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Ale since November 1st, 1996.

 



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Tasting notes.
 
 

 

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B&T - Romeos Ruin 4.5%

Tasted - 13/2/97

Banks and Taylor Limited, The Brewery, Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5DZ - (01462) 850841

Colour - Light and Clear Style - Summer Flavour - Like drinking Water
Nose - Who Nose? Body - Watery Impression - A Valentines Day beer, easily quaffable due to its light (almost watery taste) No aftertaste, ideal for the lazy hazy summer evenings


Barnsley - Blackheart Stout - 4.6%

Tasted - 23/5/98

Barnsley Brewing Co. Limited, Elsecar Brewery, Wath Road, Elsecar, Barnsley, S Yorks S74 8HJ - (01226) 741010

Colour - Dark brown typically stout Style - Summer Flavour - Maltiness predominates with a distinctive chocolate aftertaste.
Nose - Very fruity Body - Full bodied Impression - A very good beer

Beartown - Bear Ass - 4.0%

Tasted - 23/4/01

Colour - Ruby Style - Summer Flavour - Smooth, dry, malty flavour
Nose - Excellent hop and malt aromas Body - Light Impression - A real ale that landlords tell us is popular with younger drinkers

Beecham's - Crystal - 4.8%

Tasted - 7/9/99

Beechams Bar & Brewery, Water Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1PZ - (01744) 623420

Colour - Pale Amber Style - Summer Wheat Beer Flavour - Citrus with hop finish
Nose - Floral Hop Body - Full Impression - Refreshing full-bodied summer beer, very smooth,strong and irresistible!


BASS - No 1 - 10.5%

Bass Brewers Ltd, 137 High Street, Burton Upon Trent, Staffs - (01283) 511000

Colour - Dark brown typically barley wine Style - Any time, but winter best Flavour - lt is firm, smooth, oily, oaky, and at first tasting shockingly bitter.
Nose - Smokey Body - Full bodied Impression - Heavy, but addictive

Belvoir - Whippling - 3.6%

Tasted - 27/8/97

Belvoir Brewery, Woodhill, Nottingham Lane, Old Dalby, Leicestershire, LE14 3LX - (01664) 823455

Colour - Golden Style - Bitter Flavour - Crisp
Nose - Hoppy Body - Light Impression - A very light beer that's good for a lunchtime session.


Belvoir - Bitter 4.3%

Tasted - 31/8/97

Address as above

Colour - Tawny Style - Bitter Flavour - Hoppy and Bitter
Nose - Malt Body - Full Impression - A premium full flavoured beer with a malt finish. Quite hoppy too with a bitter finish.


Belvoir - Peacocks Glory 4.7%

Tasted - 6/9/97

Address as above

Colour - Golden Style - Bitter Flavour - Hoppy and surprisingly refreshing for a 4.7% ales
Nose - Hoppy Body - Full Impression - A premium full flavoured beer with a malt finish. Quite hoppy too with a bitter finish.


Belvoir - Star Bitter 3.9%

Tasted - 2/10/97

Address as above

Colour - Orange Style - Bitter Flavour - Dry with surprising bitterness.
Nose - Hoppy Body - Medium Impression - A traditional style bitter which leaves a distinctive taste on the palate.


Beowulf - Heroes Bitter - 4.7%

Tasted - 26/4/97

Impression - This golden beer has a distinctive fruit flavour with a gentle aroma. The perfect beer for those hot summer afternoons


Blackmoor - Banana Madness 4.6%

Tasted - 2/3/97

Blackmoor Brewery now closed.

Colour - Straw Style - Summer Flavour - Wow, that banana is strong.
Nose - Fruity Body - moderate dry Impression - This is a beer for those who wished they never had to give up banana milkshakes when they grew up.


Black Sheep - Special Bitter - 4.4%

Tasted - last 10 years

Black Sheep Brewery, Wellgarth, Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire - (01765) 689746.

Colour - Dark Style - Summer Flavour - Only an aftertaste of bitter but nice
Nose - Hoppy Body - Between? Impression - I am sure if I continue to drink another thirty pints or so every week I will be able to give a realistic unbiased opinion on the subject


Bottleworks Tripel Krullekop - 9.8%

Brewed in Lo Christi, Belgium

This Flemish ale's flavourful mouthfeel has hints of chocolate and spicy clove notes playing off one another with finesse. A soft, bitter yet yeasty character rests patiently on the tongue, then joins the sweet, flowery taste that emerges at mid-bottle. Plentiful alcohol (9.8%) plays a unifying role, prudently organizing the varied flavours at every sip. Bottled or on tap, Krullekop (Flemish for "curlyhead" or "Curly top") ends with a tempting alcohol sweetness.


