You might (or might not) have seen my post yesterday where I have compiled a list of every single, to my knowledge, craft beer and ale available currently in all the UK supermarkets. You might have also noticed that I haven’t reviewed many of the currently in stock selection. Very poor form, I know. Today’s we are going to make a start on rectifying that, with a beer my Dad and I picked up on the research trip to Sainsbury’s.

Alongside their typical, high quality IPA’s, Northern Monk tend to have a whackier beer sat in the supermarket aisles as well. “Peanut Butter & Jam” is a self explanatory stout, brewed in collaboration with London based Toast Brewing. The beer itself, which comes in at a whopping 8.4% ABV, is also made using left over loaves of bread from Toast Brewing. Dad also wanted to give this one a go, so we took it back to my parents house, dusted off the original Lorenzo Beer Reviews glass and set up a classic garden photo shoot. Just like the old days!

The beer pours an oil slick black with a large, beige head. The initial aroma of the beer is very much peanut and strawberry, creating an instantaneous desire to dive straight in. From the first sip I got a strong nuttiness to the beer, alongside a vanilla sweetness. On the back end you get jammy, strawberry syrup. The flavours don’t linger in your mouth for long, but each sip reminds me of a 99 Mr Whippy ice cream with strawberry sauce and crushed nuts. Delicious!

A quick note on the can art: When not collaborating with an amazing artist, Northern Monk often go for this style of can wrap. A scene of the North with the colour pallet and ingredients of the beer. And honestly, I’ve always been a fan. It gives a sense of continuity across their range, while also being individual to each beer!

Now I am aware not everyone is a fan of gimmicky, adjunct heavy beers and Northern Monk is a frequent creator of such brews. There have been a few gimmick beers from them, and others, that I haven’t been a fan of for one reason or another. However, this one just works for me. Maybe it’s the nostalgia hit reminding me of peanut butter and jam on toast. Or perhaps it’s the fact that it doesn’t remotely taste 8.4% and goes down like a dream. Either way, I think this is a classic ‘does what it says on the tin’ scenario. While I’m not sure exactly what they add to get their flavours, peanut butter and strawberry jam come through in heaps and works very well. If you don’t like sweet beers this likely won’t be for you. If, on the other hand, you don’t like the bitterness of stouts typically, maybe give it a go next time you’re in Sainsbury’s. My Mum is one of those people and she was pleasantly surprised by the beer!

Score: 8/10

Whether I think I will like it or not, I love to grab novelty beers like this just for fun and a taste of something different and creative. What are your thoughts on gimmick beers like this? Would love to know below! Cheers and thanks for reading!

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Additional Information:

Style: Flavoured Stout

Hops: N/A

Malt: N/A

IBU: N/A

ABV: 8.4%

Gluten Free: No

Vegan: Yes!

Location: Sainsbury’s

Price: £4.25 (4 for 3 Nectar Card Deal)