This, my BA friends, is one very, very interesting beer. It captures all the characteristics of a really nice English Pale Ale, adds a little cask or “Real Ale” character and pumps up the ABV for both of those styles at the same time. All of this in a bottle as well!

Typical pale orange pour, typical lack of sustainable head (cask characteristic) and typical organic grassiness in the nose. All coming together to complement one another, this is reminiscent of a Home Counties pub in more than one way. (Serious hint of nostalgia incorporated into the review).

As expected, there is a soapy, thin hop character that is so typical of these beers, but this is followed quickly by a serious malt assault, and a decent alcoholic twang. The alcohol seems bigger than the 6.50%, but perhaps that is because I wasn’t expecting it in this beer. Whatever the reason, the consequence is a delicious combination that makes me want to gulp this down.

A truly interesting combination of style, strength and character, this is simply one HELL of a beer.