KASTEEL ROUGE

BEER REVIEW: 414

BREWER: Kasteel Brouwerij, West Flanders, Belgium

STYLE: Belgian Red Ale

ABV: 7%

VESSEL: 33cl brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 12th September 2025

JYMI SAY’S…

Don’t judge a book by its cover they say…

(Don’t know who they are necessarily.)

The trouble is, when it comes to beer reviewing, I very much do judge a beer by its housing, I can’t help it. If the bottle / tin looks shit I’ll instantly not look forward to testing the beer in question. This has been proved wrong many many times over the many many years. We’ve had striking looking packaging where the brew has turned out to be pooh and shockin’ tin art where the beer has turned out to be rockin’.

But like I say, I just can’t help it… my excitement for a test is 100% governed but the look of the vessel.

So there I was, minding my own business, pottering, but knowing that the testing for Kasteel Rouge was imminent. And the wee stumpy bottle caught the corner of my eye… You’re an ugly looking chap are you not, I said in my head, not wishing to offend.

I got no response. There are a few reasons for this…

Anyway, I finally popped the top of Kasteel’s Rouge and surprise surprise, it was very pleasant indeed! But it did slowly go ever so slightly downhill I’m afraid to say.

This brew opens up by the nose shooting up ya hooter… ALL THE CHERRY! FANTASTIC!! In the sip the cherry bomb continues, very nice indeed! The swallow is nice enough but it’s here that the brewers needed to change the direction of this beer. It needed a bite. Something to break up the cherry sweetness. And unfortunately, the aftertaste, though not unpleasant, is a bit gacky due to what ends up being a bit of a cherry overload.

In conclusion, the ugly duckling ended up being nice enough yes, but with a tweak and switch up in the middle of the sipping could have been so much better.

This really does not help my judging of a beer by its cover does it?!

Anyway, we keep moving.

Jymi’s Rating: 63%

SAMMY SAY’S…

Kasteel Rouge pours like a jewel — deep ruby red, almost theatrical in its vibrancy. It catches the light with a seductive gleam, the kind of beer that looks like it belongs in a crystal goblet rather than a pint glass. That visual promise is matched by a gentle cherry aroma, subtle and restrained, more of a soft invitation than a bold declaration. It doesn’t overwhelm the nose, but what’s there is pleasant and clean, hinting at the fruit to come.

On the palate, the cherry note returns with a touch more confidence, joined by a flicker of acidic sweetness that lifts the flavour without tipping into syrupy territory. There’s a surprising thinness to the mouthfeel — not in a disappointing way, but in a way that keeps the beer feeling light and nimble. It dances more than it lingers. That lightness, combined with the fruit-forward profile, gives it a cider-like quality, especially in the finish. It’s not trying to be complex or layered; instead, it leans into its simplicity with refreshing clarity.

This is a beer that knows its role. It’s not built for long sessions or deep contemplation, but it excels as a summer aperitif — something to sip slowly on a warm evening, perhaps before dinner or alongside a light dessert. There’s enough character to make it memorable, but not so much that it demands your full attention. It’s a gentle detour from the usual Belgian fare, offering a cherry-kissed twist that’s both playful and elegant.

The packaging doesn’t quite match the vibrancy of the beer itself, and the name, while serviceable, doesn’t evoke the fruit-forward experience within. But those are minor quibbles. What matters is that Kasteel Rouge delivers something different — a well-balanced, refreshing brew that’s easy to enjoy and hard to forget. Not a showstopper, but a quiet charmer.

Sammy’s Rating: 81%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 72%

MOB review next weekend: KITCHEN DISCO by DOUBLE-BARRELLED

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

OSEKA

BEER REVIEW: 413

BREWER: The Garden Brewery, Zagreb, Croatia

STYLE: Hazy IPA

ABV: 6.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 5th September 2025

SAMMY SAY’S…

In the Adriatic sun, where the light dances on olive leaves and stone paths lead to sleepy seaside taverns, Oseka takes its first breath—a hazy IPA born of Croatian clarity and craft. Brewed in a land that embraces contrast—sea and mountain, tradition and innovation—this beer embodies that duality with elegance.

