Location: Manchester | Find them: Cloudwater
After an event we had booked was cancelled, we decided to take the day off anyway and stick to our plan of heading over to Manchester. We took the opportunity to visit two fantastic taprooms. Our second stop was Cloudwater, the perfect place to round off our afternoon.
What we loved
Much like its neighbour Track, Cloudwater’s taproom isn’t anything special to look at from the front. But, once you get inside, you’ll find a lovely taproom and a brilliant selection of beers.
Downstairs is the barrel store where various beers happily age and develop flavour. Upstairs is the bar and plenty of seating where you can sit and chill with one of many beers.
The menu is clearly displayed above the bar, listing a whole range of draft and cask beers. You’ll also find a fridge full of cans if you fancy taking a few of your favourite brews home.
If you aren’t sure which beers to go for, the staff are happy to provide recommendations and tasters to help you decide.
Once you’ve got your freshly poured brew, you can grab a seat upstairs in the bar area or down in the barrel room.
We tried three great beers – a crisp pale ale, a lovely DIPA, and a wonderful farmhouse ale. We’d have happily stayed for more, but we had a train to catch.
What we drank
So Cal: West Coast Pale Ale 4.8%
We sampled a couple of Cloudwater’s pale ales before settling on the So Cal as our first brew. It was a pillowy soft bright ale with juicy tropical notes. A good start.
Brewer’s note: A modern West Coast Pale Ale made to the highest standards, SoCal is brewed with a blend of classic and modern West Coast hops. Bright citrus notes and floral tones are met with a hint of dankness and pine, leading to a refreshingly crisp and nuanced finish that lingers on the palate.
Proper DIPA: Luminosa Edition 8%
Cloudwater is well known for its DIPAs so we knew we had to try at least one during our visit. This was the Luminosa edition and it was excellent. A thick and delicious tropical bomb of stone fruits. Deceptively light given the high abv.
Brewer’s note: Proper DIPA: Luminosa Edition. Our first use of this hop and it has not disappointed. A real harmony of bright Lemon and Orange that peels into an absolutely bold and brilliant juicy hit of Mango and Papaya. Although it has heavy-hitting flavours it remains deceptively light. Little or no bitterness means this is one for the big NEIPA fans.
2019 Vintage BA Grisette: Farmhouse Ale 4.4%
We love trying unique beers and this farmhouse ale was the perfect beer to round off our visit. Lots of funky flavours with a super dry finish.
Brewer’s note: In 2019 we brewed this Grisette with Black Pepper & chamomile. After spending some time in Red Wine barrels it presents the same slightly funky character with a drying tannic finish.
Visiting
Cloudwater brewery and taproom is located on an industrial estate, just a short walk from Piccadilly station. It is conveniently located across the road from Track brewery and taproom, so we highly recommend visiting both if you’re in the neighbourhood.
Find them: Cloudwater
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