BEER REVIEW: 351

BREWER: Strands Brewery, Cumbria, England

STYLE: Bitter

ABV: 3.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 28th June 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Ready for takeoff? Let’s strap in and soar through the skies with Double Rotor, an IPA from Stands Brewery that’s got the hop power of a Chinook helicopter. This beer is built to lift you up, but does it keep you flying high? 

Double Rotor greets you with a grassy citrus aroma that’s quite refreshing. Imagine lying in a summer meadow, the scent of fresh-cut grass and citrus blossoms wafting up. Pretty decent scene, until a Chinook flies over!

The taste journey starts with a bitter cut grass note that quickly transitions to a summer meadow before vanishing into thin air. It’s like taking off with a powerful thrust, only to hover briefly and then descend without much of a show. Not a bad brew, but the flavours are a flash in the pan—a quick takeoff with a gentle landing.

The packaging holds its own, especially on a can (as opposed to a bottle, which the label is intended for). The label, while a bit ropey in detail, still manages to convey the strong helicopter theme. Moving to a can as the storage vessel has worked quite well, giving it a modern, rugged feel.

In summary, Double Rotor by Stands Brewery is a strong concept with a decent execution. It takes off with a promising grassy citrus nose and a striking appearance, but the flavours, while pleasant, don’t stick around long enough to make a lasting impression. It’s a beer you’d have again, but not one you’d rave about. Think of it as the workhorse of your beer fridge—reliable and ready for action, but not the star of the show. So, next time you’re looking for a beer to ever so slightly lift your spirits, hop on board the Double Rotor and enjoy the ride.

Sammy’s Rating: 58%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

The day was Monday.

The time was 06:30.

The location was the base of Scafell Pike.

The destination was the peak of Scafell Pike.

Now, it didn’t take long to work out that this was gonna be hard graft. The mountain we had scaled a year prior, Snowdon, was a little higher yes, but the route up was double the distance. So, with a bit of #quickmaths and a small debate on how to spell Pythagorean, we concluded that this hike was just gonna be up and up with potentially no respite or plateau. And we were correct. And yes, it was HARD GRAFT.

Throughout, the views were breath taking and once at the summit we took a break, had a spot of lunch, then zoomed down as guess what? Yep, we fancied a well deserved cold beer after our efforts.

Now, the closest pub on the way back to our digs believe it or not had its own microbrewery onsite! Absolute jackpot! Fresh local beer that was brewed under that very roof. Just dreamy.

I had a pint from cask of Double Rotor, the brew up for review today. I then took a little wander around the lovely traditional pub only to find in a corner that they were also selling their beer by the can. DOUBLE JACKPOT!! And in case you hadn’t realised, of course I grabbed two tins of Double Rotor to take back home for me and Sammy boi to test.

And here we are today, the canned version ready to be cracked.

Now before I report on the contents I have to comment on the name. It could not be better. A beer brewed with Chinook hops, on a site that see’s many of the large chopper of the same name go overhead every week, called Double Rotor. Hand claps all round, so so good.

Beer wise, this is a cracker too. From start to finish this is without doubt a celebration of old meets new. The nose is so traditional but with an added element of citrus coming through. The mouthfeel is sublime due to the purest of pure local water I’d imagine. And the taste is bright and crisp with plenty of bitterness and again an element of citrus clearly coming from the Chinook hops used. All coming in at a tiny 3.5% ABV.

Fantastic work Strands, keep up the good work, as one day… I will return!

Jymi’s Rating: 80%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 69%

MOB review next weekend: OREGON TRAIL by ELUSIVE BREWING

(the first of four in a row from Elusive, and all versions of Oregon Trail!)

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 350

BREWER: Tractor Shed Brewery, Cumbria, England

STYLE: Helles

ABV: 4.1%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 21st June 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Imagine this: a picturesque barn, a lone brewer, and the hum of a tractor in the background. That’s potentially the charming setting from where Tractor Shed Brewery brings us Jinny Howelt Helles, a lager with rustic roots and professional polish. 

Pouring this brew into a glass is a joy. It looks like a proper crisp lager, clear and inviting with a nice golden hue. It’s the kind of beer that makes you want to dive right in, especially after a long day of, say, tractor driving.

Jinny Howelt Helles smells like… well, a helles lager. Nothing here to write home about, but it’s exactly what you’d expect. It’s straightforward, no frills, just a familiar, pleasant aroma that says, “Hey, I’m a lager. Drink me.”

