Guest Ales, middle June to early July.
A period away on a short holiday to the North of England meant that I was unable to update the June ales’ listings in advance of them being quaffed by the membership. However, we have had some excellent ales in the second half of June and I hope you had a chance to sip:-
Goffs Jouster (4.0) is a tawny coloured ale from Cheltenham and shows a light hoppiness in the aroma. A well balanced beer underscored by fruitness, with a clean hoppy aftertaste. Hope you enjoyed it.
Springhead of Nottingham. Surrender 1646 (3.6).
Many of the beers from this brewery are named after events of the English Civil war. The Surrender 1646 is a copper-coloured beer with a stunning combination of malt and hops. The taste is initially fruity, and is then followed by a long dry finish. This ale went very well, so you must have enjoyed it.
Wooden Hand of Cornwall. Gribben Ale (4.1)
A distinctive well hopped beer with citric and fruit notes creating a well balanced aftertaste. This ale is available on the W/E of June 26/28th June. Only one firkin however.
West Berkshire Brewery. Old Father Thames (3.4)
An old favourite in the Club this popular ale will be available during the last week of June. We have two firkins available.
Early July
We have some excellent ales to kick start July with two offerings from the highly rated Dark Star brewery in Sussex.
Dark Star Hophead (3.8)
We had this in last year and it was superb. An extremely clean drinking pale gold coloured ale with a strong floral aroma and elderflower notes. This beer is full-bodied despite its very quaffable strength and dryness. Only one firkin so enjoy when it comes on at the beginning of July.
Dark Star Best Bitter (4.0)
Brewed as a traditional Sussex style bitter using Maris Otter, Crystal and Chocolate malts with East Kent Golding hops. Typical of Dark Star ales, the Best bitter relies on the late addition of aromatic full flower hops. This sounds good, and it will be available early July. But only one firkin, so be quick to sample this interesting craft ale.
Keith Grant
Bar Secretary
