Originally reviewed 2008-07-03:
$5.99 for 50cl (1pt 0.9 fl oz) at Dawson's. This bottle is actually the perfect size since it just about fills ... (show more)
Originally reviewed 2008-07-03:
$5.99 for 50cl (1pt 0.9 fl oz) at Dawson's. This bottle is actually the perfect size since it just about fills my Ravenshead pint glass. Somewhat odd neck shape looks rather hard to clean.
From South Stoke, Oxfordshire, the bottle says it uses an "intense resinous and spicy hop . . . derived from . . .unusual quantities of English Challenger" and Maris Otter. If there are any specialty grains in there, there aren't much.
I like this beer quite a bit, and it is very approachable. I wish I had bought another one of them. Just to take a wild guess, what with one data point, I would say this particular bottle is just the littlest bit past peak, but still very near the height of its powers.
The malt profile is giving me earthy notes on the sides of my tounge and an toasty aroma that melds with a subtle hop aroma. If there are specialty grains it's something like a tiny bit of chocolate. If this is a single-malt, then the MO is impressive indeed.
There's a bit of fruitiness from the yeast, that I would say is between apricots and mellow cherry. The fruitiness is a notch and a half down from where the Godlike finally settled out.
Carbonation is a bit on the high side for British, but not even close to American levels. It's leaving a thin lace as I drink. There wasn't a lot in the way of head retention or residual viscosity, but the carbonation was vigorous enough that a half inch head was formed by pouring. By mid-pint the head was largely gone, but the carbonation was sufficient to keep a few strands working their way to the edge of the glass.
My guess is that they're trying to make an ale that will appeal to the broad American craft market while still making a thoroughly authentic Bitter. This is definitely a winner and at 4.2% ABV makes it a session ale, albeit for the somewhat experienced. (show less)
