The Ale Archive

The last of three ales in a gift set received for my birthday and undoubtedly my favourite - I do love ruby ales as regulars will know. No idea who the brewery is but very enjoyable nonetheless. 4.8% A.B.V. August 2021

The second in a gift pack from some dear friends to celebrate a recent birthday. Unable to ascertain the actual brewery but very nice nonetheless. A classic golden ale. 5.0% A.B.V. August 2021

The first of a set of three beers gifted by some friend for a certain birthday milestone. They came from The Chuckling Cheese Company but I have been unable to ascertain who they were actually brewed by. No matter though, it was a very tasty IPA that benefited from being served a little colder to keep those pesky hops in check. A nice drop. 4.8% A.B.V. August 2021

The brewery: "Formed in 2010 as The Ennerdale Brewery in the small hamlet of Croasdale, Ennerdale, we have always been a family-run business with many relatives involved!....In November 2014, with the help of Barclays Bank, we moved into our new home in Rowrah. We’re still here to this day, close to the beautiful Lake District valley and lake that gives us our name and our inspiration." The beer: "A dark bitter, it is a more potent brew than our other beers, but it remains remarkably quaffable. With a rich, velvety texture, a definite chocolate flavour and a creamy head, this beer has converted hundreds of ‘light beer’ drinkers to the dark side. " Another from my time in the Lake District procured from the excellent Booth's and another really tasty dark ale - it didn't come across as heavy though and one I could have happily sunk several of. Top stuff. 4.2% A.B.V. August 2021.

The brewery: "From humble beginnings in a tired old shed located on the outskirts of Lancaster, the brewery grew rapidly and reached production capacity in 2009. The new premises boasts a shop, bar, restaurant, function space and regular brewery tours..... Lancaster Brewery has four popular beers that form our core range - Lancaster Blonde, Amber, Red and Black and we also produce monthly specials and seasonal beers from our purpose built brewery located on the outskirts of Lancaster." The beer: "Lancaster Black is a British stout for the connoisseur. Jet black in colour, it is a complex traditional dark brew with subtle hints of coffee and dark chocolate. An excellent fusion of malt, oats and wheat expertly balanced with Challenger, Perle and Cascade hops." Another great find in Booth's during my stay in the North-West of England. A superb stout that really hit the spot. Delicious. 4.5% A.B.V. August 2021.