A birthday beer should ideally be capable of something special. Maiden 2022 is Siren's barrel-aged celebration of its own history.

Expert description of Siren Maiden 2022 Barrel Aged Anniversary Barley Wine

Maiden 2022 Barrel Aged is an Anniversary Barley Wine from the English brewery Siren Craft Brew, brewed to celebrate the brewery's history. The barley wine style is known for its huge body and malt depth, and with barrel ageing this release gains extra layers of wood, caramel and a warm, round alcohol profile that suits the style's tradition for slow enjoyment perfectly.

Siren Craft Brew is a modern brewery from Berkshire, England, founded in 2013 with a focus on flavour-intensive, forward-thinking beers - the Maiden series is the brewery's recurring tribute to its own anniversaries.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Caramel, dried fruit and a warm malt depth, with a hint of oak from the barrel.

Taste

Rich malt sweetness meets wood and caramel, rounded off by a warm, integrated alcohol.

Finish

Long and warm, with lingering notes of dried fruit and oak.

Specifications

Name: Maiden 2022 Barrel Aged
Brewery: Siren Craft Brew
Country/Region: England, Berkshire
Beer style: Anniversary Barley Wine
ABV: 10%
Size: 37.5 CL
Malt: Malted barley
Allergens: Malted barley
EAN: 5707323735071
Serving suggestion: 12-14°C in a wide snifter glass

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Barrel-aged · Warm · Complex

Did You Know?

Barley wine is historically one of the most powerful English beer styles and was originally brewed as a "wine substitute" for those who couldn't afford real wine - Maiden 2022 continues that tradition in a modern, barrel-aged form.

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While most quadrupels are drunk fresh, this 2013 vintage of St. Bernardus Abt 12 has been allowed to mature in the bottle for over a decade - a rare chance to taste time itself in the beer.

Expert description of St. Bernardus Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2013

St. Bernardus Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2013 is an impressive, powerful Belgian quadrupel at 10%, bottled in a large magnum bottle from the Belgian brewery St. Bernardus in Watou. This older vintage offers a chance to experience how the brewery's flagship beer develops with bottle age, and the magnum format makes the bottle a rare collector's item.

The aroma offers dark fruits, caramel and spices, while the flavour is full-bodied and robust with a malty sweetness balanced by subtle bitterness. The finish is warm and smooth with a depth typical of several years of bottle maturation.

This 2013 edition is a rare opportunity for enthusiasts of Belgian ales who want to taste the difference between a young and a matured Abt 12, and works perfectly as a collector's item or for a truly special occasion.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Dark fruits, caramel and spices with notes of bottle maturation.

Taste

Full-bodied and robust with malty sweetness and subtle bitterness.

Finish

Warm, smooth and deep.

Specifications

Name: Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2013
Brewery: St. Bernardus
Country/Region: Watou, Belgium
Beer Style: Belgian Quadrupel
ABV: 10%
Size: 150 CL
Allergens: Contains barley malt and gluten
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy at 12-14°C in a chalice glass, ideally as a collector's item or for a truly special occasion

Flavour Profile

Matured · Fruity · Spiced · Powerful

Did You Know?

Belgian quadrupels like Abt 12 are among the beer styles best suited to long bottle ageing, because the high alcohol content and complex malt profile act as natural preservation.

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A year younger than the 2013 edition, but still a veteran in bottle form - the 2014 vintage of Abt 12 Magnum shows how quietly a good quadrupel ages.

Expert description of St. Bernardus Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2014

St. Bernardus Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2014 is an impressive, powerful Belgian quadrupel at 10%, bottled in a large magnum bottle from the Belgian brewery St. Bernardus in Watou. Like the 2013 edition, this vintage is also a rare chance to experience how the brewery's flagship beer unfolds after a decade in the bottle.

The aroma offers dark fruits, caramel and spices, while the flavour is full-bodied and robust with a malty sweetness balanced by subtle bitterness. The finish is warm and smooth with a hint of the depth that comes from long bottle maturation.

This 2014 edition is a natural choice for collectors and enthusiasts wanting to compare different vintages of Abt 12 side by side, and suits a truly special celebration perfectly.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Dark fruits, caramel and spices.

Taste

Full-bodied and robust with malty sweetness and subtle bitterness.

Finish

Warm, smooth and lightly wine-like from long bottle ageing.

Specifications

Name: Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2014
Brewery: St. Bernardus
Country/Region: Watou, Belgium
Beer Style: Belgian Quadrupel
ABV: 10%
Size: 150 CL
Allergens: Contains barley malt and gluten
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy at 12-14°C in a chalice glass, ideally for a celebration or alongside other Abt 12 vintages

Flavour Profile

Matured · Fruity · Spiced · Powerful

Did You Know?

Because St. Bernardus has brewed Abt 12 for years with a consistent recipe, it's possible to taste different vintages side by side and experience how bottle ageing alone changes the profile.

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St. Bernardus in Watou has been brewing quadrupels since 1946 - Abt 12 is the crown jewel, and in magnum format it becomes a bottle you remember.

Expert description of St. Bernardus Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2025

St. Bernardus Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2025 is an impressive, powerful Belgian quadrupel at 10%, bottled in a large magnum bottle from the Belgian brewery St. Bernardus in Watou. Abt 12 is known for its rich complexity and deep flavour profile, and the large bottle size makes it an extraordinary experience, ideal for special occasions or cellaring.

The aroma offers dark fruits, caramel and spices, while the flavour is full-bodied and robust with a malty sweetness balanced by subtle bitterness. The finish is warm and smooth, lingering long after the last sip.

