DBB Text Banner

Notes on beers brewed by

Coniston Brewing Co. Ltd
Premium XB Bluebird Bitter

Premium XB
Bluebird Bitter

It's hard to describe the literal euphoria of an Englishman who is a legacy drinker, and who hasn't been home for too long, when a beer like this comes into view. I picked it up via a west coast bottle shop, unexpectedly, when I was buying some other beers, and what a thrill (and a treat) that is. Lightly chill-hazed, golden straw color, with a modest head, but decent retention and lace above average. Nice, and as expected. Nose is where things start to change. The label says "English Pale Ale...

Old Man Ale

Old Man Ale

Updated notes 11/19/23 (pictured) NOTE: Scores on this fresh bottle would be; 4.5, 4.0. 4.5. 4.5. 4.5 Note: This is labeled as 4.8% these days as opposed to the previously recorded 5.0%. This has been classified as an English Brown Ale in some places, but I don't see it that way at all. It's more of an English bitter or ESB, even if it's a little hoppy for that, and a little drier. Another beer that I thought I wouldn't see again in the USA, but here we are, over 16 yers later. Great clear,...

Bluebird Bitter

Bluebird Bitter

Additional notes 10/26/22 Seventeen years between these notes! Color the same but significantly less hop notes than the original notes suggested. This is MUCH close to a biscuit based, gentle, and subtle English Bitter than one would ever gather from my 2005 notes. Some light coinage metal in the nose that is not really reflected in the tastes. Very light, easy drinking which is what I would expect in the forst instance. Odd that my original notes don't reflect this. Light, easy drinking,...