The Kernel Brewery – Bermondsey, London

The Kernel is one of the most influential breweries in the UK craft beer movement, known for precise pale ales, hop-driven IPAs and historic porter recipes brewed in small batches on London’s Bermondsey Beer Mile.

Export Stout: Damson – The Kernel Brewery

Rich. Fruited. Luxuriously Dark.

Beer Overview

Export Stout: Damson from The Kernel Brewery is a special release that combines the depth of their luxurious Export Stout with the vibrant character of British damsons. After the base stout is brewed, it is refermented with 200 grams per litre of whole damsons, introducing a bright, tart fruit character that contrasts beautifully with the beer’s roasted malt richness.

The result is a dark beer that balances indulgent chocolate and coffee notes with juicy fruit and gentle acidity. Rich and complex yet refreshing on the finish, it’s a distinctive twist on The Kernel’s celebrated stout.

Flavour Profile

Taste: Dark chocolate, roasted coffee and cocoa layered with juicy damson fruit and gentle tartness.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied, smooth and rounded.
Finish: Balanced and slightly tart with lingering roasted malt and dark fruit.

Aroma

Deep aromas of cocoa, espresso and roasted malt are lifted by fresh damson fruit and subtle dark berry notes.

Brewing Process & Uniqueness

The Kernel’s Export Stout is known for its rich roasted malt character and smooth, indulgent body. For this special release, the beer is refermented with British damsons, adding vibrant fruit complexity and a refreshing tart edge.

The damsons integrate with the stout’s dark chocolate and coffee flavours, creating a layered profile where fruit brightness enhances rather than overwhelms the roasted malt base. The result is a beautifully balanced fruit stout that remains true to the brewery’s precise brewing style.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at: 10–12°C in a tulip or stout glass.

Perfect with:

• Rich chocolate desserts

• Game dishes or roast duck

• Blue cheese or mature cheddar

• Dark fruit desserts

• Sticky toffee pudding

The Kernel Brewery is one of the most influential breweries in the UK craft beer movement. Founded in 2009 by Evin O’Riordain in Bermondsey, London, the brewery quickly established itself as a pioneer of modern British craft brewing through its focus on quality, balance and traditional brewing techniques.

Inspired by classic European and American brewing traditions, The Kernel became known for producing precise, flavour-driven beers that highlight both high-quality ingredients and careful brewing processes. Their hop-forward pale ales and IPAs helped redefine the style in the UK, often showcasing single hop varieties or carefully selected hop combinations to explore the unique character of each hop.

Alongside their celebrated pale ales, The Kernel has earned widespread recognition for its London-style porters and stouts, which pay homage to the capital’s historic brewing heritage. These darker beers combine rich roasted malt character with exceptional balance and drinkability, earning them a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts.

The brewery operates from its home in Bermondsey, part of London’s famous Bermondsey Beer Mile, where it played a central role in shaping the area into one of the UK’s most important craft beer destinations.

Known for its distinctive minimalist labels and no-nonsense approach to brewing, The Kernel remains committed to producing small-batch beers that prioritise clarity of flavour, precision and quality above all else. Today, it continues to stand as one of the UK’s most respected independent breweries.

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