Neon Raptor ~ XXX Naughty Luggage 10.0% TIPA
Neon Raptor’s XXX Naughty Luggage is a towering beast of a beer, packing a punch with its 10% ABV. This Triple IPA (TIPA) is a true showstopper, bursting with tropical flavours and a big, bold bitterness that fans of the style will love. The nose hits you immediately with aromas of overripe tropical fruits—think mango, pineapple, and a touch of citrus zest. On the palate, it’s an explosion of tropical hop goodness, with notes of dank resin and ripe citrus mingling with the sweetness of caramel malt. The body is rich and full, thanks to the hefty malt bill, but the bitterness keeps the beer from feeling too heavy. The finish is long and warming, with a slight residual sweetness that lingers just enough to remind you of this beer’s power.
Interesting fact: The XXX Naughty Luggage takes the New England IPA to the next level by amplifying the hop profile and malt content, creating a more intense and robust version of their flagship tropical IPA. The name “Naughty Luggage” is a playful nod to the beer’s high ABV and the excessive amount of hops, malt, and “contraband” ingredients used in the brewing process. Neon Raptor has a reputation for pushing boundaries, and this TIPA is a prime example of their fearless approach to brewing.
Food pairings: The bold, tropical flavours of XXX Naughty Luggage pair perfectly with rich, spicy dishes. Try it with a spicy BBQ pork rib platter, where the beer’s sweetness balances the smoky, spicy meat. It also works well with a charred tuna steak, as the beer’s citrus and tropical fruit notes complement the fish’s fresh, meaty flavour. For a dessert pairing, serve it with a tropical fruit tart or a passionfruit cheesecake to enhance the beer’s fruit-forward character and provide a sweet contrast to the bitterness.
DEYA ~ Lilac Roller 8.0% DIPA
Lilac Roller from DEYA is an 8% Double IPA (DIPA) that oozes lushness and bold flavour. This Vermont-style DIPA uses Freestyle Mega Terps and Vermont yeast to create a beer that’s both sticky and juicy, with a touch of caramelised peach and breakfast orange juice. On the nose, it’s a beautiful combination of citrus and tropical fruits, with sticky lime, ripe peaches, and a hint of sweet orange juice that invites you to dive right in. On the palate, the beer delivers a smooth, creamy body with a juicy burst of lime and a caramelized peach sweetness that balances the bitterness of the hops. The finish is soft and citrusy, with the lime and orange lingering just long enough to keep you coming back for more.
Interesting fact: Lilac Roller uses Freestyle Mega Terps, a hop product known for its ability to amplify the terpenes in hops, bringing out complex citrus and tropical fruit flavours. The Vermont yeast also contributes to the beer’s smooth, juicy body and soft mouthfeel, creating a DIPA that is as drinkable as it is flavourful. This beer is vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for those who prefer plant-based brews without compromising on flavour.
Food pairings: Lilac Roller pairs beautifully with dishes that feature tropical fruits or citrus. Try it with a grilled chicken salad featuring a tangy citrus vinaigrette, or a shrimp and mango stir-fry where the beer’s fruitiness complements the natural sweetness of the seafood. It also works well with a creamy goat cheese or brie, where the smoothness of the beer enhances the richness of the cheese. For dessert, serve it with a lime and coconut sorbet or a peach crumble to highlight the beer’s fruity and sweet notes.
Gravity Well ~ Hubble Bubble 8.0% DIPA
Hubble Bubble is a bold and assertive Double IPA from Gravity Well, bringing together two powerhouse hops—Nelson Sauvin and Enigma. These hops dominate the aroma and flavour, with Nelson Sauvin delivering white wine-like characteristics and Enigma adding a touch of tropical fruitiness. On the nose, expect to find a mixture of gooseberry, melon, and citrus, with a dank resinous quality lurking underneath. The taste is just as bold, with the tropical fruit from Enigma blending beautifully with the stone fruit and herbal notes of Nelson Sauvin. The body is smooth but not too thick, giving the beer a drinkability that belies its 8% ABV. The finish is dry, with a lingering hop bitterness that leaves a satisfying aftertaste.
Interesting fact: This version of Hubble Bubble marks the fourth iteration of this beer, with the recipe being slightly tweaked each time to enhance the hop character. The addition of enhanced hop products has helped dial up the volume of flavour even further, showcasing the brewery’s commitment to perfecting the hop profile. Nelson Sauvin and Enigma are both known for their complex, layered flavours, which makes this beer a true hop lover’s delight.