On the palate, however, a solid performance is delivered. It’s got that sweet maltiness typical of a helles, balanced beautifully with hops that do a graceful two-step. The finish is a tad thin, but it’s a decent lager overall. Think of it as the hardworking farmhand of beers: reliable, consistent, and always ready for a good time.

This is a beer you can easily enjoy pint after pint. It goes down smooth, making it perfect for those long evenings sitting out on the porch, watching the stars.

The packaging deserves a nod. The owl theme is quirky and fun, and the green night-time colour scheme gives it a cool, serene vibe. It stands out on the shelf, inviting you to pick it up and give it a try. This owl knows how to party.

The name Jinny Howelt also deserves a mention.  It’s a bit of a winner. It’s unique, memorable, and it fits right in with the barnyard charm of Tractor Shed Brewery. You’ll remember it, and that’s half the battle won in the beer world.

Overall, Jinny Howelt Helles by Tractor Shed is a beer with personality and charm. It may come from (claimed) humble beginnings—a tractor shed in a barn—but it’s got the polish of a professionally brewed lager. With its solid taste, great mouthfeel, and eye-catching packaging, it’s a brew that’s sure to please. So next time you’re in the mood for a lager, why not give Jinny Howelt a whirl? Raise a glass to the simple joys of good beer, and enjoy every drop. Cheers!

Sammy’s Rating: 73%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

The day was Sunday. The weather was set fair. The destination was Gosforth in Cumbria, 303 miles away.

The driver was my mighty brother-in-law.

The front passenger and DJ was myself.

The rear passenger, navigator, random number generator (would take too long to explain this) and head of watching Greys Anatomy on her phone was my sister.

So why was this crew assembled? Well for a second year we decided to climb a mountain to raise some money for a charity that helped our Mum so much in her final weeks.

Scarfell Pike, the highest peak in England, was our hike.

The drive went well, of course. The plan was to check into the Air BnB, get settled and sorted for the next day’s endeavours, then go to the local pub for a couple pints.

Obviously that went to shit, because after a 5 hour drive the last thing you want to do is get settled and sorted. And the first thing you want to do is grab a cold beer, and that we did.

However, the local shop was about to shut and we needed a couple of essentials for the morning so a very quick beeline was made.

Now, I love being somewhere new as you get the chance to find beers that may not be at all available to you normally. And sure enough, on a dark shelf in the corner of the dark shop were a few beers from Tractor Shed Brewing Co.. So of course I grabbed a couple for me and Sammy boi to test once I returned.

Fast forward to now and it is time for us to put Jinny Howelt under the MOB nose…

Well,what a lovely lager we have here. For a lager JH has a great nose. It’s crisp, fresh and clean. This trio of positive adjectives transfers to the taste too without a doubt. The flavour profile is certainly one of citrus and for me seems lime led. This is an easy drinking, though slightly under carbonated Helles. This is a cracking little beer.

Good work indeed from Tractor Shed.

A report on the climb will come next week as guess what? After Scafell was scaled I picked up another beer for us to test, and yeah next week we are a testin’ it!

Jymi’s Rating: 76%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 74.5%

MOB review next weekend: DOUBLE ROTOR by STRANDS BREWERY

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 349

BREWER: Vault City, Lothian, Scotland

STYLE: Fruit Sour

ABV: 6.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 14th June 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Triple Fruited Mango is a fruited sour beer. Triple Fruited Mango is a fruited sour beer brewed by the Scottish wizards, Vault City.

So, the chances of this being a bad beer are virtually zero. And the chances of this being a very good beer are incredibly high.

TFM once released from it’s housing gives off an incredible aroma of, you guessed it, MANGO! Obvious, yes, but these things are not always delivered.

Then straight away from the first LARGE sip you know you’re dealing with a wee cracker. The flavour is ALL the mango with the tiniest hint of vanilla. It’s sweet upfront then rapidly moves to tart and then a lovely dry aftertaste, instantly teeing you up for your next hit. Delightful.

Thick yet refreshing. And though not necessarily sessionable, TFM is most certainly moreish and as predicted… a very good beer indeed.

