BEER REVIEW: 394

BREWER: Bespoke Brewing Co., Gloucestershire, England

STYLE: Golden Ale

ABV: 4%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 25th April 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Just over a year ago I was lucky enough to spend a week away with my family in the Forest of Dean, where today’s brew is brewed. We were in a  wooden cabin in the middle of the forest with not much to do other then go for wild wet walks then warm up by the cozy fire of an evening. Idyllic. So simple yet so lovely.

This whole simplistic yet lovely vibe absolutely transfers into Forest Gold. Honestly, this Golden Ale is so uncomplex it’s ridiculous. I literally could not pick up any notes of anything! Also, to say it’s one dimensional is an understatement. However, there is a medium bitterness to this brew from start to finish, add in a pretty good mouthfeel and solid body and what you get is actually really nice!

Look, this sucker ain’t gonna win any awards nor get folk chatting about it. But sometimes just a simple straight forward beer of good quality can actually be a very enjoyable experience.

Jymi’s Rating: 62%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Much like the sprawling woodlands it’s named after, Forest Gold is a beer that invites exploration. Its name is a clever nod to both its golden ale status and its origins in the Forest of Dean, setting the stage for a brew that’s as rich and layered as the landscape itself.

Broadly, the packaging works well with its earthy colour scheme, though the graphic design doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. However, the blurb on the bottle adds a nice touch, especially with its nod to freelancers—an unexpected but intriguing connection. On the nose, the beer delivers malty warmth, exactly what you’d expect from a brew rooted in nature.

From the first sip, Forest Gold impresses with its superb mouthfeel—light yet full of character. It’s balanced on the palate, but don’t let that fool you; this beer still carries plenty of punch. The flavour profile is refreshingly earthy, with subtle pine notes and a delicate hint of lime zest that lingers. For a 4% ABV beer, it packs a surprising amount of depth and keeps going long after the initial sip.

This is the kind of beer that suits almost any occasion—reliable, flavourful, and deeply refreshing. Whether you’re unwinding after a day’s work or kicking back in the heart of the forest itself, Forest Gold delivers a taste of the wild with every sip. It’s a rock-solid offering that I’d happily come back to again.

Sammy’s Rating: 81%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 71.5%

MOB review next weekend: POTHOLER by CHEDDAR ALES

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M O B 2025

BEER REVIEW: 393

BREWER: Indie Rabble, Berkshire, England

STYLE: Crumble Sour

ABV: 4.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 18th April 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

I was so ready for this beer. The name? Clever. The concept? Intriguing. Pear and almond crumble in a beer? Sounds like a dream. I cracked it open, expecting a wave of juicy pear sweetness and nutty warmth wrapped in a tart, refreshing sour.

To begin with, the can design had potential, but it felt a bit all over the place. The Jungle Book reference? Sure, I get it. Pear and almonds? Makes sense. But the execution? A little messy—much like the beer itself.

Once unleashed in the glass, I leaned in, eager for a fresh burst of pear. Instead… sour. Just sour. A faint whisper of fruit lingered in the background, but it wasn’t the vibrant, juicy aroma I had hoped for.

Okay, the big event: the taste. It is a sour, so I braced myself in expectation. The pear and almond crumble flavours are there, but they don’t quite land. Instead of a balanced dessert-inspired treat, it felt like two separate ideas awkwardly mashed together. The tartness overpowered the subtle pear, and the almond note got lost somewhere along the way. Drinkable? Yes. Memorable? Not really.

This beer had so much potential, but it just didn’t deliver. I wanted a harmonious mix of sweet, nutty, and tart—but what I got was a sour lacking punch that left me feeling a little empty.

Overall, this was a journey from excitement to letdown.

Sammy’s Rating: 59%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I think most street stomping youths went through a Cider phase. Mine didn’t last massively long before I drifted back into the world of shite mass produced lager.

However, around 10 years ago while visiting the lovely country county of Dorset for a long weekend I stumbled across perry, which is pear cider. Turns out, I liked perry WAY more than cider, which, to be fair figures, as I like pears WAY more than apples. And as I’ve mentioned in a previous beer review (literally no idea which one we’ve done so flippin’ many now!) the humble pear makes it into my top 3 fruits (raspberry and grapefruit are the other two for those interested).

And this brings us, quite seamlessly, to today’s brew, Pear Necessities. Now PN isn’t just a Pear sour, no no, it’s a Pear and Almond Crumble sour.

