The Ale Archive

What they say: “A tasty, complex beer with malt and hops throughout and a long, satisfying bitter finish. 'Champion Best Bitter in Britain' award  2013 & 'Champion Beer of Britain' 1997. Was delighted to come across the cask version of this after having really enjoyed the bottled incarnation some three years ago. Deliciously flavoured – and coloured too. Dark but not over malty. Guesting alongside the more regular Doom Bar at the time of our visit. The Swan on the River , Littleport, Cambridgeshire. July 2017

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.