8 Wired India Red Ale
What They Say:
This is an ale that is not afraid of standing tall among other great beers. The intense, sharp and fruity hoppiness is backed by its complex, caramel-like malty structure. This beer has been designed to have it all, to be the greatest common denominator. Big, yet refreshing. Bold but balanced.
What She Says:
A lovely red amber colour. This one has a strong aroma of hops and a sweet but strong flavour.
What He Says:
Lovely red honey tones in the glass. Aroma gives hints of the hops to come which do dominate at the front of the tongue. Drink deep though and the red ale's hops are full bodied but not over powering. Very drinkable.
Three Boys Wheat
What They Say:
Three Boys Wheat beer evokes ancient abbey ales, when yeasts were wild and spices instead of hops were added for bitterness. We use genuine Belgian yeast that with the wheat malt produces the authentic frothy head, cloudiness and huge flavours sought in this wit bier (white beer) style. The addition of coriander and citrus zest really make this beer special.
What She Says:
Fizzy and light in colour this one has a very distinctive yet elusive flavour and aroma.
What He Says:
My first white beer so I'm likely passing judgement on white beers in general rather than this Three Boys offering specifically. Like a glass of champagne with a light white head. Bitterness without that distinctive hops flavour leaves my taste buds slightly confused. I'll need to try a few more wheat beers for comparison I think. Poor me.
The Results
She Picks:
8 Wired India Red Ale
He Picks:
8 Wired India Red Ale
Mike's Whisky Porter
What They Say:
This is an extremely rare and special beer with only a single batch brewed each Summer. Left to rest and mature through Autumn, Mike's whiskey porter is then released in all it's glory for your enjoyment in the depths of Winter.
This fine beer that you are holding is not intended to be consumed by the uninitiated nor the pretentious... You need to be worthy of passing this fine drop over your lips.
What She Says:
Quite smooth, very dark in colour with an unusual aftertaste, quite a spicy flavour but overall quite nice.
What He Says:
At 750ml and 10.5% this beast was intimidating. Black with a hint of reddish amber at the edges. Subtle aromas of whiskey. Almost fizzy to the lips on tasting. Surprisingly uncomplicated flavour. Warm and comforting but enough presence to remind you of its considerable strength.
8 Wired Smoked Porter
What The Say:
Now what is this? A smoked beer? It really isn't as crazy as it sounds. 250 years ago virtually all beers were smoked (it's true, Google it!), but with the dawning of the industrial revolution most of the smoke lifted. However, in the German town of Bamberg the flame has quite literally been kept alive and to this day the town's brewers produce world renowned beers brewed with their own special rauchmalz (beechwood smoked malt). We've taken our best porter recipe and added a good measure of that same Bamberg Rauchmalz. The smoke mingles beautifully with the rich, dark roasted chocolate flavours of the porter without being overpowering. Although it pairs extremely well with smoked seafood, barbeques, strong cheese and hearty stews, its food friendliness isn't limited to savouries; chocolate and caramel based deserts are great companions too! Trust us; it really isn't as crazy as it sounds.
What She Says:
Surprisingly strong smokey flavour. Dark brown in colour. Quite smooth.
What He Says:
This one is all about the smoke. From the aroma through to the aftertaste the smokey flavour is obvious. The smoke gives an interesting dimension but I feel like there is too much of a battle going on between the smoke and malt. Hung taste bud jury. Will await retrial.
The Results
She Picks:
8 Wired Smoked Porter
He Picks:
Mike's Whisky Porter
Renaissance Stonecutter Scotch Ale
What They Say:
A perfectly balanced, hearty ale that is one of the flagship beers of our range. Nine malts are blended to produce layers of caramel, toffee, liquorice, chocolate and roasty flavours and these are balanced by a tart raisiny fruitiness that gradually gives way to a lingering dry finish. Rich, full bodied, warming and moreish, Stonecutter Scotch Ale pairs well with venison, roast beef or lamb, or the heartiest casseroles and stews. For dessert try it with a creme brulee or, of course, Scottish shortbread.
What She Says:
Quite smooth and mellow. Had a slightly strong flavour. Overall very good.
What He Says:
Smooth, unoffensive. Mellow. Softly malty, hints of chocolate.
Wigram Brewing Co Harvard Honey Ale
What They Say:
English ale malt, a top fermenting ale yeast - Don't be fooled, this is no ordinary ale. Infused into this beer is certified organic Bush honey, giving a truly distinctive flavour and aroma, enjoy.
What She Says:
Quite a sweet flavour from the honey. While the hops are strong the honey takes the bitterness out and it is very nice.
What He Says:
Smooth ale, hops flavourful but not too bitter, maybe due to the honey. Not much of a honey flavour apart from the occasional aftertaste. Rich dark amber colouring.
The Results
She Picks:
Renaissance Stonecutter Scotch Ale
He Picks:
Renaissance Stonecutter Scotch Ale
8 Wired India Red Ale
Three Boys Wheat