And my first take is that everything is present…

Pear – yep

Almond – yup

Crumble – yerp

Sour – yarf

There is nothing more annoying than a beer professing to be something and tasting nothing like the description, even if it tastes good. It irritates me. Just change the description if you’ve shanked the brew?? I know that’s cheating but to promise something and then it taste nothing like that promise is frankly… IRRITATING!! I’m buggin now, haha, back to the positive mind set. F me.

Here is how the relatively new, yet award winning Indie Rabble’s nailing of the description went…

Soft almond nose.

Almond leading taste in sip.

Pear there in flavour and adding to the texture too. Like a soft floaty perry (see above, concentrate at the back will ya).

Going into the early aftertaste pear then becomes the dominant force in flavour.

But once the aftertaste fully settles down it’s basically a Pear & Almond Crumble.

So good!

Now, if I’m being totally honest, I think I want a wee bit more crumble texture just to thicken the brew up. However, that could, and almost certainly would, detracting from how drinkable Pear Necessities is.

But when all is said and done… she’s a beaut.

Indie Rabble have done a full Ronseal here.

Jymi’s Rating: 78%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 68.5%

MOB review next weekend: FOREST GOLD by BESPOKE BREWING CO.

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BEER REVIEW: 392

BREWER: Burning Sky, East Sussex, England

STYLE: Pilsner

ABV: 4.6%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 11th April 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

NZ Pils, a beer that caught me off guard in the best way possible, exceeded my expectations. I had anticipated a standard pilsner, but this one brought a unique twist to the table.

The beer’s packaging is a standout feature. The white and green colour scheme is fresh, clean, and distinctly Kiwi. The fern motif is a clever touch that establishes a strong connection to New Zealand without being overpowering. It’s simple, stylish, and truly effective.

Upon initial sniff, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Pilsners can sometimes be a bit muted in aroma. However, this beer had a delightful floral malt aroma that set the stage for something refreshing. It was subtle yet inviting, piquing my curiosity.

The sip was equally impressive. The malt character shone through beautifully, infusing the beer with a touch of sweetness that lingered just enough before the finish. It was lighter than I had anticipated for a pilsner, but that actually made it even more refreshing. The malt was not overly complex, but it was far from boring.

What began as a casual sip transformed into a genuinely enjoyable surprise. NZ Pils surpasses the average lager by striking a perfect balance between sweetness and crispness. It’s a beer that can be enjoyed in any setting, whether you’re relaxing by the coast or cooling off after a long hike.

Sammy’s Rating: 77%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Anything that starts with NZ is alright by me.

Pilsner, yep, I’m a fan. Though lager is nowhere near my first choice of beer style nowadays, I do still enjoy a good ol’ Pils once in a while.

Burning Sky Brewery. Well, I haven’t tried a huge amount of their offerings, but the ones that I have, have been nothing short of exceptional.

Soooooooo, with a brew by Burning Sky named simply NZ Pils, we should be onto a winner here…

Ring pull pulled, let’s go.

Yep, it’s lovely…

Starting off with a fresh limey nose you almost instantly know you’re potentially onto the aforementioned winner. In the sip NZP is so smooth it’s ridiculous (think we probably have those New Zealand hops to thank for this). As the flavour begins to build the lime notes from the nose are left behind only to be replaced by a sensational subtle lemon. The aftertaste is VERY DRY and utterly divine I have to say. But with all this said, there is a slight chink in NZPs armour. We’ve established that the sip, texture and aftertaste are very good indeed, but it’s in the middle that this brew is a little on the average side. It’s fine, it’s ok, but just doesn’t do an awful lot in the mid-section of the drinking.

However, when all is said and done, this is indeed a great lager and one I would most certainly recommend.

Jymi’s Rating: 77%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 77%

MOB review next weekend: PEAR NECESSITIES by INDIE RABBLE

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BEER REVIEW: 391

BREWER: Middle Child, Surrey, England

STYLE: East Coast Pale Ale

ABV: 5.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 4th April 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

East Molesey Pale is a well-crafted, easy-drinking pale ale with a beautifully balanced profile.

Poured into the glass, it has a very light, sandy hue with a slight haze, giving it a natural and unfiltered look.  The aroma is inviting, bursting with tropical fruit notes, a touch of pine nuts, and a fresh summer meadow character. The nose is bright, clean, and enticing.

The mouthfeel is fantastic—refreshing and light-bodied, making it effortlessly drinkable. Pineapple sweetness leads the charge, followed by a soft, grassy meadow-like freshness. The beer rounds off with a strong, well-defined bitterness, providing depth and complexity. A well-balanced interplay of sweet and bitter elements keeps each sip engaging.

Overall, a fantastic pale ale that balances refreshment and character beautifully. The tropical and piney notes keep it interesting, while the smooth mouthfeel and crisp finish make it highly drinkable. A solid choice for anyone who enjoys a well-executed pale ale with a touch of bitterness to round it off.

