This month we’ve battled beers from Lost and Grounded and Vault City, supped new brews in the sun at Piglove by the River, and tried a fair few cask ales while we’ve been out and about. But which beers came out on top?
Here’s a rundown of our favourite new brews for April 2025.
Gingerbread Latte by Vault City (Edinburgh)
Imperial Stout 11%
One of eleven beers we tried from Vault City this month, but the only stout of the selection. We didn’t get a lot of aroma, but there was plenty of flavour, with notes of coffee, vanilla and warming ginger. A lovely stout.
Brewer’s note: A smooth, full-bodied stout fit for the season reaturing chocolate malt, oats and creamy vanilla for a luscious, velvety mouthfeel. Additions of brown sugar creates delicate sweetness while subtle coffee notes meld with cosy, warming spices of cinnamon and ginger.
Brewer’s website: Vault City Brewing
Caribe by Piglove Brewing (Leeds)
Caribe 4.5%
Piglove by the River is walking distance from our house and has a lovely outdoor area overlooking the river. Not surprisingly, we like to pop down for a brew on a sunny day.
Piglove’s founders were born in Venezuela, which is why so many of their beers are inspired by South America and include South American ingredients.
This deliciously refreshing Venezuelan Pilsner was one of two Piglove beers that made it into this month’s top five.
Brewer’s note: Caribe is a light, crisp and refreshing Pilsner inspired by Venezuela. Brewed with Galaxy Hops, it offers a hint of sweet Passion Fruit balanced by smooth malt. Its pale golden colour and clean finish make it perfect for warm days spent with great company.
Brewer’s website: Piglove Brewing Co
A Phantasticum Universe by Piglove Brewing (Leeds)
Sour IPA 5.6%
The second Piglove beer to feature in our top five is this Amazonic Sour IPA, which was a really interesting beer with lots of flavour. Definitely one that made you want to keep going in for more.
Brewer’s note: A dazzling Sour with a distinct fruity punch of Tamarind, complemented with a smoky hint of Chapulin Grasshopper Salts and a unique woody aftertaste of Chuchuhuasi.
Brewer’s website: Piglove Brewing Co
Rodenbach Classic by Rodenbach (Belgium)
Flemish Red Ale 5.2%
We were killing time before heading to the cinema so we popped into North Bar for a quick drink. We tried Rodenbach Grand Cru in Belgium last year and we loved it, so we decided to try the Rodenbach Classic.
Although we didn’t love it quite as much as the Grand Cru, it was an excellent beer and a nice reminder of just how good Belgian beers are.
Brewer’s note: Rodenbach Classic sets the bar for Flemish red-brown ales. This ale owes its sweet and sour fruitiness and refreshing taste to the fact that it is partially matured in oak casks.
Brewer’s website: Rodenbach
BEER OF THE MONTH
Heaven 2024 by Northern Monk (Leeds)
Barrel-Aged Chocolate and Maple Imperial Stout 10.5%
We always have a good stock of stouts in the winter, and this was one of the last few we had left over. It was definitely worth the wait - a delicious stout with lots of chocolate and maple flavours. So smooth and indulgent - you just wanted it to keep going (definitely would have liked a bigger can).
Brewer’s note: Barrel-aged chocolate, maple and vanilla imperial stout, aged in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels for three years.
Brewer’s website: Keep the Faith - Northern Monk
Honourable mention
These new brews didn’t quite make it into our top five, but we still feel they are worth a mention.
Caught in the Rain by Vault City (Edinburgh)
Pina Colada Sour 7.8%
Another brew from our Vault City selection and one of our favourites. Lovely pineapple and coconut flavours coming through. Not much tartness, and a very enjoyable beer.
Brewer’s note: If the mere sight of this beer’s name doesn’t have you singing, then a few sips definitely will. That’s right, you can’t escape the flavour of our Pina Colada sour. Made with all the trademarks of the classic cocktail, we’ve blended juicy pineapple puree with rich coconut to create that tropical taste you’re looking for.
Brewer’s website: Vault City Brewing
Accelerate Action by Northern Monk (Leeds)
Smoked Hefeweizen 5%
I’m adding this to our honourable mentions because I thought it was delicious. Alex enjoyed it, but wasn’t quite as keen as me, which is why it hasn’t made it into our top five. But I loved the smokey flavours and thought it was a lovely beer.
Brewer’s note: A lightly smoked Hefeweizen brewed by an all-female team at The Old Flax Store to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day and its theme – #AccelerateAction. When it comes to flavour, think freshly baked banana bread with some liquid smoke to round out the edges.
Brewer’s website: Keep the Faith - Northern Monk
Revisited
Not a new brew but a beer we’ve revisited recently because it’s one of our favourites.
Wobbly Bob by Phoenix Brewery (Manchester)
Legendary Ale 6%
We first tried Wobbly Bob back in 2023 so when we saw it on cask again in Leeds, we decided to give it another go. It’s a lovely beer and definitely one we’d revisit again.
Brewer’s note: This award-winning amber-coloured beer has a strong malt and fruit balance, evident in both the aroma and flavour, with a slight sweetness, leading to a dry finish.
Brewer’s website: Phoenix Brewery