Food pairings: The bold hop character of Hubble Bubble makes it a great match for spicy or umami-rich foods. Try it with a spicy Thai green curry or a smoky BBQ brisket, where the beer’s bitterness helps balance the heat. It also works well with strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar, as the beer’s dry finish contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese. For a dessert pairing, go with a tart lemon cheesecake or a gooseberry crumble to complement the beer’s fruity and slightly herbal notes.
Hand ~ Shimmy Up 8.4% DIPA
Shimmy Up from Hand is a luxurious Double IPA that blends the best elements of both East and West Coast styles. At 8.4%, it’s a hefty beer, yet it retains a smoothness and drinkability that makes it dangerously easy to sip. The beer is packed with tropical aromas from the generous use of Krush hops in the whirlpool and fermenter. Expect bold notes of mango, pineapple, and a hint of sticky sweetness. On the palate, the beer delivers a thick, juicy body with intense tropical fruit flavours balanced by a touch of bitterness from the West Coast hops. The finish is long and satisfying, with a slight lingering bitterness that rounds out the beer perfectly.
Interesting fact: Shimmy Up was brewed in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, with support from Barth Haas X and in collaboration with The Malt Miller and IWCBD. The beer combines the juicy, tropical hop-forward character of East Coast IPAs with the resinous bitterness of West Coast IPAs, making it a hedonistic, well-balanced beer that showcases the best of both worlds.
Food pairings: The rich, tropical fruit character of Shimmy Up pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, particularly jerk chicken or a spicy pulled pork sandwich, where the beer’s sweetness and bitterness balance the spice. It also works well with creamy dishes, such as a coconut curry or a lobster mac and cheese, where the beer’s juicy body complements the richness of the sauce. For dessert, try pairing it with a tropical fruit salad or a mango sorbet to highlight the beer’s fruit-forward profile.
Buxton ~ Black Forest Buttermilk Pancake Stack 9.7% Pastry Stout
Buxton’s Black Forest Buttermilk Pancake Stack is a decadent pastry stout that takes the rich, comforting flavours of a Black Forest cake and combines them with the indulgent sweetness of buttermilk pancakes. At 9.7%, this stout delivers an impressive depth of flavour, with aromas of dark chocolate, sweet cherries, and a whisper of syrupy sweetness. On the palate, the beer is rich and velvety, with the deep roasted malts creating a luxurious chocolate base, while the cherries add a tart yet sweet burst of fruitiness. The buttermilk pancakes bring a smooth, bready character, adding to the beer’s overall dessert-like quality. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of chocolate and cherry that make this a truly indulgent stout.
Interesting fact: The Black Forest Buttermilk Pancake Stack takes inspiration from Buxton’s famous limestone quarry, using the concept of stacked layers to mirror the layered flavour profile of this beer. The combination of rich malts, cherries, and decadent chocolate is designed to evoke the complexity and indulgence of a Black Forest cake, with the buttermilk pancakes adding a soft, smooth texture to balance the richness of the dark malts.
Food pairings: This pastry stout is the perfect companion for rich, indulgent desserts. Try it with a classic Black Forest gâteau, where the cherries and chocolate in the cake pair beautifully with the flavours in the beer. It also works well with a warm chocolate fondant or a rich chocolate mousse, where the beer’s smooth, malty character complements the richness of the dessert. For a more savoury pairing, enjoy it with a rich, creamy blue cheese, like Roquefort or Stilton, where the beer’s sweetness balances the sharp, tangy flavour of the cheese.
Hackney Church ~ Agadoo Doo Two 8.4% Pineapple Weizenbock
Hackney Church’s Agadoo Doo Two is a fun and tropical twist on the traditional German Weizenbock style, clocking in at 8.4%. This pineapple-infused beer combines the sweet, rich maltiness of a Weizenbock with the bright, tart freshness of pineapple. On the nose, the beer greets you with a burst of pineapple, accompanied by the unmistakable aroma of clove-like phenols and banana esters that are characteristic of wheat beers. The first sip reveals a rich malt backbone, with hints of toasty bread and caramelized sweetness, balanced by the sharp, refreshing pineapple. The clove and banana notes add a complexity that elevates the fruity character, making it a deliciously unique beer with a smooth, malty finish.
