Burnt Mill Bangers, Juicy Lil' DEYA Drop & Fresh CC Imports!
H E Y T H E R E
C L A P T O N C R A F T
F A N S !
That's right we're back in your inboxes once more for that juicy end-of-week content you all know and love! Up top, that green elephant in the room, Verdant's Putty, is indeed on the way - hang tight for a shop-wide drop next Friday including a keg down the Wood St Depot, and landing on that magical internet as soon as we get our hands on it (make sure to follow us on Insta to be in the know).
Anyway, in the here and now, we have the illustrious Burnt Mill making their much-anticipated return, while there's easy slurpers aplenty from Cheltenham's finest DEYA in fine support. Add to that some exclusive imported wine of our own from Società Agricola Il Sasso in Valpolicella and Raïmones in Penedès and we have all the boozy bases loaded.
For those planning to celebrate Burns Night, we also have Scottish slammers from Overtone and Vault City dropping online including a Northern Monk DIPA collab, and Iron Bru Sour respectively. Not forgetting AF delights from those Leeds legends, plus Pohjala host their own celebration with luxurious Baltic Porter Day bangers to celebrate 10 years of brilliant brewing.
As to our mega Managers, they've chosen the likes of Cloudwater, Pressure Drop, Mondo, Boxcar (the Dark Mild-athon) and more for the spotlight. Now then, let's get cracking!
B R E W E R Y
O F T H E
W E E K
🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆
Quite frankly, it's been far too long since having Burnt Mill on the shelves and in the fridges, but we're keen to right that wrong in a major way with a big drop to kick off 2023. Founded on a barn in the idyllic Suffolk countryside in 2017, they've risen to prominence rapidly, becoming renowned for their impeccably balanced, hop-forward beers. With a particular focus on drinkability and West Coast styles, they've truly taken the Sierra Nevada torch and run with it, reminding us why we got into this craft malarkey in the first place.
But, we shouldn't really be too surprised at their success with the talents of Head Brewer Sophie De Ronde considered. Having channelled her experience as a brewing technologist, while also working as the lead brewer for the eminent cask-focused Essex brewery Brentwood, it's only natural they hit the ground running. And, in 2020 she was deservedly named Brewer of the Year by the British Guild of Beer Writers. More recently they've gone under the radar somewhat, though not through any fault of their own, so it's a joy to sing their praises once more!
This time around we have plenty of fresh favourites, and (in our opinion) one of the most consistent and rewarding Pales in the UK right now, Pintle. On a similar tip, West Coast Pale Delta Lines offers up a gluggable combo of Chinook, Idaho 7 and Cascade hops for spicy citrus goodness, with a little pine resin intensity. Dialling things up a notch Rooted In Citra arrives as a single hop, Gluten Free New England IPA - all the things! Here, expect ripe citrus flavours melding with peachy esters for a focus on the all-time great ingredient.
With a shift back to sessionability, enter their new core range Helles. Another GF great, this has all the hallmarks of the classic style. Quenching, crispy, with rounded bready malt aromas and a touch of bracing bitterness this is a new fridge filler for sure. Talking of easy-drinking Cocoa Porter Big Sur Moon is right up our street with a multilayered malt blend and plenty of rich cacao fun. Smooth, and undeniably slurpable! Finally, for a little treat we'll also have their dank New England DIPA collab with Finback, Swimming Giants landing soon, hold tight for that big tropical affair landing next week.
As ever, we have the rather enticing offer of double loyalty points in-store or 10% off 6 or more if you'd like some Burnt Mill belters delivered straight to your door. That is if we leave any for you, these are staff favourites, and for good reason...
A T A S T Y
L I L ' D E Y A
D R O P
🤤 🤤 🤤 🤤 🤤
Did anyone say easy breezy sippers? Well DEYA certainly heard ya! As such, we have a cheeky quartet of all-day drinkers primed and ready. Super soft, crispy crusher Magazine Cover is back in fine supply, as is the one and only Steady Rolling Man.
Hoppy Pils Nelson also returns - a zingy, clean and vinous little Lager this is a real highlight of ours. Completing the set we also have newbie That's That Then, which sees their first use of Pacific Sunrise hops from New Zealand. Sweet ripe fruit, a floral tinge and just a hint of resin is the name of the game, with Citra paired for that full fruit bowl of flavour. Dig in!
I L S A S S O &
R A I M O N E S
L A N D
✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️
We're delighted to be adding some fresh faces to our ever-growing portfolio of directly imported producers. Enabling us to work closely with esteemed and up-and-coming winemakers, while building close relationships, we've since gained access to some simply incredible Natural Wine with our license, all while enabling us to pass on the savings directly to our customers.
Our second Italian foray after Le Spinee, Società Agricola Il Sasso arrive from the south-facing hills of Valpolicella just outside of Verona. A groundbreaking organic estate the vines here grow at around 300m altitude in rugged, rock-strewn terrain, with the roots forced to penetrate through the ‘calcarenite gialla’ - a type of soft yellow limestone - in search of sustenance. All grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts in a mix of concrete and ceramic barrels, with the typical wood avoided in order to emphasise the character and freshness of the grapes. As such we have a duo of rather special, vibrant reds to present to you here!
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
Made from only free-run juice that flows by gravity before pressing, this is wonderfully fresh and lifted with crunchy cranberry, wild herb and pepper aromas. Versatile enough to pair with just about anything or delightful chilled on its own!
VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE
Macerated on skins before pressing off to age for 12 months think bright, spicy red and dried cherry aromas with floral tones and fine, lightly drying tannins. Sublime and still developing intriguing savoury notes a few years out from vintage.
Next up, a supergroup of acclaimed local wine producers Mas Candi, La Salada and RR Sadurni, founded under the name of Raïmones. This Penedès-based trio work primarily with indigenous Catalunya varieties, including the ancient Marina which they are on a mission to bring back from the brink of extinction. With only 10 hectares of Marina left, the white and orange are a chance to taste the past - and hopefully future - of Penedès wine.
A Pét-Nat style sparkling white made from a blend of Marina and Xarel.lo, Engresacada Ancestral is the perfect place to start. Refreshing and saline with lovely aromas of white flowers and orange blossom, this makes the perfect aperitif. Meanwhile, the zesty Engrescada Orange is a blend of Marina, Xarel.lo and Muscat fermented on skins for vibrant peach and pear notes, with a lightly grippy finish. Lastly, their Engrescada Red is a blend of Xarel.lo, Sumoll and Cabernet Sauvignon. Vivid, floral aromas of violets and bergamot dominate here with juicy blackberry, plum and wild strawberry following up on the palate.
We're absolutely thrilled to have these two future cult favourites land, and can't wait to hear what you think of them!
F R E S H W E B S H O P
W O N D E R S
T H I S W E E K
✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨
🏴 OVERTONE 🏴
Can't Help Myself - Huge, heavenly DIPA w/ hop gods Northern Monk!
Cran Razz - Light, spritzy & uber sinkable red fruit-filled Gose.
Sun Dance - Glowing hazy Pale, w/ a melange of mango & passion fruit flavour.
🍹 VAULT CITY 🍹
Iron Brew - Nostalgic, tangy & absolutely glorious fizzy orange Sour.
Tropical Sour IPA - Sunshine Sour combining hop firepower w/ juicy fruit.
Blackcurrant Choc Chip Waffle - Ludicrously luscious Pastry Sour!
🖤 POHJALA 🖤
Baltic Porter Day 2023 - Traditional Estonian flavours of rye & black bread are layered w/ robust dark chocolate & dried fruits in a decadent & utterly delightful dark beer.
BA Baltic Porter Dat 2022 - Aged in Marsala & Spanish liqueur barrels this has the sweet oat creaminess of the OG beer coupled w/ a luxurious medley of jammy forest fruits.
🙏 NORTHERN MONK 🙏
Holy Heathen - Alcohol-free version of their Hazy IPA modern classic.
Gary's Fizzy Army - Sherbety, mega fruited AF smoothie ale.
Holy Hop Water - Guilt free drinking w/ this refreshing Citra infused H20!
M A N A G E R
P I C K S
T H I S W E E K
👌 👌 👌 👌 👌
ILARIA - KENTISH TOWN
🌧 CLOUDWATER 🌧
Happy - Vivid, brilliantly balanced & super sluggable Pale.
Step Up - Roasty, moreish Dry Stout in collaboration w/ Rock Leopard.
Fuzzy - Signature Hazy Pale made w/ hand-selected hops.
FIONN - FINSBURY PARK
🚗 BOXCAR 🚗
Very Mild w/ Mash Gang - All the body & flavour of OG Dark Mild, just AF.
Double Dark Mild - Softer than a Stout, this is a luxurious take on a classic.
Triple Dark Mild - The nostalgic style taken to the pinnacle. Pure mild sorcery.
LARA - FOREST HILL
🐦 BEAK 🐦
And - All-Cashmere hopped IPA w/ notes of strawberry & sweet melon.
Garlands - Unctuous NEIPA showcasing three pineapple-centric hops.
Parade - Fresh, bubblegum Hazy IPA w/ a ripe, oily mouthfeel.
TOM - BALHAM
💦 PRESSURE DROP 💦
Protege - Pocket rocket SIPA w/ juicy, aromatic Cryo hops.
Pyramid Peak - Hazy Session Pale w/ freshly cut mango & pine flavour.
Barracuda - Bold, yet breezy blood orange & passion fruit Sour.
MEL - WALTHAMSTOW
🏅 ANSPACH & HOBDAY 🏅
Sticke Bier - Heritage Altbier w/ a clean, nutty malt profile.
The Ordinary Bitter - Comforting dark fruit & biscuity brilliance.
The IPA - Throwback WCIPA great. Dank, resinous & fruit forward.
SAM - WOOD ST
🇩🇪 TEGERNSEER 🇩🇪
Helles - Bready, crispy-clean brilliance, an all-time classic.
Max I Joseph - Grassy, smooth & ultra fresh Export Lager.
Spezial - Golden Helles Lager w/ plenty of green noble hop aroma.
EDDY - CLAPTON
👌 MONDO 👌
Grandpa Louis - Caramel-tinged, super suppable Mild w/ 2nd Shift Brewing.
Book Club - Experimental, vinous IPA produced w/ Upslope Brewing.
Candy Candy - Warming & wondrous Heaven Hill BA Imperial Stout.
CHIPPY - ST JOHN'S HILL
🧭 ELB 🧭
Navigator - Silky NE Pale w/ freshly cut pineapple & zingy gooseberry notes.
Hopside Down - Peachy, piney, NZ Pale. A southern hemisphere smasher!
East End Lager - Crushable & gently bitter unfiltered Pilsner.
Have A Great Weekend & Be Sure To Drink Plenty Of Super Suds! - Team CC