Andys Beer Reviews

The Batemans 2014 Vintage Ale 7.5% ABV Reviewed:  27th April 2024 This beer has a great back story, the old Batemans head brewer Martin Cullimore, found a broken bottle of an old barleywine that was put away by George Bateman for his son Stuart (current MD) 21st birthday, but it was forgotten about and found some later; liking the flavour of what they'd discovered, they decided to start brewing it and Batemans Vintage Ale was created. Appearance: It's pours a dark russet colour with flashes of red showng through when held upto the light, a small beige head finishes the look of this ale. It looks strong and rich. Aroma: You start to get whiffs of aroma as your pour it, it smell boozy. It smells rich, fruity and sweet. It's a very inviting beer from the aroma.  Taste: I've had this Batemans Vintage Ale a few times now and I can't wait to dive in. Straight away you know that this is a very different strong beer, its got that barrel aged flavour to it (and why not, it h...

Beers you can sit down and drink lots of seems to have become a very modern trend, enjoyed by a wide range of drinkers (including this beer reviewer), but also by the youth of today and drinkers who to drink without too much of the buzz! Ever wondered what makes a beer "sessionable"?  It's all about drinkability. Sessionable beers are easy to drink, low in alcohol (usually under 5% ABV), and light-bodied. They're perfect for enjoying over a longer period without overwhelming your palate or senses.  Imagine sipping a sessionable beer on a warm afternoon—it's refreshing, crisp, and doesn't weigh you down. These beers are designed to be enjoyable throughout a "session" of drinking, whether you're hanging out with friends or relaxing after work. The key is balance. Sessionable beers often have moderate bitterness, subtle flavours, and a smooth finish that doesn't linger too heavily. They're not meant to be intense or overly comple...

A Pint of Batemans Five Generations (5G) 4.2% ABV Reviewed: 23rd April 2024 This was a very special pint, poured by myself at the 150th Anniversary at Batemans in Wainfleet All Saints ( side note: I was lucky enough and privileged enough to be invited to this special event).     The brand:   There has been a lot of thought put into this beer. The Five Generations (5G) refers to the fifth generation of Batemans that are currently learning the trade and ready to take over from Stuart & Jaclyn Bateman when the time is right. The new branding is spot on, as are the new hand pumps, AND new glassware (not available to buy just yet!). Appearance: Even though I personally poured this one, it did pour a clear light amber colour, the just off-white head settled nicely, looks like a very decent English IPA from the look of it.  Aroma: A lovely mildly malty aroma rose from the 150th Anniversary Edition glass, this was quickly follwed by an inviting medoly of mild tropical a...