The Ale Archive

What they say: “ A clean refreshing ale with grapefruit citrus aroma and taste and a long, dry refreshing bitter finish. Perfect to celebrate Six Nations Rugby.” From the Greene King stable. Ok, but not really my thing - would probably taste better to me on a warm summers night. Was the ale of choice for of some of my camping pals at our recent Twittercamp though. 4%A.B.V. The Robin Hood, Cambridge. March 2016

What they say: “Our premium beer, full bodied with malty and nutty fullness, hints of caramel giving it a round, soft, satisfying smoothness……….Like Pale ale we balance the beer between bitterness, from Hops, and the body from the malt.  Monk has a higher concentration of malt which delivers a stronger beer.” I liked this, next to no fruitiness and just a hint of sweetness stopped it from becoming one of my favourites. It didn’t stop me having quite a few pints of it though - purely for research purposes obviously - during our Twittercamp meet in Cambridge. 4.5% A.B.V. The Robin Hood , Cambridge. March 2016

What they say: “A powerful malty beer with great depth of flavour. Appealing hoppy aftertaste. Delicious with beef and ale pie or steak and kidney…Rich and floral aromas, sweet Norfolk malts and a burst of 'citrus' hops embody this mouth-watering premium beer. .” Yes, very malty but enjoyably so and a full flavoured ale from this Norfolk brewery. Sadly there was no pie to accompany! 4.5% A.B.V. The Pickerel , Cambridge. March 2016

What they say? Well, nothing. This doesn't appear on the brewery’s website so presumably it’s a seasonal or special. Anyway, ever reliable the good folks at www.perfectpint.co.uk say this: “A clear, golden-coloured wheat beer brewed with continental yeast. Initial hop bitterness with hints of melon, grapefruit and pear gives way to a soft, dry finish. Saaz hops add a wonderful herbal spice aroma” The latest to guest at our local The Rottingdean Club and the last before we headed off in the caravan for our Easter break. To be honest, had I actually read the pump clip and noted that it was a blonde wheat beer I probably wouldn’t have tried it. A bit too fruity for me but otherwise ok. 4.7% A.B.V. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. March 2016

What they say? There’s nothing on the website about it by the ever reliable folks at www.perfectpint.co.uk reckon this: “A nutty bitter with a malty backbone and a bitter finish.” A nice winter warmer. I’ll take their word for it about nutty - I’m allergic to most so haven't got a clue what they taste like! Enjoyable but not one to knock the ever excellent Harveys Sussex Best from it’s top spot in the club. 4.5% A.B.V. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. March 2016

What they say “The beer to slay a mighty thirst. A full bodied and robust ruby bitter brewed with pale crystal malts, with a rich malty taste and a hefty whack of fuggles and goldings hops” Not as distinctive as good old Hobgoblin, but still packed with flavour and very enjoyable without being overpowering. I liked this. 4.2% A.B.V.

What they say “ The drinkers’ favourite, a 4.3% classic pale ale with a complex citrus and hoppy aroma. A recent survey revealed that Landlord has the highest proportion of drinkers who call it their favourite ale. And it has won more awards than any other beer, winning both CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain and the Brewing Industry Challenge Cup four times……….A strong classic ale with a golden amber colour. It has a scent of caramel, light fruits and roasted malt hints” Yum. Yummity Yum. There’s not much that beats this in my opinion – save for the draught version which I find truly delicious. Found this lurking in Sainsbury’s in Crystal Palace during our recent trip there. Heading north soon for the Easter break and very much look forward to sampling the draught version. 4.3% A.B.V.