Burnt Mill Comeback, Croc Classics, Orange Faves For Feb!
H E L L O
C L A PT O N C R A F T
C R E W !
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Welcome back to another instalment of our Friday newsie. Fingers crossed, you're on the home stretch for the week, and rest assured we have plenty of treats to reward you when you get there.
Kicking things off, there's a long overdue return from Suffolk superstars, Burnt Mill. Masters of drinkable West Coast and slightly more traditional styles, this drop has everything you could hope for and more. Alongside propping up the juice end of the bargain we also have a handful of Croc classics from DEYA. We couldn't not, really!
Mixing things up a little we also have some top tips for our fave February Orange Wines. With the weather not knowing what it's doing from one day to the next, these textured skin contact stunners are as versatile, food-friendly and as seasonally appropriate as you like. And, with Valentine's Day on the horizon, it might even be the perfect pairing to celebrate...
B R E W E R Y
O F T H E
W E E K
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Of course, there's always a place in our hearts for Pintle, easily one of the most consistent and rewarding Pales in the UK, this is full of effortlessly sinkable, bright, crisp, citrus and pine flavour. On a similar note, Gluten Free West Coast Pale gluggers Beyond The Firs and Endless River deliver more resinous, grapefruit goodness.
Inspired by the not-so-recent past when the Real Ale scene collided with the American hop revolution, Mantle Point, an American Brown Ale, is the first in a new series called Brewer's Choice. Devised by acclaimed Head Brewer Sophie De Ronde, this is one of her absolute favourite styles where green, spicy citrus fruits combine with burnt caramel malt fun.
Speaking of moreish, and just a little nostalgic, Flow Country is another inspired interpretation of a trad style, the much unfairly maligned ESB. Here, sweet biscuity notes combine with a delicate stone fruit twist for an uber-pintable affair. Definitely one to transport you to the pub.
Getting maltier still, chocolate Porter Big Sur Moon delivers big on comforting, dense dark notes. Whirlpooled with cacao husks there's a decadence there, but thanks to cold conditioning and fermentation with a clean Lager yeast, everything is still kept nice and suppable.
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 bangers delivered straight to your door. That is if we leave any for you, these are staff favourites, and for good reason...
M I N I
D E Y A
D R O P
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We just couldn't say no to a swift resupply from Cheltenham's finest! As such, the crispy, yet softly crushable SIPA Magazine Cover is back in it's full glory, alongside their zippy house Lager Tappy Pils.
Seasonally produced Table Beer Shadows Of Conversation also returns, ideal for that weekend session. Lean, clean and fragrant this 2.8% edition is brewed with tropical Citra and limey Motueka hops.
Last but by no means least, this is the first rebrew of Invoice Me For The Microphone in quite some time. One of their original greats, this is intensely green, with wafts of fleshy mango and saturated stone fruit flavour in abundance. Top-notch juice indeed. But what would you expect?
O R A N G E
F A V E S
F O R F E B
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Produced by leaving the grape skins and seeds in contact with the juice during fermentation (a process usually reserved for red wine), creating an alluring copper-coloured liquid, Orange Wine has become a bit of a phenomenon in our shops, and no doubt the wider drinking world!
More robust, textured, tannin-focused, and sometimes even a little tropically tart or with a honey-like dryness, their intensity usually increases with time 'on skins' during the winemaking process. Nonetheless, when it could be sleet or sunshine (most likely the former), this refreshing and generous style just makes sense right now over a purely crisp glass of Rosé or White.
Already a surefire house party winner, they also compliment heartier dishes superbly and are our go-to recommendation when you don't know (or care) what's going in the oven. Consequently, we have a few essentials to highlight for February, whether you're a seasoned expert, or are just getting your head around the citrus cult following...
G U L P
H A B L O
Region
Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Grapes
Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc
5-7 Days On Skins (Short)
Killer Feature
One whole litre of a cult fave Orange Vino, at just £18.50.
Tasting Notes
Boasting vibrant aromas of passion fruit & melon; think dried citrus peel, tea & preserved apricots on the palate with light tannins & a soft texture.
B A G L I O A N T I C O
C A T A R R A T T O
Region
Sicily, Italy
Grapes
Catarratto
3 Days On Skins (Short)
Killer Feature
Everyone's first Orange! Super accessible, but deceptively complex.
Tasting Notes
Pouring a rich, bronze hue this is ideal for the in-between seasons. Masses of apple & plum character develop with a touch of pithy citrus tannin. A classic!
M A D M E D
L ' O R A N G E
Region
Provence, France
Grapes
Vermentino
~5 Days On Skins (Short)
Killer Feature
A single-serving stunner. Drink Natural wine in cans before everyone else does.
Tasting Notes
Fresh & thirst-quenching style bursting with aromas of citrus blossom, poached quince & Mediterranean herbs. Dry on the finish with bright acidity & light tannins.
R A F A B E R N A B E
T R A G O L A R G O
Region
Alicante, Spain
Grapes
Moscatel, Malvasia
~30 Days On Skins (Long)
Killer Feature
Affordable funky fun from a legendary Natural producer.
Tasting Notes
Made only with local varietals, this is both savoury & wild! Featuring notes of tannic orange peel, quince, chamomile & apple. Exotic, crisp & acidic, yet super drinkable.
A R N D O R F E R
S C H L E H E
Region
Kamptal, Austria
Grapes
Grüner Veltliner, Neuburger
10-30 Days On Skins (Medium-Long)
Killer Feature
Elegant, edgy Austrian, ideal for your East London friends' dinner party.
Tasting Notes
Deep amber in colour, you'll find guava & ripe apricot flavour aplenty. Soft, juicy & velvety with a hint of lees on the finish, this has just the right level of funk.
L E L E
O R A N G E R I E S L I N G
Region
Canterbury, New Zealand
Grapes
Riesling
14 Days On Skins (Medium)
Killer Feature
Our latest import & first outside of Europe from once-London natural wine royalty.
Tasting Notes
Lifted & floral with gentle, herbal aromas & savoury, earthy undertones. Finished off with a vibrant thread of acidity, this is a steely, mineral treat.
V I N S E T V O L A I L L E S
P U T E S F E M I N I S T E S
Region
Alsace, France
Grapes
Gewürztraminer
10 Days On Skins (Medium)
Killer Feature
Bonkers tropical juice from an all-women wine collective.
Tasting Notes
Light & gluggable yet insanely textured, this is one of our favourites of 2023. Expect rosewater, guava & pineapple plus ripe citrus with a salty finish. Out there!
We hope you found something that took your fancy this week! - Take Care, Team CC