The Ale Archive

The brewery: "St. Peter’s Brewery is one of England’s original craft breweries, founded in 1996 in former traditional agricultural buildings alongside the moated St. Peter’s Hall, deep in the picturesque Suffolk countryside." The beer: "A copper coloured, full-bodied organic best bitter made with organically grown malted barley, and organic hops to give the distinctive fully hopped character. This Best Bitter has a sweet biscuit aroma and pleasing citrus hop flavours from the Sovereign, and First Gold hops. Proudly certified by Soil Association." A tad hoppier than I would have preferred but veryt tasty nonetheless. Another good quality best bitter. 4.1% A.B.V.  January 2023.

 The brewery:  " 1995 5 barrel brewery founded behind The Pot Kiln pub 1999 Expansion to 10 barrel brewery in the old village bakery 2005 Expansion to 25 barrel brewery close to the old dairy 2007 Current Head Brewer Will Twomey joins as a trainee 2017 Expansion to 36 barrel brewhouse & packaging line 2018 Shop, Taproom & Kitchen open 2021 Brewery acquired by Yattendon Group 2022 We’re re-born as Renegade" The beer: " A multi award winning classic English Bitter with a silky-smooth mouth feel. Good Old Boy is brewed with a blend of rich malted barley and fruity hops to produce an exceptionally well-balanced and full-flavoured beer." Another delicious no nonsense best bitter, very tasty. 4.0% A.B.V. January 2023

  The brewery: "Brewhouse & Kitchen is the perfect place to eat and enjoy freshly brewed, hyper local, award-winning craft beers in Hoxton. There’s so much going on at your local B&K, such as weekly Masterclasses on brewing, beer, whisky & gin, and much more…….." The beer: "Traditional, Caramel, Bitter. In tribute to the first recorded land owner of where the brewpub now stands is Sir Humphrey Starkey – a British Justice who practised during the time of King Henry VI, the 100 year war and when beer drinking was considered mandatory…" Another good honest bitter, brewed just a few yards from where I was drinking it. 3.6% A.B.V. Brewhouse & Kitchen Hoxton , February 2023  

The brewery: "We are Mad Squirrel; a forward thinking, contemporary brewery based just outside of London at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. Since 2010 we have continuously grown and evolved, often in unexpected ways, but always with a boundless enthusiasm for quality, an inquisitive approach to flavour, and a restless desire to better ourselves." The beer: "An old school bitter for the 21st century, Mister Squirrel is classy liquid. It is a balanced and respectable brew, with vintage notes of toffee, vanilla, and nuts. A beer like they used to be, Mister Squirrel is proof that these are the good old days." It's always nice to try a beer from a 'new' brewery and this did not disappoint. A good old fashioned best bitter - very tasty. The Ice Wharf , London, February 2023

  The brewery:  "Immortalised in the name of one of Fuller’s famous ales, 1845 is a year that will forever be synonymous with Fuller, Smith & Turner. It was then that the partnership papers between the three families were officially signed, marking the start of something very special for London’s pub and beer scene." The beer: "London Porter is a smooth and satisfying beer and this example of an historic style of beer derives its rich, chocolatey character from a blend of brown and chocolate malts in the brew. Its coffee notes and creamy finish make it a wonderful accompaniment to many sweet foods ...." Another fine ale from Fuller's. A lovely combination of flavours - very tasty indeed. 5.4% A.B.V. February 2023