Anspach & Hobday ~ The Celebration Porter 4.5% Porter
The Celebration Porter is an exceptional nod to the history of Anspach & Hobday, crafted to mark their 11th anniversary. Pouring a deep ruby red, the beer delivers a soft, inviting aroma of toasty malt, a slight sweetness, and rich dark fruit notes. The use of amber malt in the grist creates a toastiness that is instantly recognisable, while the inclusion of Invert Sugar No. 2 adds a layer of burnt toffee and dark fruit. On the palate, this beer strikes a balance between sweetness and roasted bitterness, offering a smooth, round mouthfeel with a lingering finish that reminds you of fruitcake with a touch of caramel. The body is medium-light, making it incredibly drinkable, even with its depth of flavour.
Interesting fact: The Celebration Porter takes inspiration from Anspach & Hobday's roots as a Porter brewery, going back to the historical styles that were less reliant on heavily kilned malts. This is reflected in its more reddish hue, contrasting with the often jet-black Porters we associate with modern interpretations of the style. The addition of amber malt and Invert Sugar No. 2 ties it back to some of the earliest British Porters.
Food pairings: Given its subtle sweetness and toasty malt character, The Celebration Porter pairs beautifully with rich and roasted dishes. Try it with a roasted leg of lamb, where the beer's sweetness complements the deep, savoury notes of the meat. Alternatively, pair it with a selection of strong, aged cheeses like Stilton or a creamy goat’s cheese for a delicious contrast. For dessert, a slice of rich, dark fruitcake or a warm bread pudding would elevate the beer’s fruity and toasty qualities. This beer’s balance of sweetness and bitterness makes it versatile for pairing with both hearty and indulgent foods.
Blue Monkey ~ 99 Red Baboons 4.1% Nitro Red Ale
99 Red Baboons offers an intriguing twist on the classic red ale, now enhanced with nitrogen for a velvety, smooth mouthfeel. The beer pours a vibrant amber with a creamy, dense head that promises a delightful experience. Aromas of caramel, toffee, and warm brown bread greet the senses, accompanied by a hint of biscuit. On the palate, the sweetness of toffee and caramel is balanced by a biscuity backbone, providing a round, malty character with a mild hop bitterness that lingers delicately. The nitro infusion elevates the mouthfeel, giving it a silky texture that makes each sip feel luxurious and easy to drink.
Interesting fact: The addition of nitrogen to 99 Red Baboons is a nod to the brewery’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional styles. The smooth, creamy mouthfeel created by the nitrogen is a feature often associated with stouts, but in this case, it brings a new dimension to the red ale style, softening the malt-forward profile and enhancing its drinkability. This innovation has made 99 Red Baboons a standout within the red ale category.
Food pairings: The smooth, malty character of 99 Red Baboons is an ideal companion for a variety of roasted meats. Try pairing it with a honey-glazed roast pork, where the beer's caramel and toffee notes will enhance the sweetness of the glaze. For a more casual pairing, serve it with a hearty beef and cheddar sandwich or a warm sausage roll. As for dessert, its toasty, caramel tones would go wonderfully with a sticky toffee pudding or a rich caramel flan, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Vault City ~ Nitro Mini M*rs 6.2% Nitro Milk Stout
Vault City's Nitro Mini Mrs is a delightful nod to a beloved chocolate bar, transformed into a decadent, nitro-infused milk stout. The beer presents an inviting, creamy mouthfeel, enhanced by the smoothness that only nitrogen can provide. Rich aromas of chocolate malt, vanilla, and caramelised brown sugar fill the nose, immediately evoking the flavours of a Mrs bar. The taste delivers on this promise, with layers of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla that meld together beautifully. The lactose adds a creamy sweetness, while the cacao nibs provide a deep, dark chocolate character. The finish is smooth, with a lingering cocoa bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Interesting fact: The Nitro Mini Mrs was created as a sessionable version of Vault City’s classic Mrs stout, now with a reduced ABV and a smooth nitro twist. The use of cacao nibs is particularly noteworthy, as they are the purest form of chocolate, offering an intense, aromatic cocoa flavour that brings the chocolatey base of this beer to life without the overpowering sweetness often found in adjunct-heavy stouts.
Food pairings: The rich, dessert-like quality of Nitro Mini M*rs makes it a fantastic match for chocolate-based desserts. Pair it with a flourless chocolate cake, where the beer’s deep cocoa and vanilla notes will accentuate the cake's richness. For something lighter, a chocolate and raspberry tart works wonderfully, as the tart fruit can cut through the beer’s creamy sweetness. If you're in the mood for something savoury, try pairing it with a blue cheese like Roquefort, as the sharpness of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the beer's smooth, sweet character.
Wilde Child ~ Thunder in Paradise 4.9% Chocolate & Toasted Coconut Stout
Thunder in Paradise is a decadent chocolate and toasted coconut stout that promises an indulgent beer experience. Pouring a deep, opaque brown with a thick, tan head, the beer offers an aromatic blast of cocoa powder, toasted coconut, and sweet vanilla. The first sip delivers a creamy mouthfeel with flavours of rich chocolate and roasted coconut, reminiscent of a Bounty bar. The addition of lactose adds a slight sweetness, which complements the bitterness of the cocoa, while the toasted coconut brings a slight nuttiness that balances the overall profile. The finish is smooth and slightly sweet, with the toasted coconut lingering on the palate.
Interesting fact: Wilde Child’s Thunder in Paradise takes inspiration from tropical flavours, with toasted coconut playing a starring role. Coconut has been a popular ingredient in craft brewing for years, but Wilde Child’s use of it here creates a perfect balance with the rich chocolate, creating a beer that brings to mind tropical desserts. The addition of lactose, a sugar found in milk, gives the beer a creamy, smooth body, often found in milk stouts but rarely seen in coconut-flavoured beers.
Food pairings: Thunder in Paradise is an ideal match for desserts that feature coconut or chocolate. Pair it with a coconut cream pie or a chocolate mousse to highlight the beer’s tropical and cocoa elements. For a more adventurous pairing, try it with a spicy barbecue dish, such as jerk chicken, where the sweetness of the beer will complement the heat of the spices. The beer’s smooth, rich profile also pairs well with roasted nuts, making it a perfect accompaniment to a nutty cheese platter, particularly with aged gouda or brie.
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.