Siege of Khartoum… with Peanut Butter and Banana?

Siege of Khartoum… with Peanut Butter and Banana?

Craft beer has never been shy of a bold experiment, but Wilde Child Brewing Co. of Armley, Leeds, has taken things to a new level with their 6.5% ABV porter: Siege of Khartoum. Dark, creamy, and laced with peanut butter and banana, this is a brew that’s as much an adventure for the tastebuds as General Gordon’s ill-fated stand in Sudan was for the history books.

The name isn’t just a catchy gimmick. As the can explains, peanut butter was first patented in 1884, right around the time Gordon was holding out against the Mahdist forces in Khartoum. Sadly for Gordon, no relief force made it in time. We can only imagine what he might have thought of this modern Yorkshire “reinforcement” – a pint glass brimming with roasted malts, smooth lactose sweetness, and that unmistakable nutty-banana hit. Not the cavalry he was waiting for, but certainly a comfort.

Wilde Child Brewing Co. has built a reputation for playful, daring creations since firing up their kettles in 2016. From their Armley base, they’ve been sending out cans of bold imagination to pubs and fridges across the land. Siege of Khartoum is no exception – a beer that winks at history while delivering a flavour combination that somehow works brilliantly.

On first sip, the roasted malts come through like the boom of distant artillery – deep, rich, and reassuringly familiar to any porter fan. Then, just when you think you know the territory, the peanut butter arrives, smooth and nutty, followed by a sweet little ambush of banana. It’s the sort of twist that makes you laugh and go back for another sip, like a well-timed anecdote at the pub.

And this is where Wilde Child excels. They take you on a journey: part history lesson, part flavour odyssey, all wrapped up in the unmistakable energy of Leeds’ thriving craft beer scene. It might not be the relief of Khartoum, but for those of us camped out at The Hideout, Lidget Hill, on a damp Yorkshire evening, it’s exactly the rescue we were hoping for.

So here’s to Wilde Child – keeping the spirit of adventure alive, one quirky can at a time.

Of course — here are five interesting facts about General Charles George Gordon, known as “Gordon of Khartoum”:

1. “Chinese Gordon” – Long before his famous last stand, Gordon made his name in China during the 1860s, leading the “Ever Victorious Army” against the Taiping Rebellion. His leadership earned him fame and the nickname “Chinese Gordon.”

2. Deeply religious – Gordon was noted for his devout Christian faith and personal eccentricity. He often read the Bible to his troops, and his moral conviction strongly influenced both his military decisions and his refusal to leave Khartoum when ordered.

3. Governor of Sudan – In the 1870s Gordon was appointed Governor-General of the Sudan by the Khedive of Egypt. He worked to suppress the slave trade, improve administration, and reduce corruption, though he faced huge resistance and limited resources.

4. The Siege of Khartoum (1884–85) – Gordon became a national hero in Britain when he defended Khartoum against the Mahdist forces. Despite orders to evacuate, he held out for nearly a year before the city fell. The relief expedition arrived (with more beer) just two days too late, and Gordon was killed in the assault.

5. Legacy and memorials – Gordon’s death shocked Victorian Britain. He was seen as both a tragic hero and a martyr, inspiring memorials such as the Gordon Statue in Trafalgar Square (later moved) and Gordon College in Khartoum. His story became emblematic of Britain’s imperial age — controversial, and still debated today.

Sources / Thanks: Wilde Child Brewing Co. (Armley, Leeds), The Hideout (Lidget Hill), local craft beer venues, and the curious tale of General Gordon at Khartoum.

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