Since opening in 2019, Batch Bottlestore has built a large following for its huge selection of fascinating craft beers from around the world.
Co-owners Chris Bardsley and Will Brown - who have also recently taken over Pi Bar on Shaw's Road and rebranded it The Beacon - have a deep knowledge of specialty beers and have selected half a dozen to accompany your festivities this Christmas.
All are available at Batch Bottlestore in King's Court.
- The Kernel - Export India Porter (500ml bottle)
The Kernel are about as classic as craft gets – and this is exactly what we’ve all come to expect from them. Based on a recipe from 1855, this is a super traditional roasty porter with added modern hops to bring some levity and drinkability. A proper fireside smasher.
- Weekend Project x Joule – Flicker (440ml can)
New local brewery Weekend Project teamed up with new bar and all round craft beer cool kids Joule to make a stout that’s as far from traditional as it’s possible to be. It’s 13.5%, it’s full of toffee, vanilla and those little sprinkles that you put on cakes. Very silly. Very fun. Very nice.
- Magnify - S’mores Mind Over Matter (473ml can)
Right, it wouldn’t be a Batch Christmas beer list without something over the top and American. A double chocolate milk stout, with absolutely heaps of marshmallow to make an unashamedly sweet 8% dessert beer. Enemies of lactose, you’ve been warned.
- Cloudwater – What is there to doubt? (750ml bottle)
Bringing some much needed sophistication to the list is Cloudwater’s incredible barrel aged raspberry sour beer. Aged for two years in Cognac barrels before being blended with a three year port barrel aged wild ale there’s a ton of complexity for a beer that’s so refreshing and drinkable. Whip it out on Christmas Day and blow people’s minds.
- The Beak – The Mariner… The Barrel (750ml bottle)
Another barrel aged number, this time from The Beak brewery in Lewes, this has been made with local grain and then aged in something called a ‘Chianti Foudre’. So you know it’s good. Conditioned on rhubarb it’s got some sweetness, but it’s comparatively dry, with a winey, earthy spritz to it.
- Mikkeller Baghaven – The Art of Decadence (750ml bottle)
A slice of beer history, this is a very rare 36-month barrel-aged wild ale from the now defunct Baghaven arm of Danish brewery Mikkeller. Deeply complex, with black currants and cacao nibs to balance out a high acidity. Grab it now because they ain’t making any more. Will be great this Christmas, or in 10 Christmas’s time.
All beers available at Batch Bottlestore, Kings Court, Railway St, Altrincham WA14 2RD. Follow @batchbottlestore on Instagram.
