Back On Track! Pocket Negroni, Clapton Helles Returns & Rare Tilquin Lambics
H E L L O
C L A P T O N C R A F T
F A N S !
What a lineup we have for you this time around! Following a pretty breathless week of deliveries, we've uncovered some absolute gems across the boozy spectrum. Up top, there's a hefty hop drop from favourites Track, plus the return of the crispy classic, (if we do say so ourselves) Clapton Helles. In support we have the cutest cocktail we've ever laid eyes on, the Pocket Negroni and some limited Lambics from legends Tilquin. Completing the set are some superb selections from our fearless leaders in the shops. Think Mondo, Brick, The Kernel and more. Now give us a moment while we clear up quite a considerable amount of cardboard...
B R E W E R Y
O F T H E
W E E K
After going down an absolute storm last month, it would have been criminal to make you (and us) wait too long for something new from Track. Born from a two year cycling odyssey around the world in 2008 owner Sam 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. Having taken the keys to a 10,000sq ft industrial unit in June 2020, around the corner from their old lot and across the street from neighbours Cloudwater they now begin the transition into Track 2.0. Finally able to install the brew kit of their dreams, we're delighted to have some of their first beers from the new brewery!
Leading the pack is their core range classic, Sonoma. A juicy, bright, yet dry Pale this is a masterclass of balance and sheer suppability. Demonstrating the same level of drinkability, with a little more fruity fun Say More is a NE Pale boasting dazzling rays of mango, nectarine, freshly cut grass and "the feeling that soon you'll be adopting a reclined position to enjoy more of this sumptuous beverage". Meanwhile, West Coast wonder Wild Parts opts for notes of pine and light citrus grounded by a clean and simple malt base. A big addition of leaf hops on the hot side creates a clean floral bitterness with a dry-hop offering up a medley of tropical delectability.
Rounding things off with suitable aplomb are two juicebombs of equal intrigue. Move It On is an easy-drinking, hop-forward delight from start to finish. On the nose, there's delicate floral top notes with pithy tangerine and kiwi following up with fruity finesse. Whereas, Dreaming Of Big Skies conjures up masses of Curacao orange peel vibes with a hefty dose of Amarillo hops for juicy plain sailing atop a pillowy soft malty base.
As per usual we're offering up a juicy double loyalty points on our Brewery Of The Week, while webshop goers can automatically grab 10% off any 6 or more Track beers. We're absolutely thrilled to try out Track mark two so get in on the ground level with us!
A P O C K E T
S I Z E D
N E G R O N I
Pocket perfection! A blend of cold-distilled Porter's gin, Campari & sweet Vermouth, this is a modern take on an absolute classic cocktail that's ideal for picnics, parties, sneakily sipping through a zoom call or enjoying on the fly. With vibrant tangerine, fresh herbal notes, and a moreish juniper twang this is gaining cult status (i.e. clogging up your Instagram feed) for good reason. We say join the portable revolution, and pick a handful up in store or online!
C L A P T O N
H E L L E S
C O M E B A C K
Well that went fast! Our latest Braybrooke drop really didn't hang around, though thankfully we'd scheduled in another brew of our banging Clapton Helles as soon as the last one headed out to the shops. A labour of love, our crispy-clean, five-week lagered Helles sees 100% Bamberg Pilsner malt as the perfect backbone for floral, dank Hallertau Tradition and vibrant, citrusy Spaltz Select hops for a lager of truly mega, suppable proportions. Catch those fresh pastel bottles at your local or online this weekend, plus of course some glorious growler refills coming up.
A R A R E
T I L Q U I N
D R O P !
Following a week laden with juice from the likes of Verdant, Cloudwater and Vault City, we thought we'd stroke our chins just a little with some authentic gueuze greatness. Second perhaps only to Cantillon, Tilquin have risen to become the most sought after Gueuzery in the world. Crucially, a blender and not a producer, fresh wort is purchased from various producers, and left to hibernate in oak casks for varying numbers of years alone, or aged further on fruit or grapes. Focusing on the art of balance with marrying the highest quality of ingredients has led to extraordinary results. And, we're lucky to have their classic A L'Ancienne alongside a trio of wine hybrids including a Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir infused Lambic. Funky, acidic, floral and doused in fleshy grape flavour we hope these super special sharers find a safe home... and with just six of each, we have no doubt this will happen sooner rather than later.
M A N A G E R
P I C K S
T H I S W E E K
ELLA - WOOD ST DEPOT
🍻 FLENSBURGER 🍻
Gold - Quenching Dortmunder lager w/ a hint of sweet biscuity malt & hay.
Dunkel - Warming dark lager w/ a peppery bite & oodles of dry caramel.
Alcohol Free Radler - Sharp, clean & fruity lemonade & Pils blend. Post-run perfection!
FRANKLIN - KENTISH TOWN
🇧🇪 CHIMAY 🇧🇪
Red - An OG Trappist Ale, think tantalising fruitcake w/ light smoke.
White - Highly regarded Hoppy Tripel w/ a creamy body & spicy bitterness.
Blue - Rich Dark Ale w/ doughy toffee & plum notes & a delectably dry finish.
HANNAH - FINSBURY PARK
🥇 THE KERNEL 🥇
Grisette - Light Belgian Ale, grassy & spicy w/ a smooth mouthfeel.
Biere De Saison Damson - Tart & funky w/ a nutty complexity.
Wheat Pale Ale - A citrusy summer special from the Bermondsey legends.
DAVE - BALHAM
💯 MONDO 💯
The Thin Line - Rock Leopard collab! Mountain IPA & a hazy highlight of LCBF.
Hot Sauce Society - Floral, grassy & light Lager brewed for their festival.
Dennis Hopp'r - Original West Coast banger! An all-day, clean crusher.
LARA - FOREST HILL
🏰 BRASS CASTLE 🏰
Bliss - Gently tart & thirst quenching Feijoa sour (think pineapple + pear)!
Ride On - Crushable 'Lawnmower' Pale Ale w/ notes of grapefruit & lemongrass.
Sunshine - North Yorkshire meets the US West Coast in this citrusy IPA.
OPHIE - CLAPTON
🍷 MAS THÉO 🍷
Ginger - Vibrant skin contact white w/ notes of yellow plum & hazelnut followed by a cleansing line of acidity.
P’tit Gaby - Bold blend w/ super value. Dry pepper & spice coalesce with fruity pomegranate & delicious sour cherry.
MEL - WALTHAMSTOW
🧱 BRICK 🧱
Strawberry & Cucumber Sour - A true fave & infinitely crushable Summer Sour.
West Coast IPA: Azacca & Sultana - Dank & punchy pineapple-led Pale.
Peckham Helles - Crisp, clean & refreshing Gluten Free great!
We hope you enjoyed this week's mega lowdown & we'll see you next time around!