Delighted and surprised to get hold of this from Hop City, Atlanta, GA, USA. Obviously a new entrant to the American market, let alone the Atlanta one.
500 mL bottle that I bought along with the Old Ale and the Iron Horse Pale. Obviously a railway theme, both from the names and the shape of the Hepworth logo on the label. Good stuff.
Pour is quite a surprisingly light gold in color and the carbonation seems a touch on the high side, even a little bubbly. Some nice sticky lace.
Nose is a strong point with lots of rich, biscuit based malts. Some stinky hops!
Tastes are classic, if a little dry. Finish even gives a touch of puckering bitterness in a classic, English hop-based manner but drier than many. It’s all subtle, simple and passive aggressive which will be way beyond the comprehension of many American palates. Lots of pale malts are upfront that hold their own.
This beers falls slap bang into the usual categories that one finds with bottled English Bitters that are imported to the USA, namely;
+ Would be infinitely better on cask, close to the source
+ Simple, subtle hop profile will be under-appreciated in the USA
+ Low ABV, malt base will be under-appreciated in the USA
Light , easy drinking for the warmer weather I would say. Outside of that not much to report, I really like it*, many Americans won’t.
*I DO understand that the lack of these beers in the USA tend to color my opinions a little when I get them, but I DO consider my potential bias when I review them.