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

What they say: “A blonde, continental style beer with a hoppy and fruity aroma and a refreshing citrus taste.” Another pale fruity beer, anyone would think it’s summer. Needless to say, not really to my taste – it’s strength was subdued but at 4.7% A.B.V very much present. The White Horse , Witcham, Cambridgeshire. July 2017

What they say: “Adnams Freewheel is a straw-coloured English summer ale with aromas of citrus and peaches, beautifully balanced by a touch of gooseberry on the finish……Brewed using pale ale malt and golden naked oats and a wonderful combination of English hops – Ernest, Jester and Endeavour.” And another light fruity summer limited edition ale for the summer.  Inoffensive – even for someone like me who prefers darker beers – and easy drinking at 3.6% A.B.V. The Red Cow , Chrishall, Cambridgeshire. July 2017

What they say: “A refreshing and zesty ale, we looked further afield to Europe to find just the right hops and malt to create Sunchaser’s subtle flavours. Create your ‘sunchasing’ moment to enjoy this beer, whether relaxing in the pub or harvesting like our Leicestershire fox!” Yep, not one I’d rush back to though pleasant enough sitting in the garden of a pub on the banks or a river on a reasonably warm July night. 4.0% A.B.V. The Swan on the River , Littleport, Cambridgeshire. July 2017.