Hook Norton – Diamond Reserve

Brewery –           Hook Norton

Beer –                   Diamond Reserve

ABV –                  6.0%

Origin –              Hook Norton, Oxfordshire

Style –                Strong Ale

Season –            Autumn

First a bit of background on this brew. Hook Norton originally brewed ‘Old Bill’ to celebrate the Silver Jubilee in 1977., which was then re-named Old Hooky and has been a mainstay at the Brewery to this day. In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee Hook Norton have taken ‘Old Hooky’ re-fined, beefed it up, and unleashed this 6.0% stunner on the nation. Yes 6.0% is in reference to the 60 years our glorious Monarch has sat on the throne.

As you can tell there’s plenty of heritage in this ale and it certainly looks the part; Regal, Majestic, with a beautiful high cream crown atop. Ruby Red in appearance, thick and luxurious.

Chocolate notes welcome you, but there’s also a decent hoppy aroma which gives it a well-balanced yet robust nose.

The first mouthful hits you like a sledgehammer. Full bodied and robust, bursting with more  milk chocolate notes, festooned with ripe cherries, and a tart pluminess  giving sharpness to its otherwise silky creamy mouthfeel.

The sweetness develops on the tongue along with a warming alcohol flavour that clings to the mouth.

There is a slight bitterness on the finish but this just keeps the sweetness in check. 

This reminds me of Fullers ESB but the flavours are deeper and more pronounced.

A thoroughly British ale, made in the heart of the English countryside, full and flavoursome.

Perfect with strong meats such as Venison, Duck, or game, and a nice brandy to follow.  

 

 

 

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Brooklyn – Local 1

Brewery –          Brooklyn Brewery

Beer –                  Local 1

Alcohol –           9%

Origin –              Brookyln, New York

Style –               Strong American IPA

Season –          Spring

I’ve wanted to try this beer for a good while now but at a tenner a bottle from Chester Beer & Wine, it’s quite an expense when the pennies are tight.

But you only live once and I finally took the plunge. I’d seen this beer in the ‘1001 Beers to try before you die’ beer bible my brother bought me for Christmas and it certainly lived up to my expectations.

At 9% this is one to drink slowly, thoughtfully, and with reverence, but it’s bloody hard to do with a beer this good. Perhaps this is why I have a slightly fuzzy head this fair morn.

A stunning looking beer; cloudy and bright, with a golden orange hue. Bubbly, lively, and vibrant.

Strangely aromatic on the nose bursting with citrus notes but with a slight hint of sweet bubblegum, and punch.

The first swig provides a hit of strong alcohol flavour that gets right to the back of the throat, but then the complex flavours kick in. Crisp Pear flavours make this ale surprisingly airy for its high alcohol content. A beautiful crisp and fizzy mouthfeel are a result of its high level of carbonation, but then this gives way to a vague spiciness with further apple and pear notes on the palate. The finish is crisp, cider-like and tart, leading to a warming alcohol finish.

Certainly one to savour, wonderfully satisfying, and a great example of an American take on a strong Belgian beer.

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Brakspear – Triple

Brewery –           Brakspear

Beer –                  Triple

Alcohol –          7.2%

Origin –             Witney, Oxfordshire

Style –                Copper Ale

Season –            Autumn / Winter

Don’t be put off by the beers high alcohol content. Certainly not a session ale but full of vibrant flavours, it has a rich and bright copper colour, with a white creamy head.

A hint of banana’s on the nose, with a smooth and creamy mouth feel, but beefed up by a punchy alcohol kick.

Chunky, Flavoursome, Powerful, with hints of liquorice on the palate, with sweet malty biscuity undertones.

Savour the long delicious, digestive biscuit malty finish.

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Thwaites – Old Dan

Brewery –          Thwaites

Beer –               Old Dan

Alcohol –           7.4%

Origin –             Lancashire, England

Style –              Strong Ale

Season –           Autumn / Winter

This beer certainly is a powerhouse… Strong, Sumptuous, Full and Flavoursome.

Beautifully Reddish Amber colouring, punchy, malty, and syrupy nose.

Deep complex and satisying full of malty, treacle toffee notes. Rubust with a sickly sweet fruit cake base and a long Sweet indulgent finish

This is certainly a beer to savour. Crammed with fruity and malty flavours at 7.4% it’s a one a night beer.

A great example of just how much flavour you can fit in a bottle.

 

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Theakston – Old Peculiar

Brewery –           Theakston

Beer –                   Old Peculiar

Alcohol –            5.6%

Origin –               Ripon, North Yorkshire

Style –                 Strong Ale

Season –             Autumn

Claims it’s ‘ The Legend ‘… Wouldn’t disagree!

Dark Brown, Chestnut in colour this beer is bursting with fruity flavours. Take a sip and think Bananas!

It’s smooth, silky, and has a deep fruity finish. Just try it for the bananas!

Bananas

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