Hackney Heroes, Fronton Fancies & Summer Ready Vermouth!
H E L L O
C L A PT O N C R A F T
C R E W !
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That's right we're back again to reward you for having to endure the full five-day week (a weird rarity in May), as well as slaking your thirst with a flood of fresh bevs landing just in time for the heatwave-ish! First up, our pals and some of the best suds slingers in the business, Howling Hops, take the top spot. Following on from that, there's obscure natty wine favourites (yes, we can do highbrow too) from Famille Arbeau, the latest producer to join our import stable.
This week the selection is nothing but eclectic as we then take a look at aperitivo aces Cocchi. Meanwhile, choice cuts on the Webshop come from the slightly more familiar roster of Cloudwater, Track, Brick, and Mash Gang. Over in the shops, Devil's Botany, Wild Card (tasting tonight in E17), the aforementioned Brick (tasting tonight in SE23) and more are under the microscope for our Managers.
Oh, and speaking of events, you might have seen we've announced a rather tasty-looking Tap Takeover with Pressure Drop next Friday and Saturday (26th & 27th May) down the Wood St Depot. More details on that to come, but clear your calendar. Now, let's get on with things!
B R E W E R Y
O F T H E
W E E K
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First plying their trade at cask haven The Southampton Arms before moving to the Cock Tavern, and now their own craft canal-side mecca, the Tank Bar, there’s not much Howling Hops haven't, or can't do. Renowned for their array of ludicrously drinkable juicebombs, a smattering of impeccably balanced Lagers, and zingy fruit Sours, not only are they one of the hottest brewing properties in London town but they're also a sure-fire bet across the style board.
As such, it was an absolute highlight of last year to work alongside them and local legends E5 Bakehouse on our indulgent Imperial Chocolate Rye Cookie Stout, King Cookie. Having not honoured one of our nearest and dearest since, we're long overdue a celebration of the Hackney heroes with some sunshine-ready suds!
Where better to start then, than that holiday in a glass, Tropical Deluxe? This zingy Session Pale delivers a dry-hop tropical tango of Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe for a light, bright, pillowy soft wonder. Exactly the kind of drink we want after a tough shift slinging beer Barleypop puts some polish on the well-worn everyday Lager, for a crisp effort with sufficient complexity to warrant the tag all-day drinking. Another core staple, their House IPA, is a moreish, totally tropical treat - and a frothy forerunner of New England goodness in the capital.
As to the newcomers, zingy NZ Pale Loose Cannon looks to fire on all fruity cylinders, while Kveik IPA Foreshore offers up cleaner, dank, floral notes. If that wasn't enough, pretzel-infused Red Ale Bread Knot sounds like the perfect blend of salty and sweet, in an ever-so intriguing package. We're also overjoyed to see Super Chuck return, a real favourite of the Summer season from the last few years. Here, a back-breaking 460kg of fruit including strawberries, cherries, redcurrants, and lemon are packed into a deep, tart, crimson beauty for all kinds of gloopberry sillyjam fun without the vegan unfriendly lactose.
Suffice to say there's plenty to sink your teeth into this week, with variety the name of the game around the grounds. Whatever you pick up at your local, you'll be securing double loyalty points, while any online-goers can take advantage of 10% off 6 or more Howling Hops brews.
F A M I L L E
A R B E A U
D E B U T
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Based in Fronton, a tiny but fascinating appellation on the river Tarn around 30 miles north of Toulouse, Famille Arbeau are the latest hand-selected import to land on Clapton Craft shores. A real first for us, their idiosyncratic offerings have been prized for staying true to their roots, and we count ourselves lucky to be one of the only places in the UK to get some Arbeau action...
First planted by the Romans, Fronton's vineyards cover just 23 square kilometres of land, most of which is dedicated to a variety found almost nowhere else, Négrette. Thought to have been brought to the area from Cyprus in the 12th century by the Knights of the Order of St John, the grape produces deep and headily perfumed wines with a beguiling mixture of floral aromas (violets and roses) and rugged, savoury notes of iron, black pepper and game.
