BEER REVIEW: 372

BREWER: Greene King, Suffolk, England

STYLE: Best Bitter

ABV: 3.4%

VESSEL: 500ml clear bottle

DATE OF POST: 22nd November 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Ruddles Best claims to be a “classic English ale,” promising notes of hoppy bitterness, citrus undertones, and a dash of sweetness. What it delivers, however, is an unholy trifecta of disappointment, regret, and an aftertaste that lingers like a bad decision.

The bottle design—a clear bottle that does nothing to hide the unappetising amber liquid within—somehow manages to be both cheap-looking and uninviting. It practically screams “avoid,” and if only I’d followed my gut…

Upon cracking it open, there’s a faint malty aroma, but “faint” is putting it kindly. More accurately, the nose is like someone whispered “malt” across the room and called it a day.

There’s no complexity here—just a weak, half-hearted attempt at smelling like beer.

Now, the taste. Oh, the taste. Imagine licking a rusty tin can that someone accidentally dropped in a weak malt extract. That’s Ruddles Best. The tinny flavour hits hard and fast, but thankfully it disappears just as quickly. Ordinarily, you might bemoan a flavour that fades so fast, but in this case, the rapid vanishing act is a blessing.

And mouthfeel? Let’s just say I’d sooner sip motor oil than subject myself to more than a single mouthful of this “Best.”

Ruddles Best’s tagline should really be “Ruddy Awful.” If it had an emoji, it would be the green-faced sick one, mid-vomit.

In summary, Ruddles Best is the kind of beer you’d give to someone you don’t like very much. My advice: leave this on the shelf, and maybe go wash out your mouth if you’ve already made the mistake.

Ruddles Best: A “Best” Left Behind

Sammy’s Rating: 11%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

During lockdown my downstairs toilet got a booze paraphernalia make over. What’s the point of having a beer mat collection if no one can see it, I said to myself. What’s the point in having a (empty) gin miniatures collection if no one can see it, I said to myself. What’s the point of having a bottle cap collection if no one can see it, I said to myself. What’s the point of having a collection of tap heads if no can see it, I said to myself.

So, for the first time in a long time I had time to spare and the make over began. The beer mats went up on the walls. The gin miniatures got lined up on a shelf. The bottle caps were arranged nicely on another shelf above the cistern. And the tap heads joined the mats on the walls.

Four years on, much has been added, mainly beer mat wise. We’re currently in the region of 300.

Anyway, there I was the other day stood taking a Jimmy Riddle in said toilet and my eyes caught the Ruddles mat. Ooooooh, I thought, that’s that beer we’re testing in a few weeks.

Once I’d taken care of business I took a closer look at the mat. Cask conditioned it says. 3.7% it says. Maybe it might just be alright (I wasn’t holding out much hope prior to this mat engagement though as it looks absolutely awful in its clear bottle, more of this later).

I went about the rest of my day / week and thought nothing more of it.

Then test day came along and these thoughts came flooding back… however, on our bottle there was no mention of any cask conditioning, nor it being 3.7%.

Oh dear, thought I, they must have cut some corners here to save some pennies and have crossed their fingers hoping no one would notice.

Right, on with how this brew actually was…

As mentioned, expectation was low due to just how poorly presented it is. Who on earth signed off on a label quite that bad going on a clear glass bottle containing a cider looking liquid that is supposed to be a Best Bitter is beyond me. I mean, what the actual F is that all about?? “Yep, that looks good, let’s go with that” literally can not have been uttered in any meeting ever over at Ruddles HQ, yet here we are. Unbelievable.

Right, on with how this brew actually was… again…

Shit. Basically. But not to the point of undrinkable as there were some positives. I lie. There was one positive.

But that one positive isn’t actually a positive, just not as awful as everything else.

It’s the taste in sip which is ok. It’s quite bright and citrusy. It’s passable, but not good by any means. However, the body and any flavour in swallow is non-existent. And the aftertaste is poor. There is a faint bitterness in the very last part of the aftertaste to be fair to RBB, but it is very very faint.

All in all, this is one to avoid. Which I’m sure you would anyway due to the state of the packaging.

Jymi’s Rating: 21%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 16%

MOB review next weekend: GOLD by WAINWRIGHT

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 371

BREWER: Camden Town Brewery, North London, England

STYLE: Stout

ABV: 4%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 15th November 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

The tall pilsner glass was selected for today’s beer review, not because we’re reviewing a pilsner, because clearly, we’re not. But because of the message to the drinker that Camden Town Brewery have put on the back of the tin.

