Old Henry
Brown 500ml bottle, best before Nov 2008, drank on a very cold March 2008 evening. Bottle conditioned, so poured very carefully so not to upset the sediment, into a pint sleeve glass. Huge biege head sat on top of a deep amber body, not quiet clear, but not a cloudy mess either. The aroma comes from both Golding and (fairly local) Worcestershire Challanger Hops. The beer is made with Wheat and Barely, so those add to the beery smell being imparted. A very English ale smell is what I am trying to discribe. The mix of Maris Otter Pale Malts and roasted Crystal Malt not only ensure the colour is typically an ale colour, they also give the beer its truely Englishness flavour. The bottle recommends the beer to be taken with mature Shropshire Blue Cheese, I'll second that. If you have read some of my other reviews for this breweries beers you will know all about their brewery trips and what you get to eat etc. The 5.2% is understated although there is a hidden depth to the taste and it certainly stays in the mouth long after the beer has gone and you reach for another swig. Another fine beer from one of my favourite breweries.