Andys Beer Reviews

  Ever wondered why Yorkshire Bitter stands out in the crowded world of beers and why many beer drinkers just love it? It's not just another pint at the pub. It’s got a character all its own, and as I grew up on these beers, I'm going to spend the next couple of minutes showing you why. What Is Yorkshire Bitter? Yorkshire Bitter is a traditional British beer. Brewed in Yorkshire Known for its balanced flavours, it's neither too sweet nor is it too bitter. It's generally has a lower than average ABV, making it a very sessionable pint. Appearance: What Should You Expect? It has a deep amber to copper colour Usuall crystal clear in appearance The head is usually creamy and thick, and it will stay to the very last drop Aroma: What's That Smell? Yorkshire Bitter has a distinct aroma that sets it apart Usually you'll get a whiff of freshly baked bread or sometimes even biscuits Sometimes a fain aroma of nuts There’s a mild hop aroma, often earthy or floral Some versio...

On a recent trip to Eastbourne, I had the great pleasure of bumping into this 'style' with the Monolith Vatted Black Beer from Burning Sky Brewery. Wow, what a beer, I scored it 10/10 . I've never come across this beer style before, so I was interested in learning a little more about it. What is Vatted Black Beer? Vatted black beer is a dark ale aged in wooden vats, Burning Sky Monolith was aged in Chianti barrels for three years. Like all similar beers, this leaved a rich, complex flavour that’s really is amazing and hard to beat. Sometimes these beers might have wild yeasts introduced or other micro-flora. The efforts that brewers go throught to produce these beers cannot be over-exaggerated, they are time consuming to produce and there are financial risks of cellaring beers, but the results can be stunning.  A VERY Brief History Lesson This beer style dates back to the 18th century. Back then, brewers used wooden vats to store their beer. Over time, they noti...

Welcome to what could be a controversial blog post, and let me get straight to the point ..  I prefer Knowle Spring over Landlord; I know, probably not something you hear often, but let me explain. I think that Timothy Taylor's Knowle Spring, has a fairly unique character and delightful flavours. As we explore this blonde beer, we'll also draw some comparisons with its beter known sibling, Landlord, to help you understand why I think Knowle Spring is probably the best beer in the Timothy Taylor family (but only just!).   Introducing Knowle Spring to You All I first had this wonder beer about five years ago in a country pub in Yorkshire (the name escapes me), but I instantly fell for this beer.  This 4.2% ABV Knowle Spring is a relatively recent addition to Timothy Taylor's lineup, having been introduced in 2017. This Golden Ale was created to offer a lighter, more refreshing option compared to some of the brewery's other offerings. The name actually comes from the sprin...

As a craft beer enthusiasts I'm always looking to see what might be coming for me next, what new or different beer styles or twist to an existing style will entice me! Many of us have long celebrated the West Coast IPA for its bold, hop-forward character and crisp, clean finish. It is now an iconic style, pioneered by breweries in California and the Pacific Northwest, but this style has undergone a remarkable and interesting transformation in recent years. A new wave of West Coast IPAs is emerging, featuring newer hop varieties and a fruitier profile that offers a refreshing twist on a beloved classic. Side Note: I just want to put it here that while we all refer to 'styles' there has always been, and always will be style creep, so I know that these variations to the Tradtional West Coast IPA style are not brand new, but they are being brewed more often AND becoming more widely accepted. A VERY Brief History of the West Coast IPA Just as a reminder, the West Coast IPA firs...

When I started out on my beer review journey about three years ago now, I hated sour beers. That fizzy, almost vinegar taste really turned my stomarch, but as time marched on, I started to try them and now, I absolutely love the style, in all its different and magnificent guises. As a craft beer enthusiasts I'm always on the lookout for something unique, different, or new, and I've found that sour beer has emerged as one of the most intriguing drinking options in recent years. With its complex flavours and refreshing tartness, sour beer offers a delightful departure from the more familiar profiles of traditional ales and lagers.  But what exactly makes a sour beer so special? Let’s take a look at the world of this tangy elixir and explore its origins, brewing process, and diverse flavour profiles.   A REALLY Brief History of Sour Beer Sour beer is making a bit of a surgence at the monent, but contary to what it might look like, sour beer is not a new invention. In fact, it dat...