BEER REVIEW: 373

BREWER: Wainwright, Cumbria, England

STYLE: Golden Ale 

ABV: 4.1%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

X: #wainwrightbrewery

INSTAGRAM: wainwrightbeer

DATE OF POST: 29th November 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Wainwright Gold, a golden ale from Wainwright Brewery, opens with promise but, unfortunately, falls short in delivering an enjoyable drinking experience.

Aroma: On the nose, the beer offers a bright and refreshing citrus aroma, which is arguably the high point. The zesty citrus notes create a positive first impression and hint at something crisp and vibrant.

Taste: The initial sip is fairly decent, with the citrus flavour continuing from the nose to the palate, but it doesn’t quite live up to expectations. While not terrible, it lacks depth and complexity, and the mouthfeel is somewhat uninspiring.

Aftertaste: Unfortunately, the aftertaste is where things go south. A heavy malt character dominates, leaving an unpleasant, lingering flavour. There’s a biscuity undertone mixed with a banana-like note, which feels off-balance and detracts from the overall experience.

Packaging: The packaging could also use some improvement. Although it’s packed with plenty of information, the overall design doesn’t do much to enhance the appeal of the beer.

Verdict: Wainwright Gold starts strong with its bright citrus aroma, but it loses steam quickly. With a bland sip and an unpleasant malty aftertaste, it’s a beer that fails to impress. Not one I’d recommend visiting.

Jymi’s Rating: 19%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Wainwright Gold is exactly what it sounds like: a straightforward, easygoing beer that doesn’t try too hard to impress—and mostly succeeds at not disappointing. 

The nose offers a light hint of citrus and grass, subtle but refreshing, like a faint breeze on a spring day. It’s not bold, but it’s pleasant enough to set the tone.

On the palate, Wainwright Gold is crisp and clean with a gentle citrus flavour that comes through without fanfare. The mouthfeel is thin but refreshing, making it easy to drink even if it lacks the depth or complexity of some more ambitious ales. This is not a beer that’s here to make waves; it’s brewed with a “straight bat” approach that delivers on exactly what it promises: a simple, no-nonsense ale.

While it’s not brimming with character, there’s nothing off-putting here either. It’s smooth, inoffensive, and easy-drinking—a dependable choice for a casual pint. Would I rush out to buy another? Probably not. But if someone offered me one, I wouldn’t turn it down either.

In short, Wainwright Gold is the beer equivalent of a comfortable old chair: it’s not going to wow anyone, but it’s perfectly serviceable for a relaxed drink when you’re not in the mood for anything complicated.

Sammy’s Rating: 46%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 32.5%

MOB review next weekend: AS THE SUN SETS SLOWLY IN THE WEST  by MAKEMAKE

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

X: @museonbooze

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