It’s OK to be big headed. Especially when it comes to Stout. We use nitrogen bubbles to give our smooth stout its thick, creamy head and fresh finish. Packed full of character, this is our fresh take on a classic style. So, in the spirit of being big headed, we think it’s the finest stout in the land.

Just take a look back at the picture of this brew. Then read above again. Just laughable really. And the beer is about as meh as it gets.

Total fail. I’ve got nothing more to say.

Jymi’s Rating: 28%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Camden Stout comes with its share of promises, but sadly, it falls short in pretty much every facet.  This is especially true with its disappointing nitrogen widget. While the label claims a big, creamy head, the nitrogen effect is minimal at best, resulting in a thin, lacklustre pour with arguably no foam whatsoever. The widget fails to create the expected “Guinness effect,” leaving you with a stout that looks like a deflated balloon.  As an aside, the dinking experience is not enhanced at all by the failing nitrogen shot, either.

In the taste, it’s what you’d expect from a stout—earthy barley and coffee notes, but nothing particularly enticing or robust. There’s little hints of chocolate and burnt barley but it’s all so weak that you are left searching for anything remarkable all the way throughout the drink.  It leaves the overall impression of being quite hollow and incomplete.

Camden may claim their stout is top of class, but in all truthfulness, it misses the mark entirely. The nitrogen gimmick doesn’t deliver, and with little body or depth, this stout struggles to distinguish itself in flavour once you get over the annoyance of the unmet promises. Unfortunately, it’s a beer I’d skip in favour of many other stouts.

Sammy’s Rating: 45%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 36.5%

MOB review next weekend: RUDDLES BEST by GREENE KING

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 370

BREWER: Exmoor Ales, Somerset, England

STYLE: Golden Ale

ABV: 5%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 8th November 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Exmoor Ales have delivered a straight down the middle Golden Ale here.

Is it great? No

Is it good? Almost

Was it enjoyable enough to drink? Yes

Was it lacking a certain something to elevate the brew? Most certainly.

OK, so the label telling us what to expect from Gold (which I read after drinking) goes a little something like this (I’ve put the parts I disagree with in italics)…

“The Original Golden ‘Single Malt’ Ale. A natural glorious golden colour; it’s juicy malt aroma has just a hint of vanilla with citric hops. It starts bitter-sweet in the mouth and finishes dry and intensely hoppy. Exmoor Gold is brewed using traditional methods and the finest ingredients”.

Though I could be wrong… is this really the first ever Golden Ale using just one type of malt in the brew??

The malt aroma is not juicy and I picked up no vanilla whatsoever.

The finish is hoppy yes, but certainly not intensely hoppy. And I think here lies the issue holding back Exmoor Gold from being good, if not great. It definitely needs more hop intensity in the finish.

Close but not quite there I’m afraid.

Jymi’s Rating: 64%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Exmoor Gold Ale offers a sweet lime nose, setting the stage nicely. The taste is grassy, with lemon up front, and a more pronounced cut-grass flavour as you finish. It’s a very pleasant beer—refreshing, balanced, and easy going. While not groundbreaking, it’s an all-around solid choice. Packaging and name are decent, with all the info you need. A good, reliable ale for those who enjoy light, citrusy beers.

Simply put – I like golden ales and this is a good, if not great, example of one.  

Sammy’s Rating: 71%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 67.5%

MOB review next weekend: CAMDEN STOUT by CAMDEN TOWN BREWERY

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Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 369

BREWER: Heineken, Edinburgh, Scotland

STYLE: Lager

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 330ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 1st November 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Despite its simplicity, Birra Moretti Sale di Mare’s packaging has a certain charm. The colour scheme and mosaic effect on the label add an appealing visual touch that feels like a nod to Mediterranean vibes, promising something coastal and refreshing.

I’m afraid that’s where the praise for this beer begins and ends.

On the nose, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a standard lager—malty and slightly sweet, without any distinctiveness. Nothing offensive, but nothing memorable either.  It’s a lager.

The flavour falls flat on its face, especially given the “sea salt” theme. There’s no hint of saltiness, which could have added a nice layer to the profile. It’s drinkable but ultimately lacks character. A bit hazy in the glass, but not as much as other unfiltered lagers from major brewers. 