Honouring tradition, but with an eye to the future, the Arbeau family's control of the domain dates back to 1878. Now in its 4th generation, it is run today by sister and brother Anne and Gérard Arbeau, who have converted to organics in order to better express the unfiltered, unique terroir and grape varieties of Fronton.
We're pleased to say since landing we've had no problems championing the overlooked, eccentric style ourselves, as they continue to fly out! Check out a little more on the trio we have for you below, which all make perfect food-pairing wines if we do say so ourselves...
Emoji Wine - Detailed with an icon for each occasion to drink this vino (pretty much any excuse you can think of), we were delighted to taste a new wave beaut that matches the charm of the label. A sumptuous Rosé made from Négrette with a touch of Syrah think crunchy red berries finished with an intriguing iron minerality and a white pepper touch.
Le Temps Des Fleurs - A blend of Négrette and Cabernet Sauvignon, we'll win no linguistics prizes for suggesting that floral aromas are at the forefront here. Powerful and structured with a concentrated nose of cassis and plum, this is lifted by the signature characteristics of Négrette - peonies, violets and roses. Nuanced then, but still ever-so drinkable!
Radical Cassoulet - A blend of another South-West rarity, Braucol, and Côt (Malbec) this striking bottle has that same intense iron-like minerality on the nose but with fresh herbal notes of green pepper and fennel floating atop. Generous and fruity on the palate with bramble fruits, liquorice and a firm structure, this could be a future cult fave.
A C E
I T A L I A N
V E R M O U T H
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With cloud cover leaving us for longer than thirty seconds this week our minds wandered to chilled vermouth in the garden or at the park, a go-to in the Clapton Craft household when out of the shops. And, no one provides the supplies better than the historic Cocchi. Originating in Asti, Piedmont in 1891, the company was founded by Guilio Cocchi, a former pastry chef whose passion for food pairings led him to pursue making beautifully balanced, aromatic-infused wine.
Utilising the region's remarkable vineyards, and quality of herbs such as the quintessential wormwood, or quinine, by the turn of the century his Aperitivos had already become commercially successful across the world. Now, a shorthand for the highest calibre of Vermouth, they've been a staple of our shops since day dot, and with an ever-rising popularity in wine bars around London - why not shout about them for the sunny season?
Made to the exact recipe created more than a hundred years ago by Guilio their Cocchi Di Torino is both a classic and a trendsetter, becoming a best-selling vermouth in the world's 100 best bars back in 2020. Intense, yet well-rounded flavour most notably from brown sugar and rhubarb infusions sets it apart from the competition. Enticing notes of red fruits, tangerine, and even cola bottles combine for a versatile liquid indeed. Delicious served on its own with ice, this is also a superb base for a Boulevardier, Manhattan or Negroni.
CLAPTON CRAFT'S SIGNATURE BOULEVARDIER
Ingredients
35ml Clapton Craft x ELLC Whisky
25ml Cocchi Di Torino
25ml Campari
Method
Stir ingredients in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice until thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled Clapton Craft tumbler and garnish with orange.
Similarly, Cocchi Americano Bianco is another cornerstone aperitif for us, with its quinine, orangey quality it's a similar style to Lillet Blanc and essential in James Bond's Vesper Martini or the legendary Corpse Reviver.
Made from a blend of two aromatic varietals Brachetto and Malvasia, Cocchi Americano Rosa is a little more atypical, but nonetheless alluring. Infused with gentian, cinchona, and citrus zest (the same as Bianco), ginger and rose petals are then added for a subtle, floral twist. Best served with soda or tonic and a grapefruit zest twist, this is a supreme spritz in the making.
Visit us in-store or hit the button below for a bottle from the greats!
