Night Club 31 is the single most versatile beer you can order after dark. If you think it’s just another hazy IPA, you’re wrong – it’s a hybrid that works as a session ale, a cocktail base, and a conversation starter all at once. In the next few minutes we’ll break down exactly what Night Club 31 is, how it’s made, the styles it mimics, what to look for when you buy it, the common mistakes drinkers make, and why it should be your go‑to drink when the lights turn low.
What Is Night Club 31?
Night Club 31 is a craft beer brewed by the Belgian‑Dutch collaborative brewery Club 31 Brewing Co. It debuted in 2022 as a response to the growing demand for beers that can hold their own in a nightclub setting – bright, flavorful, but with a low enough alcohol content to keep the night rolling. The beer falls into the “session‑style” category, hovering around 4.5% ABV, yet it packs a complex hop profile and a subtle malt backbone that make it feel richer than its percentage suggests.
The name isn’t random. “31” refers to the 31st floor of the original brewery’s loft, the very spot where the first batch was fermented under the glow of a vintage disco ball. The “Night Club” part signals the intended drinking environment – a place where you want something that can be sipped between dances, mixed into a cocktail, or simply enjoyed straight from the tap.
How It’s Made – The Brewing Process
The magic behind Night Club 31 starts with a double‑dry‑hop schedule that uses New Zealand citrus hops (like Motueka) and a touch of German Hallertau. The hops are added at three different stages: during the boil for bitterness, at flame‑out for aroma, and finally in a 48‑hour dry‑hop phase to maximize flavor without adding excessive bitterness.
Unlike many session ales that rely on a light malt bill, Night Club 31 uses a blend of pale malt, a small amount of Munich malt, and a whisper of caramel malt. This creates a subtle honey‑sweet undertone that balances the hop acidity. The yeast is a clean American ale strain, fermented at 18‑20 °C to preserve hop character while delivering a crisp finish.
All of this is filtered and carbonated to a moderate 2.7 vol, giving the beer a lively effervescence that feels refreshing on a hot club floor but still carries enough body to hold up in a mixed drink.
Different Styles and Varieties
Since its launch, Club 31 has experimented with several off‑shoots of the original Night Club 31:
- Night Club 31 – Original. The flagship session ale described above.
- Night Club 31 – Black. A stout‑inspired version that adds roasted barley, giving a coffee‑chocolate twist while keeping the ABV at 4.7%.
- Night Club 31 – Citrus. An extra‑hoppy variant with added orange peel in the secondary fermentation, pushing the aroma toward a tropical margarita.
- Night Club 31 – Barrel‑Aged. Limited releases aged in ex‑bourbon barrels for three months, imparting vanilla and oak notes without raising the alcohol.
All these styles share the same core philosophy: a drinkable ABV, bold hop presence, and a clean finish that makes the beer adaptable to any nightlife scenario.
What to Look for When Buying Night Club 31
Because Night Club 31 is still a niche product, it’s worth knowing the tell‑tale signs of a good bottle or draft. First, check the label for the “31” batch number – the brewery releases batches in limited runs, and the most recent batch (e.g., “Batch 12 – 31‑2024”) will have the freshest hop aroma. Second, examine the carbonation level; a good can or bottle will have a slight hiss when opened, indicating proper carbonation.
Third, pay attention to the packaging date. The beer is best consumed within three months of bottling to retain its hop freshness. Finally, if you’re buying on tap, ask the bartender about the keg’s turnover. A fast‑turning keg means you’re getting a fresher pour.
Common Mistakes People Make with Night Club 31
Many articles claim that Night Club 31 is just another hazy IPA, leading readers to treat it like a heavy, high‑ABV brew. That’s the first mistake: assuming the beer is too weak for a night out. In reality, the low ABV is its strength – it keeps you alert while delivering flavor.
The second mistake is serving temperature. Some guides suggest serving it ice‑cold like a lager, but the optimal range is 45‑48 °F (7‑9 °C). Too cold mutes the hop aromatics; too warm makes the malt sweetness dominate.
Finally, people often neglect the cocktail potential. Night Club 31 pairs exceptionally well with a splash of citrus soda, a dash of bitters, and a garnish of orange peel – essentially a “beer‑Mojito.” Ignoring this versatility wastes the beer’s full potential in a nightclub setting.
Verdict: Which Night Club 31 Variant Wins for Different Priorities?
If you’re after a pure, sessionable beer that can keep up with dancing, the original Night Club 31 is the clear winner. For those who love a darker, richer sip without sacrificing drinkability, the Black variant takes the crown. If your priority is a bold, cocktail‑ready flavor, go for the Citrus or Barrel‑Aged versions – they bring extra layers that shine in mixed drinks.
Bottom line: Night Club 31 isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all; it’s a family of beers designed for the night‑time crowd. Choose the style that matches your vibe, respect the serving temperature, and experiment with a splash of soda or bitters to unlock its full potential.
How to Incorporate Night Club 31 Into Your Night‑Out Routine
Start with a straight pour to appreciate the hop‑citrus balance. After a few drinks, try the “Night Club 31 Spritz”: 150 ml of the beer, 30 ml of Aperol, a splash of club soda, and an orange twist. The result is a low‑ABV, refreshing cocktail that keeps you lively without the dreaded hangover.
For a more adventurous approach, read your guide to mastering the night club strategy and learn how to pair different Night Club 31 styles with bar snacks, from salty pretzels to spicy wings.
Whether you’re a craft‑beer veteran or a casual club‑goer, Night Club 31 offers a unique blend of sessionability, flavor, and mixology potential that makes it the go‑to brew when the lights dim. Grab a bottle, raise it to the beat, and let the night begin.