For me, unfortunately, the unfiltered claim feels more like a marketing touch than a brewing choice that adds real value here.  It’s a gimmick to bring out another type of beer that the unassuming customer will buy out of intrigue as opposed to the quality of the beer.  I am not sold on unfiltered beer.

Overall, Birra Moretti Sale di Mare feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a basic, uninspired lager that doesn’t really stand out on any occasion. Drinkable, yes, but hardly memorable—there’s little, if any, reason to choose this over another beer.

Sammy’s Rating: 37%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Sale De Mare is an unfiltered take on Birra Moretti, with the intriguing addition of Italian sea salt. For a macro lager, it surprisingly holds its own.
The nose, for a lager, is ok actually, with a blend of grainy malt sweetness and a subtle, briny freshness that piques the senses—something I certainly didn’t anticipate!

On the palate, Sale De Mare is crisp yet smooth, reminiscent of its classic lager roots but with a slight twist. The sea salt presence is there, but it’s remarkably restrained. If you’re not focusing, you might miss it altogether. However, when you pay close attention, the saltiness lends a delicate savoriness that complements the malt backbone. This whisper of salinity elevates the brew, balancing the light hop bitterness and enhancing its refreshment.

The finish is clean, with a touch of that unique salty character lingering just long enough to make you reach for another sip. For a macro lager, this beer offers a pleasant surprise for me.

Decent enough yeah, but good?

Not really.

Jymi’s Rating: 55%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 46%

MOB review next weekend: EXMOOR GOLD by EXMOOR ALES

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 368

BREWER: Gilt & Flint, Devon, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 330ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 28th October 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Our brew today is made with two legendary hops. Mosaic and Nelson Sauvin.

But it’s the former that we’re going to focus on first up.

Mosaic is an incredible, but curious hop. See, it can oooooooooooze juice and tropical hits. But when served young it can taste very very savoury and vegetal. I’ve no idea when this brew was bunged in the bottle but it does taste VERY green. Now, me, personally, I have no issue with this. In fact, I love it. However, many will have an issue with this as it is very divisive.

The early taste experience is ALL green. Without actually tasting like cabbage, it’s like a cabbage in cabbage land. GRRRREEEEEN. VEGETAL. Again for me, flipping tasty, but I totally understand why others would not enjoy.

But let’s now talk about the other monster hop involved here… NELSON SAUVIN

So for me, NS as a hop generally brings white wine tones and a silk smooth mouthfeel.

And amongst the Mosaic vegetation there were small glimpses of dry white wine for sure and the mouthfeel, though not necessarily silk smooth, was still one to behold.

Incredible packaging. Good brew. But, I’ll say for the 407^th time, it will defo be divisive.

Jymi’s Rating: 71%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Gilt & Flint catches the eye right from the start, with a label design that reflects a natural, organic vibe through earthy colours and a simple but stylish logo. It’s a look that’s refreshing in its own way, and works with the whole theme of this organic beer.

This beer has a nose that piques my interest.  And the more it lingers the more it lures you in. It’s light but intriguing, suggesting complexity without being too overwhelming.  Hoppy aromas lead the way, laced with a sweet, lemony note that has just a hint of candy.

In the mouth, the initial taste hits with a classic hoppy bitterness, balanced beautifully by light, crisp flavours. There’s a touch of lime that gives it a clean, refreshing edge, and a hint of saltiness appears as you sip, adding a satisfying layer of depth. It’s straightforward, unpretentious, and well-crafted—perfectly refreshing without too much complexity.

Gilt & Flint feels like the perfect choice for a session beer. It’s easy-drinking and crisp, with a theme that’s thoughtfully carried from the packaging to the pint itself.

Sammy’s Rating: 80%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 75.5 %

MOB review next weekend: BIRRA MORETTI SALE DI MARE by HEINEKEN

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 367

BREWER: Brauerei Heller, Bavaria, Germany

STYLE: Rauchbier

ABV: 5.1%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle 

DATE OF POST: 18th October 2024 

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

With its distinctive smoky profile, Aecht Schlenkerla is certainly a beer that draws a line in the sand, and you’ll likely find yourself standing firmly on one side or the other.

