The Inside Track, Loire Legends, Collabing With Two Flints!
H E L L O
C L A PT O N C R A F T
C R E W !
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Just how are we at the end of October already? Close enough to be mentioning that festive 'C' word we're going to bury our heads in the sand for a few weeks more, mainly for our own peace of mind. Anyway, this week we're keeping it slightly lean and mean as a result of some long overdue Summer-ish holiday for the fine folk at Clapton Craft Content HQ.
Up top, we finally have a new shipment courtesy of some of our (and yours), from the UK's second city (yes we said it) for beer, in Manchester's Track.
Then, we revisit one of our most popular vino suppliers to date in L'Aumonier. We began importing these Loire Legends just over a year ago to the day, and now we're lucky enough to have a fresh vintage landing with us.
Finally, we take you behind the scenes of our final collaboration of 2023! Exploding onto the scene earlier this year, we've had the privilege of working alongside Two Flints on something suitably bright, bitter and pint-able. Launching NEXT FRIDAY at Balham with a Tap Takeover, alongside a simultaneous can and keg drop across the shops, get excited for this one!
B R E W E R Y
O F T H E
W E E K
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Having gone down a treat each and every time they've made an appearance across the shops or online (so much so that we frankly struggle to keep them in good supply), we just had to give Track centre stage once more.
Born from a two-year cycling odyssey around the world in 2008, owner Sam Dyson traversed the East to the West Coast of the US, finding inspiration in the local breweries that were the lifeblood of communities large and small. Upon returning, he threw himself into the beer world, gaining experience in London before heading home and setting up shop underneath Manchester's Piccadilly Station.
Kicking out beers as Track 2.0 in August 2021 around the corner from Cloudwater in a huge new space, they've honed their processes, in turn installing a plush, state-of-the-art taproom to showcase their talents. As such, this week we have an absolute plethora of delights available allowing you to avoid those eye-watering Trainline prices, and try one of the UK's absolute finest all from the comfort of your own home.
Where else to begin, then their core range classic, Sonoma? A bright, juicy, yet clean hazy Pale, we've pretty much run out of hyperbole to accurately describe this. Adding to their flagship fun, we have Gluten Free great From Above returning, with bready malt character and a subtle tropical punch it's a Pale Ale for everyone...
Fans of traditional triumphs need look no further than Arosa or Manchester Fresh Hop 2023. The former is a classic Helles lovingly lagered for 6 weeks with clean, yeast-lead notes and a singing bitterness. Meanwhile, the latter is their first ever Green Hop beer, brewed with thanks to the MCR Hop Project. Grown by passionate folks, and friends the result is a crisp Golden Ale with a bready malt character, that gives way to an assertive, bracing citrus zip.
For those after something even more experimental, smashable Pale Always On My Mind features Kohia Nelson, a blend of Nelson, Rakau and… Passionfruit. A hoppy fruit-driven collision of flavour! Featuring another trial hop, Pillars sees them team up with (relative newcomers) Lakes Brewing. A sticky, resinous West Coast IPA this is brewed just the way Mama used to make them with notes of tinned peach, candied orange and fresh lime.
As to some heavyweight haze on offer, we start proceedings with IPA Fractured Smile. The first in a new project, Brewer's Cut, this features brand spanking new hop Anchovy alongside an A-list ingredient cast for notes of overripe melon, tart gooseberry and orange. Finally, DIPA Sea Of Stars is an all Nelson celebration. With a lavish, creamy body expect bouncing white grape, and sweet nectarine fun in a pillowy soft package. Delish!
To help you get back on the inside Track, we're of course offering double loyalty points in-store, with 10% off 6 or more online until next Friday. As if you should need any more encouragement with this lineup!
F R E S H
F R E N C H
F A N C I E S
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Quite literally starting from nothing, Sophie and Thierry Chardon began Domaine De L'Aumonier in the far eastern reaches of the Touraine appellation in 1996. Thierry’s parents were growers in the region, but he left for Paris to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter.
However, towards the end of his five-year employment contract, he met Sophie and soon decided to leave Paris and firefighting behind with her. Returning to the area, he discovered that the man who bought his parent's vines needed a vineyard manager, to which he stepped up with the help of his father's tutelage, and Sophie's assistance.
After six years, and having inherited some of his grandfather's vines, the plan was originally to sell the grapes to a négociant (a wine merchant), but within weeks a retired grower got wind of the transaction and offered to sell them 25 acres of vines to complete their full vineyard. Just about able to buy the necessary equipment, they have since expanded, again and again, growing in reputation and acres, becoming Organic in 2003, and Biodynamic in 2021.
"We have worked daily to cultivate our vines, with reason, prudence and respect. We hope that the spirit, energy and pleasure that emanate from each of our cuvées will delight you and allow you a moment of pleasure, sharing and conviviality" - Thierry & Sophie.
Originating from a terroir famed for its fresh, crisp, rounded fruit flavours (especially in their youth) we're absolutely thrilled to have seven different entries from their exceptional, and ever-expanding range.
From their tense, dry Sauvignon Blanc, to their juicy, purple Gamay, to the complex sparkling Chenin, Fines Bulles or their aromatic new Chenonceaux (an ideal Sancerre alternative) there is most certainly a little something for everyone. Hit the link below for our full tasting notes or be sure to take a peek in-store at what we have on offer...
B R E W I N G W I T H
N E W C R A F T
B E E R R O Y A L T Y
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Bar anomalies like Baron, or Gravity Well it's extremely rare we encounter a new brewery who have hit the ground running like Two Flints.
Having kindly been given samples of their launch beers brewed at friends (and once rising stars themselves) Drop Project, and being talked through the project by founder Alex, brewer Brett, and head of sales Nick - it was clear that we had to get involved.
With the first batches leaving their home of Windsor back in February and heading out to the shops, you could say we were fans since day one.
With core range crushers like Alma, and Santiago flying out, and with new specials like Clara, Stitch Up, Skin Deep, Big Phil and so many more hitting the mark across the style spectrum, they've gone on to be one of our bestselling breweries in London and the UK. So, who better to team up with next?
As huge fans of their interpretation of the modern West Coast style, we hatched a plan to make something zippy and sessionable, to pair perfectly with a crispy, sunny Winter's day. Visiting their home in Windsor with our management team we got to grips with a recipe that truly allowed some showstopping hops to shine. With a clean, beaming yellow malt base and a decent whack of bitterness, we think this'll be more comforting than a roaring fire any day of the week.
Showing us the most incredible hospitality, while allowing us to see their state-of-the-art brewery in action we're dead excited to work alongside some new (and old friends). Hit the link below to see more, but rest assured you'll want to grab a pint, can or probably both come next week...
And, for you Balham locals, we'll have the team down pouring four taps of frothy firepower, featuring three new unannounced specials including our collab cracker. Swing by!
Thanks for joining us again, and we hope to see you next week! - Team CC