Sammy’s Rating: 82%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Middle Child Brewing were the winners of Elusive Brewing’s awesome annual homebrewing competition 3, maybe 4 years ago. Creating beers in the shadow of Hampton Court Palace, Middle Child have begun to really make a name for themselves of late.

East Molesey Pale (which is a clever name for an East Coast Pale ale considering the location these dudes brew in) is packaged up it what could easily be a Curtis Mayfield record sleeve from those 70s and looks, fantastic! Simple but extremely effective.

This is my first venture into the world of Middle Child and I’m excited. In fact, I’m very excited.

Anyway, let’s crack the can and see what it is all about…

Well well, its a goodun!

Pouring quite dark for an east coast the aroma coming off of EMP was that of citrus for sure, but quite a deep citrus. I don’t really know how to quantify that. Citrus wafts are normally bright and zesty, but these were deep. I still don’t know how to quantify that! Anyway, moving on, the sip and mouthfeel for this brew are fantastic. Incredibly smooth and pillowy that no doubt showcases a delicate touch in the brewing process. As for the flavour… it’s a touch sweet, a touch savoury, a touch citrusy with a very very soft bitterness at the end. There are plenty of things going on here without coming across as complex. With small notes of mango and orange kicking around I can only conclude that East Molesey Pale is a triumph.

Find. Enjoy. Spread the word.

With brews like this Middle Child are a brewery that are here to stay.

Jymi’s Rating: 82%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 82%

MOB review next weekend: NZ PILS by BURNING SKY

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BEER REVIEW: 390

BREWER: Warsteiner Brauerei, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

STYLE: Pilsener

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 33cl brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 28th March 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Picture this: You’re at a dinner party in 1976. The fondue pot is bubbling, a prawn cocktail is being served in a martini glass, and ABBA is playing softly in the background. You reach for a beer—Warsteiner, in this case—only to find that, much like the aspic-covered dish on the table, it’s just… fine.

Much like the lingering scent of Brut cologne in the air, the aroma is unmistakably of its time—sweet, stale, and exactly what you’d expect from a standard lager. Nothing offensive, but nothing particularly inviting either.

In the drinking, it’s pilsner that does the job without any flair. The malts provide some depth, but they’re restrained, never quite stepping into the spotlight. A touch of sweetness emerges as you work through it, like the unexpected syrupy edge of a pineapple upside-down cake.

Like a polite conversation about Tupperware or the pros and cons of shag carpeting, Warsteiner goes down easy enough. You might not struggle to get through it, but you’re not exactly excited either.

The packaging is dated and uninspired, like the wood-panelled basement bar it could well have come from. There’s an old-school charm here, but not necessarily in a good way. Feels a little too rigid—like it takes itself too seriously.

Warsteiner is the beer equivalent of a 1970s dinner party staple—dependable but uninspiring. It won’t ruin your night, but it won’t be the highlight either. You’d drink it if it was handed to you, just as you’d politely eat a slice of gelatin-encased mystery meat, but you probably wouldn’t seek it out again.

Sammy’s Rating: 52%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Yes, Warsteiner Brauerei has been an independent family run business for a long ol’ time now.

But because of this do not be fooled into thinking that this is a small operation, because it’s not, it’s a flippin HUGE operation!

So we’re in quite an odd place here. Neither macro nor fairly small level craft. Let’s see how she goes…

Now, I was fairly intrigued by this brew, mainly because of other reviews of it that I had seen online. Folks using some new super tech called VIDEO unlike Sammy n I still opting for old skool prose. Now from what I could gather from seeing these other reviews (which is what prompted me to buy this beer for us incidentally) was that of all the easy to get hold of bottled lagers out there, this was kinda number one.

And while this is a perfectly drinkable brew, it ain’t all that I’m afraid. Slightly sweet, slightly woody and slightly spicy, you can certainly tell that this is a continental pils. But it doesn’t really stand out. It’s just sort of… there.

If you’re looking for an average nice enough fairly easy drinking brew then yeah, Warsteiner won’t disappoint. But if you’re after something a bit more interesting with a twist here and a turn there, then I probably wouldn’t bother with this.

Jymi’s Rating: 56%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 54%

MOB review next weekend: EAST MOLESEY PALE by MIDDLE CHILD

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BEER REVIEW: 389

BREWER: Vault City, Lothian, Scotland

STYLE: Sour

ABV: 8%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 21st March 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Kir – the cocktail…

Originated in the east of France in the early 1900s. Originally named Cassis Blanc it consists of Crème de Cassis liqueur (blackcurrant liqueur) and white wine, hence the original name I suppose! This cocktail was adored and subsequently popularised by the then major of Dijon, Felix Kir, hence the renaming to Kir I suppose!

