The Best Craft Beer In Supermarkets Now

Life

07-10-2019

One hundred new breweries opened around the UK last year. According to the British Beer & Pub Association, that means we’ve now got more than 2,500 on these shores – up from about 500 in 2000. Craft beer, of course, is the driving force. While it’s never been easier to buy good craft beer in your local supermarket, the ever-widening choice on the shelves can be overwhelming. That’s why we asked Daniel Rowntree, who founded the BrewLDN festival, to round up his favourites.

Brewdog Punk IPA, ABV 5.6%

With more than 120,000 investors, four breweries and 80 bars across the globe, Brewdog is taking over the world. Run by the Steve Jobs of the booze game, James Watts, this is quite possibly the biggest craft beer brand around. Everyone’s tasted a Punk, right? And, if you haven’t, this is a great place to start your journey.

Available at Waitrose

Wiper and True Milk Stout Milk Shake, ABV 5.6%

A brew for the more adventurous drinker, this fine example of a milk stout comes from Bristol-born pioneer Wiper and Tru, which is always pushing the boundaries with new ingredients and flavours.

Available at Waitrose

Goose Island IPA, ABV 5.9%

This is an American classic, inspired by beers from this very isle. It’s great news for craft beer drinkers that this global brand has finally taken up root in the UK because it is now widely available in many supermarkets.

Available at Tesco

Brooklyn Lager, ABV 5.2%

A multinational, multicultural brewery hailing from New York, trail-blazing Brooklyn has been around for some time. This lager set the benchmark for all the craft lagers that have come since.

Available at Waitrose

Beavertown Gamma Ray, ABV 5.4%

Beavertown is a brewery with real rock ’n’ roll heritage. Its founder is Logan Plant, son of Robert. He’s done a stellar job creating instantly recognisable beers. Gamma Ray is a game changer and it’s a treat for us all to have this juicy IPA more readily available.

Availavble at Sainsbury's

And Union Sunday Pale Ale, ABV 5.5%

The simplicity of this bottle design stands out on the shelf and screams ‘premium’. This South African brand is all about collaboration; it’s brewed in Bavaria and has a strong UK presence.

Available at Waitrose

Drygate Chimera IPA, ABV 5.9%

Drygate is a joint venture between Williams Bros and Tennent’s, churning out some consistent ‘gateway’ craft beers. Its Glasgow brewpub is well worth a visit if you’re in town.

Available at Sainsbury's

Wild Card Brewery IPA, ABV 5.5%

Established in 2012, this East London business has always pushed the boundaries. Head brewer Jaega has become something of a celebrity, championing women in a predominantly masculine brewing world.

Available at Tesco

Mothership Brut Pale Ale, ABV 4.5%

This London-based, all-female brewing team turns out some damn tasty brews. The Brut Pale Ale – newly available in Tesco – is brewed with champagne yeast to make it refreshing, light and spritzy.

Available at Tesco

Beavertown Neck Oil IPA Session, ABV 4.3%

The low ABV makes this a great everyday beer. It is ultra-pale with a crisp and clean taste making it ideal for a mid-week drink.

Available at Ocado

Vocation Brewary Love & Hate IPA, ABV 7.2%

Cloudy and golden with plenty of tropical fruit aromas, this is a great choice if you like big flavour beer. The alcohol is not too overpowering so beware because the ABV is higher than normal.

Available at Tesco

Lost and Grounded Keller Pils, ABV 4.8%

A fresh, hoppy keller style pils with a nice crunchy Pilsner bitterness to it. If you prefer fresh citrus flavours this is your drink.

Available at Waitrose

BREW//LDN craft beer festival will run from Thursday 27th to Saturday 29th February 2020 at The Old Truman Brewery, London. Early Bird tickets are available to buy here from £10.

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