Broughton - Scottish Oatmeal Stout - 4.2%

Tasted - 8/1/98

Broughton Brewery Limited, Broughton, Biggar, Borders MI12 6HQ - (01889) 830345

Colour - Dark Brown Style - Stout Flavour - Slightly smoky flavour with a fruity aftertaste
Nose - Smoky Body - Full Impression - A smooth taste with maltness dominating. Doesn't taste as strong as it is.


Brooklands - Stealth Stout - 4.5%

Tasted - 26/4/97

Impression - Dark, malt beer, with a pungent nose and a distinctive smoky/oaked flavour which diminishes slightly as the taste buds become accustomed to it. Deceptively drinkable.


Bunces - Sign of Spring - 4.6%

Tasted - 25/3/98

Bunces Brewery, The Old Mill, Mill Road, Netheravon, Salisbury, Wiltshire, (01980) 670631.

Colour - Green Style - Spring Flavour - Bitter
Impression - Since this beer is light green in colour, you may at first glance think that it has 'gone off'. That, however is meant to be what it looks like. Though an extremely bitter aftertaste led me to believe that this particular brew was not all that it should have been.


Burtonwood - Tom Thumper 4.5.%

Tasted - 12/4/97

Burtonwood Brewery PLC, Bold Lane, Burtonwood, Warrington, Cheshire - (01925) 225131

Body - Between? Flavour - Malt and hops predominate
Nose - Hoppy Impression - A beer will be missed from the range on offer.



Cambrinus - Honey Wheat 3.7%

Tasted - 05/07/02

Cambrinus Craft Brewery, Home Farm, Knowsley Park, Knowsley, Merseyside, L34 4AQ - (0151) 546 2226.

Colour - Straw

Style - Summer

Flavour - Sweet/Acidic

Nose - Strange smell not "A Nose"

Body - Easy going/Watery

Impression - Smell was off putting but drink was fine.



Castle Eden - Bitter 4.2%

Impression - Ever been to the dentists and sluiced with that blue stuff to wash your remains of your fillings away? Well, take a Pint of this to your dentists next time - it tastes the same.


Church End - Pooh Beer 4.3%

Tasted - 28/2/97

Church End Brewery Limited, Ridge Lane, Warwickshire

Colour - Straw Style - Sweet Flavour - Sweet
Body - Watery Impression - 'Pooh bear', sorry beer is the giveaway to the taste of this honey flavoured beer. Golden in colour and almost clear, this beer is light and sweet with a slight aftertaste. The beer has quite a floral aroma.


Church End - Avon Ale - 3.8%

Impression - Dry and light wheat like beer, extremely quaffable.



Church End - Anchor Bitter - 4%

Impression - An extremely light almost shandy like beer, sweet and watery.


Clarke's - Rams Revenge - 4.8%

Clark's, HB Clark & Co (Successors) Limited, Westgate Brewery, Westgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF2 9SW - (01924) 373328

Colour - Red/Brown Style - Flavour - Malty
Nose - Body - Medium/Full Impression - Malty with caramel overtones. Lingering aftertaste with a bitter kick.


Clarks - Traditional Bitter - 3.8%

Tasted - 8/7/97

H B Clark & Co (Successors) Limited, Westgate Brewery, Westgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 9SW - (01924) 372306

Colour - Medium Brown Body - Thin Nose - Floral aroma
Taste - Fruity Impression - For a relatively weak beer this ale packs a real fruity punch. Medium brown in colour, it has a slight hoppy flavour, clean palate and a smooth fruity taste.


Coach House - Gunpowder Strong Mild - 3.8%

Tasted - 18/1/98

Coach House Brewing Company, Wharf Street, Howley, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 2DQ - (01925) 232800

Colour - Black Style - Mild Flavour - Malty
Nose - Fruity Body - Full Impression - A full bodied bitter, which is almost black in colour. Possessing a fruity (almost plummy) nose it has a strong malty taste. Smooth both in the taste and aftertaste.


