Unbarred Debut + Stoutzilla Launch & Our Very Own Whisky!
H E L L O
C L A P T O N C R A F T
F A N S !
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We hope you're all keeping well and have trudged through this dreary midweek! We're keeping it relatively short and sweet this time around as our eyes towards that funnest prep of all, just whisper it, *Xmas planning* (yes that's us internally shuddering).
What we do have though is our first pallet live and direct from the magnificent UnBarred. Admired from near and far by trips to their taproom, and with a handful of cans previously landing in the shops we're thrilled to have something proper from this lovely lot. Stealing the headlines of course is Stoutzilla, their annually released, and much sought after Imperial Stout. You don't want to miss this monster.
Alongside we have a pretty mega surprise for you all, a Clapton Craft Single Cask Whisky made in collaboration with the team at East London Liquor Company, with a little help from our friends at Pillars. We can't really overstate just how excited we are for you to taste, and see this, so read on for more!
B R E W E R Y
O F T H E
W E E K
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Established in 2014 from the shed of founder and Head Brewer Jordan Mower, Unbarred set out to brew uncompromising and exciting beer from the outset, garnering acclaim and a rabid fanbase at lightning speed. Previously 'phantom' brewing at other sites, they soon established a taproom and production facility in the heart of Brighton in August 2019, in turn doubling their production and enabling them to embrace the local community they know and love.
Now known for their ludicrously suppable hazy Pales like the aptly titled Joosy, alongside ingenious pastry stouts like their Bueno Shake, one beer has been touted as the next step in their evolution, of which we were delighted to be an exclusive launch venue for.
First brewed in that shed, and now a coveted yearly release, Stoutzilla is truly something to behold! Pouring at our Wood St Depot from today and with cans dropping across all our shops, this has hit the top tier of UK Stouts, and many end of year best of lists for good reason.
Roasted malts, cocoa nibs, Madagascan vanilla, Bourbon Whisky, and cold steeped coffee have been layered to build something of both amazing complexity and flavour. Decadent, indulgent and rich, and pouring an enticing oily thick, jet black, this outrageous beer is something to behold, and yes even a little feared at a dangerously drinkable double digits of 10%!
To help back up this barnstormer, we of course have a litany of delights from the team. The aforementioned crushable Pale Joosy is all present and correct, with notes of freshly cut grapefruit and zesty tangerine. Those after something a little more refined should look no further than their Kolsch, which is the epitome of clean, crisp balance with aromas of freshly cut grass, and bready malt. For luxury of another kind we have their seasonally suitable and nostalgia-inducing Apple Pastry Sour, which is not to be missed. With a dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger this warming wonder is a smoothie-like, rich and creamy, crumble cracker.
Back to the dark stuff and Kinder Bueno is pure pudding in a can, with caramel wafer, vanilla and hazelnut notes making this milk stout wonder absolutely pop. Finally, we're lucky enough to have a handful of bottles of last year's Barrel Aged Stoutzilla 2021 in 750ml, sharer (I guess) format. Spending six months in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels, we needn't harp on about how special this BA edition is, we simply don't have enough to go around!
As ever there's double loyalty points in-store with 10% off 6 or more online, on our headliners UnBarred so you can get to know their exceptional offerings up close and personal. Fill that fridge, or better yet head to the Depot to taste Stoutzilla straight from the draught source...
C L A P T O N C R A F T
E L L C & P I L L A R S
D R E A M T E A M !
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Yes you read that right, we've teamed up with London's top distillery in ELLC to make our very own Clapton Craft Single Cask Whisky. A labour of love, we had the arduous task of tasting and blending a whole load of barrels before settling on this sumptuous ex-Icebock cask from our E17 neighbourhood pals and lager legends, Pillars.
Mashed with a blend of Rye (55%) and Barley (45%), while fermented with their favourite Belgian and French saison yeast this was then housed in regenerated French Oak for over three years before being finished in a freshly emptied Icebock Cask.
A epic, rich and caramelised imperial Lager made with freeze-concentration wizardry, all that malty goodness follows through wonderfully. On the nose this is all toasted hot cross buns, marzipan and coffee cake, following through with tasting notes of Imperial Stout, dried sultanas and sandalwood. Finishing with a smoky, cola aplomb this one's made to be drunk just however you want to. Neat while pontificating over the intricacies, supped generously over the rocks, or slammed into your favourite cocktail.
Priced at £65 with a limited run of 276 bottles spread across all eight shops and online, don't expect this to hang around too long. We know what we're getting ourselves this Christmas.
But, if you don't somehow fancy pulling the trigger now you'll be pleased to know we have free in-store tastings across all of our locations this December featuring the full selection (including our superb Single Cask). Come on down!
Thanks for reading & we'll see you same time, same place, next week! - Team CC