It’s been a busy month, but unfortunately, not much of it involved beer. Alex headed off to Wales with his dad, then up to Edinburgh for work, while I got my head down planning and delivering a couple of talks, completed a fairly big copywriting project, and revised my marketing strategy. But it wasn’t a completely dry month, and we did manage to squeeze in a fair few new brews at home.
Here’s a rundown of our favourite new brews for April 2026.
Toffee Nut Latte by Vault City (Edinburgh)
Imperial Stout 11%
Although Vault City are more well-known for their modern sours, they do occasionally brew some tasty stouts.
We had this one at the start of the month, when the evenings were still pretty cold, because, while we do love a strong stout any time of year, they are particularly good in the winter months. This one was creamy and roasty and a lovely sipper.
Brewer’s note: One of our most popular imperial stouts is back with a Toffee-Nut twist! Our full-bodied seasonal stout showcases layers of chocolate malt and oats, smooth toffee, and creamy vanilla for a velvety mouthfeel and a rich, nutty finish.
Brewer’s website: Vault City Brewing
Interstellar Haze by Northern Monk X Pretty Decent Beer Co (Leeds + London)
DDH Hazy IPA 7%
It’s rare that our top five doesn’t feature a Northern Monk beer - the brewery is local to us, and they make some banging beers. We have two in this month’s list, starting with this delicious double-dry-hopped hazy IPA brewed in collaboration with Pretty Decent Beer Co.
Brewer’s note: From beyond known space. A cosmically hoppy IPA to keep in your orbit. Craft brewed with Northern pride and meteoric amounts of ripe, juicy flavours.
Brewer’s website: Pretty Decent Beer Co
Brewer’s website: Northern Monk Craft Beers
Pachanga by Piglove (Leeds)
Cold IPA 5.7%
Towards the end of the month, we headed to one of our local beer gardens, Piglove By The River, as Alex was competing in their 10k (he placed a very respectable 3rd). All runners get a free beer after the run - Alex opted for this Cold IPA, and I treated myself to a pint since I’d done such a great job of spectating. It was lovely and refreshing, with great flavours - perfect for a sunny (if a little windy) evening.
Brewer’s note: Brewed with our friends at Pangolin to celebrate their 5th birthday, Pachanga brings the party! A clean, vibrant Cold IPA layered with citrus, tropical fruit and subtle herbal depth. Mexican marigold and Hierba Luisa lift the aroma, while Citra, Motueka and Loral hops deliver bright mango, pine and zesty citrus. Light‑bodied with snappy bitterness and a dry, refreshing finish.
Brewer’s website: Piglove Brewing Co
Faith in Futures Drew Millward Hazy Citra IPA by Northern Monk (Leeds)
IPA 6%
Another lovely brew from Northern Monk - one of their Faith in Futures beers.
You can usually find a Faith in Futures beer in the main supermarkets. We got this one from the Co-op. A donation from every purchase of a Faith in Futures beer goes towards The Faith in Futures Foundation, which donates grants to community-focused charities, causes and support groups. The cans feature designs by various artists - this one was designed by Drew Millward.
Brewer’s note: Drink beer. Help others. Each can sold of this beer includes a donation to faith in futures.
Brewer’s website: Northern Monk Craft Beers
BEER OF THE MONTH
Old Tom Ale by Robinsons (Manchester)
Old Ale 8.5%
Old Tom has been around for over 125 years, has won over 50 awards since 1968, and can be aged like a good wine.
We tried the 2024 and 2026 side by side, and they were both excellent, but I slightly preferred the 2024. I recommend grabbing a couple of bottles if you come across any of them - one to drink and one to age.
Brewer’s note: Dubbed 'The original craft beer', this dangerously drinkable legend has been in the family since 1899, when Tom, the old brewery cat, was sketched into immortality by Robinsons’ Head Brewer as he waited for the ale to ferment. 125 years on, and it's still the same great tasting ale, brewed to the same award-winning recipe.
Old Tom is one of the most famous strong ales in beer history, and it's not just 8 out of 10 who agree. A firm favourite with traditional drinkers, craft enthusiasts, and beer judges alike, Old Tom has won the industry’s most prestigious awards; including World’s Best Ale, World’s Best Design, and Champion Winter Beer of Britain.
Rich, malty, and warming, Old Tom has a distinctive deep port wine finish, with bitter hops balanced by the heady aromas of dark fruit.
Brewer’s website: Robinsons Brewery & Pubs
Honourable mention
These new brews didn’t quite make it into our top five, but we still feel they are worth a mention.
Mann's Brown Ale by Marston's Brewery (Burton-On-Trent)
Brown Ale 2.8%
This one is worth a mention because of its history and because it’s a pretty good beer for 2.8%, but mostly because you can pick it up in Morrisons for only £1.
£1 - for a 500ml bottle! That’s an absolute bargain for a pretty decent beer. I liked it enough to go back and get more.
Brewer’s note: Manns is the Original Brown Ale, first brewed at the Mann's Whitechapel brewery in 1902. The historic recipe produces a dark, rich, full bodied ale with a luscious flavour and hints of roasted creamy toffee.
Brewer’s website: Marston's PLC
Revisited
Not a new brew but a beer we’ve revisited recently because it’s one of our favourites.
Twin Pines by Northern Monk (Leeds)
West Coast IPA 6.5%
We enjoyed this west coast IPA just as much the second time around as we did when we first tried it last summer. A solid beer from one of our favourite breweries.
Brewer’s note: Into the Wild
Embark on a adventure to the forests of the west coast.
Craft brewed with Northern pride and packed with piney, zesty flavours.
Brewer’s website: Northern Monk Craft Beers
