Andys Beer Reviews

FULLERS BLACK CAB (500ml) 4.5% ABV   I found this stout elusive when searching the supermarkets for new beers to review, then suddenly I found it in a Morrisons in Scotland! Happy days. Oh, I tell you what, I nearly did a little jig right there in the supermarket aisle when I clocked that bottle of Fuller's 4.5% ABV Black Cab staring back at me from the shelf, it was like a gift from the beer gods.  I cradled it like a newborn and marched it straight to the till with the pride of a man who's just unearthed buried treasure, I made it mine and I was ready to review it!  The Beers Packaging These Fuller brown bottles look a little sleeker than the standard 500ml design we are used to seeing, I like it. The bottle has some nice embossing on it stating that it’s brewed at the Griffin Brewery which is a nice touch.  The label oozes sophistication, with the icon London Cab on the front and a gold “Fullers” logo, it looks sophisticated.  The overall impression is one of...

Living in Yorkshire I tend to find only Fullers London Pride ready available in supermarkets; the reasons why could be due to a number of factors, probably the main is the prominence of local Yorkshire breweries that the shops want stock, plus distribution network tends to be stronger in the south of the country. Anyway, that said, if you keep your eye open, you can find Fullers ESB (Extra Strong Bitter) 5.9% ABV in larger stores of Tesco and Sainsbury's; I picked this one up from a large Tescos in Scotland of all places! The Beers Packaging  A nice standard shaped 500ml brown bottle with GRIFFIN (the brewery name) embossed in the neck.  It has a very straightforward label, "ESB" emblazoned on the front of it, slightly oversized "S" for emphasise of the 'Special' element of the beer.  Does the word "LEGENDARY" give me a clue as to what I should expect I wonder! Overall with the colours and fonts, Fullers beer heritage shines through...

Westmalle is an old brewery, the 7% ABV Dubbel is a proper Belgian classic beer, the brewing of which dates back to 1856 and was originally brewed by the Trappist monks at the Abbey in Westmalle, and the production is still supervised by the monks, and the monks don’t mess about either; they brew their beers with care, contemplation, and a hefty dose of divine patience. I had the pleasure of reviewing the Westmalle Tripel a little while back, and while it was a very nice Belgian Ale, I was always under the impression that the Dubbel is a better beer! The Packaging So, the Westmalle Dubbel bottle and label might not shout for attention on the shelf, but they have got a quiet dignity to them. It got an almost classic and timeless shape to the brown bottle with the word “Trappist” embossed around the shoulder; I should be impressed by this simple marketing trick … but I am! They have gone for a lovely diamond shaped label, in a deep burgundy with gold and cream text; a rich, restrained co...

Disclaimer: I really do like Greene King beers, I love the rich, malty nature of them! Greene King recently launched their 6% ABV Imperial IPA as part of a strategy to celebrate their rich brewing heritage while also appealing to modern drinkers. The Imperial IPA is inspired by 19th-century English IPA recipes found in their archives, reflecting the style of IPAs originally brewed with a higher strength for expatriates in India. This allows them to connect with their past and showcase their brewing expertise. The Imperial IPA, along with their Double Header, signifies this move towards more contemporary and higher-strength styles that appeal to craft beer enthusiasts. There's does appear to be a growing interest in more robust and flavourful beers like Imperial IPAs. By introducing this style, Greene King can tap into this segment of the market and cater to drinkers looking for something beyond their core range.   So what is this so called Imperial IPA like? (I only say that becau...

After a recent review that I have put together for a fruity and hoppy pale ale, I was shocked to discover that there isn’t a Pale Ale Appreciation Society, and I think there should be. Before some clever brewer realised that there were some lovely flavours to be got from an India Pale Ale (IPA), pale ales were bees knees; drinkers admired their drinkability, there balance of mild sweetness against the mild hoppy bitterness, but it just seems that today, as they don’t have the alcohol punch or the intense hop bitterness that characterises some modern day IPAs, pale ales seem to have proper fallen out of favour amongst drinkers. For one like think that there is still a place in the glass for a pale ale, and that they have much to offer, especially for those who enjoy a subtler, more refined beer experience (like I do sometimes). A Very Quick History Lesson Pale ales were first brewed in the early 1700’s as an alternative to the darker, richer and more robust ales that were around at the ...

These guys really are a hidden gem in British Brewing. For the past couple of years, I like to shine a spotlight on a brewery that I think has truly stood out; one that consistently produces exceptional beers, never cuts corners, and reminds me why I fell in love with beer in the first place. For 2024, there was only one choice: Green Jack Brewery in Lowestoft. Nestled on the Suffolk coast, Green Jack might not have the hype of some trendy city breweries, but what it does have is cracking beers that have been brewed with excellence in mind. I have to say that I came across these guys while on a stay in Norfolk and only found them after a recommendation by The Urban Viking (thanks Dave) and as I was staying so close to them, I couldn’t resist going to see them. I turned up unannounced, but I have to say that they were very welcoming, their owner, Tim Dunford, was in at the time and took a little time out to show me around and recommended some beers of theirs to try. The brewery is act...

Every year, I taste my way through an impressive lineup of beers; some great, some forgettable, and a few that leave a lasting impression. But every so often, a beer comes along that makes me stop, sit up, and say, "This is the one." Imperial Jakehead from Wylam Brewery in Newcastle that that beer in 2024. This is a beer than I fell in love with from the very first sip on New Years Day in 2024. Such a delicious beer, well I call it a beer it’s an Imperial IPA, and coming in at 10% ABV, it’s a bit of a beast. The can design alone suggests that something special is waiting for you, all gold and shiny with a dangerous looking snakeskin design. Now, Wylam is no stranger to excellence. The Newcastle based brewery has been turning out world class beers for years, and their original Jakehead IPA is already a legend in its own right, a bold, punchy, hoppy beast that never disappoints. But with Imperial Jakehead , Wylam has taken things to a whole new level. It’s bigger, bolder, and...

  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...