North East Beer Review

On this sunny Saturday afternoon I decided to take a trip to the brilliant independent specialty food and drink based shop in Low Fell called The Rare Drop. I visited The Rare Drop a few times in the past and often come out with some brilliant brews from the North East. I was scrolling Instagram a few weeks ago and noticed that they offered beer flights for £10. To find out what I got in my beer flight please continue reading where I will cover a mini review of the brews below. Cheers

A local favourite

The Rare Drop is located in 478 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead. It is owned by Calvin who specialises in hosting a locally-owned independent specialty food and drink shop who takes pride in supporting local businesses from around the North East. They stock a large number of local beers, spirits and foods as well as continental foods, wines and brews. Having recently moved to 478 Durham Road, The Rare Drop operate numerous beer taps as well as being a cracking community focused hub for coffee, artisan sandwiches and many more. I personally couldn’t recommend The Rare Drop enough, I have known Calvin to be kind and extremely helpful for a while now, but my visit today provided a customer service focused and friendly experience. I will be visiting again. Anyways on to my beer flight.

The beer

For this beer flight it operates pretty much as expected. You can get 4 1/3 pints of any of the tasty brews available to The Rare Drop

1- Rigg and Furrow Landbier

My first brew to review was the Bavarian inspired unfiltered lager by Northumberland based Rigg and Furrow. Located in Acklington, Rigg and Furrow is a farmhouse brewery known for its family run historically inspired ales and crisp lagers. Landbier is a 4.8% unfiltered helles-style lager which is cold-fermented and naturally carbonated. Landbier pours a light yellow to straw colour which is clear in clarity which white lively in carbonation. A small white head formed which left a slight ring of lacing. The flavour of Landbier was initially slightly grassy flavour from the noble hops, followed by the sweet malt backbone. The finish was crisp and clean. Overall, I rate this a 3.5 out of 5.

2- Brass Castle Hoptical Illusion

Hoptical Illusion is a 4.3% Dry hopped American Pale Ale which is vegan friendly and gluten free. It is brewed with Comet and Citra hops. Brass Castle is an award winning brewery located in Malton, North Yorkshire who specialises in vegan and gluten-free beers. Hoptical Illusion pours a pale yellow to golden colour which has a slight haze to it. A white head forms which leaves a moderate ring of lacing down the glass. The flavour of hoptical illusion is that of a citrus forward brew which has dominant flavours of lemon and pine. I also detected a slight mango flavour too. This had a little to no aftertaste along with the crisp finish. I wasn’t a fan of this one I am afraid, so I rate this a 2.75 out of 5.

3- Almasty Pink IPA

Almasty Pink IPA is a 6% juicy IPA which is brewed using Nelson Sauvin, Mosaic and Azacca hops. Almasty Brewing Co is a reputable independent craft brewery based in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne which is known for its bold and experimental ales. Pink IPA pours a smooth hazy yellow to golden colour which is topped with a thick foamy head. Rings of lacing adorn the side of the glass as well as the carbonation being moderate. The flavour presents a juicy forward ale which is that of mango, passionfruit and perhaps grapefruit alongside a dank undetone. The malt base gives this a smooth body and the white grape flavour from the Nelson Sauvin gives this extra depth. The finish is clean and a citrusy bitterness lingers. Overall, I rate this a solid 4 out of 5.

4- Northern Monk x Wylam Brewery Patrons Project 46.04 Dan Mumford

Northern Monk x Wylam Brewery Patrons Project 46.04 Dan Mumford is a 7.5% NEIPA. This is a collab brew between Leeds based Northern Monk and Newcastle based Wylam Brewery for Dan Mumford’s trip around the UK for Northern Monks Patron Project. This brew is made using Nelson Sauvin, Strata and finally Riwaka hops. This collaboration pours a yellow to golden colour which is hazy in appearance. A fine white head forms which leaves a decent amount of lacing down the glass. The carbonation is smooth. In terms of flavour, this brew has quite an intricate flavour with flavours of mango and pineapple being detectable. This also has a citrus edge with flavours of tangerine and slight grapefruit flavours. The depth of this brew was crazy as it had a floral and white grape note too. The smooth sweet malt base rounds this brew off along with a lingering floral flavour to accompany the clean finish. Overall, I rate this 4.25 out of 5.

I think this is decent value and allows you to be able to try a few different brews from the area. I really enjoyed my time at the Rare Drop as Calvin has really built a friendly and comforting atmosphere. I also must say, the weather was 26 degrees and The Rare Drop is really handling that well. I 100% recommend a visit if you are in the nearby area.

If you get a chance I would appreciate If you could check my review of a brew made for The Rare Drop in the name of Calvin and Suzy On the Number 21. Keep your eyes peeled too for a review on a couple pick ups including Durham Brewery and a Full Circle x Attic review. Cheers.