Tuesday 25 February 2014

Big Ben

Brewery: Thwaites Brewery
Supplier: Beer52

Part of Thwaites' "Crafty Dan" selection which is their micro-brewery arm of this large brewery. This is their Brown ale that is named after the bell housed in the Clock Tower (renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012); they describe it as "a bitter-sweet resonance". I served this at room temperature.
Appearance: Very dark looking but becomes a ruby colour when you hold it up to the light. Tan with yellow hints head made of large bubbles causing it to dissipates quickly.
Aroma: Initially that classic sweet yeast smell you get from British ales, with hints of banana. This goes and you start to get the classic american style hopes coming through mixed with a savoury note like Marmite. 
Flavour: Week toffee on the front leading into an slightly salty jam-like sweetness. The front starts to go with drinking and the back turns more towards the classic malt flavour. Occasional glimpses of the more fruity hops coming in. 
Body: Thick enough, but it is badly carbonated making it a type of fizz that burns the back of your throat. 
Aftertaste: Sweet, but with a herbal/grassy hop note. Starts to become more salty and dry after a few sips. 

Overall: Therefore this gets a rating of 3, drinkable but that fizz makes it not that enjoyable; also the flavours start to go quite quickly. However, the maltyness and flavours would probably lend itself well to cook with.

Price Range: Another of the monthly beer subscription at £19 (usually £24) for 8 beers, so approximately £2.40 for a 330ml bottle. I wouldn't get this again.

Food Pairings: Some heavy meat that is not overly spiced, something like braised beef.


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