Its appearance is pure Dalmatian daydream: hazy gold, like sunlight filtered through fig leaves. The nose offers melon and grapefruit in easy alliance, reminiscent of citrus groves kissed by salt air. It’s the kind of aroma that invites pause, like the quiet beauty of Šibenik’s old town.

Then comes the sip. Lemon and lime sparkle on the tongue—bright, purposeful, Mediterranean. But it’s the melon that anchors the palate, mellow and soft like a whisper from the hills above Split. The balance is remarkable: each note distinct, none domineering. It’s mouthfeel is coastal silk—smooth and refreshing, like diving into the sea after a long hike.

Oseka doesn’t wear its ABV loudly. It’s subtle, seductive, and perilously sipable—a Dalmatian disguise for a drink that could charm you well past sunset. You could drink this under vines in Motovun or beside the buzzing life of Zagreb, and it would feel equally at home.

While the packaging may not shout, the name does the heavy lifting: evocative, memorable, just like the beer itself. It’s an understated triumph—a Croatian haze that offers more than refreshment. It offers place.

Sammy’s Rating: 91%

JYMI SAY’S…

Meaning mid tide and being accompanied by the most subtle but glorious piece of artwork I fell in love with Oseka pretty darn quick. This love was kinda already bubbling as the previous beer that we had tested from this brewery had scored a whopping 91% overall and I genuinely still remember the day I supped that delightful sour.

However, I was yet to open this Hazy Pale, so my heart could quite easily still have been broken.

Thankfully, it was not… Oseka is a delightful beer.

Opening with a stunning tropical nose you just know things are gonna be ok with what Garden Brewery have put forward. What follows all works together in perfect harmony…

In sip the tropical delight from the nose continues with semi sweet passion fruit nods and slight citrus tickles. This then transfers to a melon tone in the swallow which I have to say is utterly divine! Then what follows is just perfect. It’s a medium body bitterness that is just the most amazing conclusion to this simply stunning brew.

It’s bright, it’s light, it’s beautiful.

So go find and enjoy you beautiful beer loving people.

Jymi’s Rating: 94%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 92.5%

MOB review next weekend: KASTEEL ROUGE by KASTEEL BROUWERIJ

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

BIG FRANK

BEER REVIEW: 412

BREWER: Two Flints, Berkshire, England

STYLE: Double IPA

ABV: 8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 29th August 2025

JYMI SAY’S…

To be frank, upfront, Big Frank is big. Like, right up in your grill big.

Starting off with a big boozy dank nose you’re soon led swiftly to an upfront big boozy and dank flavour… delightful! But it did get me thinking, one tin of this intensity and the drinker would have certainly had their fill. However, these thoughts were had after only one sip, so definitely too early to be drawing any conclusions.

You see, as you make your way through Big Frank it without doubt starts to mellow out. It remains boozy yes, but not too boozy. There’s a lovely bitter hop level too, but again, not too much, allowing Big Frank to develop into a very juicy beer. With notes of lime, orange and a tickle of coconut this is actually a seriously drinkable brew… but steady now, remember the strength of this pup at all times or you’ll roll into that canal before you know it!

With very clean packaging and a long, gently fading aftertaste, I conclude that Big Frank is an incredible beer.

Job done Two Flints, job very well done.

Jymi’s Rating: 90%

SAMMY SAY’S…

In the year of our Lord, in the season when the air hung warm and the taverns hummed with merriment, I happened upon a vessel most curious—a metallic flask bearing the name Big Frank, adorned not in splendour but with honest intent. Its outward garb was unremarkable, yet within it lay a trove of learned graphics and pleasing counsel, such that the inquisitive drinker might ponder its depths before even wetting the tongue.

Upon pouring, the liquid did resemble set honey beneath morning light, crowned with a noble head that stood as if to greet the onlooker. As the scent did rise, I discerned mango and lemon in gentle congress, evoking a vision of far-off tropics where fruits ripen beneath generous suns. The aroma danced with grace—neither bold nor fleeting—offering an overture to what followed.

