Craft beer of the week: Pühaste Vulin Session IPA
Be it trendy small-batch crafts, boutique spirits or luxury brews, let GQ’s Hard Craft be your explorers, sipping our way to the summits of fine taste. Each week we'll be sampling a selection of great crafts from breweries and distilleries around the world and recommending our weekly favourite. Let’s see what's within those cool cans, illustrative designs and graffitied logos
1/18Where's it from?The origin of Pühaste Brewery goes back to the year 2011, when Eero, their head brewmaster, made his first craft beers. His test beers – brewed in the summer cottage in Pühaste village, Valga County, Estonia – earned high grades from his friends. Further brewing from other breweries brought a lot of good feedback from the wider craft beer community at home and beyond. Pühaste opened its own brewery in Tartu in September 2016.
What does it taste like?A perfectly light, summery beer, this American-style IPA is full of sweet, delicate and tangy notes, which leaves a refreshing, pleasant aftertaste due to its subtle carbonation. Ideal for drinking now the sun is finally out.
Brewer's notes“An easy drinking American Session IPA bursting with fresh citrus tastes. Made flavourful with fried American hops in the shape of citra, columbus and mosaic, while a stack of malts boost the body.”
From £2.89. At honestbrew.co.uk
2/18Where's it from?
Having launched the world’s first small-beer brewery, in Bermondsey, South East London, cofounders James Grundy and Felix James are clear in their promise to create a world-class beer with a low ABV – a beer that brings all the enjoyment without slowing you down.
What does it taste like?
What a lovely bright triple this is and launched just in time as England starts to fire up the summer barbecues. With bangs of flavour, but holding an uncharacteristically low ABV at 2.5%, its douched in citrus aromas and tropical flavours, leaving a wonderfully smooth but zesty finish in the aftertaste. It’s hard to put this one down, so maybe don’t.
Brewer's notes
"The Session Pale is a modern take on a pale ale, showcasing the new world hops that give its floral aroma and tropical fruit palate, along with a balanced level of bitterness that leaves you wanting more after every mouthful," says head brewer Mike Black. "We wanted to make a beer that you would enjoy just as much on your third or fourth as you did on your first and Session Pale has definitely passed the test!"
From £2.55. At eebria.com
3/18Where's it from?
In the heart of Devon, this eco friendly brewery has been turning over a variety of mouthwatering releases since it opened its door in 2016.
What does it taste like?
A hazy light pour with delicate aromas of grapefruit, orange peel and anise. A slightly resinous mouthfeel gives way to a surprisingly lightly hopped structure, and we found a unique hint of bitterness here too. A full flavour mouthful for such a sessionable beer that’s perfect for winding away those summer afternoons.
Brewer's notes
Salcombe Pale Ale is a classic pale ale with a twist. It has its heritage embedded in the Salcombe citrus fruit trade and uses ingredients that would have been found in Salcombe in the 19th century. It is a dry hopped, full bodied pale ale with a bouquet of orange, pink grapefruit and anise boasts a robust structure and complex flavour." Brewer Sam Beaman
Case of 12 - 330ml bottles £25.00. salcombebrewery.com
4/18Where's it from?
Founded in 2013 by brothers Dan and Tom Lowe, Fourpure Brewing Co is a fast-growing craft brewer based in Bermondsey. The Lowe brothers were passionate about craft beer having travelled and tried beers from all around the world and started Fourpure from an empty warehouse. Conceived around the spirit of adventure and named based on the four core ingredients used to make beer – grain, yeast, hops and water – Fourpure’s core range of beers pays dues to styles from the UK, Europe and the US. They pride themselves on consistent, easy drinking beers as well as trialling new and different ingredients to create unique flavour and aroma combinations.
What does it taste like?
Upon opening Easy Peeler there’s an instant whiff of orange peel that compliments the easy drinking, citrus hops beneath. This is a wonderful session IPA with a zesty twist.
Brewer's notes
“We created this super juicy, tangerine and citrus session IPA as the perfect reward at the day’s end. Easy drinking and full of delicious citrus flavour, it’s the perfect beer to see in the summer with,” says head brewer John Driebergen.
£2 for a 330ml can. At fourpure.com
5/18Where's it from?
