Plenty of Clouds - Phantom
Double IPA | 8.0% ABV
Plenty of Clouds from Phantom is a beautifully balanced New England-style Double IPA that tantalizes the taste buds with juicy, tropical notes and a smooth, easy-drinking finish. With a soft hazy appearance typical of the New England style, this brew presents an inviting mouthfeel that is neither too bitter nor overpoweringly sweet. The combination of Idaho 7, Azacca, Nectaron, and Sabro hops delivers a medley of ripe tropical fruits. You'll first experience bursts of pineapple, citrus, and a touch of peach, followed by an earthy, herbal undertone. The bitterness is kept in check, making this an approachable DIPA for both newcomers and seasoned hopheads alike. The smooth malt backbone adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the hop-forward flavour profile.
Interesting fact: Phantom’s Plenty of Clouds contains Nectaron, a hop variety that has gained attention for its tropical fruit punch characteristics, including passionfruit, pineapple, and a delicate citrus zing. This hop is grown primarily in New Zealand, where the brewery sources much of its hop varieties. Nectaron’s high oil content is part of what gives this beer its tropical intensity, alongside the other distinctive hop varieties like Idaho 7 and Sabro, which contribute to the beer's signature aroma and flavour profile.
Food Pairings: Plenty of Clouds pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of food. The tropical fruit flavours can be complemented by dishes that feature citrus or fresh, sweet flavours, such as a grilled fish taco with mango salsa or a fresh goat cheese salad with citrus dressing. The beer’s smooth, balanced bitterness makes it a great match for spicier foods too, so try it with Thai or Indian curry, where the fruity hops can cut through the heat while enhancing the dish’s aromatic spices.
Desire - Floc
Double IPA | 8.0% ABV
Floc’s Desire is a tropical explosion that invites drinkers into a paradise of flavours. This Double IPA presents an aromatic profile full of juicy peach, passionfruit, and citrus, with a smooth malt base that gives it a softness in texture. The blend of Nectaron, Citra, Nelson Sauvin, and Mosaic hops creates a dynamic flavour journey from start to finish. As you take the first sip, you're hit with waves of ripe peach and passionfruit that gently evolve into grapefruit zest and white grape. The malt backbone offers a touch of sweetness, providing a refreshing balance to the hops' fruity intensity. The finish is slightly dank and resinous, typical of a well-crafted DIPA, but it doesn’t overwhelm, making it extremely drinkable despite its higher ABV.
Interesting fact: The inclusion of Nelson Sauvin hops in Desire is an interesting twist. Known for their distinct white wine and gooseberry notes, these hops are often used in conjunction with other fruity hops to add complexity. This hop variety hails from New Zealand, where it’s a beloved ingredient in many modern IPAs and DIPAs, contributing to Desire’s delicate, yet bold, profile. It’s the unique combination of these hops that sets Desire apart from other tropical DIPAs, offering not just fruit, but also a touch of herbal and floral nuances.
Food Pairings: Desire’s vibrant, tropical character makes it a natural match for seafood dishes. Pair it with grilled lobster with lemon butter or a light ceviche to complement the beer's bright fruitiness. It also works wonderfully with creamy dishes like a rich seafood pasta or goat cheese and roasted vegetable pizza. For those craving something more adventurous, try pairing it with spiced barbecue chicken or jerk pork to create a delightful contrast of heat and sweetness.
Psychedelic Dragonfly - Azvex
IPA | 7.2% ABV
Azvex’s Psychedelic Dragonfly is a standout New England IPA, showcasing the bold, vibrant flavours that have come to define this popular style. A hazy pour reveals a dense, cloud-like texture that promises an exciting mouthful. The beer is saturated with the hop power of Simcoe, Mosaic, and Motueka, resulting in a deep tropical fruit character with layers of citrus, tropical pineapple, and stone fruit. The bitterness is soft and smooth, allowing the juicy hop flavours to take centre stage. Psychedelic Dragonfly balances its higher ABV well, offering both complexity and refreshment without the harsh finish that can sometimes accompany stronger IPAs.
Interesting fact: Motueka hops, used in Psychedelic Dragonfly, are a unique variety originating in New Zealand. Known for their distinctive lime and tropical fruit flavours, they are the perfect companion to the piney, earthy notes of Simcoe and the citrus-forward Mosaic hops. Motueka is particularly prized for its clean bitterness and aromatic punch, which contribute to this IPA’s bold yet balanced flavour profile.
Food Pairings: This IPA pairs excellently with rich and flavourful foods. Consider a char-grilled burger with sharp cheddar, where the beer’s juicy hops can cut through the richness of the meat. It also goes beautifully with tangy blue cheese, smoked meats, and spicy sausages. If you prefer something lighter, a mango and avocado salad would highlight the beer’s citrus and tropical notes. For dessert, try pairing it with a coconut cream pie for a harmonious combination of tropical fruit and creamy sweetness.
