The Ale Archive

Another ‘Irish Red’ from our summer trip to er, Ireland. Bottled beer in Ireland’s supermarkets is not especially cheap but we found this in Tesco’s for less than €2.00 which is pretty good. What they say: … an incredibly smooth malt body complimented by caramel tones and perfectly balanced in bitterness…. Couldn't agree more. We both loved this. Easily the best of the bottled beers we tried. Not too, gassy either but don’t over chill. 4.3% A.B.V.

Readers of my blog A Load of Nonsense will know that we work as drivers for a private school and make the most of all the holidays. The summer break saw us in Ireland with our caravan and there was plenty of opportunity for ‘research’. Sadly in the seven weeks we were there we found not one single hand pump, so there was no real ale as such. What could be found in virtually every pub however – alongside Guinness of course – was this. What they say: a clear bear with a rich ruby colour and creamy head I really liked this – fantastic colour and great taste, although I found it too gassy for more than a couple (or three). A version on hand pump would be great I’m sure

What they say: Formerly known as Nut Brown Ale. Historically so called due to the flavour of the beer, whose roasted malt and caramel sugars produce the "nutty" palate of this dark, smooth ale. The last of the Portly Partners gift pack. Too sweet for me but then regulars will know that already. Like the Sweet Sussex nice and light though at just 3% A.B.V

What they say: A lush, sweet stout named after the county in which it is brewed. It was certainly sweet. Thankfully only half a pint – it came in a gift pack for the Portly Partner’s 60th Birthday back in march. Yes, I’m that far behind. There was nothing wrong with it, just not my thing 2.8% A.B.V.