First up, the aroma is a highlight for this beer.  Yep, the nose is rich with a deep blend of chocolate and smoke. It’s a warm, inviting scent—more like a crackling campfire than the musty smoke of an old pub. This smoke isn’t harsh or acrid but rather comforting, evoking images of woodsmoke on a chilly night. There’s something undeniably cozy about it.  

And that’s as good as it gets for me… because it’s the taste that will act as the division bell. As soon as it hits your tongue, the smoked flavours are very forward, and they linger—long after your sip is done. It’s like inhaling a bonfire in a glass. While some may appreciate this distinctiveness, for me, it is completely overwhelming. The smoke feels like it’s there to stay, and once it’s in, it’s hard to shake off.  It lingers.  And lingers.  And lingers.

Aecht Schlenkerla is not what you’d call an easy sipper, either. The bold smokiness makes it a bit of a challenge to drink in large amounts or at a fast pace. You’re more likely to sip this slowly, not just to savour it, but because your palate needs a bit of a breather between gulps.  To be honest, it’s a tough beer to chew down.

As an additional side note, the packaging leaves something to be desired. It feels a bit dated, and while this may appeal to those who enjoy a traditional or historic vibe, it doesn’t do much to sell the experience to a broader crowd.

Overall, while Aecht Schlenkerla may have an impressive pedigree and a distinctive profile, it’s not for everyone—certainly not for me. The smoke-heavy flavour dominates every aspect of the beer, and it lingers longer than I’d like, creating an almost haunting presence. If you enjoy that intense, smoky experience, this might just be the beer for you. But if you’re like me and don’t particularly enjoy the taste of bonfire in your glass, it’s a tough one to love.

Sammy’s Rating: 33%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Smoked Salmon?

Yes please! Served up on buttered brown bread topped with cracked black pepper and lemon juice, accompanied with a crisp glass of champagne. Delightful.

Smoked Cheese?

Yes please! Either on it’s own, with crackers and red wine or lightly shaved over schnitzel. I adore smoked cheese.

Smoked Garlic?

Yes please! Especially in a crazy simple Italian pasta dish with cream, parmesan and black pepper. Maaaaaaaan!

Smoked Mackerel?

Yes please! Served on sourdough with avocado and a poached egg. Just divine.

Smoked Bacon?

Yes please! I’m getting seriously hungry now!

Smoked Beer?

Yes plea…. Hang on…

What?

Smoked beer… smoked beer??

OK, let’s unpack this…

I’m not sure I want my beer to be smoked really. And from the smell of this pup, oh my life is it smoked!!! I mean, the actual nose coming off the brew is incredible. But do I want my beer smelling like this? Quite simply, no.

But press on we must. And I did so with trepidation but as much of an open mind that I could muster.

First impressions were, oh actually, it’s not as smoky as I thought that it might be. Don’t get me wrong, it was certainly smoky but not as intense as the nose may have hinted at. Did I like it? No.

Did I hate it? No. I started to let my mind wander, imagining myself 150 years ago in a wooden beer hut in Bavaria during a long winter night. Tucked in with the locals in front of a roaring fire, singing songs, supping Aecht Schlenkerla and having a jolly ol’ time. In this scenario could I enjoy this beer? Yeah, maybe.

But I have to say once my mind came back to the beer testing table in the present day and as I worked my way through the glass it became apparent that this brew was not for me… AT ALL.

I’m afraid that I cannot tell you if this is a good representation of a Rauchbier as this was my debut. It seemed brewed well and if smoked beer is your thing this could well be a superstar.

All I know is, I flippin’ hated it in the end.

Jymi’s Rating: 41%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 37%

MOB review next weekend: ORGANIC HAZY IPA by GILT & FLINT

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 366

BREWER: Olympic Brewery, Attica, Greece

STYLE: Lager

ABV: 5%

VESSEL: 500ml green bottle

DATE OF POST: 12th October 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

So, just over a year ago today I awoke at 3am. Not because I needed a wee, that was at 2am, but because I was off to find some Autumn sun with my family along with my sisters brood. Yes, we were heading to the island of Corfu, Greece, and had a plane to catch.

So we set sail for London Luton Airport and then beyond to our week of max relax in the Mediterranean sun!

We were due to land late morning and our villa was only an hour drive from the airport. The plan was for me and my crew to pop to the Lidl next to the airport to grab lunch and dinner for the day along with some beers and wine. My sister and brother-in-law were going to head straight to the villa with their younger children to settle in while we were grabbing the essential supplies.