Hooked On Superdelic - Cloudwater
DDH IPA | 7.0% ABV
Cloudwater’s Hooked On Superdelic is a high-intensity Double Dry-Hopped IPA that stands out with its powerful hop profile and vibrant flavours. The beer showcases the use of Superdelic, an ancestral hop variety that blends the best traits of both North American and European hops. This hop contributes a fascinating mix of red candy, pomegranate, and strawberry aromas, with a burst of citrus and tropical fruits like grapefruit and pineapple. The mouthfeel is full-bodied but not overly heavy, with a slight sweetness from the malt backbone that balances the intense hop bitterness. The complex hop blend creates a flavour profile that is both bold and refreshing, with an almost candy-like sweetness lingering on the palate.
Interesting fact: Superdelic hops, which are part of the hop family developed in New Zealand, are a hybrid variety created to bring out a complex and unusual flavour profile. Their red candy, pomegranate, and strawberry flavours are distinct from typical hops, making them a unique addition to Cloudwater’s already impressive hop portfolio. This hop’s versatility allows for both the familiar citrus and tropical fruit notes, as well as more experimental and bold flavours, making this DDH IPA an exciting choice for hop lovers.
Food Pairings: Hooked On Superdelic pairs well with bold and rich flavours, particularly those with a hint of sweetness to complement its candy-like character. A grilled pork belly with a sweet glaze or a barbecue rib platter would be fantastic options. The beer’s fruity sweetness also works well with a cheese platter featuring creamy Brie or tangy goat cheese. For dessert, consider pairing it with a strawberry tart or a fruit-forward sorbet to accentuate the beer’s strawberry and pomegranate notes.
Fruits of The Forest Triple-Stacked Breakfast Waffle Imperial Pastry Stout - Vault City
Imperial Pastry Stout | 10.3% ABV
Vault City’s Fruits of The Forest Triple-Stacked Breakfast Waffle Imperial Pastry Stout is an indulgent treat that combines the comforting familiarity of breakfast with the exciting decadence of an imperial stout. At 10.3% ABV, this rich and velvety beer pours dark with a deep, inviting sheen. The first sip hits with an impressive balance of sweetness and tartness. Ripe blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries lead the charge, followed by the subtle tang of rhubarb and a soft apple undertone. The fruitiness is complemented by a luscious, syrupy sweetness from the maple and vanilla, which smooths out the flavour profile. The body is creamy, with a full, luxurious mouthfeel that makes every sip feel like a treat. The delicate sourness adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, making this decadent stout incredibly drinkable despite its higher ABV.
Interesting fact: The Triple-Stacked part of the name refers to Vault City's layering technique, which not only brings together an incredible array of fruits but also enhances the depth and complexity of the flavour. This method gives the beer its signature balance—where the tartness of the fruit harmonizes with the creamy, dessert-like elements of maple and vanilla. The careful selection of these ingredients creates a smooth, dessert-inspired beer that pushes the boundaries of traditional pastry stouts. Vault City is known for its innovative approach to sour and fruit-forward beers, and Fruits of The Forest is a perfect example of their ability to elevate a familiar flavour profile into something truly special.
Food Pairings: This beer’s dessert-like qualities make it an excellent companion to rich, creamy dishes. Try pairing it with a fresh stack of pancakes topped with whipped cream and berries to mirror the beer’s breakfast-inspired flavours. It also pairs beautifully with a decadent chocolate lava cake or a classic crème brûlée, where the creamy textures and vanilla notes are enhanced. For something more savoury, pair it with rich dishes like duck with a berry reduction or a charcuterie platter featuring creamy cheeses and figs. The beer’s tartness and sweetness also work well with fruit-based desserts like a mixed berry tart or apple crumble.
Zombie Death - Northern Monk
Dessert Stout | 8.4% ABV
Northern Monk’s Zombie Death Dessert Stout is a decadent indulgence, designed to satisfy your sweet tooth with its rich, velvety texture and bold, dessert-inspired flavours. At 8.4% ABV, it is strong yet smooth, carrying an aroma that immediately evokes the sense of chocolate and ice cream. The first sip is a delicious assault on the taste buds, with a generous helping of chocolate, followed by the fruity sweetness of ripe strawberries. The interplay between the chocolate and strawberry creates the perfect balance, reminiscent of a decadent chocolate-strawberry sundae. As you drink, there’s a slight creaminess, akin to the texture of ice cream, which provides a soothing, dessert-like finish. The sweetness of the fruit complements the richness of the chocolate, without overwhelming the palate, making this a great beer to savour slowly.