I drank, and lo! The mouth was greeted with exquisite feel—neither cloying nor flat, but round and silken as the embrace of velvet. Sweetness of pineapple did lead the procession, a stately and deliberate march, before giving way to a bitterness both firm and dignified. The shift from dulcet to stern was so tempered, so refined, that I found it mirrored the wisdom of age: pleasure met with purpose.

As I journeyed deeper into the chalice, a warmth emerged—honeyed, mellow, like the memory of a kind word long after it was spoken. Each draught bore balance; each swallow called forth quiet contemplation.

Though its garb may lack ornament, Big Frank is no trifling ale. Nay, it is a draught for men and women of taste and discernment, for those who seek grown-up joy in grown-up bitterness. Big Frank, as some might declare with mirth, hath landed—and with him comes satisfaction not easily forgotten.

Let the lesser ales babble and boast. This one speaks in measured tone, and to those who listen well, it doth reward richly.

Sammy’s Rating: 92%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 91%

MOB review next weekend: OSEKA by THE GARDEN BREWERY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

ROTHAUS PILS

BEER REVIEW: 411

BREWER: Badische Straatsbrauerei, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

STYLE: Pilsner

ABV: 5.1%

VESSEL: 0,5l brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 22nd August 2025

SAMMY SAY’S…

Rothaus Pils presents itself with a kind of quiet confidence—a beer that’s not trying to reinvent anything, but is content showing you how good tradition can feel with a little polish. The packaging strikes that balance nicely: heritage without being stuck in it. There’s a modern sensibility in the design, but it still gives a nod to its roots, and it works effortlessly.

The aroma fits the bill: perfumy hop notes that don’t shout but shimmer, gently reminding you that this is, unequivocally, a pilsner. On the palate, those floral hints continue with a refreshing mouthfeel that keeps it crisp without veering into clinical. It feels considered, crafted to deliver what a pils should, no more, no less—and yet the execution elevates it.

It’s easily drinkable, almost deceptively so. There’s structure beneath the simplicity. Rothaus doesn’t push boundaries, it refines them. There’s personality in the choice of hops, a measured restraint that knows not to overdo it. The name might not thrill, but it suits the beer: understated and true to form.

Everything in this brew just feels well thought-out. From the lively label to the balanced sip, it’s a pils that doesn’t pretend to be anything else—and because of that, it ends up being one of the stronger examples of the style. Not flashy, but quietly excellent. It’s the kind of beer you admire more with each glass.

Sammy’s Rating: 72%

JYMI SAY’S…

Even though we make billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and Billy Inzun Billy Inzun BILL YENSEN BILL YENSEN BILL YENSEN BILL YENSEN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_aLESDql1U from our highly professional and polished beer reviews, I still find it grounds me going off to work each day for an honest days toil.

Now the week just gone I have to say was an absolute brut…

Busy as a bee, hotter than a hard working bee and more (unplanned) exercise than a very hard working overworked bee.

So, to say it was a relief to get home and chalk the week off as just one of those is an understatement. And what better way to draw a line under a week than to crack open an ice cold bottle of German Pilsner in the sun…

Though the bottle is unappealing, there was just something about it that excited me. Tradition? Aforementioned, off the back of a mental week? Dunno. But I was ready and the time was NOW!

And, honestly, and I’m confident when I say, this wasn’t just because of the situation, this is a sublime lager!

What is instantly noticeable, is the hop content. Manual notes actually said that this could almost be a West Coast! Of course it’s nowhere near but for that to have even crossed my mind tells you how hoppy this number actually is.

Rothaus Pils also brings a spice and a wee mild twang and again going back to the manual tasting notes…

If all lagers tasted as good as this, then I would drink a lot more of them.

And that is high praise indeed from ya boi Jymi.

Seriously, search this one out.

