New Brew April 2024

This newsletter is all about beer - if you don't like beer, it's probably not for you.

But if you like beer, want to learn more about it, or just want to read something a bit different to the usual stuff on LinkedIn, stick around.

Why New Brew Thursday?

Every Thursday, my husband (Alex) and I try a beer we've never tried before. Sometimes we try a few different styles from the same brewery. Sometimes we try a few similar styles from different breweries and compare. Sometimes we try one we've had before and compare it to a new one. Sometimes we just have a beer.

And sometimes, we try beers on days other than Thursday.

So I thought I'd create a monthly newsletter to share my beery experiences and provide a round-up of what we've been tasting.

Beer battle: SALT (Saltaire, Yorkshire)

We do love a good Yorkshire brewery and have tried a couple of SALT beers in the past. Since more of their beers have started appearing on supermarket shelves, we decided to feature a few in this month's battle.

We've tried Jute before so we started there and then worked our way through them in order of ABV (low to high).

They were all very nice beers with Jute and Chinook having a slightly more bitter finish than the Huck A Back which was really juicy and sweet. The Alpaca and Tram had a thicker mouthfeel (probably due to the higher ABV).

Tram was the winning brew for my husband. For me, the Tram and the Alpaca were pretty level, but I'd happily drink any of these beers again.

Jute (4.2%)

Brewer's note: "Sharing its name with a highly versatile natural fabric, that’s spun out into everything from bags to rugs, ropes to shoes. And here’s the parallel–parking tradition, we followed our brewing instinct to create an accessible IPA that would go down a treat whatever the occasion. Putting a spin on this hazy classic, we added a fine double act of Australian & American hops to create an unusually crisp, light, session IPA that still packs a flavour punch – delivering juicy, citrus notes and a low bitterness, melon-rind finish."

Chinook (5%)

Brewer's note: "This series of single-hop beers aims to showcase the unique character of some of our favourite hop varieties. The seventh instalment of this series showcases Chinook. Chinook hops are incredibly popular in modern day brewing, they produce resinous pine aromas, combined with bright grapefruit flavours and a clean bitterness for finish."

Huck A Back (5.5%)

"The name’s quite a mouthful, much like our beer. Sharing the name of a loosely spun, absorbant fabric, our golden, juicy New England IPA is packed full of flavour. With a winning combination of Mosaic, Citra and Amarillo hops, expect a lemon sherbet aroma with strong notes of lemon verbena. Generously hopped, this hazy New England IPA is smooth and intensely fruity with a soft, pithy bitterness on the end. Sit back and soak it in."

Alpaca (6.6%)

Brewer's note: "You know the one, like a llama, only smaller. The fleece of the Alpaca is highly prized; with fibres so soft and silky they make the sheep's offering feel more like wire wool. Our Alpaca double dry-hopped IPA is every bit as luxurious as its namesake. From its intense tropical hop aroma to its guava, melon and following honey notes; crisp and punchy. The tropical fruits beautifully balance with a  dry, bitter finish."

Tram (8%)

Brewer's note: "Not named, as you might expect, after our old tram shed spiritual home, but after a weaving term; a name for double twisted silk thread; and now in our world, a silky smooth, Double New England IPA. Influenced by a mix of hops from the far-flung hop fields of the USA and New Zealand. Dry hopped and full bodied. Hazy in appearance and memorable in taste with notes of gooseberry, grape and tropical fruit with a low bitterness finish."

Brewer's website: SALT (saltbeerfactory.co.uk)

Guess the Hop from Siren Craft Brew (Reading)

I'd love to be able to taste a beer and pick out the individual hop flavours and malt profiles, but unfortunately, my tastebuds just aren't that refined.

However, when I saw that Siren Brewery had created this Guess the Hop series, I couldn't resist ordering us a couple of cans of each. I knew our chances of identifying the correct hops were pretty slim, but thought it would be fun to try.

We tried these over three nights so we could give each beer our full attention and focus on the flavours.

Beer A was up first. I got a mango and floral aroma with a bubblegum taste. Alex got a lemony aroma, and berry, mango, pine and sherbet flavours. Based on the flavours we were getting, we both guessed the hop to be Mosaic.