Crouch Vale - Best Bitter 4.0%

Tasted - 8/7/97

Crouch Vale Brewery Limited, 12 Redhills Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 5UP - (01245) 322744

Colour - Dark Red Nose - Yeasty Body - Thick
Flavour - Malty Impression - This full bodied dark red fruity beer tastes as though it ought to be a porter. It has a malty palate, though not overbearing, with a dominant yeasty aftertaste.




Darwin Brewery - Saints Sinner OG 1052 ABV 5%

Tasted - 8/10/99

Darwin Brewery, Unit 5, Castle Close, Crook, Co Durham, DL15 8LU - (0191) 515 2531

Colour - Ruby Style - Session Flavour - Smooth hoppy
Nose - Fruity Body - Full rich Impression - Yummy


Deakins - White Rabbit 4.3%

Mansfield Brewery PLC, Littleworth, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 1AB - (01623) 658620

Colour - Dark Oak Style - Session Flavour - Roast malt
Nose - Malt Body - Medium Impression - Dry good session ale.

De Koninck - Cuvee - 8%

Antwerp, Belgium

De Koninck's sugary sweetness is kept well under control as hints of spice dance in the low profile fizziness. An intriguing woody, organic quality adds substance and character. Dry on the palate, the shiny, bright-orange body takes its time before leaving a hoppy imprint on the tongue. Dispensing its abundant alcohol (8%/vol.) with a light hand, the sleek, malty-sweet finish produces a brandy-like splash on the last sip.




Elgood's - Black Dog Mild 3.6%

Tasted - 26/8/97

Elgood and Sons Ltd, North Brink Brewery, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1LN - (01945) 583160

Colour - Dark Red Style - Spring Flavour - Roast Bitter
Nose - Malt & Hops Body - Full Bodied Impression - A typical mild with strong flavours and a dry grain finish. Strong roast smell and aftertaste.


Elgood's - Cambridge Bitter 3.8%

Impression - Amber coloured beer, malty aroma with a fruity flavour, bitter taste with a dry aftertaste


English Ales - Penny Black Porter - 5%
Marina, California

Smooth and easy going down, draft-only Penny Black opens with roasty overtones of aromatic chocolate invigorated by a restrained acidity. Licorice notes lurking in the dark-brown body emerge as the liquid warms. The ensuing mildly bitter character is tempered by a nice sugary sweetness. A malty quality escorts the chocolate aspect to the delicious finish.

Everards - Dare Devil 7.1%

Tasted - Feb/97

Everards. Everards Brewery Limited, Castle Acres, Narborough, Leicestershire LE9 5BY - (0116) 2814100

Colour - Dark Style - Winter Flavour - Strong and Fruity
Nose - Hoppy Body - Full Bodied Impression - This is a typical winter ale, dark golden, strong and warming


Exmoor Gold 4.5%

Tasted - 23/5/97

Exmoor Ales Limited, Golden Hill Brewery, Wiveliscombe, Somerset, TA4 2NY - (01984) 623798

Colour - Golden Style - Summer Flavour - Sweet
Nose - Hoppy Body - Clear Impression - This sweet golden beer has a clean aftertaste and is the ideal summer ale. Light in flavour it is a easily drinkable and a good session beer.




Flannerys - Granny's Flan 3.8%

Tasted - 27/6/97

Flannerys Brewery, Aberystwyth

Nose - Not noted Colour - Ruby Style - Bitter
Impression - This amber/ruby coloured beer has a particularly bitter palate. First impressions are reasonably pleasant - until the awful almost detergent like aftertaste. Definitely not "like granny used to make"!


Fullers ESB 5.5%

Tasted - 19/8/97

Fuller Smith and Turner PLC, Griffin Brewery, Chiswick Lane South, Chiswick, London, W4 2QB

Nose - Aromatic, hoppy Colour - Ruby Style - Strong bitter
Body - Full Flavour - Malty Impression - Quite a strong beer with a fulsome taste. Not a session beer.


 

Goffs - White Knight - 4.7%

Impression - At 4.7% the strength of this beer is deceptive. Light not only in colour but in taste, it has a slight hoppiness and is easily quaffable.


Goose Eye Brewery- Wharfdale - 4.5%

Tasted - 27/697

Goose Eye Brewery, Ingrow Bridge, South Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire - (01535) 605807

Nose - Very slightly perfumed Colour - Amber Style - Hoppy
Body - Weak Impression - This amber coloured beer has a weak taste which belies its strength. It has a clean palate but no over-riding flavour. A good session beer but not one to remember.


