Beer
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Amber Ale
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Brewery
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Shepherd Neame
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ABV
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Cask: 4.5%
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Brewer’s Notes
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Amber Ale makes its seasonal appearance in January and
February. First brewed in 2009, the beer immediately became one of Shepherd
Neame's most popular seasonal brews, welcomed by ale-lovers as a warming
treat during the coldest months of the year. A golden-brown ale with a fruity
aroma and a full, malty palate, Amber Ale derives its unique signature from
the special marriage of fruity, fragrant hops with Pale,
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Review
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I do wish
the above narrative coincided with the genie I found in the bottle. The
“full, malty palate” is nothing more than gripping, vice- like; bitter,
earthy, valerianic and dry. There is essence of coffee bean & roast but
conjoined, and not in a good way with floral notes; the darker aspects of
elder predominate presumably due to a frightful blend of Fugglewuggle hops.
The beer is not copper so much as mahogany. As a “winter warmer” it is
disappointing, lacking spiciness or genuine warmth. There is also an
unwelcome astringency; a kind of matronly “take your medicine”
authoritarianism which baulks mightily. On drinking it down, the
uncompromising leather belt strap lacquer leads you to think “well its not a
bad beer” and “if it was the only beer I had ever drank I wouldn’t complain”.
It is decidedly not average though. I conscripted my brother’s help over this
one. We both agreed it was a kind of context dependent brew as to whether you
enjoyed it. It’s got Northern Working Men’s Club written all over it: dominos
and flat caps, Capstan full strength afterwards and then home for lamb hot
pot for tea. That said though, its not much of a session beer. More a bleak
snowy port of call: a 'quick one' whilst your walking yer whippet.
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Marks /10
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6.00
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North Utsire
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