Beer B was more bitter with pine and grapefruit flavours coming through for both of us. We were torn between Centennial and Cascade hops, so I went for Centennial and Alex guessed Cascade.

Beer C was fruitier. We both got peach or apricot and stone fruits, and I thought it had a yoghurty or creamy flavour. Based on the flavours we were picking up, we both guessed Sabro.

The results will be announced in May - I'll let you know how we got on.

There's still time to order these beers from Siren's website if you get in quick.

Brewer's note: "Guess The Hop is a set of three hazy IPAs, each absolutely saturated with the flavours and aromas of an amazing single hop. But can you guess which hop is used in each beer? Big prizes are up for grabs to lucky winners who correctly identify each one."

Brewer's website: Siren Craft Brew: Premium Brewing Beers | Siren Craft Beer

On Cask

Inspired by The Craft Beer Channel's Keep Cask Alive series, we've been making an effort to try more cask beers when they're available.

Cask is often viewed as a bit of an old man's drink - I certainly remember it being the old man's choice when I worked in a bar back in the early 2000s.

But cask isn't just for old men. And there are many British breweries joining the crusade to keep cask alive.

According to CAMRA: "Rarely found in the beer world at large, cask beer retains a significant commercial presence only in Britain, where it famously survived efforts by big brewery groups to phase it out in the 1960s and 1970s, provoking a vociferous consumer campaign."

So next time you're down a proper British boozer, ask them what they've got on cask and let's keep cask alive.

Here's what we've been drinking on cask in April.

Burrow's Blonde from Black Sheep Brewery (Yorkshire)

Brewer's note:"We’re incredibly proud to launch Burrow’s Blonde Beer, a deliciously light and zesty blonde ale brewed to celebrate Rugby League champion and Yorkshire hero, Rob Burrow MBE. Rob lives with Motor Neurone Disease and has become an inspiration to millions through his work supporting the MND community.

Black Sheep Brewery have partnered with The Good Racing Co, a fundraising business that works to raise funds for good causes through horse racing. They began fundraising for the MND community with a charity racehorse named after Rob: Burrow Seven. Since then, they have launched the Rob Burrow Racing Club and raised nearly £180,000 for MND charities so far.

To amplify this good work and support Rob and family directly, we’ve named and designed our new blonde beer in his honour. On top of that, 10p from every pint or bottle of Burrow’s Blonde Beer sold goes to the Rob Burrow 7 Discretionary Trust and the Rob Burrow Racing Club."

Best Bitter from Black Sheep Brewery (Yorkshire)

Brewer's note: "Skilfully crafted using unique brewing techniques and the best British ingredients, this Yorkshire icon is built upon a bold, sweet malt base. Challenger, Goldings and Fuggles hops are crammed into the boil and hop back, creating bold peppery bitterness and a smooth, earthy hop flavour. Our use of now-rare Yorkshire Square fermenters brings a crisp, drinkable finish. A breed apart."

Brewer's website: Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire

White Rat from Ossett Brewery (Yorkshire)

Brewer's note: "This very pale, hoppy ale is made from low colour malt. A combination of Cascade, Columbus & Amarillo hops produce an intensely aromatic and resinous finish."

Brewer's website: Home - Ossett Brewery (ossett-brewery.co.uk)

The pleasure of finding things out from Cloudwater (Manchester)

Brewer's note: "The Pleasure Of Finding Things Out is a delightfully light 4% hazy cask pale. Citra and Mosaic provide the backbone to recreate that classic juice bomb-style beer in a delightfully drinkable package."

Brewer's website: Cloudwater Online Store (cloudwaterbrew.co)

Aunt Bessie's beers from Northern Monk (Yorkshire)

We like to try beers that offer something a bit different and these Aunt Bessie's x Northern Monk collab beers certainly do that. As you can see from the image above, we decided to pair the beers with the relevant food (although all the food was homemade, so no Aunt Bessie's required).

Brewer's note: “After the huge success of the Aunt Bessie’s x Northern Monk Jam Roly Poly beer in 2022, we’re thrilled to again be offering customers the chance to challenge their tastebuds and sample fantastic innovation with three new flavours.”

Apple Crumble & Custard (4.5%)

I have to confess, my homemade crumble was actually rhubarb and apple so not quite an exact match for the beer, but close enough.