Green King - Demon Eyes 4%?

Tasted - 25/5/97

Green King PLC, Westgate Brewery, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk - (01284) 763222

Colour - Dark Golden Body - Medium Bodied Flavour - Sweet
Nose - Floral, Perfumed Impression - Yummy Yummy was my first impression. This dark golden beer has an unusual flavour - reminiscent of toffee and bananas. It is immensely drinkable though it is deceptive in that its quaffability belies its strength. Recommended.




Hampshire Brewery - King Alfreds Ale - 3.8%

Tasted - 23/1/98

Hampshire Brewery, 5 Anton Trading Estate, Andover, Hants - (01264) 336699

Nose - Little aroma Colour - Red/brown Style - Bitter
Body - Medium Flavour - Fruity Impression - A red/brown medium bodied ale having little aroma but a smooth fruity taste. Its mulled wine/cinamon undertones act as a reminder of Christmas. A slightly bitter lingering aftertaste.


Hogs Back - TEA (Traditional English Ale) 4.2%

Tasted - 22/2/97

Hogs Back Brewery, Manor Farm, The Street, Tongham, Surrey GU10 1DE - (01252) 783000

Impression - Literally a 'Traditional English Ale'. For those Black Adder fans amongst you this beer conjures up visions of sitting in Mrs Miggins Pie Shop with a pitcher of this wonderful golden brew. Light, hoppy and fruity this is an ideal summer brew.


Hop Back - Summer Lightning - 5%

Tasted - 7/1/98

Hop Back Brewery, Unit 21 - 23 Batten Road Industrial Estate, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3HU - (01725) 513116

Nose - A perfumed aroma Colour - A pale golden beer Flavour - Hoppy with fruity overtones and a lasting bitterness
Body - Medium Impression - This is one of my favourite beers - such that it became a bit of a standing joke that I would always sample it whenever it was on offer. I decided to lay off it for a while and, when I tried it again recently it had lost none of its magic. Who care if I'm predictable - this beer is well worth it - recommended!!


Hughes - Sedgley Surprise 5%

Tasted - 22/12/97

Sarah Hughes Brewery, Beacon Hotel, 129 Bilston Street, Sedgley, Dudley, W. Midlands, DY3 1JE - (01902) 883380

Nose - Hoppy Colour - Straw coloured Style - Deceptively Summery
Body - Medium Nose - Malty with hint of fruit Impression - A bittersweet flavour gives way to the malt and a fruit aftertaste. Deceptively strong.




Inverlamond - Blackfriar Scottish Ale - 7%
 

Brewed in Perth, Scotland

This ale's sweet toffee and butterscotch maltiness is paired with a balancing bitter hoppiness and a light citrus presence that's sugary around the edges. There is an underlying bready quality to the rich, enveloping aroma that rises from the smooth, dark amber liquid. Filled with warming alcohol from mid-bottle onward, Blackfriar finishes with a resurgent hop bite on the tongue.




John O'Gaunts - Cropped Oak - 4.4%

Tasted - 12/5/03
 

John O' Gaunt, 1 Chapel Close, Melton Mowbray, Leics, LE14 3HW. - (01664) 820103)
 

Nose - Sweet Colour - Red/Brown Style - Deceptively Summery
Body - Medium Nose - Hoppy, fruity Impression - This beer is so scrummy. I was sharing it with someone else and they thought so too and nabbed it. Sorry I can't tell you any more about it other than I am just dying to try it again!




Judges - Magistrates Delight - 4.6%

Tasted - 23/1/98

Judges Brewery, Unit 15a, Boughton Road, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 9HD - (01788) 535356

Nose - Hoppy Colour - Golden Brown Style - Bitter
Body - Medium Nose - Floral aroma Impression - Predominant hoppy flavour


Judges - Verdict 4.3%

Tasted - 28/6/97

Judges Brewery, Unit 15a, Boughton Road, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 9HD - (01788) 535356

Nose - Fruity Colour - Straw coloured Style - Summer
Body - Watery Impression - A straw coloured beer with a hoppy and light fruity flavour. A dry clean palate and a good session beer.




