Jennings Hop Commotion

 

Jennings closed their Lake District brewery in 2022 but some of their beers are still being produced by Marston's in Staffordshire.  I picked up Hop Commotion in Home Bargains for less than £1 as I've always enjoyed Jennings' beers (and of course I can't resist a bargain beer).

Hop Commotion is a strawberry flavoured blonde ale that has a lovely golden coloured body and a robust off-white head that retains a decent layer of foam.  It smells very hoppy but there is a definite hint of strawberry in the aroma.

It tastes lovely and hoppy with a dry, bitter citrus finish and a very subtle hint of strawberry.  I'm not sure I would have noticed the strawberry if I didn't know it was there though.  It's well carbonated and very fizzy with a good, medium body.

This is a lovely dry and refreshing hoppy blonde ale but the bitter finish left a strong and lingering pithy citrus aftertaste that was a little too heavy for me.  I don't think it's in production anymore so Ale not Be Seeing You again anyway.

Brewed by Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Co, Cumbria
4.1% ABV

My rating:

My Untappd score: 4/5

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Jennings Cumberland

This is an ale that I used to drink regularly from the cask at my local pub.  I do find that it's a much better pint from the cask than the bottle.

On pouring this deep golden amber ale, the head quickly disappears and I can't help but compare it to the cask.  Out of the bottle, it feels more watery and has a more subtle taste.  I would describe it as a vanilla caramel taste rather than the burnt toffee notes I was expecting.  It still has a lovely malty aroma and is an easy drinking sunny afternoon beverage, but one I most definitely prefer in the pub.

Brewed by Jennings, Lake District

4% ABV

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Jennings Cocker Hoop

A golden pale ale with a creamy white head and malty flavours.  You can almost taste the Lake District in this - it's so fresh and crisp with a slight citrus aftertaste.  It's not too fizzy and leaves a pleasant taste in the mouth but a frown on the face when it is finished!

Brewed in the Lake District

4.2% ABV

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