Now the first bump in the road was that Lidl wasn’t open. Why? Yeah, it was Sunday. Haha. So my wife and I had to hatch a plan. How were we going to get hold of food and booze??

And unfortunately, it was I, Jymi, that came up with the stinker…

Look (I went full Aussie for a second), I reckon the first shop we pass that sells ANYTHING we hit and just grab what we can? Who knows if anything will be open? We just have to take what we can get when we see it. No one agreed with me, but on the plus side no one disagreed with me either, so I took it as a positive.

Within 5 minutes (for the story it’s important to remember that it was an hour drive to the villa) we stumbled across a store. Authentic? yes, but other than dried pasta it was pretty unclear what anything was. Stacked? yes, there was a plethora of things to choose from but other than dried pasta, it was unclear what anything was.

So in my infinite wisdom, and natural sense of curiosity, I didn’t go for the pasta, but something that resembled a pizza.

It was then onto the booze situation. At last it was obvious what was what. So a couple bottles of wine and a couple four packs of beer were loaded into the cart. Yes it was obvious it was beer and wine, but quality? Yeah, no one other than locals could be sure.

For context we passed about 10 other shops on route to the villa that looked soooooooo much nicer and, were open! No one said anything, but I could feel the eyes on me. Ooooooh I could feel the eyes.

Anyway,

On popping the first beer once settled at the villa it became apparent that my choice was a very bad one. Literally one of the worst brews I’ve ever tasted! Which after a day of traveling and sitting in 30º sun, next to a pool that made us feel like we had won the lottery is really saying something! The pizzaesqe object was also an ultimate fail. Ooooooooh the eyes. But the tunes were on and the wine was ok so we made it through.

Day 2 rolled around and it was time to hit the proper local store.  Some amazing hand-made onsite houmous, tzatziki and pitta was purchased as well as the obvious essentials and also a load of our beer today, Mythos.

However, before we tucked into the day’s haul, we decided to hire a boat and take a trip down the east side of the island to a restaurant for lunch. Now, I must be honest, by the time lunchtime rocked around I was kinda craving a decent beer. After travelling from the UK to Greece in the early AM and then having the disappointment of the shocking beer on arrival to the villa surely, now was the time?

And oh my… was it!

And what drinks can I get for you? Said the lovely waiter.

Can I please have a large bottle of Mythos. Said Jymi.

Not many minutes later it arrived alongside an ultra chilled handled thickened slim glass.

I poured. I sipped. And sitting literally 1mm from the sea I consumed what at that exact moment in time was the best beer IN THE WORLD! That sip will live with me forever.

But here we are today. It’s Autumn in the UK. I’m sitting at my lovely beer testing table yes, but said table is in my unheated slightly damp garage. I know Mythos was never or will ever be the best beer in the world but surely, surely it will be decent?? Situation can’t affect us that much? Can it?

And I’m pleased to say, it is decent. Not out of this world no, but for a fairly mass produced lager it’s actually really, really good!

Mythos is crisp and crushable for sure. It’s probably lacking a little bit of a punch seeing as it’s coming in at 5%, but it defo goes down well. I think what really brings this brew out from lager mediocrity is the fact that there is a slight element of savoury kicking around. Fine hints of salt and spice move Mythos ever so slightly towards a Pilsner. Let me state now that it is definitely NOT a Pilsner, but there are without doubt hints.

The bottles I got for Sammy and I to test were a little on the spenny side but if I saw Mythos for a little bit cheaper I would defo be picking up a set for my fridge and would almost certainly turn into my go to lager for when the time was right.

All things considered, it’s top work really.

Jymi’s Rating: 71%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

The bottle? Not bad. That green glass definitely gives it a refreshing, summery vibe, and I gotta hand it to them for the bottle cap design. It’s got a bit of flair, but watch out—you might end up with a couple nicks during a session from those sharp edges. Overall, solid effort, nothing magical, but it gets the job done.

Smells like… well, a lager. No surprises here. There’s a hint of crispness, but it’s definitely in that mass-produced realm. Not unpleasant, just a bit too familiar. It’s not a nose that’ll transport you to some enchanted forest, but it’ll let you know you’ve got a cold one in hand.