This 2025 edition is a must-try for enthusiasts of Belgian ales and strong, well-balanced beers, and the magnum format makes it a natural gift or centrepiece for the holiday table or a big celebration.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Dark fruits, caramel and spices.

Taste

Full-bodied and robust with malty sweetness and subtle bitterness.

Finish

Warm, smooth and lingering.

Specifications

Name: Abt 12 Magnum Edition 2025
Brewery: St. Bernardus
Country/Region: Watou, Belgium
Beer Style: Belgian Quadrupel
ABV: 10%
Size: 150 CL
Allergens: Contains barley malt and gluten
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy at 12-14°C in a chalice glass, ideally with mature cheeses or to close out a dinner

Flavour Profile

Malty · Fruity · Spiced · Powerful

Did You Know?

St. Bernardus traces its roots back to 1946, when the brewery originally brewed beer for the Trappist monks of Sint-Sixtusabdij, before later becoming an independent company.

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There's a quiet defiance to a beer that insists on being both dark and light at once. Black Lotus is Stepping Stone's take on that balancing act between roasted malt and fresh, tropical hops.

Expert description of Stepping Stone Black Lotus Black IPA

Black Lotus is a Danish Black IPA at 6.6% from Stepping Stone Brewing Company - the brewery's first attempt at this demanding style. Here, the roasted, dark malt character of a classic stout meets the fresh, citrus and passion fruit-driven hop profile of a modern IPA, resulting in a beer that's both deep and surprisingly light on the palate.

Stepping Stone is a young brewery from Hørning near Aarhus, founded by Daniel True, Runee Stusgaard and Simon Grøndahl Lyngholm Jakobsen. The brewery was named Danish Brewery of the Year 2024, and behind the experimental recipes lies a social project that gives refugees and people without a foothold in the job market a place in production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Roasted notes of coffee and dark chocolate arrive first, quickly followed by fresh, tropical aromas reminiscent of passion fruit and citrus peel.

Taste

Medium-bodied with distinct roasted malt, a touch of liquorice and cocoa, and a hop character that leans toward citrus and tropical fruit.

Finish

Dry and pleasantly bitter, with a clean finish that fades quickly, leaving only an echo of roasted malt.

Specifications

Name: Black Lotus
Brewery: Stepping Stone Brewing Company
Country/Region: Denmark
Beer style: Black India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.6%
Size: 440 ML
Malt: Barley malt and wheat malt
Ingredients: Barley malt, wheat malt, hops, yeast, water
Serving suggestion: 6-10°C in a wide beer glass or tulip glass

Flavour Profile

Roasted · Hoppy · Fruity · Creamy

Did You Know?

Black IPA is a relatively young style that really took off in the US during the 2010s, when brewers began hiding an IPA's fresh hop character behind a stout's dark, roasted malt. Black Lotus is Stepping Stone's first attempt at this hybrid style.

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There's beer you drink for the experience, and beer you drink because it's simply excellent craft. New Tides belongs to the latter category - a pilsner with no frills, only precision.

Expert description of Stepping Stone New Tides Pilsner

New Tides is a fresh, easy-drinking pilsner at 4.7% from Stepping Stone Brewing Company, brewed in the Helles tradition with a clean malt profile and a crisp, pleasant bitterness. Pale bread notes and a mild herbal hop character build toward a refreshing, dry finish, making it just as suited to quenching thirst after a long day as to a relaxed everyday glass.

Stepping Stone is a young brewery from Hørning near Aarhus, founded by Daniel True, Runee Stusgaard and Simon Grøndahl Lyngholm Jakobsen and named Danish Brewery of the Year 2024. Behind the experimental recipes lies a social project that gives refugees and people on the margins of the job market a place in production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Pale bread and a mild, herbal touch of hops.

Taste

Clean malt character with crisp, balanced bitterness and a hint of honey.

Finish

Dry and refreshing, with a short, clean finish.

Specifications

Name: New Tides
Brewery: Stepping Stone Brewing Company
Country/Region: Denmark
Beer style: Pilsner (Helles)
ABV: 4.7%
Size: 440 ML
Malt: Barley malt
Allergens: Gluten (barley)
Best before: 05/2027
Serving suggestion: 4-6°C in a tall pilsner glass

Flavour Profile

Malty · Crisp · Dry · Light

Did You Know?

The name New Tides points to Stepping Stone's philosophy of bringing fresh energy to Danish beer shelves - even when brewing a classic style like pilsner, where the focus is on precision rather than experimentation.

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There's something reassuring about a Christmas beer that doesn't try too hard - Nut Cracker is Stepping Stone's take on festive comfort without spice overload: walnuts, caramel and a touch of dark chocolate in one easy-drinking glass.

Expert description of Stepping Stone Nut Cracker Brown Ale

Nut Cracker is a Danish Brown Ale Christmas beer at 5.6% from Stepping Stone Brewing Company - a soft, nutty and lightly spiced take on the classic Brown Ale, brewed with a focus on balance rather than heavy festive spicing. The malt delivers caramel, roasted nut and a light toffee sweetness, while the bitterness stays mild, making it easy to drink through a whole Christmas dinner.

Stepping Stone is a young brewery from Hørning near Aarhus, founded by Daniel True, Runee Stusgaard and Simon Grøndahl Lyngholm Jakobsen, and named Danish Brewery of the Year 2024. With Nut Cracker, the brewery shows that its experimental streak also works on an approachable, classic style - a Christmas beer without overwhelming spice or high alcohol.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Walnuts, caramel and a subtle hint of chocolate and festive spice sit in fine balance on the nose.

Taste

Round and soft with distinct walnut, roasted malt, toffee and a light spiced sweetness that never takes over.

Finish

Mild and pleasant, with a dry finish and a light, rounded bitterness.

