The Best Craft Beers to try this Summer

Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine in the great British beer garden or, more likely, sheltering from the summer rain in a cosy pub corner, the pint in your hand should always be worth supping, right?

Craft beer has gradually become more and more popular, and craft breweries have started popping up all over the UK. If you haven’t given it go yourself yet, this summer’s the perfect time to start experimenting. And if you’re already a craft beer aficionado, well, there’s some exciting new brews out there this season that you won’t want to miss out on.

We asked the experts to share their top tips on the craft beers you should be drinking this summer - and they're all available across the Transpennine Express network. (And don’t forget that when you get the train rather than driving, you won't have to stick to just the one pint!)

 

1. Hellfire (5.2%), Leeds Brewery, Leeds

“We’re currently brewing Hellfire, named after the popular Yorkshire phrase,” says Jenna from Leeds Brewery. “It's available in all of our own sites and across many free trade sites in Yorkshire.”

This pale ale has a hoppy taste that’s full of fruity citrus flavours – nice and refreshing on a warm day.

Luke’s a big fan:

You can pick up a pint of Hellfire in locations throughout Yorkshire, Including the Eagle & Child in York and The Midnight Bell in Leeds.

2. IPA Citra (6.5%), Cloudwater Brewery, Manchester

The Cloudwater Brew Co launched in Spring 2015, the brainchild of three beer enthusiasts who wanted to specialise in “modern, seasonal beer” that makes the most of the ingredients available during different times of year.

“We like the consumer to make up their own minds about the beer,” says Hannah from Cloudwater. Joe’s certainly made up his…

This juicy IPA offer a smooth and fruity taste. Get it before it’s all gone!

 

3. Salty Kiss (4.1%), Magic Rock Brewing, Huddersfield

This one – a German-style Gose infused with fruit and seat salt flavours – comes recommended by Matt from the UK Beer Network.

According to Gourmet Goat, it’s best served straight from the fridge:

“Salty Kiss is available direct from our Taproom in Huddersfield in can and keg,” says Duncan from Magic Rock Brewing. A different food truck parks up in the yard of the brewery (which is just 10 minutes’ walk from Huddersfield train station) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so you can enjoy some awesome street food alongside your drink and make a proper afternoon/evening of it.

 

4. Jakehead (6.3%), Wylam Brewery, Newcastle

“Our recommendation? It would undoubtedly have to be Jakehead from Wylam Brewery – a big IPA which smacks of jungle fruits,” says Jack from The Bridge Tavern in Newcastle.

Andy seems to think it’s got healing properties too:

 

5. Cascade (3.8%), Liverpool Organic Brewery, Liverpool

“Cascade is organic, so the grain and hops haven’t been sprayed with pesticides during growth,” says Mark Hensby from Liverpool Organic Brewery. “it’s a hoppy, refreshing beer.”

Kieran’s picture of his pint is enough to make your mouth water:

The brewery will be at the St George’s Hall Beer Festival in Liverpool at the end of September if you want to try Cascade – and a whole other range of craft beers (and real ales, ciders and perries…) too.

 

6. New World IPA (6.2%), Northern Monk Brew Co, Leeds

“We'd like to recommend a Yorkshire beer from a Leeds brewery: New World IPA from the Northern Monk Brew Co,” says Jules from the Hop Hideout in Sheffield. “It's a super crisp and refreshing India Pale Ale with big tropical and grapefruit notes. The British pale malt base layers sweet and biscuity depths.”

Lauren enjoyed hers too:

“We’re also doing a small run collaboration beer which takes inspiration from a summer gin-based drink with the Northern Monk Brew Co; it’ll be out towards the end of August,” says Jules – so be sure to keep your eye out for that one too!

 

7. Tap Handle IPA (7.5%), Kirkstall Brewery x Jopen, Leeds/Haarlem

“I’d recommend a collaboration brew called Tap Handle IPA,” says Cody from Tall Boys Beer Market in Leeds. “Jopen are a Dutch brewery who recently teamed up with Local Leeds favourites Kirkstall to create this fantastic Oatmeal IPA. It’s super smooth with a distinctive fruitiness from the European hops.”

We don’t have a tweet to share with you for this one because, well, most of the ones we could find were in Dutch! If you manage to track this one – or any of the other beers on our list – down yourself, get in touch via Facebook (@TPExpressTrains), Twitter (@TPExpressTrains) or Instagram (@tpexpresstrains) and use the hashtag #TPEcraftbeers.

Main image source: Kafziel

Planning a bit of a pub crawl? Remember you can save up to 50% by booking your train ticket in advance online.