5.9

Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 5 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 5.5

So....no new Hop Thief from James Squire in 2017 but a new Hop Father in 2018. Perhaps a replacement (or a very small R&D unit!). 345ml bottle into schooner glass. Gusher from becoming too cold in my crappy fridge, anyway...It's a golden amber beer with a thin white head. Some tiny lazy bubbles make a break for freedom. Laces OK. Nice aroma of caramel and tart fruit. Light body. Finish is more caramel malt and touches of earthy woody hops. I remember last year's Hop Father being really good this one...bit boring. Not horrible, certainly easy-drinking but a bit beige.