Jymi’s Rating: 80%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 76%

MOB review next weekend: BIG FRANK by TWO FLINTS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

EXPRESSIONS: CITRA

BEER REVIEW: 410

BREWER: Siren Craft Brew, Berkshire, England

STYLE: DDH Citra IPA

ABV: 5.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 15th August 2025

SAMMY SAY’S…

Expressions’ Citra brew lands with an instant visual win—the yellow and orange packaging bursts with vibrancy, echoing the single hop’s character. In the glass, the beer stays true to its citrus-forward reputation: a deep golden haze that promises refreshment.

On the nose, grapefruit commands the scene, but lemon weaves in a harmonious counterpoint, keeping the aroma fresh and clean. The first sip reinforces expectations—grapefruit pushes forward with authority, dominating the taste profile. For lovers of pure Citra expression, this is exactly what you’d want. However, there’s a sense that the flavour could use a supporting act, something to carry it beyond that initial hit, stretching its complexity into deeper canyons.

Mouthfeel suffers slightly; it’s bold, intense, and demands commitment. But what it loses in easy drinking, it makes up for in sheer clarity of purpose. The IPA credentials hold strong, and the packaging delivers on theme, making this a beer you’d reach for again, especially if you admire a single hop being showcased at full throttle.

Expressions – Citra does exactly what it sets out to do—it celebrates Citra without compromise. Whether that’s perfection or demands an extra layer will depend entirely on your palate.

Sammy’s Rating: 80%

JYMI SAY’S…

Of all the hops to use in a single hop brew, Citra is the one for me. Some say, actually most say, it’s the king of hops when it comes to craft beer and who am I (multi-awarding winning, decorated beer reviewer, churning out dross since the 80s) to disagree.

A lot, if not all other hops need a pal or even a few pals to shine, as on their own they lack something. Whereas Citra can stand alone and do myriad jobs by itself.

And here we have a Citra only offering from our mighty local brewers, Siren. Expressions is their single hop range and it just made sense to go with the Citra offering for reasons mentioned above…

This is a really good beer, but is missing something to elevate it to super stardom.

Let’s go through this step by step…

This brew starts off with a spectacular tropical nose, so inviting!

The taste in sip and mouthfeel whilst sipping is also exceptional! Again, it’s tropical goodness and one that defo keeps you a chuggin’, it’s that good.

But it’s at the next stage that Expressions: Citra dips a bit. See the middle is lacking a bit of body, flavour and personality. Shame.

Because the texture and flavour in the aftertaste, though subtle, is nothing short of world class. The aftertaste is one of soft grapefruit, orange and somehow, marshmallow, in taste and texture. And it goes on and on and on, but subtly and softly.

If there was more action in the middle then we would be onto an understated worldy here. But as it is, this is just a really good beer.

Jymi’s Rating: 81%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 80.5%

MOB review next weekend: ROTHAUS PILS by BADISCHE STRAATSBRAUEEI ROTHAUS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Bluesky: @museonbooze.bsky.social

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M O B 2025

TIGER

BEER REVIEW: 409

BREWER: Heineken, Lothian, Scotland

STYLE: Lager

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 640ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 8th August 2025

JYMI SAY’S…

Back in the day my parents in-law drank the king of the lower alcohol mass produced lagers. Hofmeister. Now if it had been Carling or Fosters then we could have had a serious problem as they were not my parents in-law then, just my girlfriend’s folks. But luckily, Hofmeister it was, and for this bracket of beer it was by far and away the best by a country mile. Absolute legend of a beer really, for what it was. Now, on occasion should there be a takeaway happening or an incredible home cooked satay chicken being rustled up in the kitchen, Hoffy would take a back seat for a few hours and would be replaced by their treat beer, Tiger. Fine by me! However, this was in the early 2000s, and today is today. Let’s pop the hood and see what lies beneath…

Unfortunately, total and utter mediocrity, bang average, and I’m actually not even sure it reaches those heights. There is an unpleasant malty tone to Tiger nowadays. It doesn’t sing / roar like it once did. It’s plain and average. Drinkable? Just. But this really isn’t a very good beer anymore I’m afraid.

