The Ale Archive

What they say: “ The flagship beer is pale in colour with a subtle hint of grapefruit and lemon in the aroma. The wonderful hop bitterness is complemented by a balanced malt flavour. The beer has a long finish, which is moderately dry.” Just as enjoyable as the cask version and the last ale from our Easter getaway. Not as fruity as their description might suggest. 4.2% A.B.V.

What they say: “A full on 7 Hop IPA style monster with a citrusy rich sweetness followed by a powerful Hoppy bitterness – all perfectly balanced and extremely drinkable. Epic! This is our first permanent IPA packed with 7 American Hops. Developed from our experimental beers previously known as – Evolution #2 & #3.” The first of two bottled ales from our last stop on our Easter getaway in Surrey and brewed just a few miles from our campsite in East Horsley. From a young brewery (2011) this was - not surprisingly a little too hoppy for my taste but a pleasant ale nonetheless 4.8% A.B.V

What they say: “A ruby coloured ale with a malty character” I like a nice rich ruby ale for a change and was really looking forward to this. The colour was great, but sadly it was almost completely flat. I’m sure that wasn’t the intention and I look forward to trying it again when the opportunity arises. 4.8% A.B.V. May 2016.

What they say: “Interestingly brewed and triple-hopped, this IPA is a strong and Gluten Free beer………Strong  and well hopped for the voyage sending IPA from the Wolds to the World. Interestingly brewed with a pale Wold grown malt base, a  triple hop blend and Maize for the head retention” After sampling the excellent Wold Top Bitter on our stop in North Yorkshire I was delighted to spot another of their beers on the shelf of a supermarket in Ripon. This didn’t disappoint either - a ‘proper’ IPA and at 6% A.B.V one to be savoured rather than sloshed back. May 2016.

What they say: “Withens Pale Ale uses refreshing floral Cascade hops and hints of spice, orange and citrus, giving a delicious dry bitter finish. It’s great with most types of foods, especially pasta and fish dishes” My first beer from this brewery was not my favourite, as regulars could easily tell from the description. Again though, a little more chilled and on a warm summers night it would be most welcome. 3.9% A.B.V. May 2016

What they say: “A smooth stout with rich chocolate undertones.” Clearly not one to waste words, but it adequately sums up this tasty stout. Staffordshire? Well, yes, we stayed in the Peak District but parts of it we travelled through on the way to our site were indeed in Staffordshire and this was bought at the Co-Op in Bakewell. A nice drink and not overly strong at 4.5% A.B.V but I’ve preferred other stouts more. April 2016

What they say: “Award winning ale, a crisp, golden ale with a strong hoppy finish from the Amarillo hops and a good underlying sharpness.” The last of my selection of ales from Askrigg was probably the least enjoyable. Not because it wasn’t good but because the bar had been set so high by the others which were simply more to my taste. A great ale for those that like a golden hoppier beer. 4.3% A.B.V. April 2016

What they say? Well, nothing as usual and searching on the usual suspects - www.perfectpint.co.uk , www.ratebeer.com , proved unproductive. However, what we have is another mighty fine ale from the gang at Askrigg. An amber coloured bitter hitting all the right notes for me, striking the right balance between, malty, fruity, hoppy and bitterness. 3.9% A.B.V. April 2016

So! Nearly three weeks after our Easter getaway ended I'm up to date with the draught beers that we got to sample on our travels. Now it’s just the few remaining bottled ales that need my attention…. What they say: “Black Wych is a beguiling traditional English dark stout, silky smooth, soft and seductive. A heady brew, which entices you to lose your senses and fall for the charms of The Black Wych.” Ok, so there’s a lot of what could uncharitably be called twaddle in there, but I like Whychwood’s whole tongue in cheek spooky thing going on. More to the point I’ve liked every single on their beers I’ve tried and this was no exception. Another quality brew from Oxfordshire. April 2016

What they say: “The Australian pride of Ringwood hops give Redwood a spicy kick, which combines with the citrus & fruit like tones to give a complex flavour profile.” From the Fullers Stable comes this latest guest in our local and a lovely pint it was too. I didn’t find it as fruity as the description suggests. 4.0% A.B.V. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. April 2016

What they say: " Triple Champion 4.0% abv. Deep chestnut, old fashioned English bitter with a rich malty back taste"   Our first beer back in the ‘local’ on return from our Easter getaway and very tasty it was too. Yes, it was an  old fashioned bitter but that’s just fine by me. The Rottingdean Club, East Sussex. April 2016  

What they say: “The flagship beer is pale in colour with a subtle hint of grapefruit and lemon in the aroma. The wonderful hop bitterness is complemented by a balanced malt flavour. The beer has a long finish, which is moderately dry.” Brewed just up the road in Dorking from our campsite in East Horsley. Thankfully, the aforementioned hint of citrus fruits was subtle. I really enjoyed this, and have the bottled version to sample at some point too. 4.2% A.B.V. The King William IV , West Horsley, Surrey. April 2016

Our final stop on our Easter getaway saw us in East Horsley in Surrey and if we ever needed reminding that we were back down south, the cost of a couple of pints provided it! That being said, this - our first pint was delicious. A dark malty bitter weighing in at 4.1% A.B.V. I have no idea who actually brews it, and have asked the pub via the wonders of social media if they could let me know. If and when I get a reply I’ll update this entry. The Duke of Wellington , East Horsely, Surrey. April 2016

What they say: “Ruby red in colour, this well balanced Rye IPA showcases the rich spiciness of the rye malt. Loaded with an intense citrusy aroma.” Yeah, I like this, but then I’ve generally enjoyed red ales. The citrus aroma didn’t overpower or put me off. Sadly the last beer we got to sample during our time in the Peak District. 4% A.B.V. The Pack Horse Inn , Crowdecote, Derbyshire. April 2016

What they say: “Pale and refreshing with nutty malts, crisp and fruity hops, and blackberries on the nose.” From not too far away - in Glossop, this was another guest at the good old Pack Horse Inn. Reading the description, you will not be surprised to learn that this wasn’t really my thing - but again, a great beer for a hot summer’s night. Should we ever get one…. 4.1% A.B.V The Pack Horse Inn , Crowdecote, Derbyshire. April 2016