Specifications

Name: Nut Cracker
Brewery: Stepping Stone Brewing Company
Country/Region: Denmark
Beer style: Brown Ale (Danish Christmas Beer)
ABV: 5.6%
Size: 440 ML
Malt: Barley malt and wheat malt
Ingredients: Barley malt, wheat malt, hops, yeast, water
Serving suggestion: 6-10°C in a wide beer glass or snifter

Flavour Profile

Malty · Creamy · Spiced · Nutty

Did You Know?

Danish Christmas beer traditions date back to the 1800s, but Nut Cracker represents the newest generation of that tradition: a microbrewery reinterpreting the classic Christmas Brown Ale without resorting to the heavy spicing many Christmas beers are known for.

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Some beers whisper. The Great Reset shouts - tropical fruit, resin and a hop bitterness that doesn't ask permission.

Expert description of Stepping Stone The Great Reset Double IPA

The Great Reset - 2026 Edition is a rich, hop-driven Danish Double IPA at 8% from Stepping Stone Brewing Company. The beer offers an intense aroma of tropical fruit, citrus and resin, followed by a deep malt base that counters the pronounced hop bitterness. The taste is juicy and full, with notes of mango, pineapple, grapefruit and lightly caramelised malt, while the 8% ABV brings warmth without dominating.

Stepping Stone is a young brewery from Hørning near Aarhus, founded by Daniel True, Runee Stusgaard and Simon Grøndahl Lyngholm Jakobsen and named Danish Brewery of the Year 2024. Behind the experimental recipes lies a social project that gives refugees and people on the margins of the job market a place in production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Intense tropical fruit, citrus and resin from generous hopping.

Taste

Juicy and full-bodied with mango, pineapple and grapefruit, carried by a deep, lightly caramelised malt base.

Finish

Long, bitter and fruity with a distinct, lingering hop imprint.

Specifications

Name: The Great Reset - 2026 Edition
Brewery: Stepping Stone Brewing Company
Country/Region: Denmark
Beer style: Double India Pale Ale
ABV: 8%
Size: 440 ML
Malt: Barley malt
Allergens: Gluten (barley)
Best before: 11/2026
Serving suggestion: 8-10°C in a wide tulip glass

Flavour Profile

Hoppy · Fruity · Bitter · Full-bodied

Did You Know?

The Great Reset is re-released every year as a new "edition" with small adjustments to the hop blend, letting hop enthusiasts follow how Stepping Stone refines its take on the perfect Double IPA year by year.

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A tribute to the Scottish Highlands, brewed in Hørning. Tor Dhubh is dark, dry and honest - no detours, just roasted malt and a bitterness that knows exactly what it wants.

Expert description of Stepping Stone Tor Dhubh Dry Stout

Tor Dhubh is a dark, roasted and classically dry stout at 4.2% - the first of its kind from Stepping Stone Brewing Company. The beer is brewed as a tribute to the Scottish Highlands and hits the style with precision: deep roasted malt notes, a pronounced bitterness and a dry, tight finish. Its low ABV keeps it easy to drink without losing character.

Stepping Stone is a young brewery from Hørning near Aarhus, founded by Daniel True, Runee Stusgaard and Simon Grøndahl Lyngholm Jakobsen and named Danish Brewery of the Year 2024. Behind the experimental recipes lies a social project that gives refugees and people on the margins of the job market a place in production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Coffee, dark chocolate and lightly toasted grain.

Taste

Dry cocoa, roasted malt and a hint of smoky bitterness.

Finish

Dry, dark and pleasantly bitter - exactly as a classic dry stout should be.

Specifications

Name: Tor Dhubh
Brewery: Stepping Stone Brewing Company
Country/Region: Denmark
Beer style: Dry Stout
ABV: 4.2%
Size: 440 ML
Malt: Barley malt
Allergens: Gluten (barley)
Best before: 04/2027
Serving suggestion: 8-10°C in a wide stout glass or pint glass

Flavour Profile

Roasted · Dry · Bitter · Uncomplicated

Did You Know?

The name Tor Dhubh is Gaelic and roughly translates to "the dark hill" - a direct reference to the Scottish Highlands honoured by this Danish interpretation of the classic dry stout.

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Three breweries, one saison - Dogfish Head, Victory and Stone joined forces for Saison du BUFF, a collaboration beer here given an extra turn on red and white wine barrels.

Expert description of Stone 2017 Series Batch No 1 Saison du BUFF

Saison du BUFF is a collaboration between three of America's most acclaimed craft breweries: Dogfish Head, Victory Brewing and Stone Brewing. This 2017 edition, bottled in January 2017 as batch number 01 in Stone's 2017 series, is aged on both red and white wine barrels, adding a unique wine-like complexity on top of the classic, dry saison character.

At 9.3% ABV, it is a powerful take on the otherwise light saison style, seasoned with the characteristic notes of wild fermentation and barrel ageing. That makes this bottle a rare collector's item for enthusiasts of experimental American craft beer.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Wine-like tones of red and white wine, with a hint of spice from the saison yeast.

Taste

Dry and complex with tart wine notes, spice and a light fruity sweetness.

Finish

Long and dry with lingering wine-like character.

Specifications

Name: 2017 Series Batch No. 01 - Saison du BUFF
Brewery: Stone Brewing / Dogfish Head / Victory Brewing
Country/Region: USA
Beer Style: Saison
ABV: 9.3%
Size: 50 CL
Barrel Type: Red & White Wine Cask
Edition: 2017 Series Batch No. 01, bottled January 2017
EAN: 636251870255
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 10-12°C in a wide glass, pairs well with shellfish or creamy cheese

Flavour Profile

Wine-like · Dry · Spiced · Tart

Did You Know?

