Beer of the Weekend #526: Organic Real Ale
I attended an acquaintance’s pub-themed belated birthday party Saturday night and returned with a bottle of Organic Real Ale, brewed by the Laverstoke Park Farm of Overton, England.
Serving type: 330 ml bottle. The “BEST BEFORE END” date printed on the label is “01 02 13.” Yeah, waaaaay old. My acquaintances must have bought it at John’s.
Appearance: Poured into a pint glass. The color is very hazy, honey/amber. A finger of buttery, eggshell-colored head dissipated quickly, leaving bubbles and a skim on top.
Smell: After popping the cap, I was greeted with a nice, floral bouquet. Once poured, the beer is malty and sweet. Pale malts, honey, caramel, toffee, plum, cherry, strawberry, raspberry. The floral quality also comes through, along with a nice grassiness. However, I get whiffs of astringent, powdered detergent. It has that artificial, laundry room freshness and clean aroma, which is quite ironic.
Taste: Grassy and crisp. There are hints of caramel, toffee, and honey, but all the other elements from the smell are nonexistent. It does offer nice bitterness at the end.
Drinkability: This is pretty decent stuff for being so old. It is nothing spectacular, but it is good stuff.
Fun facts about ORA:
-Style: English Pale Ale.
-Price: Right place, right time, generous acquaintances.
-Alcohol content: 5 percent ABV.
-The Laverstoke Park Farm seems to be quite the place, producing a bevy of organic products. Check out the website.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B-.
Serving type: 330 ml bottle. The “BEST BEFORE END” date printed on the label is “01 02 13.” Yeah, waaaaay old. My acquaintances must have bought it at John’s.
Appearance: Poured into a pint glass. The color is very hazy, honey/amber. A finger of buttery, eggshell-colored head dissipated quickly, leaving bubbles and a skim on top.
Smell: After popping the cap, I was greeted with a nice, floral bouquet. Once poured, the beer is malty and sweet. Pale malts, honey, caramel, toffee, plum, cherry, strawberry, raspberry. The floral quality also comes through, along with a nice grassiness. However, I get whiffs of astringent, powdered detergent. It has that artificial, laundry room freshness and clean aroma, which is quite ironic.
Taste: Grassy and crisp. There are hints of caramel, toffee, and honey, but all the other elements from the smell are nonexistent. It does offer nice bitterness at the end.
Drinkability: This is pretty decent stuff for being so old. It is nothing spectacular, but it is good stuff.
Fun facts about ORA:
-Style: English Pale Ale.
-Price: Right place, right time, generous acquaintances.
-Alcohol content: 5 percent ABV.
-The Laverstoke Park Farm seems to be quite the place, producing a bevy of organic products. Check out the website.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B-.
