The Ale Archive

What they say: “ The 4.2% abv golden ale is brewed with a total of seven hops and ‘dry hopped’ with East Kent Goldings, in a nod to the county that Churchill made home.  Described as a fresh, fruity and hoppy India Pale Ale, it will be available on the bar from May to August in over 475 Greene King pubs across Britain.” And November as well apparently. I liked this and didn’t find it overly fruity, even the Blogger in Black’s Portly Partner liked it and he’s no fan of overly hoppy beer either. The A.B.V is about as high as I’d want to go if having a few. Served a little too cold but then ales here generally are sadly, and a pity there was no proper pump clip. The Spanish Lady, Saltdean, East Sussex. November 2015

What they say: “ A robust IPA packed with hops for citrus and tropical fruits and spicy notes, full bodied and malty with a satisfying bitter linger” The most regular of our locals – The Rottingdean Club – has three hand pumps and now with the withdrawal of the lovely but potent Abbot Ale, there are now two guest alongside the always excellent Harveys Sussex Best. So even more opportunities for research. Excellent. I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected too – the citrus and tropical notes mentioned above were not overly prominent and it was certainly full bodied – almost a meal in a glass. Did I have another? No, but as I said, there are now two guests needing my attention! Look forward to coming across this again – maybe at the weekend if they still have it! The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. November 2015

What they say: “…..a ‘crisp, nutty, amber bitter, with great flavour. There are heaps of fresh green Challenger hops above toasted toffee malt, with a real quenching finish” The result of a collaboration with Enterprise Inns, 10p from every pint sold goes to the Royal British Legion. Easy drinking at just 3.6% A.B.V and a nice all round pint although a little too hoppy for me. The Queen Victoria , Rottingdean, East Sussex. November 2015

What they say: “Crisp light session beer with spicy, citrus overtones.” I've not had a bad pint from Otter so far and this was no exception. It was pale but the citrus wasn’t overpowering. I am assuming a special as I could fine no mention of it on the brewery’s website. If anyone can advise, please let me know. 4.0% A.B.V. The Queen Victoria , Rottingdean, East Sussex. November 2015

What they say  “Delivers a refreshing flavour and a traditional Sussex 'hoppy nose'.” Sadly the full description is wrong as it refers to a beer brewed in Essex, however this comes from the Hepworth Brewery in West Sussex. Enjoyable it was too, though a little too hoppy for me. Very drinkable though and light enough to enjoy a few at a party. 3.8% A.B.V.

What they say: “American style pale ale with the floral aromas and strong bitterness of Cascade and Centennial hops.” Yep, not really my cup of tea, but it was a gift and I was happy to try it. 4.8% A.B.V, so not one to slosh back, unless you like paracetamol.

What they say: “ Old Spirited Hen has a rich toffee aroma with a hint of green apple.  The apple and toffee blend with fruity esters and malty richness for a thoroughly satisfying beer.” Another guest at our local, and I quite enjoyed this as a one off – a real winter warmer at 4.7% A.B.V. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. November 2015

What they say: “ Otter Bitter is our 'session' beer. We understand the importance of keeping those customers who prefer lower gravity beer satisfied - Otter Bitter does just that.It is a beautifully light and fruity with good hoppy bitterness. It leaves a refreshing bitterness which prompts the next gulp. A wonderful, old fashioned, 'session' beer. Brewed for drinking with no frills.” Couldn’t agree more. Nothing fancy, just a good tasty pint that isn’t too strong. Lovely. Another welcome guest at our local. 3.6% A.B.V. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. November 2015

What they say: “A classic amber bitter with the full flavour of Maris Otter barley and the bitter citrus after notes of Sovereign hops” Whether it was the accompanying food – burger one night, smothered chicken the next, or just the ambience – a great traditional boozer in the New Forest – this was delicious. Work commitments early next day stopped me from further ‘research’ but this was truly a delicious pint. 3.7% A.B.V. The New Forest Inn , Emery Down, the New Forest. October 2015

What they say: “A gleaming pale gold in colour, New World Pale Ale has a fantastic fruity flavour with blasts of tropical peaches, apricot, melon and passionfruit. All delivered with a creamy, white head and light, zesty aroma” Now, I’m going to sound like an old fart here, but peaches?Apricot? I thought it was supposed to be a beer. Anyway, no, as you may have already guessed, not my thing. Maybe a good crossover for the lager boys though? Easy drinking at least at 3.8% A.B.V. The Owl , Tamworth. October 2015.

What they say: “One of the original, new-style, pale ales to be brewed in the UK, Yankee™ is a modern classic. Light and easy-drinking, it’s a beer that showcases the floral and citrus fruit aromas of the Cascade hop, grown in the Yakima Valley in Washington State, USA, projected against a back drop of soft Yorkshire water and golden promise pale malt.” Floral and citrus? Yep, regulars will have guessed that it wasn’t for me, but it had to be tried – in the name of research, obviously. 4.3% A.B.V. The Dog & Doublet, Bodymoor Heath, Tamworth. October 2015.

What they say: “ Crafted with the finest ingredients to deliver a really easy drinking beer. A deep gold in colour it comes with malty, hoppy flavours and clean finish with fruity overtones. Great with a packet of pork scratchings or a hot pie.” Well, I had it with a gammon steak – and loved it. Nothing fancy, just a good honest session bitter. Would happily drink again. Found on our recent trip to Kingsbury Water Park in the Midlands, so the price was good too – for us southerners anyway! 3.8% A.B.V The Royal Oak, Kingsbury, Tamworth, Warwickshire. October 2015

What they say: “ A celebratory ale created by the master brewers of Greene King for the nation's capital city. Centuries of expertise and craftsmanship have come together to produce this rich and fruity brew that combines crystal malt with challenger and goldings hops.” Guesting at one of our ‘locals’ – I quite enjoyed this, although it did taste remarkably similar to their IPA to me, but at 4.0% A.B.V a little more full bodied. Served a little too cold sadly but it was ok. The Spanish Lady , Saltdean. September 2015