Combining their love of beer and pizza, founders Tom, Jess and Neil launched Crate Brewery & Pizzeria in 2012. Be it session IPAs, pale ales or their limited-edition Citra Sour, the now seven-strong team at Crate are ever-evolving in pursuit of creating that perfect craft pint.
What does it taste like?
The brewery team call this “The big hitter, the flavour bomb, the perfect choice” and, to be fair, they're not far wrong. This full-bodied IPA is packed and overflowing with fragrant hops. It’s rich and well balanced, with subtle hints of toffee in its delicate, dry but sweet aftertaste.
Brewer's notes
"This is a big, bold, juicy IPA, brewed with lots and lots of hops (magnum, cascade, chinook, and mosaic, to be specific). Orange, grapefruit and papaya aromas, with a caramel malty body,” says cofounder Neil Hinchley. “This is a full-bodied brew with a punchy six per cent ABV and is a long-term favourite. Drink fresh, drink cold and enjoy!”
£2.79 per can. At beerwulf.com
6/18Where's it from?
Northern Monk is an independent brewery based in Leeds, focused on creating their best beer experiences in the world. They’ve gone from home brewing in a parent’s cellar to exporting to 23 countries in just six years, establishing itself as one of the North’s fastest growing drinks companies.
What does it taste like?
Light, refreshing and smooth. With such a low ABV it still packs loads of flavour with light citrus and pine notes. An incredibly drinkable, fresh craft. Sit back and let Striding Edge freshen your palette. Hell, have a couple and enjoy.
Brewer's notes
Designed to pack maximum flavour and mouthfeel into a relatively low ABV, this light IPA is brewed with plenty of silky flaked oats and generously hopped with Vic Secret, Mosaic and Citra for hints of passion fruit, peaches, melon and zesty citrus.
£2.25 for a 440ml can. At northernmonk.com
7/18Where's it from?
Andrew Childs had been a big fan of good beer for a long time (dating back to when he collected beer glasses as an 11-year-old with a paper run) and one day decided to turn his obsession into a career, thus creating Behemoth Brewing. Over the few years of its existence Behemoth has grown to a team of six and has made around 80 beers, many of which being small-batch one-offs. Behemoth always love trying new things and making bigger-tasting beers.
What does it taste like?
This beer uses truckloads of New Zealand and Australian hops in the hope of one day getting past the bad sportsmanship between the two countries. With zesty citrus and tropical undernotes, expect a cheeky bitterness from the gooseberry flavourings.
Brewer's notes
“Underarm IPA blends Aussie and Kiwi hops in the hope of moving towards a more harmonious relationship between the two great sporting nations,” says says HonestBrew beer expert Brody Rossiter. “[It] pairs perfectly with a spell of friendly sledging.”
£4.89 for a 440ml can. At honestbrew.co.uk/
8/18Where's it from?
Pioneer New Zealand IPA is brewed by Head Brewer, Alex Arkell in the 175-year-old Wiltshire brewery using two different types of New Zealand hops: the Taikeke Hop and the Moteuka hop, both ideal for pale ales and their tropical fruit aromas, both hand-selected and shipped to the UK from New Zealand.
What does it taste like?
Arkell’s Pioneer New Zealand IPA is a balanced session IPA with floral, refreshing citrus notes and a lemony, tropical fruit flavour with hints of lychee creeping through.
Brewer's notes
"Pioneer New Zealand IPA has been brewed using two types of delicious fruity kiwi hops all hand selected by myself (Alex Arkell, Head Brewer) and shipped across to the UK. It's New Zealand beer month and our IPA is a great way to celebrate these flavours. It's delicious!"
£23.04 for 12x330ml cans. At grapeandgrainwarehouse.co.uk/
9/18Where's it from?
Having launched the world’s first small beer brewery, in Bermondsey, South East London, cofounders James Grundy and Felix James are clear in their promise to create a world-class beer with a low ABV – a beer that brings all the enjoyment without slowing you down.
What does it taste like?
As the evenings get longer and the days slowly brighter, Small Beer is a great choice to help stretch those evenings out. Given its low ABV of 2.1%, this refreshing Pilsner is surprisingly rich with subtle tropical notes and an ever so slight bitter finish on the palate. It’s even got half the calories of a traditional beer – what’s not to like?
