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Dan Martich's picture

30th Anniversary West London-Style Ale

October, 2016
Judges Rating: 
91
Aroma: 
24 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
36 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
17 / 20

With a moderately high fresh floral, fruity hop aroma this beer definitely makes an entrance.  But wait, there's also a slight fresh herb quality with caramel, and some fruity pear esters too.  The color is yellow gold crowned with a moussy white head that last, and last.  A light viscosity allows many of its small noticeable bubbles to rise quickly to the surface.  The big bold floral hop flavor is here, and it brings with it a light grainy biscuit malt note as a backup.  Although it may seem off-balance by the hop flavor, this beer is very much on point of the British Strong bitter style.  The finish is very dry with a short grainy aftertaste.  There's a crisp creaminess from the med-low body and higher carbonation.  The smooth warmth contrasts the slight astringency mouth feel as it warms.  This is a quaffable beer that gets better as you drink it, the intense hop flavor dies down a bit the further you get into the glass.  This beer may pair well with fish and chips to complement the strong flavors of the dish with the strong floral bouquet and flavor of this beer.  Cheers, mate!