Jymi’s Rating: 40%

SAMMY SAY’S…

Once heralded as a household name—at least back when glossy men’s mags held sway over taste—Tiger had its moment in the limelight before craft beer revolutionised expectations. In the days of lager dominance, it had a reputation for being a solid choice, but with so many new contenders prowling the shelves, does this once proud feline still have a place in the pride?

At first glance, its packaging is familiar and reassuring, like a contented moggy curled up in its usual sunny spot. The bold colours give it presence, but much like a tabby that blends into the furniture, the graphics don’t demand attention. It’s safe, recognisable, and not about to leap out at you—more of a house cat than a wild predator.

On the nose, there’s an immediate sense of nostalgia, an unmistakable lager scent that’s sweet, malty, and clean. It’s as predictable as the soft nuzzle of a cat returning to the same spot every evening. Comforting, familiar, and without any surprises.

The taste follows suit. A touch of saltiness upfront leads into a sweet finish, with woody notes lounging somewhere in between the two. There’s no sudden burst of excitement, no playful clawing at complexity—it simply pads along with an easy drinkability. It’s the kind of beer you can sip absentmindedly, much like stroking a cat as it dozes in your lap. There’s no real bite, no attempt to assert dominance, just a smooth, relaxed presence.

Ultimately, Tiger is a beer that knows its place. It doesn’t purr with excitement or sharpen its claws on innovation, but it won’t disappoint if you’re after something easy and familiar. It’s drinkable, reliable, and entirely unremarkable—much like the quiet, unassuming cat that curls up beside you, content but not demanding attention. If you want something safe, this is your domesticated companion—not prowling, not roaring, just there.

Sammy’s Rating: 46%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 43%

MOB review next weekend: EXPRESSIONS: CITRA by SIREN CRAFT BREW

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

IT’S THE HOPE THAT GETS YOU

BEER REVIEW: 408

BREWER: Pretty Decent Beer Co, East London, England

STYLE: Sour

ABV: 5.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 1st August 2025

JYMI SAY’S…

I do try to vary where I source the beers I offer up for testing. Whenever I’m away from home, I make a point of grabbing something I wouldn’t be able to find back in my usual haunts. And if I happen to pass a random bottle shop on more local travels, I’ll pop in, time permitting, of course.

But this one? This one came about the old-fashioned way, just me, staring into the fridges of my most local craft beer shop, wondering what to pick. After several hours of deliberation (seven walks up and down the fridges and a lengthy internal debate), I landed on It’s the Hope That Gets You. Why?

RISKY NAME
DOG LOOKING AT ME ALL CUTE LIKE
IT’S AN ALPHONSO MANGO SOUR, FFS

Let’s talk about that name, for both the beer and the brewery. When you go with something so cheeky and self-aware, you’re kind of putting it all on the line, aren’t you? It’s the Hope That Gets You is basically pre-apologising for being a letdown. Which perversely made me quite excited. I thought, surely… surely… they’re setting the bar low just to smash through it, right? Plus, it’s an Alphonso Mango Sour FFS!

Packaging wise, I’ve got to admit, the pup on the label did a number on me. “It’s okay, boy,” I said (silently, to the can), “we’ll go for a nice long walk and come back for a refreshing sour.”
What kind of sour, Jymi?
An Alphonso Mango Sour matey!
In that case—LET’S GO!

But I’m sorry to report, to all bonobos, canines, and sour lovers alike—that this brew didn’t quite deliver.

It’s too sweet. Not nearly tart enough to provide the balance a good sour needs. There’s a strong mango presence, which is lovely upfront, but it’s joined by a hit of vanilla that pushes the sweetness even further. The swallow tries to fire off a little sour burst to pull things together, but it just doesn’t land.

In the end, and perhaps fittingly given the name, this one didn’t cut the mustard. The promise was there, but the execution…

Well, it’s the hope that gets you, isn’t it?

Jymi’s Rating: 52%

SAMMY SAY’S…

It’s the Hope That Gets You arrives with all the charm and visual punch of something you want to root for. The packaging wins you over instantly—budget-conscious but clever, with a green label and a dog that feels like it’s eyeing you for approval. You pour it into the glass and it looks like liquid sunshine, straight mango juice. The anticipation builds fast.