Kerkom Winterkoninkske - 8.3%

Sint-Truiden, Belgium
 

With its cherry red glow, dark brown body, and small bubbled, tan head, Kerkom presents an attractive package indeed. The delicate mouth feel has a light touch of dried fruitiness at its core. Hints of cocoa are suggested on the tip of the tongue. Though clearly present, the slow and steady alcohol character never overwhelms the other ingredients. A satisfying malt flavour finishes this well-made ale.




Kimberly - Kimberly Cool

Tasted - 29/4/00 Review by M.H.

Hardys and Hansons, Kimberley Brewery, Nottingham, NG16 2NS - (0115) 9383611

Nose - Hoppy Colour - Dark brown Style - Bitter
Body - Full Flavour - Kind of smooth with a bit of a bitter after taste Impression - The beer was of good quality and rivals the up market beers of Worthington Creamflow, Cafferys and John Smiths Smooth.  I would recommend it to any beer drinker as it can be drunk for ages, on a good night out, there goes the tenth




Leatherbritches - Steaming Billy Bitter.

Tasted - 14/6/97 (by S.M.S, Leicester)

Leatherbritches Brewery, Fenny Bentley, Derbyshire.

Colour - Straw Style - Bitter Flavour - Light bitter
Nose - Floral Body - Medium Impression - An excellent thirst-quenching light bitter. Perfect for summer.


Leatherbritches - Raspberry Lambic - 4.7%

Tasted - 25/7/98

Leatherbritches Brewery, Bentley Brook, Brewery Yard, Fenney Bentley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1LF - (01335) 350278

Colour - Salmony Pink Style - Lambic Flavour - Like raspberry and vodka
Nose - Smells like sherbet Body - Thin Impression - Looks like cloudy Tango. Like raspberry and vodka this beer would be more at home in a cocktail bar than a pub. An unusual and acquired taste!

Leatherbritches - Goldings - 3.6%

Tasted - 12/5/03

Leatherbritches Brewery, Bentley Brook, Brewery Yard, Fenney Bentley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1LF - (01335) 350278

Colour - Straw Style - Summer Flavour - Light ale
Nose - Fruity Body - Average Impression - A very nice pint which is very quaffable.

Liefmans - Oud Bruin - 5%
 

Oudenaarde, Belgium

Liefmans' woody, leather-tinged character is a perfect fit with its smooth, delicate maltiness. By the second sip, the cloudy, golden brown body displays bright citrus highlights, resulting in a sharp, characteristic tartness at the back of the mouth. Its more substantial caramel aspect eventually segues into a smooth, buttery mouthfeel. A fruity, cherry-like quality turns perfumy at the finish. With 596 alcohol by volume, Oud Bruin (Flemish for "old brown') is a fine sipping ale.


 

MacLays 80/- Export 4%

Tasted - 22/2/97

MacLay & Co Limited, Thistle Brewery, East Vennel, Alloa, Clackmannshire, Central FK10 1ED - (01259) 723387

Impression - Described elsewhere as 'rich, creamy, bittersweet. I disagree and would more appropriately describe it as watery with no dominant flavour. Bad beer or bad barrel? Whichever one it is definitely not 'worth seeking out'


MacTarnahan's - Mac Frost Winter Ale 6%

Brewed in Portland, Oregon.

Mac Frost's lightly chocolaty taste neatly arrives on a soft bed of alcohol (6%/vol.). A laid-back yet noticeable malty aspect adds substance and depth to the mouthfeel. A full-bodied character develops as the cloudy, rich brown body warms to room temperature.The well-placed alcohol and malt acquire an obliging fruit tinged chocolate presence at the end. bottled or on tap, this is a winter charmer


Marston's - Albion - 4.9%

Tasted - 27/9/98

Marston's, Thompson and Evershed, Shobnall Road, Burton-upon-Trent

Colour - Pale Style - Bitter Flavour - Nutty
Body - Dry Impression - Paler than many brews, it is a strong ale with nutty dry edge. A sort of session beer, but watch out for the kick.


Marston's - Oyster Stout - 4.5%

Tasted - 27/2/99

Marston's, Thompson and Evershed, Shobnall Road, Burton-upon-Trent

Colour - Dark Style - Stout Flavour - Like real oysters, heavy on the roast barley
Nose - Caramel Body - Heavy Impression - Pleasant bitter, dry but refreshing flavour.