Interesting fact: The name Agadoo Doo Two is a playful nod to the fun, creative spirit of the collaboration between Hackney Church and their favourite YouTubers. The use of pineapple in this traditional German-style Weizenbock is an unexpected twist that brings a refreshing tropical note to the rich malt body, making this beer a fusion of classic and modern styles. The inclusion of clove-like phenols and banana esters adds a traditional wheat beer complexity that contrasts beautifully with the bold pineapple infusion.
Food pairings: The tropical fruit character of Agadoo Doo Two pairs wonderfully with dishes that have a sweet and savoury balance. Try it with a grilled chicken salad that features pineapple or mango, where the beer’s fruitiness enhances the flavours of the dish. It also works well with roasted pork or grilled sausages, as the beer’s malt sweetness complements the richness of the meat. For dessert, pair it with a pineapple upside-down cake or a banana foster, where the fruity and caramelized notes of the beer match perfectly with the dessert’s flavours.
Holy Goat ~ King Void 10.2% Imperial Stout with Coffee, Vanilla, and Cacao
King Void from Holy Goat is a luxurious imperial stout that pushes the boundaries of decadence. At 10.2%, it’s a heavy hitter, brewed with a host of dark and crystal malts, roasted black malts, and a complex blend of ethically sourced ingredients including Rwandan coffee beans, Colombian cacao nibs, and Indonesian vanilla beans. On the nose, it’s a rich, deep experience of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and vanilla, with a slight smokiness that adds to the beer’s intense aroma. The first sip reveals a silky-smooth mouthfeel, with bold flavours of dark roasted coffee, bitter chocolate, and a hint of vanilla sweetness. The cacao nibs contribute a deep chocolate richness that lingers on the palate, while the coffee adds a roasted bitterness, balancing the beer’s rich sweetness. The finish is long and warming, with the coffee and chocolate flavours hanging on, making it a truly indulgent experience.
Interesting fact: King Void was brewed in collaboration with The Source Coffee Roasters, and the beer showcases the exceptional quality of their natural process Rwandan coffee beans. The cold steeping process used for the coffee ensures that the beer doesn’t become overly bitter, allowing the coffee’s fruity and roasted qualities to shine through. The ethically farmed Colombian cacao nibs and Indonesian vanilla beans elevate the beer’s complexity, contributing a smooth, aromatic sweetness that complements the bold coffee and chocolate notes.
Food pairings: King Void is the perfect companion for rich, dessert-focused pairings. Try it with a dark chocolate torte, where the intense chocolate and coffee flavours in the beer will enhance the richness of the dessert. It also works beautifully with a creamy vanilla bean crème brûlée, as the beer’s vanilla notes complement the sweetness of the custard. For a savoury pairing, enjoy it with a blue cheese like Roquefort or Stilton, where the beer’s richness and roasted qualities balance the sharp, tangy cheese.
Vault City ~ Sweet Shop - White Chocolate Raspberry Snowies 7.4% Pastry Sour
Vault City’s Sweet Shop - White Chocolate Raspberry Snowies is a nostalgic pastry sour that brings together jammy raspberries and creamy white chocolate for a refreshing yet indulgent beer experience. At 7.4%, this sour balances fruitiness and sweetness with the tartness of the sour base. On the nose, it’s immediately inviting with the scent of ripe raspberries and a soft hint of white chocolate. The first sip is a delightful combination of tart raspberry and smooth white chocolate, creating a dessert-like experience with just the right amount of tang. The beer’s sourness is subtle yet refreshing, preventing it from becoming overly sweet, while the white chocolate adds a creamy richness that complements the jammy fruit character. The finish is clean and lightly sweet, making it a refreshing treat.
Interesting fact: The concept for Sweet Shop - White Chocolate Raspberry Snowies is inspired by nostalgic sweet shop treats, with Vault City putting their signature twist on the classic combination of fruit and chocolate. The use of raspberries provides a vibrant, jammy fruitiness that is perfectly balanced by the smooth, rich white chocolate. The sour base adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the sweetness, making this a pastry sour that stands out from others in the style.
Food pairings: This pastry sour pairs wonderfully with rich, creamy desserts. Try it with a white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake, where the fruitiness of the beer complements the richness of the cheesecake. It also works well with a lemon or berry tart, where the beer’s tartness helps balance the sweetness of the fruit. For a savoury option, pair it with a soft goat cheese salad with berries, where the beer’s fruit character enhances the freshness of the cheese and greens.