The nose hits first, and it’s glorious. Mango, bold and unapologetic, leaps out and sets the stakes high. You sip—and things quieten down. There’s a nice mouthfeel, some pleasant drinking moments, and even a whisper of sour trying to add complexity. But it never quite hits full volume. It’s like someone turned the treble up and forgot the bass: nice notes, but thin in places.

What follows is a beer that’s smooth and drinkable but slightly frustrating. It’s as if all the ingredients are shy, holding back when you want them to take centre stage. The mango in the taste plays second fiddle to its aromatic promise. The sour character? Barely present and not at all punchy. You’re sipping something that teases greatness, but lands closer to diluted mango juice.

The name flirts with cleverness but doesn’t quite seal the deal. “It’s the Hope That Gets You” sounds philosophical, almost mournful—but given the flavour profile, “It’s the Hop That Gets You” would’ve nailed the pun, added wit, and better aligned with the mango-forward theme.

Still, there’s undeniable charm. A beer full of potential that keeps you sipping just in case the magic kicks in. It doesn’t quite—but you admire it for trying. Hope, after all, is what keeps you coming back to the glass.

Sammy’s Rating: 58%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 55%

MOB review next weekend: TIGER by HEINEKEN

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Bluesky: @museonbooze.bsky.social

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M O B 2025

LUNAR HAZE

BEER REVIEW: 407

BREWER: Beavertown, North London, England

STYLE: Hazy IPA

ABV: 4.5%

VESSEL: 330ml tin

DATE OF POST: 25th July 2025

JYMI SAY’S…

Beavertown Beavertown Beavertown…
Lunar Haze floats in a corporate glow,
What once was bold now feels too slow.
Hints of greatness dim and stray,
Drinkable, yes, but dull I say…
Heineken’s hand, led those skulls astray.

Jymi’s Rating: 35%

SAMMY SAY’S…

Drifting through the vast unknown, I came across a beacon—bright, bold, shimmering like a celestial marvel among the dull void of lesser brews. The can was a masterpiece, a visual spectacle that whispered promises of cosmic refreshment. But when I cracked it open, the dream of interstellar excellence dissolved into the cold vacuum of disappointment.

The nose was promising—tropical passion fruit swirling through the air like the sweet scent of an alien bloom. Not mind blowing, but respectable. So I took the plunge, expecting waves of flavour as deep as the galaxy itself. Instead, I got a weak gravitational pull—thirst quenching, sure, with a touch of bitterness, but the taste barely made an impact. A faint trace of passion fruit clung on, but it was barely enough to tether this beer to greatness.

The mouthfeel? Light, almost weightless, floating aimlessly like debris caught in orbit. No real substance, no depth, just an easy-drinking, one-dimensional brew that lacked the complexity to warrant a return trip.

So, is it a fridge filler? Definitely. A reliable, uninspired companion for moments when you don’t need a beer to impress. But for those seeking a truly stellar sip—this one’s just space junk.

Looks like a supernova, drinks like a dying star.

Sammy’s Rating: 49%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 42%

MOB review next weekend: IT’S THE HOPE THAT GETS YOU by PRETTY DECENT BEER CO

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Bluesky: @museonbooze.bsky.social

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M O B 2025

POWER MOVE

BEER REVIEW: 406

BREWER: Neon Raptor, Nottinghamshire, England

STYLE: New England IPA

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 18th July 2025

SAMMY SAY’S…

If you’re looking for a brew that captures the too-much-is-never-enough ethos of the 80s, Power Move certainly makes an effort. The all-black can? Peak synthwave chic, like it just rolled off the set of “Tron” or got handed out at a Duran Duran afterparty. The branding? Cohesive, committed, and confident—a neon-lit tribute to an era that didn’t know the meaning of restraint.