Jymi’s Rating: 82%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

In the realm of craft beer, few breweries can match the innovation and artistry of Vault City when it comes to a sour. Nestled in the heart of Scotland, this brewery has garnered a reputation for pushing boundaries and delighting palates with their bold and inventive brews. Today, we embark on a journey into one of their most tantalising creations: Triple Fruited Mango Sour.

As the golden elixir cascades into the glass, it conjures visions of liquid gold, shimmering in the sunlight. Its hue, reminiscent of ripe mangoes, hints at the luscious flavours waiting to be discovered within.

With each gentle swirl, the air is filled with the irresistible scent of soured mango. It’s a fragrance that transports the mind to sun-drenched orchards, where tropical fruits hang heavy on the boughs, waiting to be plucked and savoured. The aroma alone is enough to set the taste buds tingling in anticipation.

Ah, the taste! Here, Vault City’s Triple Fruited Mango truly shines. It’s evident that this brew is a masterpiece of flavour. Upon the first sip, a wave of tartness washes over the palate, awakening the senses with its zesty intensity. But what truly sets this beer apart is its remarkable balance. Despite the natural sweetness of mango, Vault City has managed to craft a beer that is refreshingly sour, with just the right hint of sweetness lingering on the tongue.

As the beer caresses the palate, it reveals a mouthfeel that is both luxurious and velvety. The texture is syrupy, yet not cloyingly sweet, leaving behind a pleasant coating that lingers long after the final sip.

In every aspect, Vault City’s Triple Fruited Mango is a triumph. From its enticing aroma to its well balanced flavour profile, this beer is a true delight for the senses. It’s a testament to the creativity and skill of the brewers at Vault City, who have unlocked the treasure trove of flavour hidden within the humble mango. So, raise your glass and toast to the mastery of craft brewing – with Vault City, the journey is always an adventure worth journeying on. Cheers!

Sammy’s Rating: 92%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 87%

MOB review next weekend: JINNY HOWELT by TRACTOR SHED BREWING

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 348

BREWER: Four Pure, South East London, England

STYLE: Fruited Wheat Beer

ABV: 2.8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 8th June 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Here we go again. A low ABV brew that I’m slightly panicked about, purely because of the weakness. However, we are far enough into this beer journey now to realise this is unjustified. Three low ABV beers that we have tested spring to mind… Table Beer by The Kernel, Yu Lu by Siren and Simcoe Small Pale by our brewer today, Four Pure. Each one of them, incredible.

But even though I know the worries are unjustified, panicked I remain. I just can’t help it. I think what it probably is, is that if a low one goes bad, it goes REALLY bad.

Right, time to see what Juiced is all about…

Meeeeeeeeeeh, after all that it’s unfortunately not very good at all.

It the sip there was early promise. Certainly refreshing and certainly drinkable. And the flavours of Passion Fruit and Lime were no doubt evident. But once swallowed the whole taste experience falls off a cliff. And I don’t mean just fall off a cliff. No. Juiced FALLS. OFF. A. CLIFF. It’s literally like it never happened, until the unfortunate woody aftertaste creeps in.

Look, I know a beer with such a low ABV will always struggle for body and depth at the back end. It’s totally understandable. But what happens with Juiced is so extreme in it’s disappearing act that I just can’t get onboard with this one. Which is a shame because, as mentioned there was certainly early promise for this brew.

Jymi’s Rating: 34%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Exterior Design:

Juiced arrived on the scene with a label that’s as vibrant as a summer sunset, promising a refreshing journey ahead. However, its packaging, while eye-catching, lacks the sleekness and sophistication of many of its counterparts.  It’s a little bit of an after thought.

Interior Performance:

Under the hood, Juiced delivers on its promise of fruity flavour; it’s like taking a sip of sunshine, with each gulp bursting with tropical goodness. The problem with its performance, is that it tails off all too quickly.  This can be attributed to its lack of power – it’s only packing 2.8% abv.  

Handling:

While Juiced does deliver on underpowered flavour, its handling leaves something to be desired. This beer comes up short in terms of smoothness and mouthfeel. It’s like driving a car with a shaky suspension – you feel every bump along the way.

Innovative Features:

Where Juiced begins to show some promise is in its innovative approach to brewing. This beer is beginning to push the boundaries of what a fairly low alcohol fruited wheat beer can be. It’s a bold experiment that pays off in terms of being incredibly refreshing.

