We started August down in London, where we found a wonderful craft beer bar and lots of new brews. We also made a start on a selection from Harrogate-based Cold Bath Brewing, had a couple of banging brews from Arbor, and then finished the month up in Middlesbrough. But which beers made it into our top five, and what was this month’s beer of the month?
Here’s a rundown of our favourite new brews for August 2025.
Slayer Stout by Metalhead Brewery (Northumberland)
Stout 4.8%
We found this lovely stout on cask in Cask Pub & Kitchen in London. For a 4.8% stout, it had a lovely body and lots of flavour. Delicious.
Brewer’s note: Oatmeal Stout with well balanced Chocolate,Coffee and Liquorice flavour notes.
Brewer’s website: Metalhead Brewery
Olicana IPA by Acorn Brewery (Barnsley)
Single Hopped IPA 5%
We love trying single-hopped brews, so when we saw this on cask, we just had to try it. It was lovely and smooth, a great bitter and worthy of a place in this month’s top five.
Brewer’s note: Olicana is a single hopped IPA brewed by Acorn Brewery.
Brewer’s website: Acorn Brewery
King Slayer by Buxton Brewery (Derbyshire)
Double IPA 8%
We haven’t tried many beers from Buxton Brewery. In fact, we’ve tried two and both of them made it into this month’s top five, including this moreish double IPA.
Brewer’s note: Capable of slaying the mightiest of thirsts, this beast of a New England DIPA breathes tropical fruit and citrus notes with an adventurous boozy warmth. A fruity Double IPA, dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic, Ekuanot and Sabro
Brewer’s website: Buxton Brewery
Axe Edge by Buxton Brewery (Derbyshire)
IPA 6.8%
The second Buxton Brew in this month’s top five is this tasty 6.8% IPA. We’ll definitely be on the lookout for more Buxton Brewery beers.
Brewer’s note: Our refreshingly hoppy, grapefruity flagship IPA is named after a moor close to England’s highest village, and was once roamed by some pretty edgy characters including counterfeiters, prize fighters and hawkers. And maybe still is.
Brewer’s website: Buxton Brewery
BEER OF THE MONTH
Nashoba by Arbor (Bristol)
NEIPA 6.2%
We treated ourselves to two Arbor beers this month, and this NEIPA was the standout brew. It was our highest-scoring beer of August, and we both agreed it deserved our top spot.
Brewer’s note: New England India Pale Ale, brewed with Citra, Motueka and Nelson Sauvin hops.
Brewer’s website: Arbor Ales
Honourable mention
These new brews didn’t quite make it into our top five, but we still feel they are worth a mention.
Edelweiss Snowfresh by Brau Union Österreich (Austria)
Wheat Beer 4.9%
We’ve had a Blade for a couple of years now, and we don’t always have a keg on, but we do like to have one on in the summer for those sunny afternoons. We put this wheat beer on for August, and it really hits the spot. Definitely leaves you wanting more.
Brewer’s note: Edelweiss Wheat is naturally cloudy and of a bright, golden yellow colour. This particularly smooth beer is brewed with all natural ingredients: pure water and selected premium ingredients that guarantee a balanced taste and mild finish. The final touch of mountain herbs and spices (sage, coriander and elderflower), adds a unique fruitiness and highly refreshing after taste that will delight your senses.
Revisited
Not a new brew but a beer we’ve revisited recently because it’s one of our favourites.
ESB by Fuller’s (London)
Extra Special Bitter 5.5%
You can’t visit London without coming across a Fuller’s pub, and we came across plenty during our stay. We couldn’t resist ESB on cask and were reminded what a lovely beer it is.
Brewer’s note: ESB was launched into the Fuller's family in 1971, as a winter brew to replace a beer named Old Burton Extra. ESB is a strong, full-bodied, mahogany-coloured ale with a mellow bitterness and satisfying finish. Brewed with Pale Ale and Crystal malts, this brew has been nicknamed The Champion Ale after winning the World Champion Beer award on two occasions.
Brewer’s website: Fuller’s Brewery Online Shop
Atlas by Welbeck Abbey Brewery (Nottinghamshire)
West Coast IPA 5%
Alex’s parents live relatively close to the Welbeck estate, so they’ll often pick us up a couple of bottles of Welbeck beer if we’re visiting. We’ve tried a fair few of their beers, but this West Coast IPA is particularly good.
Brewer’s note: This American West Coast IPA showcases the best New World hops, bringing both piney resinous and bold tropical flavours, which are balanced with English malted barley.
Brewer’s website: Welbeck Abbey Brewery
