72 | Connoisseurs’ Selection
Beer
TWO THIRSTY MEN SPEY IPA 2
3.5
A traditional-style India pale ale from Grantown-on-Spey’s microbrewery, which now also has its own excellent bottle shop on the Strathspey town’s high street. NOSE: Malty IPAs feel like they’re out of fashion these days, so the aromas of cinder toffee from the malt and lemon from the hops are a real treat. PALATE: That malty theme continues on the palate, where it’s balanced by metallic hop tones. FINISH: It’s the hops that win out on the finish, which keeps the ale from getting too heavy and means a second can beckons.
WILLIAMS BROS JUICY JOKER NEW ENGLAND IPA 1.80
5
Joker IPA is among Williams Bros’ best beers and here the Alloa-based brewery has triple hopped its classic to create a New England interpretation. NOSE: Invigorating aromas of grapefruit and lemon slap you around the nose and get you ready for the ride ahead. PALATE: Juicy by name and juicy by nature, with the citric bitterness from the hops balanced by a touch of rounded lemon curd. FINISH: The metallic note from the hops isn’t overdone, while a
BELLFIELD MÄRZEN FESTIVAL LAGER 2.08
5.7
Edinburgh’s Bellfield Brewery scooped a gold medal at the Scottish Beer Awards for this classic Bavarian-style lager and it’s easy to see why. NOSE: Lots of red apple on the nose and a twist of toffee too – really rich for a lager. PALATE: Bellfield is famous for its balanced beers and Marzen continues that trend with its rich texture yet controlled toffee notes. FINISH: The German hops – Hallertauer Mittelfrüh and Saphir – come to the fore on the finish with tangy, bitter lemon flavours. Gluten-free.
marmalade richness completes the ensemble.
Peter Ranscombe WINE COLUMNIST AND DRINKS BLOGGER FOR SCOTTISH FIELD
scottishfield.co.uk/category/ grapegrain
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Peter has reviewed beer, wine, and spirits for Scottish Field magazine since 2014 and is a former CAMRA Champion Beer of Scotland judge.
04/05/2022 13:01:05