Saison du BUFF is named after a collaboration between the brewmasters of three breweries - "BUFF" is an acronym formed from the initials of the three breweries combined with the friendship between their brewers.

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The name is a play on "crime" and adventurous barrel ageing - a reminder that it is a crime not to try the boldest cask experiments. Crime Ale is Stone's answer to that challenge.

Expert description of Stone Crime Ale 2016 aged in bourbon barrels

Crime Ale is brewed by Stone Brewing / Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co. as part of the brewery's 2016 Series. The base beer is a powerful ale from the Arrogant Bastard family, here aged on bourbon barrels to add extra depth, vanilla and wood notes on top of the already intense malt and hop profile.

At 10.5% ABV, it is a robust beer offering a complex combination of bourbon sweetness and Stone's characteristic, uncompromising bitterness. The 2016 vintage makes this bottle a collector's item for enthusiasts of barrel aged craft beer.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Bourbon and vanilla, with a deep malty background.

Taste

Full and powerful with bourbon sweetness, caramel and a solid hop bitterness.

Finish

Long and warm with lingering wood and vanilla notes.

Specifications

Name: Crime Ale aged in bourbon barrels
Brewery: Stone Brewing / Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co.
Country/Region: California, USA
Beer Style: Strong Ale
ABV: 10.5%
Size: 50 CL
Edition: 2016 Series
EAN: 636251741449
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 12-14°C in a wide glass, pairs well with strong cheese or dark chocolate

Flavour Profile

Bourbon · Vanilla · Bitter · Full-bodied

Did You Know?

Crime Ale is part of Stone's ongoing series of barrel aged special editions, where the brewery experiments with different barrel types to give each vintage its own distinct character.

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Stone Brewing has never minced words, and Double Bastard Ale is one of the clearest proofs - a doubly aggressive version of the brewery's notorious Arrogant Bastard Ale.

Expert description of Stone Brewing Double Bastard Ale 2015

Double Bastard Ale is brewed by Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co., part of California's Stone Brewing, known since 1996 for powerful, uncompromising craft beer. This 2015 vintage is a reinforced version of Arrogant Bastard Ale, with markedly higher alcohol content and an even more intense hop and malt profile.

At 11% ABV, it is a beer built for enthusiasts who want body and power over finesse. The 2015 vintage gives this bottle collector value, as it is no longer produced in this exact edition and only exists in limited quantities.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Powerful malt and dark fruit, with a pronounced hop character.

Taste

Intense and full-bodied with a solid bitterness and deep malt sweetness.

Finish

Long and powerful with lingering bitterness.

Specifications

Name: Double Bastard Ale 2015
Brewery: Stone Brewing / Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co.
Country/Region: California, USA
Beer Style: Strong Ale
ABV: 11%
Size: 66 CL
EAN: 63625179035
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 12-14°C in a wide glass, pairs well with strong cheese or grilled meat

Flavour Profile

Powerful · Bitter · Malty · Full-bodied

Did You Know?

The name Double Bastard refers directly to Stone's iconic Arrogant Bastard Ale - the Double edition is brewed with twice the malt and hops for a far more powerful flavour experience.

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From Stone's experimental series comes Locoveza - a barrel aged mocha stout, soured and matured on bourbon barrels until it becomes something far more complex than its name suggests.

Expert description of Stone Locoveza Charred Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout

Locoveza Charred Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout is brewed by Stone Brewing / Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co. as part of the brewery's 2015 Series, batch number 05. The base beer is Stone's popular Xocoveza, a Mexican-inspired mocha stout spiced with cinnamon, cocoa and chili, here aged and soured on bourbon barrels to add an extra dimension of wood notes and tartness.

This edition, called Charred Stone, adds a hint of smoky character from the charred barrels, giving the beer a complex profile ranging from sweet cocoa to smoky bourbon and a light tart finish. It is a beer brewed for the most adventurous stout lovers.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Cocoa, coffee and bourbon, with a hint of smoke and cinnamon.

Taste

Chocolate and coffee, balanced by a tart edge and warm bourbon tones.

Finish

Complex and lightly tart with lingering smoky notes.

Specifications

Name: Locoveza Charred Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout
Brewery: Stone Brewing / Arrogant Bastard Brewing Co.
Country/Region: California, USA
Beer Style: Milk Stout
ABV: 10%
Size: 50 CL
Edition: 2015 Series Batch No. 05
EAN: 636251740640
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 12-14°C in a wide glass, pairs well with dark chocolate

Flavour Profile

Cocoa · Bourbon · Tart · Full-bodied

Did You Know?

The base beer Xocoveza is named after the Mexican drink xocolatl and the spice blend found in traditional Mexican hot chocolate, explaining the characteristic cinnamon and chili character in the background.

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Nitro-pour gives it the creamy finesse. Black Marble Stout is the classic Irish stout, poured with a modern twist.

Expert description of Sullivan's Nitro Pour Black Marble Stout

Sullivan's Brewing Company presents Black Marble Stout as a classic Irish stout with modern finesse. This release is canned with nitro-pour, giving a silky, creamy mouthfeel that highlights the beer's depth and balance. At 5.1% ABV, it's an approachable, harmonious stout, perfect for everyday enjoyment as well as pairing with heartier dishes.

Sullivan's Brewing Company is based in Kilkenny, Ireland, with roots dating back to 1702 - a brewery that has been revived across generations and today combines Irish tradition with modern brewing technique.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Roasted notes of malt, coffee and cocoa with a hint of caramel and dark fruit.

Taste

Soft and rounded with layers of chocolate, coffee and roasted grain, carried by a creamy texture from the nitro-pour.