Brewer's notes
“A classic Pilsner-style with a citrus nose, stone fruit palate and a fantastic continental bite on the finish. Bright, crisp and fresh.”
From £3.20. At masterofmalt.com
10/18Where's it from?
Like many of our featured crafts, 8 Wired Brewery was born out of dabbling with home brewing. In 2005, founder Søren Eriksen brewed his first beer and hasn’t looked back. Come 2009, 8 Wired was officially launched, brewing “new-world interpretations of old-world styles”.
What does it taste like?
Cucumber Hippy is a light and refreshingly sour beer inspired by the traditional Berliner Weisse. It’s then been remixed with quality, fresh New Zealand-grown cucumbers. The perfect brew to cool down with as the weather warms up.
Brewer's notes
“8 Wired is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most exciting and quality-driven breweries,” says HonestBrew beer expert Brody Rossiter. “Expect juicy brews overflowing with hop character, effervescent saisons and indulgent imperial stouts from the town of Warkworth based on the Northland Peninsula of New Zealand.”
£4.49 for a 440ml can. At honestbrew.co.uk/
11/18Where's it from?
Duration is a farmhouse brewery setting itself up in Norfolk, promising something different as it strives to become a destination brewery. Its focus is firmly fixed on fresh and sour beers that round with a strong Belgo-American influence. Whether for drinking in the moment or left to evolve slowly over time, Duration is creating a unique and flavoursome batch of timeless beers.
What does it taste like?
This American pale ale has a lovely refreshing taste, ever so light and extremely drinkable. With a subtle bitterness, it leaves a soft fruity aroma on your palate. The perfect accompaniment for summer.
Brewer's notes
“Turtles All The Way Down is a hazy American Pale with a rounded body and pronounced hops," says head brewer Derek Bates. “Hallertau Magnum and Mosaic hops lend ripe fruit notes, and a lingering bitterness makes this a refreshingly juicy thirst quencher.”
£5.09 for a 440ml can. At honestbrew.co.uk/
12/18Where's it from?
In the heart of Devon, this eco-friendly brewery has been turning over a variety of mouthwatering releases since it opened its doors in 2016.
What does it taste like?
Dark yet smooth, rich yet drinkable, this multiple malt (try eight) porter from Devon produces delicate flavours that are ever so slightly bitter and dry. With a deep brown complexion, a touch darker than the smart bottle it comes in, it is an exceedingly accessible and enjoyable beer.
Brewer's notes
“We decided to brew Island Street Porter to contrast with our hop-driven beers, which are on the light gold to amber spectrum. These are great session beers but we wanted to produce something a little bit different," says brewer Sam Beaman. "Creating a porter offered the opportunity to branch away from our core range in terms of colour, style and strength. Island Street Porter is the result of many months of planning and development and we are thrilled with the results. It is a must for anyone in search of a beer with bags of flavour. It’s fast becoming a favourite in the brew house.”
£30 for a case of 12 x 330ml bottles. salcombebrewery.com.
13/18Where's it from?
Cloudwater began brewing its first batches in 2015 and it has since evolved and honed the art of brewery to create a mix of classical crafts and reimagined thirst quenchers. At the heart of the brewery’s ethos is an obsession for the changing seasons, which is deeply reflected in their experimentation of traditional techniques creating unique and wholly satisfying brews.
What does it taste like?
A vintage craft pilsner that delivers punchy citrus flavours, and can happily knock you sideways after a few too many. Its New Zealand-grown hops make for a distinct taste with a bitterness that lingers on your tastebuds, while paying just enough homage to this brew’s east European heritage.
Brewer’s notes
“This Pilsner features new season Motueka in the kettle for flavour and a satisfying bitterness, and as a light dry hop for brightness. Cloudwater fermented with a German Bock yeast for its clean flavour and crisp finish. Expect a lemon aroma with floral and herbal notes.”
£4 for a 440ml can. At cloudwaterbrew.co
14/18Where's it from?
The Five Points Brewing Company is an independent brewery hidden in an old Victorian railway arch in the depths of Hackney, East London. Founded by Ed Mason and head brewer Greg Hobbs in March 2013, Five Points has been brewing beer that is unfiltered, unpasteurised and full of flavour – quite simply the sort of beer they enjoy drinking and turns out we do too. Five Points also became the first UK brewery to be a Living Wage Employer, in January 2014.
