What a vision of coppery loveliness! This is a beautiful molten toffee copper coloured ale with a very robust, tight cream head. The head appears so smooth, very much like a Guinness.
It's well named 'Hoppy Holidays' as the initial aroma of hops and sweet malts gives way to delicious Christmassy smells of red berries and a touch of cinnamon spiciness. The taste is surprisingly bitter with a hint of lemon coming through after the first burst of toffee and malt biscuits. I noticed the bitter citrus less as I drank it and the smooth malty flavours intensified. It's softly carbonated giving a smooth but slightly thin feel and that oh so impressive head clings on for dear life right until the very last drop.
I have to say that I do love the honey bee caps on Brakspear ales, so I had to take a photo to share with you if you haven't seen one.
Smooth and malty, I wouldn't call it a Christmas ale but I'd definitely have another one if I was looking for a light bitter.
Brewed by Brakspear, Oxfordshire
4% ABV
My rating:
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