Double Dragon
A recent 'impulse' buy (really couldn't recall trying a beer from this country - turns out I had not - how did Wales make it all the way to review #990?). Poured from a 16.9 oz/500 ml bottle to a standard pint. A: Light amber and nearly clear, a robust cascade of carbonation fills the glass. What starts as a thick 1+ finger of whitish cream drops to a skimpy cap, but trails good lace. Very good, in fact: a splotchy sheet of cobwebs up and down the glass. S: Quite 'BISCUITY', a bready/cracker-y aroma that seems to expand the warmer it gets. More fruit (a playful melon and earthy berry medley), with an oddly ashy chalk/mineral twitch. T: More lightly toasted sweetness, a mild breadcrust that's laden with an ambrosial honey, a little buttery yeast. 'Fruit' is skinless apples and a trace of strawberry. Caramel sweetness blends with a drying finish. M: 'Crisp' isn't the right word, but has an ampleness that shows off a filling carbonation and a chewiness that transcends what I expected from a 'mere' 4.2% English PA. Medium body and long lasting roast and EKG/Fuggles-type bitterness. D: Completely 'drinkable', the type of session-worthy ale that begs to be had in 2s and 3s. Thirst-slaking and perfectly pleasant; it's not a beer that's a 'must find', but one could do far worse than choosing this as an everyday drinker. Absolutely worth a try.