UK Supermarket Beers Begging for an Imperial Version
Some beers are absolutely fine as they are. They’re dependable, familiar, and easy to drink. You know exactly what you’re getting, which is often the whole point. But every now and then, you crack open a beer you’ve had dozens of times before and can’t help thinking there’s something missing. Not flavour as such, more weight. More depth. More of that lingering presence that makes you slow down and really pay attention. That’s usually the moment when the phrase “this would be brilliant as an imperial version” pops into my head. Now, before anyone starts sharpening pitchforks, I do understand why most supermarket beers stay in that comfortable 4% to 6.5% range. Beer duty plays a huge role, margins matter, and supermarkets want beers that fly off shelves rather than sit there waiting for me to come and get them! Stronger beers cost more to make, cost more to buy, and appeal to a smaller audience. All true. But that doesn’t stop many of us quietly wishing certain familiar beers...
