Mum’s The Word is a tribute to the women who shape our lives, brewed in collaboration with Hand Brew Co for International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day. This 4.8% pale ale is a bright, juicy beer that pays homage to the soft, golden malt base and zesty mandarin notes that dominate its profile. On the nose, the beer delivers a burst of fresh, citrusy mandarin, with hints of orange and tangerine. The palate is equally refreshing, with a soft malt backbone that supports the vibrant citrus character. The beer finishes crisp and clean, with a light, refreshing aftertaste that keeps you coming back for more.
Interesting fact: Mum’s The Word is not just a great beer, but a celebration of the women who helped craft it. Brewed with input from the mums of Hackney Church and Hand Brew Co, this pale ale incorporates a thoughtful combination of mandarin and soft malt to create a beer that is both easy-drinking and packed with love and care, much like the mothers it honours.
Food pairings: This pale ale is perfect for pairing with light, fresh fare. It complements citrus-based dishes wonderfully, such as a grilled salmon salad with orange slices or a zesty quinoa salad with mandarin and feta. The beer’s refreshing nature also makes it a good match for a Sunday roast, where the citrus notes enhance the freshness of roasted vegetables or a lemony roast chicken. For dessert, consider pairing it with a light citrus sorbet or a fresh fruit tart to match the beer’s vibrant, fruity profile.
Lost & Grounded x Burnt Mill ~ Big Thaw 6 6.8% West Coast IPA
The Big Thaw 6 from Lost & Grounded and Burnt Mill Brewery is a bold and resinous West Coast IPA that delivers the classic bitter punch and piney depth the style is known for. At 6.8%, it’s slightly stronger than the average West Coast IPA, but it remains beautifully balanced, with a blend of Pils, Pale Ale, and Cara malts providing a solid backbone. On the nose, the beer presents aromas of pine, citrus, and stone fruits, with a distinctly Californian feel. The palate is dominated by resinous pine, with a supporting cast of juicy citrus and tropical fruit, giving it a full-bodied character without being overwhelming. The finish is crisp and dry, with the bitterness lingering just long enough to remind you why West Coast IPAs are so beloved.
Interesting fact: The Big Thaw 6 continues the annual collaboration series between Lost & Grounded and Burnt Mill Brewery, both known for their mastery of hop-forward beers. The use of classic West Coast hops like Chinook, Centennial, Amarillo, and Erebus brings forward those signature pine and citrus notes, while the malts provide enough sweetness to balance the bitterness, giving the beer a smooth, well-rounded finish.
Food pairings: Big Thaw 6 pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, particularly those with a bit of char. Try it with a smoky BBQ brisket or a grilled steak, where the beer’s resinous pine and citrus notes will complement the rich, smoky flavours. It also works beautifully with spicy dishes, such as buffalo wings or a spicy taco platter, as the beer’s bitterness helps to cut through the heat. For a classic pub pairing, enjoy it with a platter of aged cheddar and crackers, where the sharp cheese enhances the beer’s citrus and pine character.