Hibernation Ale

Hand-pulled pint in my local Wetherspoons on 16 Mar 2013: into a UK pint sleeve. Lovely looking brew deep copper (almost mahogany in the dim light of the pub) body with a creamy head, the head was both creamy in colour and texture, it also left some heavy lacing on my glass: the beer was in excellent condition. The smell was malty and woody. Taste wise it was again malty, with toffee notes, and although sweetish, it was also dry in the mouth. Mini bitterness towards the end of each sip, but this is mainly a malty brew and the hops don’t really get a look in.

Copper coloured bitter with a small head. Mainly a malty bitter character with an aroma to match, maybe a hint of fruit in its flavour.

Cask at the Old Manor (JDW), Bracknell. A bright copper colour with thick cream head; aroma of earthy, nutty malts; soft and earthy in the mouth with a syrupy consistency and some fruity malts; then some pleasant, warming spice to finish. Not bad.