The crumble was delicious (even if I do say so myself). The beer was also very good. Not the best pudding-inspired beer I've ever tried, but very easy-drinking and tasty.

Roast Dinner Brown Ale (4.5%)

I love a roast dinner and I love a brown ale, but would I love a roast dinner brown ale?

As unappealing as it sounds, it was actually a pleasant beer. Northern Monk are very good at making novelty beers and this was another fun brew. Not the best brown ale out there, but went well with my Sunday roast.

Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard Porter

We do have a couple of cans of this one in the fridge - I just need to whip up a sticky toffee pudding so we can crack it open.

Brewer's website: Northern Monk │Independent Brewery

Venue Shoutout: Piglove by the River

Piglove by the River is a hidden gem within walking distance of our house.

The brewery itself is located in Cross Green, but this lovely little bar is located on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal (where it joins with the River Aire), about a five-minute walk from The Royal Armouries.

It started out as a pop-up bar but has since become a more permanent fixture and is being integrated into the surrounding Citu development.

The large outdoor seating area right on the riverside means it's particularly popular on hot summer days.

Each week, they have a different food truck, serving a variety of tasty street food from independent businesses. They also host events with musicians, comedians, and open mic nights.

And of course, you can sample Piglove's craft beer on draft, along with a range of canned beers, wines, ciders and soft drinks from the fridge.

We've been to Piglove a fair few times since it opened, so we've sampled a good selection of new brews. This month, we popped down for their jazz evening and while we were there we tried three beers - a lager infused with bee pollen, a session IPA, and a red sour made with beetroot.

Sabana: Almost a Lager 4.7%

Brewer's note: "Exciting and fresh Lager with crisp, sharp flavours owing to the infusion of Bee Pollen, Pilsner Malts, Hallertauer, and Magnum Hops. A surprising lager made with no chemicals or stabilisers using traditional ingredients to combine the perfect mix of flavour, body and aroma. A very special collaboration between Piglove and Drunk Planet."

Omnia: Session IPA 4.5%

Brewer's note: "A smooth, highly aromatic Session IPA, accompanied by the slightly woody sweetness of Palo Santo 'Holy Wood' (a special ingredient reputed for its spiritually purifying properties)."

Cosmovision: Deep Red Sour 6%

Brewer's note: "A fascinatingly flavourful Deep Red Sour, with Acerola berries, Beetroot, Citra hops and Achiote (annatto), a famous ingredient all around the world, but born in the Amazonian rainforest, used for thousands of years in central and south America for rituals, spice, and is a symbol of divinity and power."

Brewer's website: Piglove Brewing Co

What else have we been drinking?

Iron Brew from Vault City (Scotland)

You can probably guess the inspiration behind this beer and it's pretty much what you'd expect.

Smells like Irn-Bru, but has a thicker mouth feel and is more tart with a sweet finish. Alex described it as tasting like a cross between original Lucozade and orange Lucozade. It was quite sweet so you probably wouldn't want too many, but a good sour.

Brewer's note: "Citrus? Bubblegum? Girders?? With our Iron Brew Sour we wanted to get as close to original recipe taste as possible - a homage to Scotland's second national drink. Phenomenal."

Brewer's website: Vault City Brewing | Modern Sour Beer from Scotland

Expressions: Idaho 7 from Siren (Reading)

As we were ordering the Guess the Hops beers from Siren, it made sense to add a few other beers into the mix, such as this DDH IPA made with Idaho 7 hops. We thought it would help us with our mission to be better at picking out the different hop flavours from beer.

Not sure it made us any better at flavour profiling, but it was a very nice beer and worth a mention in this month's newsletter.

Brewer's note: "Our 'Expressions' beers are soft IPAs made to tell the story of an individual hop. Idaho 7 has only been around for 8 years, but has made a big impression in that time. Named after its home state, we love its piney, tropical, fruity and floral aromas."

Stouts from Siren

We've tried Siren's Broken Dream breakfast stout a couple of times and love it, so we decided to compare it to their Shattered Dream (a twist on Broken Dream).

Broken Dream was as good as we remembered, but Shattered Dream really did take it to the next level. It smells like a nutty choc ice and doesn't taste too dissimilar either. Delicious. And only just missed out as our beer of the month.

