BEER REVIEW: 386

BREWER: Bristol Beer Factory, Bristol, England

STYLE: US Pale Ale

ABV: 4.6%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 28th February 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Upon receipt of this can from Sam I didn’t think much of the packaging… that’s not to say I didn’t like it, no no, I was just a wee bit ambivalent toward it, it didn’t strike me.

It was only when it came to test day that I realised what was actually on the tin… a map of flippin’ Bristol, where this brew is brewed, that included the life blood and reason the city become the city… yep, the mighty river Avon is running through our tin art in an exceptional neon pink.

Now, I LOVE a map. Always have. Local, regional, national, international… it doesn’t matter. I LOVE a map. And it’s lucky that I do as once the decision was made not to go to university and just start earning some dough and see what happens I immediately needed my ability to read, understand and enjoy a map to see me through. See, I got a job as a 7.5 tonne truck driver, at the age of 17, and had only held my car license for a matter of months. Smooth moves! To be fair I actually really enjoyed it! Heading up and down the country and sometimes to Europe, kipping in the cab and exploring new places.

One place, that I had been to as a boy but had never explored as an older boy, was Bristol. If memory serves me correctly, I’d done a few drops in Gloucestershire and South Wales and then parked up in Fishponds (an area of Bristol) ready for a very early morning delivery the following day. Truck parked, it was time to explore.

Now I’m fairly sure the legal drinking age was about 14 back in 1998 as basically I headed to the first pub I could find. That’s the way of the road bud.

Now in said pub I opted for a Dry Blackthorne Cider (I was 17 remember). Now as I settled into my apple based brew I noticed that all the locals were also on DBC, but, they all had a fresh slice of lemon in theirs! I approached the closest lad (I was braver back then) and said ‘what’s the lemon all about boy’?

‘What, you’ve not tried Blackthorne with lemon?’

He then proceeded to order me a fresh pint to try the apparent delight even though I was only a 1/3 of the way down my first. Let’s just say it was indeed incredible and turned into a very long night. I did, however, still make the delivery the next morning… apparently.

Because of this night as well as family links to the west country, I have a huge affection for Bristol and that obviously is where our beer today is from.

Independence as a beer is good. Starting with a light sweet nose going into a very smooth textured beer in mouth. However, yes this beer is tasty but the slight lack of body does impact the flavour of this brew a little. At the back end of the sip there is a subtle bitterness that creeps in that is both welcome and good.

As mentioned, Independence is good, but nothing more than that. And I have to say, seeing all the double dry hopping that has gone into this brew, I was expecting a little more.

Jymi’s Rating: 65%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Alright me babber, let’s talk about Independence! A proper Bristol brew, this one’s all about standing tall and doing its own thing—proudly independent, just like the name says. It’s a decent drop, though it could do with a touch more oomph to really make it sing.

Typical tropical vibes on the nose, leaning heavily towards grapefruit. It’s fresh and inviting, a good preview of what’s to come.

The flavour’s got its moments—lime and grapefruit take the lead, giving it that tropical zing you’d expect from a DDH APA. There’s a bit of bitterness tagging along, but it’s not quite punchy enough for my liking. Still, it’s pleasant and refreshing, with a mouthfeel that’s a bit like a Refresher sweet. Easy on the palate but leaves you wanting a bit more firepower.

Very drinkable—goes down smooth and keeps you coming back for more. Could be dangerous on a hot day, mind!

You’ve got to love what the brewery stands for. Proudly independent, just like Bristol itself, and they’ve nailed that spirit.

Independence is a solid choice for a fridge filler, especially if you’re after something that’s easy-drinking with a tropical twist. That said, for a DDH APA, it’s missing a bit of bitterness and punch to really stand out. I like it, but I don’t love it. Still, it’s worth a go, if only to raise a can to independent brewing and the proper Bristolian spirit. Cheers, me ol’ luvver!

Sammy’s Rating: 72%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 68.5%

MOB review next weekend: OXFORD HELLES by CHADLINGTON

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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