The Ale Archive

What they say: “Multi award-winning, nutty, deeply rich and satisfying Ruby Mild” Not a lot then! Not too sweet but even given the A.B.V it lacked a bit of body for me. Would drink again depending on the alternatives. 4.4% A.B.V. The Slip Inn , York. April 2017

What they say: “An easy drinking pale ale. Brewed using Slovenian Bobek hops; this session beer is light and hoppy with delicate floral aromas and a well balanced finish.” Yep, quelle surprise! A bit too hoppy for me but it was certainly easy drinking – thankfully the floral aromas were delicate. 3.8% A.B.V The Slip Inn , York. April 2017

What they say: “A 3.5% dark ruby beer with roasted notes and a smooth, creamy taste. A favourite of lovers of a good mild. Especially popular in East Lancashire and loved as a guest further afield. One of the finest Dark Yorkshire Milds still in Independent production.” It’s quality was obvious – I don’t think TT could brew a bad beer if they tried. It was the end of a long night so I picked the weakest. 3.5% A.B.V. The Punch Bowl , York. March 2017.

What they say: “Named after a rare breed of chicken that originates from Ohio and brewed with a blend of American and New Zealand hops, producing an orange, citrus fruit aroma and a refreshing level of bitterness. “ It paired well with a Sunday afternoon on a sunny terrace overlooking the river, but again a little to citrusy for me. It’s taste belied it’s strength though. 3.5% A.B.V. The Star Inn the City , York. April 2017

What they say: “A modern classic Best Bitter. Crafted and inspired by Sheffield’s historic Bitter brewing tradition. Maris Otter malt has been lavished with British Goldings and a late twist of Polish Marynka hop to produce a perfectly balanced session Best Bitter.” Yep, as you may have guessed after reading the above, I liked this. Found in a cracking bar in York’s Railway Station which had twenty, yes twenty hand pumps. Just 3.5% A.B.V so a great session beer too. York Tap , York. April 2017

What they say: “Tetley's Cask is an amber cask ale, which has roasted caramel bitter sweetness balanced with distinctly aromatic smooth hoppy flavours and a lingering dry bitter finish……..Tetley's was established in 1822, by an ambitious young man called Joshua Tetley.  With his experience in the family malting business and the belief in its motto ‘Quality Pays’, Joshua Tetley took advantage of the lack of successful breweries in the North of England, compared to those in London. After nearly two centuries of perfecting the brewing process, the name Tetley’s is synonymous with a smooth, tasty pint created from a perfect combination of traditional and modern brewing techniques. Tetley's range of quality ales is brewed using only the finest quality ingredients to the highest standards to ensure the perfect pint every time.” Unbelievably, in all the trips up north I’ve never come across this. Have had the tinned smooth flow version at a few parties though. I liked it though f...

What they say: “A burnt gold Pale Ale brewed with Pioneer and Bramling Cross hops. Slight malt aromas with a hint of lime and lemon peel. Medium bodied with biscuit character and citrus in the taste.” The citrus flavours were a bit to prominent for me but otherwise a nice ale.  Cracking boozer too. Massive off licence on the ground and basement floors. The bar is upstairs. 4.3% A.B.V The House of Trembling Madness , York. March 2017

What they say: “Daleside Old Legover is a balanced mid-brown ale. Fruit and floral aromas and tastes of mature fruits and a slight nuttiness are rounded off with a lingering hop and bitter aftertaste.” A lovely pint, really enjoyed this. Had the majority of my taste buds singing it’s praises. 4.1% A.B.V. Ye Olde Starr Inn , York. March 2017

What they say: “Very dark brown with an off-white head. The aroma is fruit and slight treacle toffee, the taste is dark fruits and toffee with a slight bitter finish." Quite liked this though mild's are not my first choice. Very drinkable though and this was the first of rather too many ales so glad that it was only 3.7% A.B.V. Pivni , York. March 2017

What they say: “New world red ale brewed to balance maximum flavour with endless drinkability. Low bitterness allows a malt bill of Maris Otter, German specialty malts and crystal rye to be fully appreciated. Delicately dry hopped with the unique Enigma as well as a blend of the most aromatic, fruity hops we have. “ I’ll let you in to a secret. I didn’t actually get to drink this. This time.  It was the Portly Partner’s choice. However I did sample it on our trip to Bristol in February but forgot to snap a picture of the pump clip. Anyway, confession over, it was very tasty. Fortunately for my fussy taste buds them fruity hops were kept subdued. 4.5% A.B.V Pivni , York. March 2017

What they say: “An ideal balance of hoppy happiness and tangy citrus, our classic Razorback is plenty refreshing to hit the spot……….The perfect supping beer. Our first brew and still a favourite tipple.” Quite refreshing this, and the citrus flavours were kept in check. Just 3.6% A.B.V and a great boozer too. The Three Tuns , York. March 2017

What they say: “A bright sparkling blonde with a delicate roasted caramel flavour and a smooth sweet refreshing aftertaste.” The ‘blonde’ bit nearly put me off, but in the interests of research – and I liked the name. I liked the taste too, though not my usual style of ale it was enjoyable. 3.9% A.B.V. Shambles Tavern , York. March 2017

My first new beer on our recent stay in York was this, brewed by Rudgate but found – barring maybe  a beer festival – only in the delightful Shambles Tavern in the heart of York. Didn’t taste as strong as it was. 4.4% A.B.V Shambles Tavern, York. March 2017.

What they say: “Fragrant, fresh and fruity golden ale. Brewed with pale malts and classic English hops – Challenger, Pilgrim and First Gold.” Another rugby special, this time from Greene King. Not too fruity – not too anything really. Inoffensive but unexciting. 4.2% A.B.V The Jolly Brewers , Milton, Cambridgeshire. March 2017

What they say: “Complex copper-coloured beer. The initial hoppiness is balanced with a long fruity, malty finish. Very moreish.” Another trip up ‘home’ to see the bundle of sweetness and light that is the mother-in-law saw us staying in a pub again and I was delighted to sample another beer from this local brewery. Very moreish indeed 4.1% A.B.V The Jolly Brewers , Milton, Cambridgeshire. March 2017

What they say: “Meantime Yakima Red is brewed with British and German malts to give a deep ruby colour and medium to full body. The addition of five varieties of US hop from the Yakima Valley in Washington State imparts spectacular fruit and citrus flavours with a restrained bitterness. Yakima Red is 4.1% ABV and delivers all the flavour and character you come to expect from Meantime's variety of craft beer styles.” It’s been a while – sorry about that. Away in the caravan and too busy sampling beers, sorry, ‘researching’. Anyway, yes, I liked this – lovely colour and I didn’t find the citrus flavours too over-powering. A nice beer. Not used to the smaller measure though – 330ml indeed! March 2017