Additional Info:

Juiced may not win any awards for its name, or for anything else for that matter, but it does what it says on the tin. It’s a fruited wheat beer through and through, delivering on its promise of refreshment with every sip. Perfect for summer gatherings and lazy afternoons alike, Juiced is a versatile brew that’s sure to please.

Overall Verdict:

Juiced stands out as a quirky ride with fruity flair. While its handling and lack of power may leave something to be desired, its notable flavour and innovative approach make it a worthy addition to the world of flavoured wheat beers.  So buckle up and take a sip – Juiced is ready to take you on a refreshingly underpowered journey!

Sammy’s Rating: 61%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 47.5%

MOB review next weekend: TRIPLE FRUITED MANGO by VAULT CITY

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 347

BREWER: Northern Monk, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: Fruit IPA

ABV: 4.7%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 1st June 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

This is a dreadful beer.

Going into this I was kinda hoping that Northern Monk were going to actually miss the brief of making a beer inline with a Twister ice cream. I do like a Twister ice cream once in a while. But I do not want my beer to taste like one. Don’t get me wrong, if they had totally missed the brief and produced a tasty brew then harsh words would have been dealt because of not delivering what the can suggests… but at least it would have been a good beer.

But, sadly, they NAILED the brief, so the beer tastes nothing short of disgusting.

I honestly don’t know how any drinkers of Fruit Twist would ever return to purchase another. And surely only intrigue would make someone buy one in the first place? As was the case with us two.

And I’ll be honest, halfway through testing I decided that enough was enough and threw the rest down the drain.

Avoid, no matter what.

Jymi’s Rating: 13%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Having previously chewed down a can of Fruit Twist, I had to psyche myself up for the daunting task of reviewing this beer.  I truly had to steel myself for what lay ahead. This unnatural concoction, inspired by a well known ice lolly, promised a taste of nostalgia but left me pondering the wisdom of its creation.

Fruit Twist dances on the palate with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop. Its flavours, reminiscent of the cherished ice lolly, evoke memories of carefree summer days. However, the sweetness overwhelms, leaving a lingering sensation that borders on cloying.  It is just not something that should have ever happened.

Despite its best efforts to deliver a refreshing experience, the beer’s syrupy texture and overwhelming sweetness make each sip a truly laborious task.

In conclusion, Fruit Twist stands as a testament to the perils of experimentation in the world of brewing. While the brewers at Northern Monk may have succeeded in replicating the flavours of the well-liked ice lolly, they have overlooked the inherent clash between sweetness and drinkability, and ultimately the whole concept of this beer.  Just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean it should be done. In reality, this brew falls short of its potential, teetering on the brink of undrinkability and leaving a bittersweet taste in the mouth of even the most adventurous beer enthusiast.

Sammy’s Rating: 26%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 19.5%

MOB review next weekend: JUICED by FOUR PURE

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 346

BREWER: Jubel Beer, South London, England

STYLE: Fruit Lager

ABV: 4%

VESSEL: 330ml tin

DATE OF POST: 27th May 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I’m sorry, this is just a poor beer.

There was promise knocking around in places that gave it a chance, but no, none of said promise materialised.

Way before even taking this brew out of the MOB test fridge to test, I knew from a previous encounter with this brewery in 2020 that we could have an issue here.

However, I set that negativity aside and focused on the fact that fairly recently I had had a lager cut with peach from an all together different brewery that I just assumed was going to be rubbish. It actually turned out to be really good. Soooooooo, maybe just maybe, this brew could do the same.

Now, as this brew hit the lips during the first sip an eyebrow was raised. Not in a bad way. But in a, ‘oh, maybe this beer might deliver after all’ way. However, once swallowed and left to linger it all just turned into a big fat no.

Does it taste like a lager?  Yes

Is there orange flavour?  Yes, for sure.

Is there blood orange flavour?  Nope.

Does it taste any good? Nope.

Jubel must be doing something right business wise as I see them about a lot. But beer wise, I’m afraid that they are yet to impress.

Jymi’s Rating: 28%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

In the vast sea of craft beers, we all know that there are treasures to be found and disappointments to be tasted. Here, we navigate these murky waters to uncover the truth behind a brew that promises a possible twist: Blood Orange Lager. Will this beer be a refreshing revelation or a regrettable detour? 

Before diving into the drinking, it’s hard to ignore the initial impressions left by the packaging and name. Unfortunately, both aspects fall short of expectations, with lacklustre packaging and a forgettable name that fails to inspire curiosity or excitement.