Finish

Silky and lingering with dark chocolate and a lightly dry finish.

Specifications

Name: Nitro Pour Black Marble Stout
Brewery: Sullivan's Brewing Company
Country/Region: Ireland, Kilkenny
Beer style: Irish Stout (nitro-pour)
ABV: 5.1%
Size: 44 CL
Serving suggestion: 6-8°C in a nitro glass or pint glass

Flavour Profile

Roasted · Creamy · Malty · Balanced

Did You Know?

The nitro-pour technique uses nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide to carbonate the beer, giving the characteristic, extremely fine bubbles and the ultra-creamy, almost velvety texture that classic Irish stouts are known for.

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In Glasgow, Tennent's has brewed lager since 1885, and the name is still synonymous with Scottish beer tradition across the country.

Expert description of Tennent's Premium Scotch Lager

Tennent's Premium Scotch Lager is Scotland's best-selling lager and a fixture of the country's beer culture. The brewery in Glasgow has roots going back to 1885, and the recipe has been refined through generations to deliver a fresh, approachable lager with a light malt character.

The lager is brewed with a focus on purity and a clean, crisp finish - a classic Scottish lager style, just as suited to a busy night out as to a quiet moment at home.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Light malt and a hint of grain.

Taste

Fresh and lightly malty, with a balanced sweetness.

Finish

Clean and crisp, without lingering too long.

Specifications

Name: Tennent's Premium Scotch Lager
Brewery: Tennent's
Country/Region: Glasgow, Scotland
Beer Style: Lager
ABV: 5%
Size: 50 CL
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed well chilled, with light food or as a refreshment on its own

Flavour Profile

Fresh · Malty · Light · Refreshing

Did You Know?

Tennent's was one of the first British breweries to put a picture on the can - the iconic red and white can has been part of Scottish popular culture since the 1950s.

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In the French town of Liverdun, The Piggy Brewing Company brews without holding back - VIP Saloon is the dessert you drink instead of eat.

Expert description of The Piggy Brewing Co VIP Saloon Imperial Stout Coconut Noisette Bourbon

VIP Saloon is a decadent, barrel-tinged Imperial Stout at 12% from the French brewery The Piggy Brewing Company in Liverdun. The beer is part of the brewery's exclusive VIP series, focused on lavish flavour profiles and luxurious ingredients. Here coconut, hazelnut and bourbon drive the show, brewed with specialty malts, coconut flakes and hazelnut extract with a distinct bourbon infusion.

The colour is jet-black with a dense, dark-brown head, and the aroma offers roasted malt, coconut, hazelnut, bourbon and dark chocolate. The flavour is full-bodied and sweet with layers of praline, coconut cream, roasted coffee and bourbon vanilla, while the mouthfeel is silky and oily with low carbonation and an almost liqueur-like texture.

VIP Saloon is unfiltered and perfect for slow sipping by the fireplace as a dessert beer, ideally at 12-16°C in a snifter glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Roasted malt, coconut, hazelnut, bourbon and dark chocolate.

Taste

Hazelnut praline, coconut cream, roasted coffee and bourbon vanilla.

Finish

Long and warming with a slight alcoholic edge.

Specifications

Name: VIP Saloon
Brewery: The Piggy Brewing Company
Country/Region: Liverdun, France
Beer Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 12%
Size: 33 CL
Ingredients: Specialty malts, coconut flakes, hazelnut extract, bourbon infusion
Allergens: Contains barley malt and nuts
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy unfiltered at 12-16°C in a snifter glass, ideally as a dessert beer

Flavour Profile

Creamy · Nutty · Sweet · Barrel-tinged

Did You Know?

VIP Saloon's mouthfeel is so dense and oily that several enthusiasts describe it as almost liqueur-like rather than a classic beer.

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In the small market town of Masham in Yorkshire, an ale is brewed that has achieved something as rare as cult status - Old Peculier, a dark legend among English craft beers.

Expert description of Theakston Old Peculier

Theakston Old Peculier is an iconic English ale that has achieved cult status among beer enthusiasts worldwide. Brewed by the tradition-rich Theakston Brewery in Yorkshire, this dark ale is known for its unique and characterful flavour. The name "Peculier" refers to Masham's status as a "Peculier" in the Anglican Church - a parish with its own ecclesiastical jurisdiction, independent of the bishop.

The beer has a deep mahogany colour with a soft and round body. The flavour profile offers notes of dark fruit, caramel, toffee and a hint of spice, balanced by a light bitterness. A classic British strong ale that invites slow enjoyment and contemplation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Dark fruit and caramel, with a hint of spice.

Taste

Toffee, caramel and dark fruit, balanced by a light bitterness.

Finish

Soft and round with lingering notes of dark fruit.

Specifications

Name: Old Peculier - The Legend Ale
Brewery: Theakston Brewery
Country/Region: Masham, Yorkshire, England
Beer Style: English Strong Ale
ABV: 5.6%
Size: 50 CL
EAN: 5060750580349
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 10-12°C, pairs well with stews, game or mature cheese

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Caramel · Spiced · Soft

Did You Know?

The name Old Peculier refers to Masham's historic status as an ecclesiastical "Peculier" - a parish with its own legal jurisdiction within the church, independent of the local bishop.

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By the Limfjord in Thisted, beer has been brewed since 1902, and Limfjordsporter is one of the brewery's most distinctive takes on the dark, smoky side of Danish brewing craft.

Expert description of Thisted Bryghus Limfjordsporter

Limfjordsporter from Thisted Bryghus is an almost black bottom-fermented porter with a creamy light-brown head. The brewery, one of Denmark's oldest and most forward-thinking, combines traditional porter brewing with a distinct smoky character in this beer, adding an extra dimension beyond the typical roasted malt profile.

