REVERE THESE FIVE INDIE BEERS
1
Villages Rafiki Session IPA 330ml (£26.60x12, 4.3%) Villages was started in Deptford, south London, in 2016 by brothers Archie and Louis Village and they’re doing amazing things. Their go-to Session IPA, made with Mosaic and Ekuanot hops, oozes tasty, tropical notes of mango and passionfruit. Also check out their fantastic Whistle Pilsner and, for something different, their Panpipe Dry-Hopped Sour for its citrus explosion. Available from villagesbrewery.com
2
Running With Sceptres India Pale Lager 440ml (£32.95x12, 5.2%) Described as lager’s answer to IPA, this delightful mix of Pills, Vienna and Carmalt with a whack of hops – from the Lost and Grounded Brewers team in Bristol – is a refreshing alternative to bland supermarket-bought beers. Loving the can art too. Available from lostandgrounded.co.uk
3
BBNo 36 Kolsch-Style Loral 330ml (£28x12, 4.8%)
Brew By Numbers’ 36 Loral is made in London but based on the German classic from Cologne. Fermented with ale yeast at a low temperature before being lagered, the result is just about one of the tastiest drinks I’ve ever enjoyed from a can. An absolute must-try. Available from brewbynumbers.com
4
People Money Space Time Pale Ale 440ml (£3.10, 3.8%)
Another thoroughly enjoyable pale ale boasting a big juicy flavour, this time from the Verdant Brewing Co in Penryn, Falmouth. Tons of Mosaic and Citra hops give this beer a taste far in excess of its modest ABV. Available from verdantbrewing.co
5
Tribute to the Hills Kveik Farmhouse Ale 440ml (£4.75, 6.4%) This Belgian-style ale from the Burnt Mill brewery in Ipswich, Suffolk, is well worth checking out. You’ve got to move fast though. As with many smaller craft breweries, their beers have a habit of selling out fast. Available from burntmillbrewery.com