 

Kir Royale – the cocktail…

Shortly after the Kir was created the Kir Royale came along, replacing the white wine with Champagne, for those occasions demanding more grandeur and flair.

 

Blackcurrant Kir Royale – the beer…

Created in the south of Scotland in the 20’s (don’t be smart now, the decade we are currently in) by Vault City Brewing…

And I have to say, it is UTTERLY FANTASTIC!!!

BKR starts off as you might well expect with all the blackcurrants coming at you like some sort of crazed Ribena army. In the mid-sip, with blackcurrant ever present the undertone of the flavour moves to one of white wine, just sensational. Once this brews aftertaste bowls along, even though you’re already more than satisfied, the best is yet to come… The flavour of champagne now joins the blackcurrant with the texture drying out at the end, much like a Brut would do.

I cannot tell you how good this beer is and though I’m all up for supporting independent bottle shops, the fact that I picked this monster up in my local supermarket for less than a fiver really cannot be ignored.

AWESOME.

Jymi’s Rating: 90%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

From the first pour to the final sip, Blackcurrant Kir Royale is a full-on spectacle—like standing beneath a sky ablaze with fireworks, each burst bigger and bolder than the last.

Vault City’s royal theme on the packaging makes sense, but much like an underwhelming warm-up act before the main event, it doesn’t quite set the right tone. But no matter—the real show starts when you pour.

In the glass, you are greeted with a liquid that’s lush, deep mauve—thick, rich, and almost hypnotic. It oozes from the glass like liquid velvet, the kind of beer you just know is going to bring the fireworks.  And the nose – Boom! A blackcurrant explosion. It’s vibrant, juicy, and impossibly nostalgic, like cracking open a bottle of childhood joy. Banging, indeed.

It’s in the drinking, though, where the grand finale begins. A blackcurrant sour masterpiece—sharp, tangy, and electrifying, yet perfectly balanced. Every sip is a firework bursting on your palate, carried by a gloriously thick mouthfeel that makes the whole experience sing.

Blackcurrant Kir Royale doesn’t just deliver—it dazzles. A full sensory display of blackcurrant brilliance, mouth-coating richness, and sour heaven. If beers were fireworks, this would be the showstopper of an ending, leaving you standing there in awe, wishing it would never have to come to a close.

Sammy’s Rating: 93%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 91.5%

MOB review next weekend: WARSTEINER GERMAN PILSENER by WARSTEINER BRAUEREI

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BEER REVIEW: 388

BREWER: Long Man, East Sussex, England

STYLE: American Pale Ale

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 14th  March 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Rising Giant sets out with early promise but ultimately doesn’t stretch quite far enough. It’s a beer that has some solid moments but lacks the punch to make it truly memorable.

The best part of the experience is the nose. A pleasant raspberry aroma with hints of lemon gives a bright, inviting start. It raises expectations—perhaps a little too much.

Rising Giant is easy drinking, no question. But easy doesn’t always mean exciting.  Once past the strong nose, things begin to flatten out. Muted fruit notes—some blackcurrant, a touch of tobacco—but nothing that really stands up or carries through. It’s pleasant but feels underpowered. A little extra bitterness could have helped give it more direction.

Rising Giant has the foundation of a solid APA but doesn’t quite get there. The nose is the highlight, but the rest struggles to keep up. It’s drinkable but underwhelming—like a beer that had the potential to stand tall but just didn’t grow into it.

Sammy’s Rating: 67%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Unlike a rising giant… I’m going to keep this short.

In the late 20th century, pale ale in the range of 4 to 7 percent ABV became the definitive American craft beer. Cascade and American C-hop were used in abundance providing floral, juicy, pine and pith characteristics to the beer. An APA would be slightly sweet, have a fairly high hop content bringing along bitterness and then finish dry.

So, our brewer today, Long Man (from East Sussex, England), have put together this American Pale ale using only the choicest US hops (we’re not told which, but I’d put my caravan on cascade being involved) and coming in at 4.8%. Rising Giant starts off a little sweet with a dash of burnt citrus upfront as well. With a lovely soft mouthfeel this brew then moves along to a good long bitter hoppy middle and finish, then dries out a little at the very end.

Basically, Long Man have TOTALLY nailed the style…

And it’s a really nice drop t’boot.