And it starts strong. That citrus nose hits like the opening chords of a power ballad—grapefruit dominates, but with a lemon-lime riff that adds just enough complexity to keep things interesting. But then, much like a shoulder-padded blazer that looks the part but doesn’t quite fit, the taste doesn’t hold up quite as well. The grapefruit and lime show up, sure, but it’s thinner than a Miami Vice plotline—lacking the depth to really carry it through the finish.

The mouthfeel? Light—almost too light, like a dance floor packed with leg warmers but no real rhythm. It wants to be bold, but it settles into something a little artificial instead—think canned pop with the sugar dialled up.

That said, for a retro-themed brew, it lands squarely in the era’s lane. It’s not quite a leading beer, but a reliable backup dancer—there in the mix, bringing the energy, but not taking centre stage. You’ll enjoy it if you love the aesthetic, but if you’re looking for something with real staying power, you might need a bit more… well, oomph.

Sammy’s Rating: 61%

JYMI SAY’S…

It’s hard this beer reviewing lark ya know!

It’s very easy for each review to kinda sound the same regardless of the beer. You make a comment about the packaging, nose and general flavour etc etc and it’s done. This is why we try and mix it up a little bit I suppose. Me, sometimes it may be a wee tale (whether it be true or false (I’ll let you be the judge of that!)), or straight down the line say it as it is review. Sometimes it’s a short to the point number and sometimes, it may go on and on. But over the years I’ve sometimes gone for the actual notes in the notebook. When going down this route there have been occasions where I’ve been pushed for time and the pressure has been on to post. But there have also been times where for whatever reason it just seems to make sense to do so.

And this is one of those times…

Power Move manual notes

Looks great in the glass I have to say.

Lovely thick nose of passion fruit, peach and citrus.

Nose 100% transfers to the taste. Thick with sweet undertones of passionfruit and citrus spikes.

I want / need a touch more bitterness at the end.

Touch sweet all the way through for my liking.

Maybe just lacking a bit of balance but a pleasant enough beer.

And that’s that! Bye!

(you can tell I was pushed for time too can’t you?!)

Jymi’s Rating: 68%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 64.5%

MOB review next weekend: LUNAR HAZE by BEAVERTOWN

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Bluesky: @museonbooze.bsky.social

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M O B 2025

BIG DAY

BEER REVIEW: 405

BREWER: Jiddler’s Tipple, North London, England

STYLE: Pale Ale

ABV: 5.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 11th July 2025

JYMI SAY’S…

First up, what a fantastic name for a beer! Ultimately it doesn’t quite live up to it but hey, it’s still a great name!

Let’s start with the positives…

Big Day is a very drinkable brew with faint lime undertones, a medium body and a very pleasant mouthfeel. It’s the kind of beer that flies down. The mouthfeel is one of almost coconut milk and because of this I swear I was picking up VERY faint notes of coconut in the flavour too!

When it comes to the negatives, I’m not too sure about the tin art. It’s vintage shirt print, which is synonymous with this brewery, though quite cool just doesn’t quite do it for me.

The head on pour was also disappointing, making what is ultimately a good beer look particularly uninviting.

To conclude, Big Day is a pretty tasty brew but no more than that. And coming with its heavyweight name, one that points to grandeur and occasion, I was left kinda wanting.

Jymi’s Rating: 67%

SAMMY SAY’S…

Big Day Pale Ale sits outside Jiddler’s Tipple’s core range due to its ABV exceeding 3.8%. The packaging is neutral—not particularly eye-catching, but not off-putting either.

While there’s a lot of information on the can, much of it is generic to the brewery rather than specific to this beer.

In terms of the drinking experience, it’s a pleasant, easy-going pale ale. The nose is solid, offering fresh and inviting aromas. The mouthfeel is good, making it a smooth and approachable drink.

On the palate, there’s a well-balanced combination of lime and grassy notes, with a hint of sweet tea. While it doesn’t deliver much complexity, the flavours work well together, culminating in a refreshing, lightly bitter finish.

Overall, this is a decent beer—nothing exceptional, but enjoyable for those looking for a straightforward and easy-drinking pale ale.

Sammy’s Rating: 70%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 68.5%

MOB review next weekend: POWER MOVE by NEON RAPTOR

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025