Marston's - Summer Wheat Beer - 4.2%

Tasted - 27/6/98

Marston's, Thompson and Evershed, Shobnall Road, Burton-upon-Trent

Colour - Bright/Pale Style - Wheat Flavour - Like bananas with bubble-gum and vanilla
Nose - Smells like bananas Body - Light Impression - Tastes like a kids dream, all fruit and makes you want to swallow.


Mauldons - Black Adder - 5.3%

Tasted - 25/10/97 - DERRY'S REVIEW

Mauldons Brewery, 7 Addison Road, Chiltern Industrial Estate, Sudbury, Suffolk. (01787) 311055

Colour - Very dark Style - Stout Flavour - A little sweet
Body - Full Impression - Sweet with a follow up that takes your leg off at the knee and causes your eyes to spin in their sockets and you're happy about it.


Mildmay - Patrick Cream Stout 4.2%

Tasted - 8/3/97

Mildmay Brewery, Holbeton, Plymouth, Devon PL8 1NA. (01752) 830320

Colour - Dark Style - Stout Flavour - Strong
Body - Full Impression - A stout in every sense of the word. Heavyweight and dark this is the Frank Bruno of beers.




Nemesis 4.5%

Tasted - 22/2/97

Hart Brewery, Cartford Hotel, Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston, Lancashire, PR3 OPY - (01995) 670166

Colour - Golden Style - Summer Flavour - Fruity and hoppy
Nose - Fruity Impression - A fruity, hoppy beer, golden in colour and easily drinkable. If I hadn't come here to a beer festival (and therefore needing to taste lots of different beers) I could have quite happily spent the whole evening drinking this




Old Laxey - Bosuns Bitter - 3.8%

Old Laxey Brewing Company, Old Laxey, Isle of Man - (01624) 862451

Colour - Golden Brown Style - Bitter Flavour - Musty with clean aftertaste
Nose - Yeasty Body - Medium Impression - Golden brown in colour this beer has a yeasty nose. It possesses an unusual musty taste. Clean aftertaste.




Paddiwack/St Patricks Day - Possibly Dorothy Goodbodys??

The landlord wouldn't precisely confess what this beer was but hinted that it was Dorothy Goodbodys. We weren't convinced. This very dark, very sweet beer appeared to have an excess of caramel, with a taste almost resembling liquidised demerera sugar. The taster found it difficult to drink even the half that had been ordered and, if beer is being left half drunk, it must be bad! If anyone can put me out of my misery and tell me what it was then please let me know through the Editor.


Pater Lieven Triple - Brewed in Herzele, Saint Lievens, Belgium - 8%

Simultaneously intensely fruity and yeasty, this robust abbey ale offers a sweet, doughy character at the swallow. A minimal bite is the only hint of its high alcohol content (8%), which stays calm throughout. Surrounded by a sweet, buttery flavour, the defining clove spice remains a common theme from start to finish. At the end, hints of orange mix neatly with clove in the cloudy, amber liquid. An absolutely top-notch triple.


Paulaner Salvator - Munich, Germany - 7.5%

Tasted - 1/4/05

Roasted and malty, this pioneering doppelbock delivers the distinctive flavour of the classic style, and then some. Its nicely layered molasses and apple like character and obvious alcohol (7.5%/vol.) make a memorable combination that's complex on the palate. A spreading, doughy, caramelized quality absorbs the awaiting speck of tanginess at the back of the throat. Salvator (Latin for "savior") deserves its place in history and in your glass.


Phoenix - Thirsty Moon 4.6%

Tasted - 1/5/97

Phoenix Brewery Ltd., Green Lane, Heywood, Gtr Manchester, OL10 2EP - (01706) 627009

Colour - Brown Style - Bitter Flavour - Malty with hop finish
Nose - Crisp and fresh Body - Full Impression - An all year round bitter with a distinctive character. Had a slight tang aftertaste to it from the hops. Leaves a nice dry finish on the tongue.


Poole Brewery - Best Bitter - 3.8%

Tasted - 4/5/97

The Brewhouse Brewery, 68 High Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1DA - (01202) 682345

Colour - A dark amber, almost ruby coloured bitter Style - Summer Flavour - Very fruity, underlying blueberry flavour
Nose - Hoppy aroma Body - Clean, dry palate with little aftertaste Impression - At ?1.16 per pint when tasted it is also very competitively priced - recommended.


