Oakham Ales Citra

Oakham Ales Citra
Style: Pale Ale

Alcohol Content: 4.6%

From: Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Purchased From: Real Ale Shop, Richmond-Upon-Thames

http://www.oakhamales.com/home.html

Producing quality cask beers since 1993, Oakham Ales originally opened in Oakham, Rutland before moving production to Peterborough in 1998. In the subsequent 14 years they have dramatically increased production and opened Europe’s biggest brewpub. To keep up with demand in 2006, Oakham pulled open the shutters on a 75 barrel brew house.  The  padlock and chain was cut by John Wood, the original owner and brewer, who left Oakham Ales back in 1995. Oakham currently brew a range of five permanent ales but also produce seasonal ales such as Endless Summer.  

They have a rich pedigree, and picked up the 2009 CAMRA Supreme Champion Winter Beer of Britain for Attila! And they’re not one to shy away from innovation either. Oakham were the first brewer in the UK to use the Citra hop back in 2009. This drink is the result of that innovation. Last year, Citra was awarded a Gold at the International Beer Challenge. So having tried the Marks and Spencer’s version of this beer (brewed at Oakham, but badged and labelled for Marks and Spencer), I am foaming at the mouth with excitement to taste the original.

Little Green Monster?

Colour: This drinks pours a pale copper which is very reminiscent of a mass market lager. No head was present on the pour other than an extremely light dusting of foam in the glass. So far the signs are not looking good and I’m reminded of the Bad Seed South Pacific Pale Ale I reviewed two weeks ago which looked equally limp.

Aroma: Luckily, my fears are abated straight away. The nose on this beer is like fruit from the Garden of Eden. Tart gooseberry and floral elderflower notes present themselves straight away and will linger in your nostrils. As you would expect from a beer hopped with Citra, zesty lemon and lime notes are also present.

Body: There is an extremely low level of carbonation in the bottle which leads to flat drink in the glass. This makes the beer very easy to drink and tremendously refreshing. In fact, it went own far to ease in my case.

Taste: Upfront, you will get a mouth-watering sourness of gooseberries which have been steeped in sugar. These sweet and sour notes playful dance around your mouth and leave you with a mild bitter finish. As the drink warms, the beer takes on wine like qualities by introducing acidic pink grapefruit to the party. Luckily, this is not to sharp and actually enhances the flavours but diluting the sweetness. Oakham also brew this beer for Marks and Spencer’s in the UK. Having tried both, I personally prefer the Marks and Spencer's version but this one is still worth a try if you want a fresh fruity beer.

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/bad-seed-brewery-south-pacific-pale-ale.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/alken-maes-judas.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Arbor Ale Monsoon Saison

Arbor Ale's Monsoon Saison
Style: Saison

Alcohol Content: 6.4%

From: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Purchased From: Purchased from: Real Ale Shop, Richmond-Upon-Thames

http://www.arborales.co.uk/

So last week i had the dreaded man flu and IRS in my right hand, so unfortunately i was unable to blog. Doctor/Emma's orders! However, I'm now full fit and ready to taste some beer.

Arbor Ales began brewing in March 2007 on a 2.5 BBL plant in a small outbuilding at the back of the Old Tavern in Stapleton. When the pub closed in June 2008 they moved to a unit in Kingswood and upgraded to a 5.5 BBL plant. Arbor moved again in early 2012 to their current location in Lawrence Hill and upgraded to a 12 BBL plant. They are now producing around 25-30 BBLs a week. In March 2009 Arbor took on their first pub, the Old Stillage in Redfield, which they purchased from Punch Taverns a year later. In October 2010 Arbor signed the lease on their second pub, the Three Tuns in Hotwells.

So here we have a review of their Monsoon Saison. This beer was created on a freestyle Friday, were the brewers stop making their traditional lines and start experimenting with recipes and ingredients. So lets see what they have for us?

Colour: On the pour, you will presented with a straw yellow liquid with a bright, bubbly white head. There is plenty of carbonation in the bottle to keep this head going throughout the life cycle of this drink. As you slowly pour, you will notice that he drink is clear. To create an authentic Saison, stop the pour near the top and swish the remaining liquid around the bottle to pick up the yeast. Drop this into the glass to create a beautiful Saison fit for a king.

Aroma: There is a heady mix of freshly cut hay and rich autumn plums on the nose. As the drink matures, you will be able to pick out the hints of coriander and cardamom which have been added during the brewing process.

Body: Without the yeast the drink is quite light to drink. The carbonation can be hard to handle at first so I would recommend adding the yeast into your glass, as this helps to take this beer to another level. The drink will become thicker, almost like a Weiss beer and leave a rich creamy coating on the back of your throat. Divine!

Taste: On the first sip you will taste notes of straw and steeped summer fruits such as plums and strawberries. Then suddenly the added cardamom and coriander will burst though and play with your tongue. This leads to a bitterly, crisp and dry after taste that reminds me that Christmas is just around the corner and my bank account is already empty. I am rather new to this style of beer and I am shocked I never came across it sooner. For me, Arbour Ales Monsoon Saison can give the French and Belgium’s a run for their money any day of the week. An excellent beer!

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/ommegang-hennepin.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/stone-brewing-company-levitation-ale.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery