Adnams Innovation IPA

A lovely deep golden IPA with a frothy off-white head that lasts right to the end, leaving impressive lacing.  The aroma is amazing with a very strong smell of tropical fruits and a slight hint of lemon citrus.

I was expecting a very bitter lemon taste but was surprised to find it wasn't as lemony as I imagined.  It has a definite citrus taste but more of a bitter grapefruit with a sprinkle of biscuity sweetness that takes the edge off the bitterness.

The bubbles are quite harsh at first but it becomes very easy to drink and for me, not being a great fan of lemony citrus, it is one of the more pleasant IPAs I have tried.  The effervescent fizziness and mouthwatering tropical fruit aromas would make this a lovely summer drink.  Perfect to glug on a sunny day in the garden with a good book.

Brewed by Adnams, Southwold, Suffolk

6.7% ABV

My rating:

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Brains Welsh Golden Ale

A traditional looking beer - a lovely deep golden body with a frothy white head.  The head does disappear but it leaves just enough to remind you it is there.  There is a bit of sediment in this one, so I poured carefully to minimise the cloudiness.

It smells of citrus fruits and hops, kind of like an IPA mixed with a bitter.  The carbonation is excellent, with bubbles bursting on your tongue to leave bitter grapefruit notes.  It has a subtle hop flavour, resulting in a crisp, refreshing beer.

Brewed for Marks and Spencer by S.A. Brain & Co, Cardiff
4.6% ABV

My rating:

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Wold Top Wold Gold

Wold Gold is, not surprisingly, a deep golden coloured ale with an unusual but enticing spicy aroma that reminded me of Christmas. Eager bubbles burst to the surface where a thick, brilliant white head awaits them.  A head that appears to be for life, not just for Christmas.

There is perhaps a slight bitter aftertaste but it has a delicious spicy hint followed by a hint of oranges.  It is surprisingly smooth despite the voracious bubbles.

I've been really impressed with all of the Wold Top ales I have tried so far and Ale definitely Be Seeing Wold Gold Again.

Brewed by Wold Top, Yorkshire

4.8% ABV

My rating:

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Cotleigh Golden Seahawk

Happy New Year!

As you would expect, I am not partaking in Dry January - life is too short to miss out on some cracking ales.

This ale has a slightly cloudy look to it and there was visible sediment in the bottom.  So I poured it slowly and carefully, thereby sacrificing a head.  This gave it an almost cider like appearance but it is the most amazing toffee colour and smells intensely malty.

On drinking, it actually surprisingly generates a nice little foamy head.  It has such a delicious malty aroma that I was expecting a bitter copper coin taste, but I couldn't be more wrong.  It has hints of soft golden honey with a slightly fruity/malt loaf aftertaste and the perfect amount of carbonation to not be too fizzy but at the same time generate enough head to lace the glass.

I'm really impressed with this one.  It really is delicious and Ale be seeing you again!

Brewed by Cotleigh Brewery, Somerset

4.2% ABV

Find out more at Cotleigh Brewery