Poole Brewery - Bosun Bitter - 4.6%

Tasted - 4/5/97 - PAM AND DERRY'S REVIEW.

The Brewhouse Brewery, 68 High Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1DA - (01202) 682345

Colour - Deep amber Style - Warming Flavour - Flowery with a slight bitterness and a lingering aftertaste.
Nose - Slightly yeasty Body - Medium Bodied Impression - Mellower than its sibling 'Best Bitter'




Red Cross Brewery - OBJ - 4.2%

Tasted - 8/8/98

Red Cross Brewery, Perryfields Road, Bromsgrove, Hereford and Worcester, B61 8QW - (01527) 871409

Colour - Golden Brown Style - Bitter Flavour - Sweet
Nose - Malty Body - Full Impression - The taster found this beer very dry and bitter with a lingering after-taste. It has slightly fruity flavour reminiscent of grape-fruit. A reasonably tasty beer whose flavour seemed to improve with drinking. As OBJ stands for Oh Be Joyful, you no doubt would after a few of these!


Riding Traditional Mild - 3.5%

Tasted - 23/4/98

Mansfield Brewery PLC, Littleworth, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 1AB - (01623) 658620

Impression - A dark session mild with a roast malt aroma. Slightly sweet and hoppy though the malt dominates.


Trappistes - Rochefort 10 - 11.3%
Brewed in Rochefort, Belgium

Tasted - 23/6/05

The creamy mouth feel of this playful Belgian beauty is so smooth and delectable that the plumy, spicy character melts in the mouth. Its generous alcohol content (ABV 11.3%) quickly reaches all comers of the palate. Hints of lush coconut appear after mid-bottle. The omnipresent alcohol and feisty yeast quality pack a powerful wallop. The finish lightens and sweetens a bit, with a delicious woody taste at the last swallow. A delightful concoction.




Sarah Hughes - Ruby Mild - 6%

Tasted - 12/2/99

Sarah Hughes Brewery, The Beacon Hotel, 129 Bilston Street, Sedgley West Midlands DY3 1JE

Colour - Dark almost black Nose - Malty, slightly perfumed Body - Thick, stout like
Impression - This strong mild has a distinctive malty taste. It is slightly hoppy with mild fruity overtones and has a lingering finish.


St Feuillien Trippel Belgian Abbey Ale - 8.5%

Brewed in Le Roeulx, Belgium

This scrumptious, golden-hued tripel's intense, yeasty tartness has a tantalizing chewy quality that encourages lip smacking after each swallow. Its finely honed woody presence provides a ready-made launching pad for the generous alcohol (8.5%). Luckily, the fresh, clove aroma stays until the end. A sassy spice bite cleanses the mouth in preparation for the next helping of food. St. Feuillien is a must with pre-dinner nibbles of a hard cheese like Parmiggiano-Reggiano.


St Peters - Cream Stout - 6.5%

Brewed in Bungay, Suffolk

St Peter's rich, roasted character is filled with delicious balancing chocolate and coffee overtones. The lush flavour reaches far and wide into the stolid, brownish-black body, giving it a depth not often found in other beers. Splashes of bitterness tickle the back of the throat. A sweet floral taste briefly flits by at mid-bottle. Aided by a creeping alcohol presence (6.5%/vol.), the very flavourful roasted quality resumes its gentle dominance by the end. This is an absolutely superb stout.


Steam Packet - Poachers Swag 5%

Tasted - 27/6/97

Steam Packet, The Bendles, Racca Green, Knottingley, West Yorkshire - (01977) 674176

Nose - Slightly perfumed Colour - Ruby coloured Style - Sweet and Malty
Body - Medium Bodied Impression - This dark red/ruby coloured beer has a slightly perfumed almost toffee'ish scent but do not let this lull you into a false sense of security as it also has a lingering antisceptic aftertaste.


Strawberry Bank Brewery - Peer Howe - 4.2%

Tasted - 7/1/98

Strawberry Bank Brewery, The Masons Arms, Cartmel Fell, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6NW - (01539) 568780

Nose - Fruity Colour - Dark Amber Style - Smoky and Malty
Impression - Produced by this isolated brew pub in the Southern Lake District, Peer Howe is a dark amber bitter with a slightly fruity nose. It has a strong smoky flavour with malty overtones and a subtle but lasting finish.


