Based in the heart of Stockport for almost two centuries, and owning around 260 tenanted and managed pubs, inns and hotels across the North West, ‘Robinsons’ is one of oldest and most respected names in British brewing history.
Robinsons took over Hartleys brewery in 1982, closing down the Ulverston plant in 1994 and transferring the Hartley brands to the Unicorn brewery. Robinsons bought the rights to the Ward brands in 2006 but subsequently sold some of those brands to Maxim Beer Co.
Bottled. Dark ruby. Deep, fruity raisiny aroma. Bold maltiness, lightly salty, rather clean. Relatively low bitterness. I expect more complexity in a beer of this gravity.
Sampled cask conditioned at Castle Inn, Manchester. Pale golden. Lightly flowery aroma. Rather sweet and fruity. Despite containing more alcohol then other Manchester bitters it still feels lighter.