M A N A G E R
P I C K S
T H I S W E E K
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SAM - WOOD ST
🍾 TILQUIN 🍾
Riesling - Pure & exceptional Lambic, w/ a vibrant vinous tang. Expect notes of funky apple & floral, fleshy apricot.
Pinot Noir - Dosed at 260g/l with fresh grapes, this delivers wave after wave of vivid red berry flavour w/ a tannic bite.
MEL - WALTHAMSTOW
🃏 WILD CARD 🃏
Taurus - Bold Riwaka Pale loaded w/ powerful, roasted passion fruit notes.
Money - Luscious, tangy, blackcurrant, raspberry & lime Sour.
Cash is King - Resinous WCIPA w/ a robust bitterness & piney citrus hit.
🗣 TASTING TODAY 5-7PM 🗣
JOEL - CLAPTON
🔥 MASH GANG 🔥
Sorbetto w/ Pastore - Tantalisingly tropical low alcohol Sorbet Sour.
Stay Gold - Hazy DDH Pale Ale, top tier no/low sorcery.
Stank Drank w/ Tripping Animals - Thick, fluffy AF IPA celebrating Hop City!
LARA - FOREST HILL
🧱 BRICK 🧱
Lime, Salt & Passionfruit Sour - Saline, South American-inspired stunner!
Blood Orange & Amarillo Sour - Succulent tart beer w/ a hoppy edge.
Peckham Pale - Classic & clean APA w/ a straw-coloured malt backbone.
🗣 TASTING TODAY 5.30-7PM 🗣
TOM - BALHAM
😈 DEVIL'S BOTANY 😈
Gin - Bright, aromatic & devilishly clean, composed of just 7 botanicals.
Absinthe - The heady holy trio of grand wormwood, green anise & sweet fennel.
Absinthe Regalis - Curious twist on a classic feat. deep, warming spices.
GUY - ST JOHN'S HILL
🛤 TRACK 🛤
Downstate w/ Howling Hops - Super crisp, deceptively light, hoppy delight!
Sonoma - All-time great citrusy SIPA. Soft, pithy & uber slurpable.
Visibility Unlimited w/ Kavu - Smooth West Coast Pale w/ marmalade hops.
ORLANDO - FINSBURY PARK
😮💨 EXALE 😮💨
Oona - Punchy, yet pillowy soft NEIPA. Leave that cloyingness at the door.
Skoosh - Full & juicy Pale w/ a medley of citrus fruit flavour.
Krankie - Ingenious, tangy Iron Brew Sour. Bonkers, yet brilliant.
ILARIA - KENTISH TOWN
🍺 ORBIT 🍺
Hakata Rice Lager - Devilishly dry, crushable Japanese-inspired Lager.
Nico - Precise, authentic & suitably crisp-fruit hybrid, Koln style Lager.
Ivo - Peachy, w/ a piney bitterness, a beautifully balanced Pale Ale.
F R E S H
W E B
W O N D E R S
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🛤 TRACK 🛤
How We Move - Creamy, tropical & silky smooth Gold Top DIPA.
Now We're Here w/ Other Half - Internet breaking TIPA. Not to be missed.
Language Barrier - Full-blooded coconut, vanilla, coffee & lactose Imperial Stout.
🌧 CLOUDWATER 🌧
In Darkness There Is Light, On The Rocks, Reminds Me Of You -
A trio of exquisite, unique & rare Barrel Aged Imperial Stouts.
🧱 BRICK 🧱
Lime, Salt & Passionfruit Sour - Saline, South American-inspired stunner!
Peach & Apricot Sour - Juicy, pulpy tart beer w/ a winning fruit combo.
👌 MASH GANG 👌
Stoop - AF American Light Lager. Crispy-clean & dangerously drinkable.
Chug - Remarkable AF XPA, grassy & packed w/ grapefruit fun.
Only In Dreams w/ Vault City - Strawberry & Jalapeño Margarita Pickleback Sour. Sold.
Have an amazing weekend, whatever you might be up to! - Team CC