Broken Dream 6.5%

Brewer's note: "An indulgence of chocolate and speciality malts, Broken Dream is smooth, unctuous and moreish. It's brewed with milk sugar for balance and mouthfeel, along with carefully selected espresso from London's Climpson & Sons. Awarded CAMRA Supreme Champion Beer of Britain 2018."

Shattered Dream 9.6%

Brewer's note: "Shattered Dream is the scaled up version of our award-winning flagship stout - Broken Dream. In addition to its imperial strength and generous espresso hit, we've also added cacao nibs and vanilla to make this beer even more luxurious than the much-loved original. This version is nitrogenated, meaning it pours thick and drinks smooth. An intensely indulgent and unctuous treat."

Siren Craft Brew: Premium Brewing Beers | Siren Craft Beer

Beer of the month

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier

We've had lots of excellent beers this month and I have to give another mention to Siren's Shattered Dream breakfast stout which was epic.

But, for me, this smoked beer was my beer of the month just because it was so different to any other beer I've ever tasted.

I'll admit, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it on the first sip, but the more I drank, the more I wanted. It's hard to describe the flavour because I want to say smoked sausage, but that doesn't sound very appealing and this was delicious.

It's certainly unique in flavour and worth trying if you like getting adventurous with your beer.

Brewer's note: "Bamberg's speciality, a dark, bottom fermented smokebeer, brewed with Original Schlenkerla Smokemalt from the Schlenkerla maltings and tapped according to old tradition directly from the gravity-fed oakwood cask in the historical brewery tavern."

Brewer's website: Smoked Lager Beer

Support your local independent brewers

Part of the reason I started this newsletter was to encourage people to support their local brewers. The beer industry is being hammered with challenges right now and needs our help (no matter how small the contribution).

Most of the breweries featured in this month's newsletter have bars or taprooms where you can sit and enjoy a brew. And your local breweries probably do too.

So pop into a taproom for a pint. Grab a couple of bottles or cans to try at home. Look for beers from independent breweries when you're at the supermarket or down at your local.

And if you don't like beer, you can still show support.

If your local brewery offers a brewery tour, book the tour or book it as a gift for someone else.

If they serve food in their taproom, go and eat there.

If they host events, buy a ticket.

If they sell glassware or merchandise, treat yourself.

And if they have an event space, consider holding your next event there.

Find out what your local breweries offer - you might be surprised. From hosting running clubs, book clubs, and networking events, to hosting private events and even weddings - breweries are no longer just places where beer is made.

What's on the menu for May?

Out and about

In May, we're heading to Roundhay for this year's food festival. We're looking forward to seeing what tasty treats we can find and, hopefully, we'll spot a few new brews while we're there.

North Leeds Food Festival | May 11th-12th 2024, Roundhay Park, Leeds

In the fridge

We've got this trio of Sierra Nevada beers. We've never tried any of them, but they are one of America's top independent breweries, and their pale ale is thought to have sparked the craft beer revolution.

I visited Liverpool's Love Lane brewery back in September - it was one of the first venues featured in my new brew newsletter. Their beers have been popping up in our local supermarkets, and we've built up a nice little selection for a new brew battle.

I'm not a beer blogger - I'm a blogger who likes beer

Beer has nothing to do with my business (not directly at least).

Craft beer is an interest I share with my husband - something we enjoy together - and this newsletter is purely a passion project (for now). I like beer. I like writing, so why not write about beer?

I am not paid to promote any of the beers, breweries or businesses featured in this newsletter - I'm just sharing stuff I think might be of interest to you.

I would always encourage people to drink responsibly. UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adult men do not regularly exceed 3-4 units daily, and adult women do not regularly exceed 2-3 units daily. Drink responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

When we're drinking multiple new brews or new brews with high ABVs, we split the cans or bottles between us - otherwise, I'd get very little work done on a Friday.

And talking of work, here's a little reminder of what I do.

I provide copywriting training for individuals and teams and marketing mentoring for freelancers and small business owners.

Feel free to message me if you need help attracting and converting more of the clients you want, or if you'd like to send me free beer 😉.

Find out more about my services at www.makeyourcopycount.com