Interesting fact: The concept of Zombie Death draws inspiration from the decadent desserts often enjoyed after a hearty meal, particularly ice cream sundaes, which are known for their layered sweetness and textures. The addition of strawberry not only adds a fresh, fruity counterpoint to the chocolate, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia, as chocolate and strawberry are a classic combination in the world of dessert beers. Northern Monk, based in Leeds, is known for its ability to create bold, dessert-inspired stouts that push the boundaries of flavour while maintaining a drinkable and enjoyable beer experience.
Food Pairings: The luscious chocolate and strawberry flavours make this stout a perfect match for rich, creamy desserts. A slice of chocolate mousse cake or a strawberry shortcake would pair beautifully with the beer, as both enhance the dessert-like qualities of Zombie Death. It’s also a great companion for cheese, particularly rich and creamy varieties like brie or mascarpone, where the sweetness of the beer complements the creamy texture of the cheese. For a savoury option, pair it with a grilled steak with a rich balsamic glaze to balance out the sweet flavours. If you're feeling adventurous, serve it with a chocolate and chili pairing to introduce an exciting contrast of heat and sweetness.
Eton Mess - Yonder
Pastry Sour | 7.5% ABV
Yonder’s Eton Mess is a delightful pastry sour that captures the essence of the quintessential British summer dessert. Named after the iconic Eton Mess, a dessert made of meringue, cream, and fresh berries, this beer is a beautifully balanced homage to its inspiration. With a 7.5% ABV, it’s a full-flavored, slightly tart beer with vibrant notes of strawberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant. The fruitiness is rich and natural, with the sweet, smooth dairy cream flavour softening the tartness and enhancing the overall mouthfeel. A touch of meringue sweetness adds a unique twist, bringing the dessert experience to life. The beer has a subtle, refreshing sourness that cuts through the richness, making it incredibly easy to drink despite its bold, pastry-like profile.
Interesting fact: The use of dairy cream and meringue in Eton Mess is what truly distinguishes it as a pastry sour, blending the richness of dairy with the tartness of sour beer. This combination creates a smooth, almost whipped texture that mirrors the texture of the classic dessert. The berries used in this beer are all in season, bringing out their full, fresh flavours, and ensuring that the beer has a genuine fruitiness that elevates the overall experience. Yonder Brewing, a brewery known for its creative and fruit-forward beers, has expertly crafted this sour to evoke the feeling of indulging in a summer pudding.
Food Pairings: This pastry sour pairs perfectly with light, summery dishes that emphasize fresh fruits and cream. A fresh berry pavlova or a slice of lemon meringue pie would enhance the meringue and cream notes in the beer, while also highlighting the tartness from the fruit. It also pairs beautifully with a soft goat cheese salad or a charcuterie board featuring soft cheeses and fresh fruits like figs and strawberries. For something more indulgent, serve it with a rich cheesecake topped with fresh berries, where the tangy, sweet flavours in both the dessert and the beer complement each other perfectly.
Barrel Aged Toffee Apple Barley Wine - Blue Monkey
Barley Wine | 12.4% ABV
Blue Monkey’s Barrel Aged Toffee Apple Barley Wine is an extraordinary take on a classic style, combining the rich complexity of a barley wine with the indulgent flavours of toffee apples. At 12.4% ABV, this barley wine is bold and warming, with deep amber hues that immediately hint at the beer’s richness. The first sip reveals a smooth, malty sweetness that carries notes of poached apples, toffee, and a slight oakiness from the 14 months of barrel aging. The apple flavour is bright and fresh, providing a lively contrast to the toffee’s deep, caramel sweetness. The result is a beer that’s both warming and comforting, with a perfect balance of malt sweetness, fruitiness, and a touch of woodiness from the barrel aging.
Interesting fact: The 14-month aging process in a Speyside barrel imparts subtle wood and vanilla notes to the beer, enhancing the depth of flavour. The addition of poached apples and English toffee was a deliberate choice to create a dessert-like beer that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Barley wine, typically known for its rich, malty sweetness, works wonderfully with the fruity and caramelized flavours, making this beer an incredibly unique take on the style. Blue Monkey’s attention to detail in crafting this barley wine highlights their ability to create beers that push the boundaries while staying true to the spirit of classic styles.
Food Pairings: The Barrel Aged Toffee Apple Barley Wine is a perfect match for rich, comforting dishes. Pair it with roasted pork belly or a caramelized onion and apple tart to complement the toffee and apple flavours. It also works wonderfully with cheeses like Stilton or mature cheddar, where the beer’s sweetness and depth of flavour contrast with the saltiness of the cheese. For dessert, it’s an ideal match for a warm apple pie or a rich sticky toffee pudding, where the caramel and apple notes can shine through, creating a deliciously comforting pairing.