We at Hop Union Brewery hold the belief that every pint contains its own unique narrative. Our beers offer a complete journey from first sip to last drop by bringing together people and ideas through taste and creativity. Our perfect brews pair beautifully whether you're relaxing in summer sunshine or enjoying winter fireside warmth. We present our handpicked selection of five summer beers, which have won the hearts and taste buds of our community.
1. Bloody Nora – Blood Orange IPA
ABV: 4.7%
Availability: All Year
Tasting Notes:
This Hazy IPA exhibits a golden orange colour and delivers mild pithy bitterness making it ideal for those who adore citrus flavours. The combination of Idaho 7, Citra, and Simcoe hops produces a complex taste profile with tropical orange, citrus layers. Orange peel in the whirlpool process intensifies the zesty flavour profile.
Best Enjoyed: This beer shines at spring and summer events while its refreshing taste allows it to maintain popularity throughout all seasons.
2. Summer Pale – Session Pale Ale
ABV: 3.8%
Availability: Summer
Tasting Notes:
This pale ale delivers a light and crisp taste with fruity hop flavours, where the bitterness remains low. Flaked oats and extra pale two row malts, combined with Citra, Sabro, and Mosaic hops create a beer that blends creamy oat notes with tropical fruit flavours.
Best Enjoyed: This ultimate summer beverage works perfectly for beach days as well as BBQs and sunny afternoons.
3. Scallywag – Premium Bitter
ABV: 4.8%
Availability: All Year
Tasting Notes:
Scallywag displays a deep amber colour and contains complex yet balanced flavours of berry fruit and chocolate. The combination of Brambling Cross hops with Maris Otter and additional malts Pale Chocolate, Caramalt and Wheat creates a rich and satisfying taste experience.
Best Enjoyed: This choice provides year-round enjoyment yet becomes particularly soothing during the cozy nights of fall.
4. Moose River – American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.0%
Availability: All Year
Tasting Notes:
The Moose River American Pale Ale combines Mosaic and Centennial hops to present a clean malt profile, with substantial bitterness, complemented by orange and tropical fruit flavours. Maris Otter and Caramalt malts give this beer its deep golden colour and grapefruit like bitter taste.
Best Enjoyed: Those who enjoy strong hoppy flavours will find this beer perfect for late summer and early autumn.
5. Bees Knees – Honey Pale Ale
ABV: 4.2%
Availability: May
Tasting Notes:
This pale ale presents floral and bittersweet notes that result from brewing, with an all English hop combination of Olicana and East Kent Goldings. North Bristol honey from our director's hives adds unique sweetness to the beer that varies with the surrounding flora.
Best Enjoyed: The brew delights with its springtime character featuring the essence of blossoming flowers alongside a sense of new beginnings.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you're soaking up the summer sun, enjoying a crisp evening breeze, or looking for a flavourful companion to your next BBQ, Hop Union Brewery has a beer for every moment. Our top 5 picks celebrate the diversity and creativity that go into every brew, from zesty citrus IPAs to smooth honeyed ales and rich, full bodied bitters.
Crafted with care and character, each of these beers reflects our passion for quality, community, and bold flavours. We’re proud to use locally sourced ingredients where possible, embrace traditional methods, and constantly experiment to bring you exciting seasonal choices.
Not sure where to start? Visit our taproom to sample them fresh from the source, or browse our online shop for easy doorstep delivery. Whether you're a long time fan or new to the craft scene, there’s a Hop Union beer waiting to become your favourite.
Here’s to good times, great company, and even better beer. Cheers!
