The interest in hops continues. Marks & Spencer (UK supermarket) have released a range of single variety hopped ales. Here are my notes on them.
M&S Single Variety Hopped Ale Citra IPA
Made by Oakham Ales, Cambridgeshire. 4.9% alcohol. Very fruity with lively notes of citrus and passionfruit. Lively, fruity palate is fresh and crisp with some herbal notes as well as savoury, bitter crunch on the finish. Very trebly, in a highly aromatic style. 8.5/10
M&S Single Variety Hopped Ale Hallertau Brewers Gold
Made by Crouch Vale Brewery, Essex, 4% alcohol. Yellow/gold colour. Very fruity style with some malty richness, a bit of spice, and nice rich texture. Like a very concentrated, interesting lager. Bitter, spicy finish. 8/10
M&S Single Variety Hopped Ale Sovereign Golden Ale
Made by Elgoods, Cambridgeshire. 5% alcohol. Gold/bronze in colour. Very rich, sweet and malty, and a bit honeyed. Some toffee notes. Textured and rich with a lovely spicy finish. Lots of bass notes here, but also some spicy freshness. 7.5/10
M&S Single Variety Hopped Ale Cascade
Castle Rock Brewery, Nottingham, make this beer from Cascade, an Oregonian hop variety. 5% alcohol. Very sweet floral nose with honey, spice and some tropical fruit. The palate is lively with grapefruit freshness and some distinctive herbal notes. Quite savoury but with some sweetness on the finish. Very pretty. 8.5/10
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