News, views and reviews of Welsh brews by Neil at Wales Ales.
The Great Welsh Beer Festival was supposed to take place this month, but is now unfortunately postponed until further notice. However, here’s a look at the multi-award-winning Grey Trees Brewery, whose beers you can still enjoy at home. Proudly flying the flag for Wales and the Valleys, the Aberdare based outfit boast a packed trophy cabinet. Here are three of our favourites.
AFGHAN PALE ALE 5.4% abv
An American pale ale by design, this superb ale has a delightful tropical aroma, rich amber colour, and tastes as good as it looks. A generous mix of Cascade, Citra and Simcoe hops is counterbalanced with Maris Otter malt which gives a strong, hoppy hit but with a smooth biscuity maltness on the finish. This full-bodied masterpiece was crowned Champion Beer Of Wales in 2017 – having already scooped the Gold Champion Strong Bitter Of Britain award, which stands alongside various other CAMRA and SIBA awards.
DIGGER’S GOLD 4% ABV
If it’s a beer with pedigree that you’re after then how about this, the Golden Beer Of Wales each year from 2015-19? It will take something pretty spectacular to knock this golden beauty off its throne. Packed to the brim with fresh citrus aromas that carry on through with a zesty citrus taste, hoppy and slightly dry, the only problem is that one pint of this moreish beer is never enough.
CARADOG’S 3.9% ABV
With the craft beer market rammed full of fruity IPAs and all manner of unusual ingredients, sometimes it’s nice to appreciate a good proper pint – step forward this complex, well-crafted and deeply satisfying best bitter, Champion Bitter Of Wales 2017. Copper in colour and boasting a crisp and dry finish with floral tones, at 3.9% it still has bags of flavour, with sweet malty caramel notes on the initial taste.
At the time of posting, the delivery service for Wales Ales is currently suspended due to government guidelines relating to coronavirus. However, you can find more information about these ales and many more at www.walesales.com.