Bunker Summit no. 1

Last night saw a marvellous evening's tasting over at Ed's house, Bunker HQ, in the charming village of Ringwood.

As well as the commandant's fine home made pizza (home grown vegetables and self cured ham!) a tidy range of ales were sampled which I think I can recall in order and attribute a vague personal Bunker rating to:

Postman's Knock (Hobson's) - a beautiful treacle ruby from Staffordshire (8)

Bootlegger (Independence) - A facsimile of a sturdy northern UK brown ale, not bad (6)

Boondoggle (Ringwood) - A summery Ringwood ale that sits quite well in a bottle (7)

90 Min IPA (Dogfish Head) - Delicious and strong, a wonderful US IPA in a Belgian style (9)

Raison d'Etre (Dogfish Head) - US, raisiny and lush. Lovely texture and pour (8)

Kingfisher (United) - Nice fresh lager to have with the pizza! (lager/unrated)

Great Bustard (Stonehenge) - A fine hearty ale, malty and rich (8)

Hobgoblin (Wychwood) - Chocolatey and involving. Good enough for a President. (7)

Old Engine Oil (Harvestoun) - I loved this. Syrupy, viscous and black as the devil's heart. (8)

Ola Dubh (Harvestoun) - Amazing. A christmas pudding of an ale. Sumptuous, luxuriating and rewarding (9)

I think that was it. Things got slightly fuzzy....

- The Broadside

Boondoggle (Ringwood)

Pours a bright golden straw colour, fresh bitter hoppy smell. Featuring an interesting mix of old and new hops "Flavoured with just 2 aroma hops, the highly prized Fuggles and the new dwarf variety, First Gold."

Gentle lemon sweetness to start which is followed by that big trademark Ringwood biscuity crunch, with a few fruity high notes. It finishes with a strong crisp citrus finish.

7/10 A delicious crisp summer beer with some simple and delicate hop flavours