"Irresistable Ale" is rather a weighty monicker to live up to. As the bottle descended from the cupboard visions of addiction clinics flitted briefly through The Broadside's pre-dinner mind.
This little wonder arrives with a suitcase marked 4.3%, but no other faff. The label promises nothing else but "barley, hops and springwater" and comes across as very ecologically knowing, one feels this brewery is where people might smile a lot and sport the occasional kaftan.
Toffee coloured, the scent of the pour is very subtle. No chances of this ale being accused of overpowering the senses. The first sip is, well, a bit underwhelming. The character of such ales as Duchy Organic or Bath Gem isn't here, but yet something is.
The three part taste mechanism doesn't seem to apply here. The opening gambit is pleasingly hoppy without ever being in the face, the taste continues in a quite unruffled way through to a smudge of sweetness and a hoppy tail which doesn't outstay it's welcome. The whole experience is of a breeze touching it's unfettered way through a field of barley.
So, bland? No. I wanted another sip or ten and before long the glass was empty. If you're looking for a simple, fresh, fudge-coloured session ale to drink as you reflect on how summer is finding it's beautiful age-old way through to autumn, then this is the beer for you.
7* This could well be the Evian of the ale world, and I mean that in the best manner.
Strikes me as similar to the St Peter's Best Bitter?
ReplyDeleteI'm quite fond of these simple light and balanced golden ales.
It's certainly in the same postcode as St Peter's Best, but with a front garden made of oranges. That sweet note is rather fruity.
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