Originally developed by British brewers back in the 18th century to export to the colonies, these days there are many versions of India Pale Ale (IPA) from both home and abroad. This one is a deep golden ‘modern British India Pale Ale’ from the heart of rural Cheshire. First brewed in 2020, Weetwood report it well received.
I can heartily concur, having recently enjoyed a fine pint at the Cock o Barton, near
Farndon. The primary Jester hop is a new British variety developed from US Cascade and
an unnamed native hop, still not commonly used. It offers some characteristics of
American hops with notes of grapefruit, lychee and black current - but quieter -
and is joined by US Mosaic, Citra, and Chinook hops for some hints of mango,
citrus and spice, but still not overt. There’s a backbone of the quality Maris Otter
malt with a little Carapils and Wheat.
The result: a splendidly put together brew at a decent strength with a lovely gentle
tropical, citrus fruit aroma, followed through with caramel malty sweetness and
light fruits on the palate, all set against a final cracking spicy, peppery, bittersweet
finish which speaks to the palate in the language of a wonderfully moreish balance.
It was a well-deserved silver winner in class at the national SIBA BeerX last month.
Available in cask and bottle permanently it is soon to be trialled in an ‘unfiltered’
version in 440ml can.