Can any of you gentlemen help?
Having given up alcohol 13 years ago, the two things I miss most are a really refreshing ale and a good white desert wine (weirdly, not what I used to drink at all).
So I think it's time to have the odd bottle - but what to choose? This whole craft beer microbrewery thing didn't really exist last time I bought anything. I do fancy a nice hoppy IPA but not a heavy malty one - something more astringent and citrussy. And nothing too far above 5% abv. Anyone got any tips?
As you're in Kent, have you tried any of the beers from the Westerham Brewery ? Their Hop Rocket at 5,5% is a bit above your target strength, but one of my favorite IPAs. Most IPAs are fairly strong. Adnams do a "sessionable" IPA called "Ease-Up" at 4,6% which I quite enjoy.
Westerham also do one of my all time favourite beers - Spirit of Kent. It's a golden ale, hopped with 9 different Kentish hop varieties & locally grown barley, it's a delicious beer with a real sense of
terroirHere are tasting notes by Adrian Tierney-Jones, author of the Big Book of Beer: “There was a distinct swing of the compass about the nose, as it touched all points citrus sweetness (mandarin), earthiness and pungent hop sack. The palate carried a refrain of similar mandarin sweetness (orange jelly for adults), a muscular earthiness (think big Burgundies), a slight note of almond and a dry bitter finish. A Spitfire garnishes the pump clip and I can think of no better analogy for this beer than the purring beauty of that aircraft’s Merlin engine when in full flight.”
Westerham are in the process of opening a new Brewery on the Squerryes Estate in conjunction with the estates new winery, with a new brewery shop.
(I have no connection with Westerham other than that I regularly buy beer from them for my pub because it's great beer).