With the taste, Mythos plays it straight, no tricks here. It’s a solid, dependable lager—crisp, refreshing, and hits all the right notes, especially on a hot day. Nothing complex, but sometimes you don’t need that. Just a clean, no-nonsense beer that gets the job done. There’s a little saltiness at the end, which adds a nice twist and keeps you coming back for another sip. If you’re looking for something simple and satisfying, this is it.

In the mouth is where Mythos shines. It’s an easy-drinker, no doubt about it. You could knock back a few of these without any effort. It’s got that perfect balance of refreshment and crispness, making it ideal for lazy afternoons or long nights.

Mythos is a solid lager that doesn’t overcomplicate things. It’s crisp, refreshing, and reliable—exactly what you’d want on a hot day when all you need is something to cool you down. While it’s not going to blow your mind, it delivers exactly what it promises: a classic, straight-forward lager experience with a touch of saltiness at the end to keep things interesting. You could easily make this your go-to for a laid-back session.

Sammy’s Rating: 71%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 71%

MOB review next weekend: AECHT SCHLENKERLA by BRAUEREI HELLER

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 365

BREWER: Brasserie d’Achouffe, Wallonia, Belgium

STYLE: Cherry Ale

ABV: 8%

VESSEL: 330ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 6th October 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Well, let me tell ya, the packaging ain’t doin’ this beer any favours. A bunch of gnomes prancing around pickin’ cherries? Gimme a break. It’s like they’re tryin’ too hard to be cute, and it’s just not workin’ for me. Makes me want to put it back on the shelf, not crack it open.

Looks like what you’d expect—a dark cherry beer. Nothin’ to write home about.
Oh yeah, there’s cherry alright. Too much of it if you ask me. It’s sweet, way too sweet. At first, it’s fine, but after a couple sips, you’re thinkin’ you’ve had enough. It’s hard to get through the whole thing without feelin’ like you’re drinkin’ dessert, and not in a good way. There’s a little malt body hangin’ around, but the cherry sweetness bullies it outta the way. Not my cup of tea… or beer, I guess.

I’ll give it this—it goes down easy enough. Feels good in the mouth at first, like there’s somethin’ to it, but then poof, it’s gone. That body disappears faster than a tired worker at quittin’ time. Easy to sip, but not much payoff.

Cherry Chouffe? Not for me. Too sweet, too gnomey, and not enough balance. Some folks might like it if they’re really into cherries, but for me, it’s just too much. Stickin’ to somethin’ with more bite and less sugar next time.

Sammy’s Rating: 40%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I like the packaging of this brew from Belgium, in fact, I actually love it. I have also seen many Chouffe beers knocking around on the selves of various bottle shops over the years, including today’s cherry offering. But have I ever bought a Chouffe beer? Quite simply, no.

Why? you may ask.

And you would be correct to do so.

Well, the reason, brace yourselves, is the packaging.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? you may say.

And you would be correct to do so.

So, like the beer reviewing Gent that I am, I will tell you (would be a bit of a crap review if I didn’t, and hey, it still may well be a crap review).

For me, as much I do love the art, it just doesn’t look like a bottle of beer. Cool wee gnomes handling cherries?! Brilliant! But for whatever reason it just doesn’t sit well. And as said, the only thing I can really put my finger on is it is very un beer like, especially a Belgian, in it’s presentation.

The beer itself disappointed me a little I’m afraid to say…

After a very strong start, from the deeeeeep red, almost black appearance in glass to the incredible cherry aroma I genuinely thought we were onto a winner! And although it turned out to be good, I really was expecting more. It’s an 8% cherry beer from Belgium after all!

The problem is not necessarily with the flavour. It’s all cherry at the end of the day. No, I think for me it was how boozy it was at the end. I know, I know, it’s 8% blah blah, but because of the level of booziness combined with the cherry, the aftertaste was almost one of a cherry liqueur. Which, put simply, is not what I want to experience at the end of my sip. I just think that the aftertaste needs a little more balance to allow the flavour to sing

Look, Cherry Chouffe is a good enough beer and certainly worth a go. Maybe it just isn’t one for me.

Jymi’s Rating: 59%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 49.5%

MOB review next weekend: MYTHOS by OLYMPIC BREWERY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 364

BREWER: Magic Rock Brewing, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: Wheat IPA 

ABV: 6.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 29th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Solar Gaze is a Wheat IPA that promises a refreshing sip but ultimately falls short for me. Starting at the start, I got very faint cereal aroma on the ol whiff, odd though not unpleasant.

