“Monk St Clemens XPA” – The acronym ‘XPA’ is a recent – and somewhat nebulous – term, to describe a beer that sits somewhere in style between an American Pale Ale and an American IPA; essentially a hop forward beer bolder than an APA but milder than an AIPA. The reality is brewers are interpreting the style in a myriad of ways – for the most part producing lighter-bodied ‘fruity’ expressions devoid of the piney and resinous characters that can typify both the aforementioned styles.

“St Clemens follows this path – a soft ‘biscuity’ malt profile sits under a layering of late hop additions of Lemon Drop (lemony) and Amarillo (tangerine/orange), hops renowned for very ‘citrusy’ aromatic and flavour profiles. The intention is to deliver a ‘summer’ Pale Ale ideal for long lazy sunny afternoons….