Strawberry Bank Brewery - Damson Beer - 6% (draught), 7% (bottled)

Tasted - 23/2/98

Strawberry Bank Brewery, The Masons Arms, Cartmel Fell, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6NW - (01539) 568780

Nose - Very Fruity Colour - Red/Amber Style - Fruity wine
Flavour - Strong Damsons Taste - Smooth & Fruity Impression - Produced by the same brew pub, this beer has the added quirkiness of being brewed from locally grown damsons (with the current crop providing sufficient for a years supply of the brew). Red/amber in colour the damson flavour prevails through to the aftertaste. Its taste is smooth and fruity and it could easily be mistaken for a wine rather than a bitter. Its taste belies its strength and therefore it is dangerously quaffable. A word of warning though - it doesn't come cheap - ?2.00 for a half pint and ?2.25 for a bottle.




Timothy Taylor - Landlord - 4.3%

Tasted: 12/09/01 Review by GW.

Timothy Taylor, Knowle Spring Brewery, Keighley, W. Yorkshire, BD21 1AW - (01535) 603139

Nose - Fruity/Hoppy Colour - Straw Style - Pale Ale
Flavour - Fruity/Hoppy Body - Full Impression - An excellent bottled beer.




Tisbury - Natterjack Ale - 4.3%

Tasted - 28/2/99

Tisbury Brewery Limited, Church Street, Tisbury, Wiltshire - (01747) 870986

Nose - Hoppy Colour - Golden Style - Bitter
Flavour - Perfumed Body - Full Impression - This beer is very much a matter of personal taste. An overwhelming perfumed taste with a strong glycerine like flavour.


Titanic - Stout

Tasted - 18/1/99

Impression - A dark malty beer with a slightly bitter after taste. A few too many and you too could end up sinking!




Uley -Old Spot - 5%

Tasted - 23/3/98

Uley Brewery Limited, The Old Brewery, Uley, Dursley, Gloucestershire - (01453) 860120

Nose - Slightly perfumed Colour - Reddish brown Style - Fruity
Flavour - Fruity/Caramel Taste - Hoppy Impression - A slighty perfumed nose, reddish brown in colour. Fruity flavour predominates with caramel undertones. A slight hoppy aftertaste. Well balanced.


Ushers - Founders Ale - 4.5%

Tasted - 14/12/98

Ushers of Trowbridge PLC, Directors House, 68 Fore Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JF - (01225) 763171

Colour - Pale brown Style - Year round Flavour - hoppy
Nose - Citrus Impression - A sweet brown beer with a hoppy nose with citrus palate. The aftertaste is very much bitter.




Vaux - Waggle Dance

Tasted - 2/97

Vaux Breweries Limited, The Brewery, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 3AN - (0191) 567 6277

Colour - Golden Style - Summer Flavour - Honey Flavoured
Nose - Scented Impression - At 5.0% this sweet and scented honey beer is easily drinkable.




Weetwood - Best Cask Bitter - 3.8%

Tasted - 27/1/98

Weetwood Ales Limited, Weetwood Grange, Weetwood, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0NQ - (01829) 752377

Colour - Pale Style - Quaffing Flavour - Malty
Nose - Light Body - Thin Impression - Pale golden in colour with a thin, clear body. This beer has a predominant malty taste with a lasting bitter aftertaste.


Whim - Magic Mushroon Mild - 3.8%

Tasted - 24/7/98

Whim Ales, Whim Farm, Hartington, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 0AX - (01298) 84702

Colour - Dark red/brown Body - Medium Flavour - Malty
Nose - Scented Impression - Unusual taste but maltiness dominates.


Woodfordes - Wherry Best Bitter (3.8%)
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Woodfordes, Broadland Brewery, Woodbastwick, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 6SW - (01603) 720353

Tasted - 3/4/99

Colour - Amber Style - Bitter Ale Flavour - Hoppy
Nose - leafy, sharp, fresh Iime aroma Body - Light Impression - The beer named after the boat is a crisp, cookie-like, malt background, and a dry, candied-peel finish.


 Wychwood - Rubgy Special (5%)

Wychwood Brewery Limited, The Eagle Malthings, The Crofts, Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire OX8 7AZ - (01993) 772553

Colour - Brown Body - Medium Flavour - Nutty
Nose - Malty Impression - A rich brown beer, medium bodied. A malty nose and a nutty taste. A clean aftertaste.



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