Jymi’s Rating: 79%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 73%

MOB review next weekend: BLACKCURRANT KIR ROYALE by VAULT CITY

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BEER REVIEW: 387

BREWER: Chadlington, Oxfordshire, England

STYLE: Helles

ABV: 4%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 7th March 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Hmmmmm, where to start…

Oh I know…

Let’s go with just how good this lager is shall we!

Oxford Helles is an absolute cracker! It’s not often that you mention the nose when reviewing a lager for obvious reasons, however OH’s whiff is without doubt worthy of mention. It is great, and one of zesty lime. This sets you up perfectly for what is to come in the sip. A subtle lime tone remains in the sip yes, but it’s not the flavour that excites you most here. It’s the texture. OH is oh sooooooooo crisp and drinkable it is untrue. It literally flew down barely giving me time to put pen to paper to make some notes. Something I did manage to get down was that this beer was almost shandy like, but in a good way. It’s not shandy like in flavour necessarily, no, it’s the refreshing crushable nature that brings this Helles into shandy land.

Just awesome, and with warm sunny day’s getting ever closer I will definitely be trying to source some more of this brew for sure.

Jymi’s Rating: 80%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

I’ll admit, lagers don’t always set my pint glass alight, but Oxford Helles is a refreshing exception. It’s a cracking brew that goes above and beyond the standard, delivering a polished and genuinely enjoyable drinking experience.

There’s a lot to like here. A clean, crisp lager with a malty backbone that gives it substance without overcomplicating things. The sweet finish is an expected but a nice touch, balancing the malt beautifully. It’s refreshing and leaves you satisfied without feeling too heavy.

In its mouthfeel is where Oxford Helles really shines. It’s highly drinkable, and the balance of flavours makes it easy to reach for another. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a casual gathering.

Oxford Helles is an absolute delight and a testament to how good a lager can be when it’s done right. It’s refreshing yet flavourful, with a professional finish that feels like care and craft have been poured into every can. Whether you’re a die-hard lager fan or typically gravitate toward other styles, this one is well worth a try. Really good lager. Really good.

Sammy’s Rating: 80%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 80%

MOB review next weekend: RISING GIANT by LONG MAN BREWERY

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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

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BEER REVIEW: 385

BREWER: Loose Cannon Brewery, Oxfordshire, England

STYLE: Golden Ale

ABV: 3.4%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 21st February 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Ah, Gunner’s Gold—a tipple worthy of raising a glass in the officers’ mess. This ale pays homage to the gallant Lancaster gunners of old, and its light, crisp character does justice to the courage and grace of its namesake.

The aroma is a delight—floral with a hint of apricot. It’s a refreshing prelude to the experience, like the whiff of air before takeoff.

A straightforward brew, this one. Light and crisp on the palate, with grassy after-notes that linger like the scent of a summer meadow. Pine and summer flowers weave in and out, creating a delicate tapestry of flavour. It may not have the explosive punch of a Spitfire’s guns, but that’s not its purpose—it’s a beer for quieter moments.

This old boy is a steady sipper. While it won’t have you glugging with abandon, it’s a beer that encourages thoughtful enjoyment—ideal for long chats over stories of derring-do.

A true salute to history, the story of the Lancaster gunner gives this beer its unique charm. Its character matches the spirit of its inspiration: unpretentious, dependable, and enduring.

Gunner’s Gold is a beer for the reflective drinker, one who appreciates the light and floral qualities of a well-crafted ale. It doesn’t seek to dazzle but instead stands as a dependable companion. Much like the Lancaster gunners it honours, it gets the job done with quiet resolve and a touch of charm. Drink this one with a sense of occasion, and raise a toast to those who soared before us.

Sammy’s Rating: 74%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Gunners Gold, named after the mighty Stan Bradford. Stan was a mid-upper gunner on the Lancaster Bomber and winner of the Distinguished Flying Medal, a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Royal Air Force and other British armed forces, and formerly to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for “exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy”.

Basically, Stan = legend.

And this brew is not too far off legendary status too, to be fair. The 3.4% ABV nature of the beer is both it’s strength and it’s weakness however…

I hate saying considering it’s a low abv beer because GG is a really good brew regardless of its weak nature but… it is the lack of body and kick near the end that prevents this Golden Ale going intergalactic, and that is down to it’s low percentage nature.

But look, you will not go far wrong should you select GG as your drink of choice for the evening / day. From the bright zesty nose to the vibrant orange and lemon notes midsip, to the soft bitterness not long after, this is a beer that will keep you coming back for more.

Soooooooo drinkable.

Soooooooo sessionable.

It’s defo well done Loose Cannon from MOB Jymi.

Jymi’s Rating: 77%

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 75.5%

MOB review next weekend: INDEPENDANCE by BRISTOL BEER FACTORY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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