Christmas beer report

As is often the case approaching festivities I have been to Plonk to get some interesting stuff to drink over the coming days.
  • Greene King IPA Export:  A very sound IPA at 5%.  I could drink a lot of this if my body could stand it!
  • Samuel Smith Pale Ale:  This makes reference to 'Yorkshire Squares' and in line with the educational manifesto of this blog you should follow the link to find out more.  A little more bitter than the Greene King offering but very full bodied and with good complexity.  Recommended! 
  • Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale:  Definitely a Brown Ale, with a full body (5% ABV) much maltier taste than the pale mentioned above.  Why can't the (current) makers of Newcastle Brown work out that this is what the style is supposed to be like?
  • Shepherd Neame Late Red Ale:  When I went to uni in Kent this was the local beer and somewhat looked down upon.  Now the competing Big Brewery beers have all vanished – replaced by bland.
  • Shepherd Neam Brilliant Ale:  somewhat fuller bodied that the preceding sample, and thus rather more to my taste.  Certainly potable, but Samuel Smiths offering wins out.

Comments

Ian Fraser said…
Excellent informed advice as usual Martin; many thanks and a happy peaceful season to you both!
27 December 2013 at 10:18:00 GMT+11
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