First brewed in 1958 there has been much confusion around the legendary ale’s name ever since.
Does it stand for Special Ale? Or Samuel Arthur? Or is it Skull Attack? And to be honest its true meaning is so lost in myth and mystery that we aren’t quite sure anymore.
Back in the day, SA was seen as a much stronger alternative to the other brews on offer which gave it a certain reputation, yet despite its full flavour, it’s surprisingly session-able!
Over time SA has become the toast of the Welsh nation. Our renowned premium bitter ale is copper coloured and has a nutty richness derived from Pale and Crystal malts and three hops; Challenger, Goldings and Fuggles.
Does it stand for Special Ale? Or Samuel Arthur? Or is it Skull Attack? And to be honest its true meaning is so lost in myth and mystery that we aren’t quite sure anymore.
Back in the day, SA was seen as a much stronger alternative to the other brews on offer which gave it a certain reputation, yet despite its full flavour, it’s surprisingly session-able!
Over time SA has become the toast of the Welsh nation. Our renowned premium bitter ale is copper coloured and has a nutty richness derived from Pale and Crystal malts and three hops; Challenger, Goldings and Fuggles.
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5.5/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 4
Flavor 5
Texture 6
Overall 6
During a few days in Cardiff I had some pints of SA on cask at different pubs (Prince of Wales, The Model Inn and The Albany). Dark amber coloured. Small white head, but great laceworks. Fresh malty aroma. Light citrus fruits in flavour ending with a bitter touch. Very smooth (02 and 03.02.2007).
Tried
from Cask
on 13 Feb 2007
at 05:50
6/10
—
Appearance 6
Aroma 6
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 6
Cask at the Penny Black, Bicester, 03-09-06. Standard brown colour, pretty much as the commercial description say’s bitter-sweet and a little fruity, there are some hops there but where I do disagree is that it isn’t that strong really, fine beer but nothing great.
Tried
from Cask
on 03 Sep 2006
at 13:34
6.4/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 6
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 6.5
Cask (@ Goat Major, Cardiff) Copper to light amber coloured, small, lacing firm off-white head; moderate sweet-bitter flavour; sweet-malty and herbal "english" hoppy nose; lighter body, soft, sweet, but mainly bitter finish. Pleasant session beer, but not extremely remarkable........
Tried
from Cask
on 30 Jul 2006
at 14:14
5.4/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 4
Flavor 5
Texture 6
Overall 5.5
Cask@The Vulgan, Cardiff. Copper brown color, creamy white head. Mild parfumic and hoppy nose. Smooth mouthfeel, malty with slightly hoppy finish. Standard session ale and propably the most popular in Cardiff.
Tried
from Cask
on 29 Jul 2006
at 14:46
6/10
—
Appearance 6
Aroma 6
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 6
Cask at Thomas Ingoldsby JDW Canterbury. Useful session beer, copper coloured with some floral hop and some fruity malt on nose. Not all embracing beer, but you could sink several and not notice.
Tried
from Cask
on 01 Jul 2005
at 09:04
5.6/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 5
Flavor 5
Texture 6
Overall 5.5
[Cask at GBBF 2004] An orange beer with a small white head. The is sweet with primary notes of caramel. The flavor is fresh with notes of hops, grass, peach, and apples.
Tried
from Cask
on 09 Apr 2005
at 17:27
5.8/10
—
Appearance 6
Aroma 5
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 6
Cask. Slightly sour aroma. Flavour is refreshing with a hint of sourness. Slightly creamy mouthfeel. Aftertaste has OK bitterness. Nothing special, but a very good session beer.
Tried
from Cask
on 11 Jan 2005
at 11:51