Three from the west country

Down at Tesco’s they had an offer on of 3 real ale beers for 4 pounds, seems to be the way in tight austere times. So thought would go for a few from the West Country, picked out Jail Ale (Devon), Admiral’s Ale (Cornwall) and Summer Lightning (Hampshire). Note not all consumed in 1 sitting but over the last few days.

First off was the Jail Ale from the Dartmoor Brewery. This is a dark brown beer, bitter but not sharp and not too foamy. The label states is the “pride of the West Country”, I would rate as a pretty good beer but there also plenty other candidates up for this crown, although noted it has won many awards. Made with Dartmoor water it is a good strength at 4.8%. Dartmoor is famous for its maximum security prison, which houses many notorious murders (and I guess hence the name).

Second beer was Hopback Brewery Summer Lightning, this beer hails from Salisbury, Hampshire (although not strictly West Country). This one was recommended to me by one of the staff at Tesco, who commented that it was her old man’s favourite.  First observation was that this is a very golden, straw coloured beer, with a very summery label, quite unusual. It is for me summery beer, quite fruity and not as heavy as some of the darker beers I like to drink. It had a bit of a fruity aroma and about the standard strength of 5%. Another multi award winning beer, a good one for summer. Salisbury, famous for the white horse, the plain, river Itchen, cathedral has the tallest spire in England and Hopback brewery?

Last of the three, is the Admiral’s Ale from St. Austell, Cornwall. Back to a darker bronze beer, definitely more suited for warming you up on a cold winter day. This beer was is heavier strong roasted hop aroma and a strong bitter. Like the others has won many awards, again 5% strength . Amusing label, “I see no ships” and one to buy.

So all up 3 good beers and if pushed to select – Admiral’s ale for winter and Summer Lightning as the name suggests.

A bit of a backlog of blogs and beers – the George and Dragon in Pensford can be added to the list of venues – good pub with dartboard. This is probably one of the last blogs from the UK, out tonight with boys, maybe  a couple more blogs .