In the midst of a cold, wet South West winter, Rocky Ridge are doing their part to lift spirits and warm cockles with a couple of bold IPAs and a trio of luscious stouts of stature.
Starting with the hoppy offerings, CTRL C/CTRL V is a Citra-dominant affair, with Citra Lupomax, Cryo and T90 pellets featuring heavily. A modest bitterness and balance underpins ripe citrus and stone fruits. Bright Direction, meanwhile, is a refreshingly clear hoppy offering, where sweet passionfruit, berry, and grapefruit bring the good times. The bitterness is weighty, but is matched by an equally bold malt profile.
As for the trio of stouts, Risque starts the party with a bang: a 12 percent ABV, barrel-aged beast loaded with rich, malt-driven flavours of dark chocolate, bitter toffee and bitter coffee. Barrel influence is clear, with some residual spirit notes along with stewed dates and raisin. Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout – featuring a touch of chilli heat and some spice thanks to ancho chilli and cinnamon, and Dirty Desserty – loaded with mudcake and marshmallow, both find influence in after dinner treats and are perfectly suited to slow, front-of-fire sipping.
Rocky Ridge continue to pump out a range of beers for their thirsty followers, comfortably working within all facets of the craft beer style spectrum.
Jono Outred
If you're reading this in time, Rocky Ridge are hosting an IPA Day Quiz at their cellar door on August 4 – details here.
Published August 2, 2022 2022-08-02 00:00:00