What does it taste like?
The X in XPA stands for “Extra” and from your very first sip you can immediately tell that this beer is packed full of hoppy and fruity notes. A light golden amber, the citrus undertones offset its slightly dry bitterness to create a well-rounded pale ale.
Brewer's notes
"XPA started life as a collaboration with Field Day music festival. We wanted to create a fresh, summery beer heavy on hops but lighter in alcohol perfect for sunny days outside. XPA proved so popular that we kept brewing it after the summer ended, and it's been in our core range ever since." Greg Hobbs, Head Brewer
£2.49 for a 330ml can. At honestbrew.co.uk
15/18Where's it from?
Created in 2012, founders Tom, Jess and Neil launched Crate Brewery, Bar And Pizzeria to combine their love of beer and pizza. Be it session IPAs, pale ales or their limited edition "Citra Sour", the now seven-strong team at Crate are ever evolving in their pursuit of that perfect craft pint.
What does it taste like?
This pale ale can do no wrong whatever the occasion and for even the most picky drinkers. With a nice, even balance between hoppy, malty and bitter flavours, erring more on fruity side, it’s delicious, refreshing and, with packaging as slick as this, visually pleasing too.
Brewer's notes
“This is a bright and citrusy modern pale ale, brewed using Chinook, Citra, and Eukanot hops from America. Fresh lemon, tangerine and grapefruit flavours couple with a biscuity malt backbone. We brew this all year round and is the beer most of us at the brewery turn to at the end of a long week. At 4.5%, it delivers bags of flavour and is super refreshing. You can smell when a can of this one gets opened at the bar!” Founder, Neil Hinchley
£2.80 per bottle. At eebria.com
16/18Where's it from?
Mustang Black is brewed by Head Brewer, Alex Arkell in the 175 year old Wiltshire brewery and uses the same techniques that were used by his x 8 great grandfather.
What does it taste like?
This Wiltshire brewed stout lives up to its name as soon as you pour it into a glass, resembling a deep, dark shade of black. Delivering a chocolatley, almost creamy taste, but with a hint of carbonation, it is a surprisingly light beer on first try, which quickly proves to be very drinkable indeed.
Brewer's notes
“Mustang Black has been brewed using a selection of six different malts. We hand picked the flavours of coffee, caramel and roasted flavours to ensure a tasty, easy to drink dark stout. This is Arkell's newest craft beer and we started bottling the brew just one month ago. Mustang Black is sold in 330ml bottles, is 4.2% ABV and contains 1.4 units of alcohol” Alex Arkell, Head Brewer.
17/18Where's it from?
Magic Rock Brewing Co. was created in 2011 with a desire to reflect US beer culture and enhance the UK beer scene. Brothers Richard and Jonny Burhouse and head brewer Stuart Ross kicked things off with a distinctive core range aiming to inspire and delight but above all taste great. Here comes the Magic...
What does it taste like?
With a pale sunny hue, this is a perfectly balanced IPA: yeasty, malty and citrusy flavours intermingle well without overpowering one other. Smooth in texture (thanks to the inclusion of oats), it leaves a pleasant hoppy aroma on the palate when you finally put it down.
Brewer's notes
‘We wanted to make an IPA that was genuinely session-able, combining big flavour with abv busting drinkability, Saucery is that beer. Same again?’ – Richard Burhouse (Managing Director)
£2.39 per can. At honestbrew.co.uk
18/18Where's it from?
Pressure Drop is an independent brewery based in Tottenham, North London. The founders Graham, Sam and Ben started selling their first batches in January 2013 and have spent everyday since trying to make the tastiest beers they can. Pop in any Saturday and sample their greatest and latest at the on-site taproom.
What does it taste like?
A crisp and refreshing saison, light golden in colour with an off white head. The addition of grains of paradise and pink peppercorns add a flavour of aromatic spiciness, which is nicely rounded with a subtle fruitiness. Very easy drinking.
Brewer's notes
“A brewers favourite, Small Sorrows is a rustic style saison beer focusing on the fruity esters and spicy character provided by the French yeast strain, giving a dry and refreshing finish. We add a blend of pink and black peppercorns to compliment,” says Ben Freeman, cofounder and head brewer.
£2.75 per bottle. At ghostwhalelondon.com
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