As the first whiff wafts from the glass, there’s a faint hint of blood orange, but it’s overshadowed by the familiar scent of a traditional lager, which, let’s be honest, ain’t that great. It’s not unpleasant, but it lacks the vibrant aroma that one might expect from a beer infused with blood orange.

The taste of this brew fails to impress. The combination of blood orange with the usual lager notes results in a flavour that is, at best, mildly intriguing. It’s akin to a lager and lime, but with the lime replaced by blood orange. Unfortunately, the result is a concoction that falls flat, leaving a gacky sensation on the palate that is far from satisfying.

While some may find merit in the novelty of a blood orange-infused lager, for many, this beer misses the mark. Its underwhelming taste and uninspired packaging suggest that it may appeal more to those who don’t actually enjoy beer than to seasoned beer enthusiasts. In the realm of craft brewing, innovation is key, but it must be paired with quality and authenticity to truly leave a lasting impression. Unfortunately, Blood Orange Session Lager fails to deliver on all fronts, making it a disappointing dive into the world of flavoured lagers.

Sammy’s Rating: 30%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 29%

MOB review next weekend: FRUIT TWIST by NORTHERN MONK

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 345

BREWER: Buxton Brewery, Derbyshire, England

STYLE: NEIPA

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 17th May 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well, there are a few talking points for this one…

NAME: Now, I’m glad Buxton have made reference to the 90s rock track by the then 3 piece Northern Irish rock ensemble, Ash. If they hadn’t I think this would have annoyed me slightly and marks would certainly have been docked. But they have, so they haven’t, and because of this I actually don’t mind the name we have for our beer here at all.

STYLE: So, our tin has informed us the drinker, that the vessel is housing a New England East Coast IPA. I’m not sure I agree with them. Yes, it’s hazy enough in the pour. Yes there are tropical vibes and a sweetness upfront. But it moves to a way more bitter finish than it should have if it’s supposed to be a NEIPA. For me this is more of a Mountain IPA (East Coast / West Coast hybrid). Style wise aside all good, as this brew is fairly tasty, moving from sweet to bitter as you go but as far as this being a New England IPA, I think they’ve missed the brief here.

STRENGTH: So, again, we’re told this is a session beer. And to be fair, it would work well as one, as GFM is light and easy drinking. My issue comes with the ABV. Though 4.8% isn’t strong, it’s by no means weak either. To label a brew as a sessioner, I do think 4.8% is a little on the strong side. In saying that it’s too week just to call it a straight IPA so yet again we’ve landed in-between two worlds.

All in all Girl From Mars, isn’t an East Coast beer, isn’t a West Coast beer, isn’t really a session beer but is too weak to call an IPA.

But when the dust has settled, it is fairly nice.

Jymi’s Rating: 64%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Strap in, folks! Today, we’re blasting off on a cosmic adventure with Girl From Mars – a brew that promises to take your taste buds on a journey to the outer reaches of the beer-verse. With its quirky name, which is based on the song by Ash, and stellar packaging, this beer has us reaching for the stars. But will it leave us soaring high or cause us to come crashing back down to Earth?

First off, let’s give an acknowledgment to the thinking behind the name Girl From Mars: this beer is part of Buxton’s BritHop series (yes – this series of brews is inspired by the British music scene of the 90s). Another way to view the whole theme of this brew, that it’s like a sci-fi movie meets a beer festival, and we’re here for it! Plus, the packaging is out of this world – it’s got us feeling like we’re about to embark on an intergalactic quest with our trusty six-pack in tow. Beam us up, Scotty!

As I crack open a can of Girl From Mars, our olfactory senses are greeted by the all too familiar grapefruit aroma that’s as refreshing as a blast of cool space air. It’s like a cosmic kiss from a celestial citrus fruit, beckoning us to take that first sip and launch into drinking hyperspace.

Girl From Mars is like the quirky indie band at a music festival – not quite headliner material, but still worth a listen. Pouring into the glass, it’s hazy like a nebula, setting the stage for a taste experience that’s out of this world. As a session NEIPA, it’s not the superstar of the galaxy, but at 4.8%, it’s got enough kick to send your taste buds into orbit, albeit a lowly one. 

The flavour? Well, let’s just say it’s as predictable as a space opera – all the usual suspects with no surprises. But hey, sometimes you just want a beer that gets the job done, and Girl From Mars does just that.