The taste is wonderfully complex, dominated by liquorice, smoke, roasted barley and malt sweetness, nicely balanced by a pronounced hop bitterness. It is a porter with substance, built for slow enjoyment and ideally paired with hearty winter dishes.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Smoke and roasted barley, with a hint of liquorice in the background.

Taste

Liquorice, smoke and roasted malt, carried by a pronounced hop bitterness and a solid malt sweetness.

Finish

Smoky and dry, with lingering notes of roasted grain.

Specifications

Name: Limfjordsporter
Brewery: Thisted Bryghus
Country/Region: Thisted, Denmark
Beer Style: Porter
ABV: 7.9%
Size: 33 CL
Fermentation: Bottom-fermented
EAN: 57109640
Allergens: Barley malt
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 8-14°C, pairs well with hearty winter dishes or smoked food

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Liquorice · Roasted · Full-bodied

Did You Know?

Thisted Bryghus has brewed beer since 1902 and is known for experimenting with local ingredients and old brewing techniques, making Limfjordsporter a fine example of the brewery's forward-thinking take on traditional styles.

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Some beers are brewed to be drunk right away. Thomas Hardy's Ale is brewed to be cellared - a bottle that changes year by year, much like the author it's named after.

Expert description of Thomas Hardy's Historical Vintage Ale 2024

The Historical Vintage 2024 is an exclusive Barley Wine at 11.3% from the legendary British beer name Thomas Hardy's Ale, inspired by 19th-century English brewing traditions. The beer was originally created in 1968 to mark the death of author Thomas Hardy, and after several hiatuses and revivals, it's brewed today by Hepworth & Co in West Sussex. This vintage is aged for several months on French oak casks, adding roasted and spiced complexity that rounds off the warm, sweet aromas.

The colour is amber with bronze highlights, and the flavour profile offers notes of candied and boozy fruit, dried figs, fresh tobacco and chocolate, while a light caramel sweetness sits in the background. The mouthfeel is full and silky with a lightly sharp finish that provides balance and harmony - a beer built for bottle ageing and slow development over the years.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Candied fruit, dried figs and a hint of tobacco, backed by warm oak and a sweet caramel note.

Taste

Full-bodied and silky with boozy fruit, chocolate and a lightly spiced oak barrel complexity.

Finish

A lightly sharp, dry finish that balances the otherwise sweet and warm whole.

Specifications

Name: The Historical Vintage 2024
Brewery: Hepworth & Co
Country/Region: England
Beer style: Barley Wine
ABV: 11.3%
Size: 25 CL
Cask type: French oak casks
Vintage: 2024
EAN: 8032937663913
Serving suggestion: 12-14°C in a small tulip or port glass

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Barrel-aged · Fruity · Complex

Did You Know?

Thomas Hardy's Ale was first brewed in 1968 to mark the 40th anniversary of author Thomas Hardy's death, and the beer is named after a scene in his novel "The Trumpet-Major," where a strong, local ale is mentioned. After several closures and revivals, it's now brewed by Hepworth & Co, with each vintage produced in a limited run for long-term ageing.

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Named after the author behind "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," Thomas Hardy's Ale is built to survive decades on the shelf - a barley wine that only truly unfolds after a long period of maturation.

Expert description of Thomas Hardy's Vintage Ale 2024

Thomas Hardy's Vintage Ale is a classic and exclusive barley wine from the acclaimed British beer brand Thomas Hardy's. This beer is brewed with inspiration from English traditions and aged for several months, giving it a complex and mature flavour profile. Each vintage is numbered and date-marked, underlining the beer's status as a collector's item built for long-term cellaring.

The beer offers full notes of dried fruit, such as figs and sultanas, along with a hint of tobacco, oak and caramel. The colour is deep amber, and the beer has a silky mouthfeel with a lightly warming finish - a perfect beer for slow enjoyment, ideal for collectors and those who appreciate depth and character in their barley wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Dried fruit like figs and sultanas, with a hint of tobacco and oak.

Taste

Caramel and ripe fruit, carried by a silky texture.

Finish

Lightly warming with lingering notes of oak and dried fruit.

Specifications

Name: Vintage Ale 2024
Brewery: Thomas Hardy's Ale
Country/Region: England
Beer Style: Barley Wine Style Ale
ABV: 11.3%
Size: 25 CL
Vintage: 2024
EAN: 8032937663944
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 12-14°C in a small glass, pairs well with blue cheese or dark chocolate

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Caramel · Oak · Full-bodied

Did You Know?

Thomas Hardy's Ale was originally created in 1968 as a tribute to the author Thomas Hardy, and each vintage is known for its cellaring potential of over 25 years.

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Some beers are made to drink cold, and then there is this one - a warm, spiced beer liqueur that belongs in a small glass topped with whipped cream, far from the ordinary bottle of beer.

Expert description of Ultra Belgian Beer Liqour

Ultra Beer Liqueur is a sweet and spiced beer liqueur at 20% alcohol, distilled from Ultra Delice, an award-winning dark Belgian beer full of sweetness and spice. After distillation, coffee extract is added, giving the liqueur a deep and aromatic profile with notes of malt, chocolate, coffee and vanilla. The liqueur is produced by a brewery with roots dating back to 1897 and a tradition of combining classic Belgian brewing craft with creative flavour variations.

It has a full, round taste that suits dessert, after-dinner drinking or a warming winter treat. Ultra Beer Liqueur is recommended served heated to around 45-50°C in a small 2-3 cl glass, ideally topped with whipped cream - an alternative to Irish coffee that is as much a conversation piece as a taste experience.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Malt, dark chocolate and coffee, with a sweet, spiced warmth.

Taste

Full and sweet with coffee, vanilla and chocolate, carried by the dark beer's malt character.

Finish

Warm and round with lingering coffee and vanilla notes.

Specifications

Name: Ultra Belgian Beer Liqour
Country/Region: Belgium
Beer Style: Beer Liqueur
ABV: 20%
Size: 70 CL
Serving Suggestion: Heat to 45-50°C and serve in a small 2-3 cl glass, ideally topped with whipped cream

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Spiced · Coffee · Full-bodied

Did You Know?

Ultra Beer Liqueur is enjoyed warm rather than cold, making it an unusual but popular substitute for Irish coffee during the Christmas season.

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A classic British dessert reinterpreted as beer. Bread and Butter Pudding is golden, sweet and full of nostalgia.

Expert description of Vocation Bread and Butter Pudding White Stout

Vocation Bread and Butter Pudding Stout is a golden dessert stout at 7% ABV, inspired by the classic British dessert. This white stout from Vocation Brewery in Hebden Bridge, England, is brewed with a focus on sweetness and complexity. The beer has a light golden colour, setting it apart from traditional dark stouts, but the flavour profile is rich and dessert-like.

The aroma is dominated by vanilla custard, nutmeg and cinnamon, while the taste combines malt fullness with sultanas and soft spices reminiscent of homemade bread pudding. The mouthfeel is creamy and round, and the finish has a pleasant sweetness with a hint of spice.

Vocation Brewery often experiments with the "white stout" style, where traditional stout character is recreated without the dark colour - here as a tribute to classic English baking.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Vanilla custard, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Taste

Malt fullness with sultanas and soft spices, reminiscent of homemade bread pudding.

Finish

Creamy and round, with a pleasant sweetness and a hint of spice.

Specifications

Name: Bread and Butter Pudding Stout
Brewery: Vocation Brewery
Country/Region: England, Hebden Bridge
Beer style: White Stout / Dessert Beer
ABV: 7%
Size: 44 CL
Serving suggestion: 8-10°C in a wide beer glass

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Spiced · Creamy · Nostalgic

Did You Know?

A "white stout" is a stylistic contradiction in itself - the beer is brewed with the stout's technical characteristics (fullness, sweetness, complexity), but with pale malts instead of the dark, roasted malts that normally give stout its black colour.

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Not too sweet, not too heavy - just right. Naughty and Nice is Vocation's take on a well-balanced classic chocolate stout.

Expert description of Vocation Naughty and Nice Chocolate Stout

Vocation Naughty and Nice Chocolate Stout is a soft, balanced British stout at 5.9% ABV, brewed with dark malts and natural chocolate. This stout has a deep black colour and a dense, light brown head. The aroma offers notes of cocoa, roasted malt and a light sweetness.

The taste combines dark chocolate, coffee and caramel with a mild bitterness and creamy mouthfeel. The beer isn't overly sweet but has a pleasant chocolate tone that makes it easy-drinking and suited to both dessert and relaxation.

Vocation Brewery brews Naughty and Nice as part of their core range - an approachable classic for anyone wanting a reliable chocolate stout with British character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Cocoa, roasted malt and a light sweetness.

Taste

Dark chocolate, coffee and caramel, with a mild bitterness and creamy mouthfeel.

Finish

Balanced and easy-drinking, with a pleasant chocolate tone.

Specifications

Name: Naughty and Nice Chocolate Stout
Brewery: Vocation Brewery
Country/Region: England
Beer style: Stout
ABV: 5.9%
Size: 44 CL
Serving suggestion: 8-10°C in a wide beer glass

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Roasted · Creamy · Balanced

Did You Know?

The name "Naughty and Nice" plays on the classic English idiom of being "cheeky and sweet at once" - a fitting description for a stout that balances sinful chocolate sweetness with a balanced, "nice" drinkability.

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Mint chocolate in beer form. Silent Night is Vocation's take on a Christmas beer that smells of classic British dessert.

Expert description of Vocation Silent Night Mint Cocoa Stout

Vocation Silent Night Mint Cocoa Stout is a powerful, flavourful Christmas beer at 10% ABV, brewed as an imperial stout with dark chocolate and fresh mint. The beer has a deep black colour with a dense, light brown head. The aroma is dominated by cocoa and peppermint, evoking classic mint chocolate desserts.

The taste is full and rounded with notes of roasted malt, caramel, chocolate and a cool mint character that balances the sweetness and gives a fresh finish. Silent Night is perfect as a dessert beer, with hearty dishes, or as a warming beer by the fireplace.

Vocation Brewery is an English brewery from Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, founded in 2015 and known today for powerful, flavour-intense specialty beers sold in over 40 countries.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Cocoa and peppermint, evoking classic mint chocolate.

Taste

Roasted malt, caramel and chocolate, balanced by a cool mint character.

Finish

Fresh and rounded, with a lingering minty feel.

Specifications

Name: Silent Night Mint Cocoa Stout
Brewery: Vocation Brewery
Country/Region: England
Beer style: Christmas Stout (Imperial Stout)
ABV: 10%
Size: 44 CL
Serving suggestion: 10-12°C in a wide snifter glass

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Spiced · Creamy · Fresh

Did You Know?

Vocation Brewery started in 2015 in a converted chicken shed in Hebden Bridge and is today one of Britain's fastest-growing specialty breweries, selling over 10 million pints a year.

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From a rebuilt chicken shed atop a windy hill in Yorkshire, Vocation Brewery has grown to brew millions of litres a year - Lady of The Glen is one of the more experimental offerings from their Special Release series.

