A new collaboration from Northern Monk and Donzoko is celebrating a very particular strand of black culture in Britain, as researched by journalist Lanre Bakare.
The beer, Double Northern (7% ABV), celebrates the launch of Lanre’s latest book — We Were There: How black culture, resistance, and community shaped modern Britain — of which northern soul all-nighters are an important focus.
Double Diamond was a prevalent beer at the time northern soul was dominating dancefloors across the North of England, which is how the brewers decided on the Burton imperial IPA style.
“We worked up the recipe with Donzoko, which started with the ‘burtonisation’ of the water, pushing the mineral content much higher than we usually would,” say Northern Monk.
“The base combines historic Chevallier malt with Maris Otter, while Brewers Invert Sugar No 1 boosts ABV and fermentability whilst honouring traditional brewing methods.
“English hop varieties First Gold, East Kent Goldings, and Bramling Cross deliver marmalade, earthy spice, and winter berry flavours with a bold bitterness.”
