Fortnight Spotlight Beers : 21.10.2015

One of the most exciting breweries in the UK at the moment, they are named after the monks who brewed in Leeds during the 7th Century AD. Keep an eye out for anything by these guys, because they are only getting bigger and better!

The first of Northern Monk’s seven deadly sins beer series, this saison has been brewed with strawberries, hibiscus and rose petals. As apposed to true sours, there is a rounded tartness to this beer with big strawberry flavours coming through. A floral finish gives it a different dimension to other saisons.

For this collaboration beer, two of the most exciting breweries of the last few months and James Kemp, formerly of Thornbridge and Buxton, have teamed up. When this beer was announced, many people were salivating at the idea of the final product – and it did not disappoint.

This IPA uses plenty of Kiwi hops along with a Belgian yeast strain from La Chouffe. There is an intermingling of the yeasty esters stereotypical of Belgian yeast along with the sharp, complex bitterness of Kiwi hops. This beer stays drinkable despite its ABV.

Having been founded in 1989, Odell were just the second microbrewery in Colorado, the state which now has the
3rd most breweries per capita. They were some of the forerunners of craft beer, and continue to lead the way.

Fernet is an Italian liquor, similar to amaretto, that is made with various spices. The porter was put into barrels that had previously contained Fernet from a local distillery and then left to mature. The dark, toasted character of the porter takes on a herby edge from the oak that gives it
a slightly savoury characteristic.

Flying Dog are one of the most recognisable breweries due to the brilliant art done for them by Ralph Steadman. Founded in 1990 as a brew pub, they have grown to be one of the quintessential American breweries.

The Fear was brewed with pumpkin purree and all of the spices you would usually attribute to a pumpkin pie and, to be honest, that comes across perfectly in the flavour and aroma. This is incredibly boozy which only adds to the decadent nature of the beer. A luxurious beer, this
one to be sipped and enjoyed slowly.

Timmermans are the oldest, still operational, lambic brewery, having started back in 1702. Using the same brewing processes as they did back in 1702, these guys have won numerous awards for their beers.

Pumpkin beers are, unsuprisingly, all the rage around Halloween. However, this sour pumpkin lambic is a step away from what most are doing. Although the predominant characteristics of this beer are the sour notes, there is a hint of warm, spiced, pumpkin in the background.

To Øl (Danish for Two Beers) are a Danish gypsy brewery who were students of the most famous gypsy brewer of them all, Mikkeller, when at school. Since going commercial, they have consistenly been viewed as one of the foremost breweries.

Black Malts & Body Salts is a black IPA brewed with body salts and coffee. The coffee helps to accentuate the heavy roastedness of the malts, whilst also providing a slightly astringent bitterness to the finish. With only a hint of salt, despite this beers ABV, it becomes
dangerously drinkable.