Relatively recent arrival in the USA, $5.00 from Bruisin’ Ales, Asheville, NC, USA. 500 mL bottle, incorrectly in the database at 4.1%, actually 4.2%; update sent. Into the Youngs (Imperial) pint glass.
Reading the bottle and knowing what I know about English beer, I am immediately suspicious of this brew for a least one reason. The name worries me since I’m expecting that this one of the relatively new (last 5 years) breed of British “Golden Ales” that have popped up. As far as I can tell, the new “Golden Ale” in the UK is basically a dumbed down English Pale/Bitter that is designed to appeal to the masses. My experiece with them has been very mixed, so putting this in a bottle as opposed to a cask has me even more worried.
The pour is a clouded tangerine with some soapy head but minimal lace.
The nose has a touch of hops, but it is muted. Some light fruit too – citrus based but not especially specific, perhaps some mixed peel?
Very nice sweetened grapefruit tastes. It’s definitely grapefruit based and get increasingly bitter with warmth. Very refreshing and a decent hop bite at the end.
Extremely drinkable and a beer that I enjoyed a LOT more than I was expecting. Delightful ABV helps the consumption. Tasty.
Hooky Gold


04/16/2009
Brewery:
Hook Norton Brewery Co. Ltd.
Hook Norton Brewery Co. Ltd.
Style:
English Pale Ale
English Pale Ale
Format:
bottle
bottle
ABV: 4.2 %
Appearance: 3.5
Taste: 4.5
Mouthfeel: 4
Smell: 4
Overall: 4.5
Total: 4.3
Series Name:
Year:
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