Expert description of Vocation Lady of The Glen Smoked Imperial Stout

Vocation Special Release Lady of The Glen Smoked Imperial Stout is a strong, intense beer style, known for its roasted malt character and high alcohol content. This 2023 vintage release from the English brewery Vocation Brewery is brewed with the addition of smoked malt, giving it a distinctive smoky flavour and aroma.

The beer has a deep, near-black colour and a creamy, beige head. The flavour profile is complex and rich, with notes of roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee and a subtle smoky character. The full body and soft mouthfeel leave a warming sensation, and the high 11.5% ABV contributes to a more powerful beer experience.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Roasted malt, dark chocolate and a hint of smoke.

Taste

Coffee and dark chocolate in a full body, with a subtle smoky character.

Finish

Warming and intense, with lingering smoky tones.

Specifications

Name: Special Release Lady of The Glen Smoked Imperial Stout
Brewery: Vocation Brewery
Country/Region: England
Beer Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 11.5%
Size: 33 CL
Ingredients: Malted barley, wheat, rye, smoked malt
Allergens: Contains barley, wheat, rye
EAN: 5060435602434
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed in small glasses at 12-14°C, with desserts or hearty smoked dishes

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Roasted · Full-bodied · Intense

Did You Know?

Vocation Brewery started in 2015 with just one employee in a converted chicken shed, and has since grown to brew over 10 million pints a year for 40 countries.

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Raspberry and roasted malt aren't an obvious pair - but Widmer Brothers prove it can become something quite special.

Expert description of Widmer Raspberry Russian Imperial Stout Limited Edition No. 8

Raspberry Russian Imperial Stout is a powerful specialty beer from the American brewery Widmer Brothers in Portland, Oregon. The beer is part of the brewery's Limited Edition series, where raspberries are added during fermentation of a classic Russian Imperial Stout. The result is a nearly opaque, dark purple-brown beer with a fine brown head, where warm chocolate and roasted notes meet a pronounced hop bitterness.

Widmer Brothers Brewing was founded in 1984 and helped shape the American craft beer wave from Portland, known for both classic wheat beers and experimental specialty releases like this one.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Raspberry, dark chocolate and roasted malt.

Taste

Rich and complex with raspberry tartness, chocolate and a pronounced hop bitterness.

Finish

Roasted and lightly tart, with lingering bitterness from the hops.

Specifications

Name: Widmer Raspberry Russian
Brewery: Widmer Brothers Brewing
Country/Region: USA, Oregon
Beer style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 9.3%
IBU: 70
Size: 65 CL
Other: Limited Edition No. 8
EAN: 702770036103
Serving suggestion: 10-12°C in a wide snifter glass

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Roasted · Hoppy · Complex

Did You Know?

Widmer Brothers was one of the breweries that helped found the modern American craft beer scene in the 1980s, and their Hefeweizen is considered one of the beers that popularised the American style of wheat beer.

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On the Danish island of Funen, Ørbæk Bryggeri has long experimented with the line between beer and wine, and Bygvin is one of the clearest results - a full-bodied, oak-aged barley wine where malt alone carries the alcohol.

Expert description of Ørbæk Bygvin

Ørbæk Bygvin - Vintage Barley Wine is a Danish craft beer with a strength and character approaching wine. It is dry-hopped and fermented with wine yeast, giving it a character that sits somewhere between beer and wine. Malt alone provides the base for the alcohol, giving a full, warming body, while the hops contribute fresh notes of passion fruit and citrus along with a hint of dark berries and pine needles.

The oak ageing adds notes of nuts and vanilla, both from the wood itself and from its heat treatment. The beer is rich in tannins from both hops and oak, giving a depth usually found only in wood-aged wine - a beer built to lie in the cellar and develop over time.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Passion fruit and citrus from the hops, seasoned with dark berries, pine needles and a hint of warm vanilla.

Taste

Full and warming with nuts, vanilla and a tannin-rich structure from the oak ageing.

Finish

Long, dry and wine-like with lingering notes of wood and dark fruit.

Specifications

Name: Ørbæk Bygvin - Vintage Barley Wine
Brewery: Ørbæk Bryggeri
Country/Region: Ørbæk, Funen, Denmark
Beer Style: Strong Ale (Barley Wine)
ABV: 12%
Size: 75 CL
Fermentation: Dry-hopped with wine yeast
Shelf Life: Long shelf life
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed at 12-14°C, pairs well with red meat, game or hearty stews

Flavour Profile

Malty · Full-bodied · Wine-like · Tannic

Did You Know?

Ørbæk Bygvin is fermented with wine yeast instead of regular ale yeast, which is one reason it tastes closer to wine than a typical barley wine.

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A date on the label isn't the same as an expiry date - most specialty beers hold up fine for a while after, and that's exactly the idea behind this surprise product.

About the Product

Dato-øl - Let Yourself Be Surprised is a surprise product where we select from our exciting specialty beers that have passed their best-before date. All beers carry date marks, but far from all beers suffer from going slightly past date - and that also applies to the beers you'll find in this selection.

What they all have in common is that they still taste exactly as they did before the date passed. You won't know in advance which beer or beer style you'll get, but you'll get a good specialty beer at a very low price - perfect for the curious drinker who isn't afraid of a little surprise in the glass.

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Scotland is more than whisky, but it's hard to separate the two once you travel there - this guide doesn't even try.

About the Book

The Beer Lover's Guide to Scotland by Torben Mathews takes the country's beer and brewing culture as its starting point, woven into a travel guide for a land where spirits and brewing history often go hand in hand. The book is written for the traveller who wants to experience Scotland through taste rather than just the tourist attractions.

A different angle for anyone who already has the whisky guides on the shelf and wants something new to read before their next trip to Scotland.

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