Beer for wine drinkers

Drinking this beer for the first time was, for me, an epiphany. While technically being labelled as an “ale”, this beer offers a such a huge and pronounced flavour profile that I would like to re dub it “wine drinker’s ale”!  Bottled at nearly 6% this is not a session beer, it’s a serious, slow sipper.

 Now the history bit… This style of beer was originally brewed so strong to help it survive the long journey to Brits out in India, hence its name.

 And back to the bottle… Served lightly chilled, it is mildly effervescent and very smooth on the tongue. It has a potent, hoppy aroma which follows onto the palate in a particularly floral and citrus fashion. There is crisp, tangy bite to the finish and a delightful aftertaste of apricot and peach blossom. Yes, it’s still a beer, made from just water, barley and hops, but it bats magnificently above its component parts.

 Available at Ake & Humphris, Elizabeth Court, Collingham