The Ale Archive

What they say: “An English Ale with a distinctive flavour of dark toffee and caramel combined with a crisp bitterness derived from using rare Bramling Cross hops.” Now from the Greene King stable, I remember when this was found in Whitbread pubs alongside Trophy or Whitbread Best. Sadly not a very good example – not crystal clear and a bit of a twang. I should have sent it back but didn’t. Look forward to trying one in better nick and I’ll update. 4.3%

Not as sweet as some reds I’ve had and a little hoppier but still a very nice pint indeed. Found in one of Cambridgeshire's great village boozers. 4.3% A.B.V The Royal Oak , Barrington, July 2017

Not much about this on the brewery website, but then it was a special for the rugby world cup – in 2015! www.guestales.co.uk say this: Deep, amber coloured, moreish, toffee flavoured beer. Made with four different types of malt, some wheat and a good dose of English hops. Quite liked it, although I suspect it was coming to the end of it’s life. Full of flavour though and full bodied. 4.3% A.B.V. Stanton House Hotel , Wiltshire. July 2017

What they say: “This ale is reminiscent of the striking sunsets that can be seen from Belhaven Bay. With its refreshing citrus taste balanced against clean floral tones, this ale is certainly one to tempt the palate.” Another summer special from the Greene King stable, would have been nice to try it on a hot summer’s night but you can’t have everything. A bit insipid for me but at least it wasn’t too hoppy. Cracking pub though. The King William IV , Heydon, Cambridgeshire. July