Small Paul’s Brewery: Elder Sarum (England: Golden Ale: 4.7% ABV)
Visual: Grain to gold with loose bubbled head.
Nose: Honey and lemon. Slightly cough sweets like. White grapes.
Body: Gooseberry/elderberry. Moderate bitterness. Honey. Slight granite. Ginger syrup cake.
Finish: Light toffee and good bitterness. Sour grapes. Dry granite. Slight ginger snaps. Slight tartness. Dust balls.
Conclusion: Its odd having this beer in the midst of a cold snap, it feels very much like a summer brew. Odd as rate beer lists it as an Autumn brew. Which I drank in February. Go figure.
It’s very fresh and has lots of grapes and gooseberry fruit styling. A tart drink balanced by a nice bitter touch. The finish does go a bit dusty after a while which works against the freshness. A pity as it’s a nice shtick.
As it is it’s a nice mix of freshness and flavour. A few flaws in there, so its not exceptional. Coming as it has though, being a nice fresh beer when I have been drinking far too many stouts, I found it a very nice change and appreciated its quirks.
It’s average on the quality, but different enough to rise above that. Not great but I can’t complain.
I still think it should be a summer beer.
Background: Seen at the “Royal Oak”. I had never heard of the brewery so of course did the sensible thing and ordered a pint. On investigation it looks like this is a commercial home brewer who sells from a garage in the back of his house. I love small brewers
Addendum: We have had an update from the brewer in the comments. This is actually a summer (well, spring-summer) beer after all. Good choice! Apparently this was from a specifically requested batch that broke its usual season release. All makes sense then. Thanks for the update.
Hi, just read the review. The beer is not normally available until late Spring, and then through the Summer. This was brewed for Dorchester Beerex by request. The Royal Oak took the only other available cask (via a supplier).
Cheers,
Small Paul
Thanks for the info. Makes a lot of sense as well, it seem just right set for the summer. I have no idea why rate beer list it as an autumn beer then. Thanks again, hope I see your beer at the oak again some time.