The Ale Archive

What they say: “ A time honoured classic dark bitter with an auburn glint. Elaborately balanced use of hops and malt paves the way to complex flavours which are charming and lightly spiced. The finish is perfectly balanced between fruitiness and bitterness”. The very latest to guest at our local and a mighty fine pint it was too. The only thing that stopped it trumping the ever excellent Harvey’s Sussex Best was the the slightly off putting perfume like aroma. Other than that - terrific. 4.2% A.B.V The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. June 2015

What they say: “ A Copper coloured Session Ale. Well balanced Light & refreshing”. On offer at our local and yep, as you may have guessed from the above, not really one for me. A good summer ale without doubt but a bit too fruity for me. Would appeal to lager drinkers looking to spread their wings I would think. 3.8% A.B.V The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. June 2015.

What they say: “This is a well balanced amber ale in the style of a traditional Best Bitter. There is a  maltiness on the palate with a pleasant dry, bitter finish.” Back home in Sussex we found this guesting in the Queen Vic in Rottingdean. Brewed just up the road in Ditchling this is one of the best beers I’ve ever tasted. A classic Best Bitter and it it really hit the spot. A great offering from this young brewery. The Queen Victoria , Rottingdean, East Sussex. June 2015

What they say: “ A distinct blend of hops, malt and citrus fruits. The slightly sweet taste turns into a fine, dry bitterness with a lasting finish. Very moreish and an award winning classic ale. Our brand leader”. Another good find on our recent ‘TwitterCamp’ meet in Moreton-in-Marsh. Yes, it was slightly sweet and that put me off just a little but it didn’t stop me having a pint or several most nights. 4% A.B.V. The Swan Inn Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. May 2015

What they say: A pale hoppy bitter brewed with a blend of three New Zealand hops. Appeals to both ale and lager drinkers alike. Also great with spicy food.Sounds a bit naughty but it’s not! The Brewery is located a few miles from Shipston on Stour a historic wool market town and staging post for stagecoaches. The name Shipston is derived from Scepwaeisctune, Old English for Sheep-wash-Town. “Shag” is an old English word meaning a heavy or rough woolenfabric. So Shagweaver literally means “wool weaver” OK, but it didn't particularly appeal to this ale drinker, but then regulars will know that I like my ale darker and not too hoppy. A good summer ale I guess  but at 4.5% A.B.V. not one to be taken lightly. The Swan Inn , Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. May 2015

What they say: A pleasant amber bitter with a slight hop aroma, a good balance of malt and hops in the mouth and a bitter aftertaste. I remember drinking this on our previous visit a couple of years ago, and I remembering enjoying it too. Very quaffable, a great session beer – and VERY keenly priced – for those of us from the rip-off south east anyway. 3.6% A.B.V The Black Bear Inn , Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. May 2015