The Beer Wrangler™ » British Pale Ale

Wells IPA

The Beer Wrangler — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:34:45 +0000

Wrangler Rating: (Mediocre)

Wells IPA suffers from a common British problem: mislabeling. During the First World War, breweries (with the government!) decreased alcohol in beers to conserve resources (barley) as well as limit drunkenness among essential workers and the military. Hop levels were also reduced, so the traditionally strong and hoppy IPAs were the first in line to be emasculated. Breweries continued using the term though, but it described a pale ale or a bitter rather than the full-on flavour of an IPA. Wells IPA is a very pleasant and drinkable British pale ale that would have been awarded 3 tankards and recommended, . . . → Read More: Wells IPA

Fiddler’s Elbow (Wychwood Brewery)

The Beer Wrangler — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Wrangler Rating: (Excellent)

Wychwood’s Fiddler’s Elbow is an extremely drinkable Pale Ale, golden amber in colour and brewed with a touch of wheat, which is unusual for modern British Bitters and Pale Ales. This gives it a light refreshing feel, that makes it ideal as a summer session beer. The attack is bright, citrus-y and floral, followed by some nice medium malt flavours. The mid palate gives you a slight banana bread taste, balancing Fiddler’s Elbow rather nicely! The hops are still front and centre though, leaving you with a refreshing dry finish, and those notes of flowery citrus linger in your mouth, . . . → Read More: Fiddler’s Elbow (Wychwood Brewery)