The first sip is smooth, very smooth in fact, with a texture that borders on creamy—almost banana-like. And there is an initial subtle hint of banana notes in the flavour too that meld with a wave of bitter orange. It’s an intriguing start, and the beer seems poised to deliver a vibrant, refreshing hit. However, the flavours quickly thicken, shifting the sip from light and citrusy to something heavier.

As SG settles on the palate, the bitter orange grows more pronounced, lingering into a long aftertaste. Unfortunately, what begins as a promising orange bitterness veers into something almost acrid, leaving a lasting impression that feels off. It’s this final note that throws the balance of the beer, turning what could have been an enjoyable aftertaste into a drawback.
While Solar Gaze shows glimpses of greatness with its smooth texture and initial flavour profile, the finish doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s close to being a refreshing wheat IPA, but for me, it misses the target. Worth trying if you’re curious, but perhaps not a repeat buy.

Jymi’s Rating: 52%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

There once was a brew, Solar Gaze,
Whose label had artful displays,
With a head that was tall,
It poured well overall,
But its modern look stole starry praise.

With mango and pineapple near,
The nose brought a tropical cheer,
But the wheat in the mix,
Didn’t add to the fix,
Though the bitter-sweet sip was quite clear.

Not complex but worthy, I’d say,
A drink for a casual day,
No record to break,
But a decent intake,
A wheat IPA on display.

Solar Gaze in the glass shines bright,

A wheat IPA that’s just about alright,

Not a world-class affair,

But it’s tasty, I swear,

A brew for a calm, easy night.

Sammy’s Rating: 71%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 61.5%

MOB review next weekend: CHERRY CHOUFFE by BRASSERIE d’ACHOUFFE

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

museonbooze.com

M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 363

BREWER: Cotswold Brew Co., Oxfordshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 33oml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 20th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

First up, it’s odd… when we reviewed Hawkstone Lager, the packaging struck me as smart, almost debonair, but I think that was because it is very much so for a bottle of lager. However, now we have the IPA form in front of us I’m feeling that it’s a little dull and boring, even though it is exactly the same. Not sure how to explain this. We are where we are I suppose.

Secondly, again because of the success of the lager, I was expecting great things here. But, I’m saddened to say, great things did not come.

That’s not to say there were not any highlights, because there were…

Let’s start at the beginning shall we.

The nose coming off of Hawkstone IPA is FANTASTIC. Sweet and full. Awesome.

The in mouth sip is also pretty nice to be fair.

But it’s then we get the mega low point… this brew really falls away in the swallow. Like, REALLY falls away!

But then at least comes a very high point. The late aftertaste is delightful. So bitter without being overwhelming.

If I’m being honest here, this brew at 4.8% is just too weak. It’s not at IPA level.  It needs more alcohol to boost and carry the flavours through. Because the flavours are good.

It’s a shame, Hawkstone have missed a trick here. If this beer was approaching 6% I really think they would have been onto something.

Jymi’s Rating: 51%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Well, I cracked open this here ‘awkstone IPA after a long day’s work, thinkin’ it’d ‘it the spot, same as that ‘awkstone lager did. But truth be told, this one’s more like a steady old workhorse than a fast pony.

First sniff, I thought, “Where’s all them hops?” It’s ‘ardly got a whiff of any ‘ops.  Mostly it’s that malty, barley business, like the kind of ale you’d get back in the day, mind. Ain’t no fancy craft brew ‘oppiness in this one, that’s for sure.

As for the taste, it’s fine enough. Goes down easy; don’t really feel like no IPA to me, mind. More like a cross between a lager and a golden ale. It’s got that maltiness sittin’ ‘eavy, and not enough of that ‘op magic that makes you sit up and pay attention.

I’ll say this, mind – it’s smooth enough. If you’re just lookin’ for somethin’ to drink after a ‘ot day out in the fields, it’ll do the job just fine. Won’t blow your boots off, mind.

So, if you want somethin’ simple and easy, this ‘awkstone IPA’s like a reliable ol’ tractor. But if you’re ‘opin’ for a wild ride, you might wanna ‘itch your wagon to somethin’ else, mind.

Sammy’s Rating: 59%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 55%

MOB review next weekend: SOLAR GAZE by MAGIC ROCK

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

museonbooze.com

M O B 2024