The Ale Archive

What they say: “Dark mahogany coloured traditional stout. Complex aroma of liquorice, prunes & hop resin on the nose with a deep burnt coffee and liquorice on the palate.” I do like a trip to the dark side on occasion and this made the journey very worthwhile. 4.3 % A.B.V May 2017

What they say: “The King in the North arrives in April and May! A traditional amber ale, full blooded, reliable & down to earth with a warm heart of spicy cedar.Level headed & big hearted that always wins the day.” A visit to the Jolly Brewers is always a delight thanks to their ever changing range of cask ales. There was nothing wrong with this one – it just didn’t excite. Inoffensive but forgettable I found. 4.0% A.B.V The Jolly Brewers , Milton, Cambridgeshire. May 2017

What they say: “Church End Brewery’s 5000th brew! Could it be called anything else?! A deep amber bitter, malt driven, with a sharp hop bite, and lingering bitter after taste.” A tad hoppier than my fussy palate normally enjoys but overall I like it. A nice pint and Church End’s 5000th brew. Well done. 4.0%  A.B.V The Jolly Brewers , Milton, Cambridgeshire. May 2017

What they say? Well, nothing it seems. I couldn’t find any mention of it on the brewery website and there is precious little about it anywhere else. Several weeks on and the brewery have not responded to my request for tasting notes. Nevertheless it was a very welcome guest at our local. Nice dark copper colour and good balance of hops and malt for my palate. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. June 2017

What they say: “Golden, with lots of citrus immediately evident in the aroma, and subtle malt emerging later. Plenty of bitterness features in the mouth along with slightly toasted, sweet malt flavours, pronounced tangy-citrus notes and spicy coriander. Bitter, hoppy, spicy and lightly toasted finish.” The second from Yates to guest in our local and another very welcome one. Packed full of flavour but at 4.9% A.B.V, one to treat with respect. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. June 2017.

What they say: “Our take on a British classic, Mama is the ultimate modern best bitter. A combination of US and UK hops give mixed berry flavours and a hint of papaya with a dry, earthy pine finish. A great all rounder.” Not a usual haunt for us but after a busy open morning at the school this pub just around the corner was a welcome destination. The beer didn’t disappoint either – brewed in Sussex and very tasty. It went down rather too well. 4.1& A.B.V The Ginger Dog , Brighton. May 2017.

What they say: “Dark amber robust best bitter. Aroma of raisin fruit and hazelnut, moderately bittered with resin hop and peach fruit tones through to a sweet finish.” Never mind the fruit bit, this too me was a traditional Best Bitter – and I loved it. Without doubt my favourite style of ale. 4.2% A.B.V May 2017

What they say: “The taste of EPA is unique. Zing from the citrusy hops we use - Pow from its fuller flavour - Phwoar from the crisp finish that leaves you ready for more. It’s a refreshing, lighter blonde ale - 3.6% abv. Ok, regulars will know that, given the description, this would not be one of my faves. But I quite enjoyed it on a warm spring day. Chill it a bit more than you normally would for a real refreshing drink on a summers day. Nice and light too at just 3.6% A.B.V. April 2017

What they say: “Whitstable Bay Red IPA is a deep red coloured ale that is brewed using the brewery’s own chalk-filtered mineral water and Pale Ale, Crystal, Caramalt, and Roasted Barley malts, with Kentish Challenger hops for bitterness and American Amarillo hops for aroma.” Guesting at our local recently was this from the Shepherd Neame stable.  SN beers aren’t generally my favourite but this was nice 4.5% A.B.V. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. May 2017