| |
Wales
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Brains, Dark (Wales) 
Now available bottle-conditioned for the first time, Brains Dark, a stout-like mild beer from Cardiff, has risen in alcohol to 3.9% from the 3.5% canned version. That still qualifies it as a "session beer", and for me the quality is much improved. It pours a black colour with just a hint of ruby/brown, and has a good coffee-coloured head. The nose is full of gently roasted coffee-bean and chocolate aromas, some plummy red fruit and a dry, charcoally quality. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied and rich, with lots of dry, dark flavours of coffee and roasted nuts. It remains quite fresh, with a clean citrus finish and hint of hops, in a very quaffable dark beer that is full of finesse. 3.9% ABV, 50cl, ?1.60, Sainsbury's.  |  |
Brains, SA Gold (Wales)
Brewed with Target hops, but late-hopped with Styrian Goldings and Cascade, Brains SA Gold pours a bright golden colour with a moderate off-white head. There's a deal of Sugar Puff, malty aroma initially, but the endive and chicory qualities of the hops come through, with a touch of flint and quite vegetal nuances. On the palate that broad, caramel and burnt orange malt character is again quite powerful, but it is balanced by the fresh, leafy hoppiness and a zesty appeal. Dry and fresh in the finish, this is a crisp and satisfying beer. 4.7% ABV, 500cl, ?1.69, Local Waitrose. |  |
Brains, SA Premium Beer (Wales)
Sold in cans, this "Premium Beer" pours a dark, burnished gold with a moderate, just off-white head. The nose is biscuity and quite fruity, with a hint of leafy green vegetables and some lemony notes. On the palate there's a soft pillow of malty, easy-drinking flavour, with just about enough hops to give it an edge. It's a fairly well-balanced beer however, with a bittersweet edge and dry finish. 4.2% ABV, 44.cl, ?3.99 X 4, Asda, Safeway, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Threshers, Local Waitrose.  |  |
Felinfoel, Double Dragon (Wales)
This family-owned brewery in Llanelli was established in 1878, and remains independent. Double Dragon pours a deep coppery red colour, with a good, creamy off-white head. On the nose there is a distinctive note of brusied apple and pear skins, with an undertone of caramel and a touch of gunflint. On the palate it is quite full-bodied and creamy-textured, with plenty of nutty, lightly toffeed notes and a big core of tangy red fruit flavour. There is a touch of that flinty character in the finish, and a fresh, hoppy bite, in a very nice and quite distinctive beer. 4.2% ABV, 50cl, ?2.49, brewery website, Beersofeurope. |  |
Next Country
|
|
