Arkells Noel Christmas Ale (Cask)

Brewed by Arkells
Style: Premium Bitter/ESB
Swindon, England

Serve in English pint

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First tasted this in Coanes, Johnstone way back in December 1994. Cask, handpump dispense. Clear amber red in colour with a thin white head. Strong malty aroma and resiny mouthfeel. Good lacing throughout. Pale malts give a strong maltloaf base with moist sultanas and ripe figs in the mouth. Hop resins impart a spicy bitterness in the short aftertaste. Sweetness returns in the warming alcoholic finish with a maple syrup like note. Tastes like an old fashioned English style ESB. Worth seeking out.

A strong tasting beer but deceptively drinkable. Christmassy flavour and smell, though not the most appealling beer to look at. Makes my Christmas Eve every year though

UPDATED: JUL 24, 2009 1. Cask Stillage on the bar at the Fat Cat, Sheffield 16/12/2006 Very fruity aroma. Amber mid brown coloured and fruity. Crisp on the palate with some dryness and bitterness in a full malt finish. 2. Cask Handpump at the Bhurtpore Inn, Aston 27/12/2007 Malty aroma. Copper amber coloured and very malty with a crisp and dry lasting finish.