Despite its shortcomings, Girl From Mars is a beer that knows how to keep you coming back for more.  It’s as easy to drink as a glass of tangy space juice. Sure, it may not be the most complex NEIPA in the galaxy, but sometimes you don’t need complexity – you just need a beer that’s as reliable as your trusty rocket ship. So, here’s to Girl From Mars – may your adventures in beerland be as endless as the universe itself!

Sammy’s Rating: 64%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 64%

MOB review next weekend: BLOOD ORANGE LAGER by JUBEL BEER

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 344

BREWER: North Brewing Co., West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 10th May 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Can art: Hmmmm, yeah not great is it. Unless you’re a LA Rams fan I suppose.

Name: Hmmm, yeah not great is it. Unless the beer is so good it feels like it’s from another world (spoiler alert, it’s not).

Taste: Well, this brew isn’t good enough to justify it’s name, however, it is pretty tasty to be fair. The presence of lime is evident from the moment the beer hits your lips until the very end of the aftertaste. The lime is nicely mellowed out by a tangerine undertone. It’s not at all prominent but without doubt necessary to chill out our little citrus green ball hit.

Not a complex beer by any means but certainly enjoyable.

Jymi’s Rating: 62%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Another World is a pretty decent beer, but I wouldn’t describe it as being from another world.  Actually, it’s more than fair to say that Another World is very much from this world.  And it’s not setting this world alight, either.

What you get with this beer is a straight bat. There are no surprises or specific points of interest.  While it might deliver a solid performance, it doesn’t do enough to separate it from the pack.

The sherbet nose is supported by the usual grapefruit and citrus notes (on this occasion orange is the dominant fruit).  This drinking continues in the same vein, with Another World predominantly pushing tangerine to the forefront.  The fizz in the finish carries this all through quite nicely.

For a double dry hopped IPA, I think many a punter would expect more than Another World offers.  Despite it being very drinkable and quite pleasant, it’s very much lacking in its ability to punch anything at all special.  It’s a little like a sheep in wolf’s clothing.  Promising much more than it delivers, it falls short of being a cracking DDH IPA whilst still maintaining some good credentials as a decent beer outside of the pigeonhole it has cast itself in.

Sammy’s Rating: 63%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 62.5%

MOB review next weekend: GIRL FROM MARS by BUXTON BREWERY

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 343

BREWER: Siren Craft Brew, Berkshire, England

STYLE: Braggot

ABV: 8.4%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 3rd May 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Uncle Zester, what a name, eh?  And while it might be a bit of an odd one for a beer, it is a bit of an odd beer.  You see what we have here is a braggot.  Never heard of a braggot?  You most certainly won’t be alone.

Let me enlighten you, like I was recently enlightened: a braggot is a blend of beer and mead.  A strange pairing?  Well, it would seem so given how rare they are.  And I’m willing to bet most folk have never tried a mead, let alone a braggot. 

Anyhow – enough of my ramblings.  

The question has to be, is a braggot any good?  And the answer is, I don’t know because I have only tried one. It just so happens that the one that I have tried is actually very good.  It’s this one.

Yes, that’s right, Uncle Zester is a very good braggot (as to the rest of braggot’s, I have no idea).

From the lychee and blood orange packed nose, through to the last pepper aftertaste, via the bitter grapefruit and honey mid flavours, Uncle Zester delivers in every way imaginable.  Actually, Uncy Z delivers so much so that I cannot wait to meet the rest of the family.  

Regardless of what other braggots might be like, this is a wonderful drinking experience.  It has definitely done enough to convince me that I want to try more of this rare breed of beer…

Sammy’s Rating: 89%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well well, week 343, so therefore beer 343. And it’s the MOB boy’s first test of a Braggot… and actually the first time either of us have tried this style at all.

What’s a Braggot then?

Well, it’s a Beer & Mead hybrid. Yep. You heard right.

This brew is also a collaboration… with Siren bringing the noise of the beer and B. Nektar delivering the mead vibe you hear.

And let me tell you right now, this is one HELLUVA brew!!!

The second I cracked the can an undeniable waft of lychee flew up my hooter. Absolutely delightful. And the theme of lychee actually sticks around for the duration of the Uncle Zester (what a cracking beer name) experience. It’s there as a backbone throughout the drink but is joined by a couple of welcome pals along the way. First up is grapefruit. But not necessarily in the way you would find it in a classic craft IPA. UZ then moves along, predicably I suppose, to honey. Again, this is all backed up by the presence of the lychee. It’s balancing the bitterness from the grapefruit early on and somehow quelling the sweetness of the honey. How they have managed that is beyond me. Is there acidity in lychee pulling the sweetness down??? Wish I knew. Ever the pro eh?! And unsurprisingly when all is said and done it’s the lychee that’s dominating the aftertaste with a tiny bit of spice to round it off.

It’s a pretty complex beer this thinking about it. It didn’t seem like it at the time of testing but now I’m reporting back it almost feels like every element in the flavour profile is countering and either enhancing or subduing the other, depending on what is necessary.

I’ve no idea if this a good representation of the Braggot style for reasons stated early on. But one thing I am sure of is that this is an absolute baller of a beer!! An absolute must try if you can find it.

Jymi’s Rating: 91%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 90%

MOB review next weekend: ANOTHER WORLD by NORTH BREWING CO.

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

museonbooze.com

M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 342 (done simultaneously with 1 minute beer review – see what Dan thinks now over on TikTok – @1minutebeerreview) 

BREWER: Polly’s, Flintshire, Wales (with Elusive Brewing, Berkshire)

STYLE: West Coast Pale Ale

ABV: 3.8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin 

DATE OF POST: 26th April 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I think that it’s probably good to start with what is written on the tin by our brewer Polly’s, to give us the back story to this beer…

We were absolutely honoured earlier this year to find we had been asked to take part in Elusive’s yearly Collabageddon series of beers, and honoured even more so that we had been asked to partner up with the host brewery themselves after working so closely and crossing paths multiple times over the years. Knowing of our passion for all things West Coast, it felt like it was the most naturel option to lean into our shared passion, and having looked at the trajectory of Elusive’s Oregon Trail over the years we noticed that it had gone up in strength, but never down. With this in mind, we decided to brew Llanberis Trail – an ultra-crushable Oregon Trail recipe brewed to a sessionable ABV, with our Welsh water profile. The result is a crisp, clean session pale, with a hefty amount of punchy bitterness to honour the beers we collectively love so much.

 

Before even popping this pup it is a beer that is already close to my heart. See, the Llanberis Path is the one that I took up Mount Snowdon pretty much a year ago today in memory of my beautiful Mum who had passed away a year prior to that. And it’s quite clear from the tin art and play on words that this where this beer’s name came from.

OK, I’m about to crack this brew but first I have a confession to make. I’m nervous. Why? Because it’s only 3.8%. Now with Polly’s steering the wheel, helped by the mighty Elusive bringing the Oregon Trail recipe to the party we really should not have a problem here…

But a decent Westy at only 3.8%??? Surely it can’t be done?

Right, let’s go…

F**k me, it can be done. Oh wow, this is serious… Going in for the second sip…

Crickey, 3.8% or not, this is an absolute BANGER of a brew!!!

There’s burnt orange, there’s caramel, it is really crisp, smooth and crushable as well as the promised and essential level of bitterness. Basically, they’ve nailed it!

You can’t even buy this beer now but seriously; this needs to happen again Polly’s and Elusive.

And if it does, I will attempt to buy it all. That’s if me boi Sammy or my man Dan don’t get there first, assuming they like it of course?! They will, I’m sure of it.

Jymi’s Rating: 81%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Llanberis Trail is a collaboration between Polly’s Brewery and Elusive Brewing. The name is based on the latter’s Oregon Trail, a west coast IPA, only it’s been adapted to fit with the former’s Welsh base. 

Whether it be the Welsh water, or the banging combination of hops, or more likely all the things that go into this brew, it’s undoubtedly a belter.  

LT is very clean in the mouth – it packs a hoppy punch upfront and gives way to the well known bitterness of a West Coast brew.  Alongside this, it’s a very refreshing beer. 

But what has to be taken into account, is that the two breweries have managed to do this with a meagre 3.8% abv. Yes, I know. West Coast pedigree in a session percentage. And you really could have a session on LT without getting bored of it. 

A very strong beer. I reckon this would get the seal of approval from a wide range of beer drinkers. 

Sammy’s Rating: 84%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 82.5%

MOB review next weekend: UNCLE ZESTER by SIREN CRAFT BREW

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

museonbooze.com

M O B 2024