Co-op Classic Premium Ale

Brilliant amber with a decent almond head displaying surprisingly good retntion. Sweet aroma, maybe a little vanilla. English toffee sweetness up front, quite generous with the flavour actually, and a mild fruitiness to the finish. Moderately creamy mouthfeel. A genuine surprise considering it’s a "house offering" from a grocery store chain. I would buy this again, especially considering the price.

Golden-brown colour. Metallic, caramelly aroma with graham cracker undertones. Slight malt accent but it’s about as complex and rich as "whole wheat" sponge bread. Clean, but exceedingly boring, this is the beer equivalent of a trepanning accident, leaving you in a pool of your own slobber staring at the ceiling.

Big Rock says "Co-Op Classic Premium Ale is a special recipe for Co-Op. The product most similar in our line of products is Warthog Cream Ale." Not sure what Great Western thinks of Co-op’s new brewer. Looks a little lighter than Traditional but that may be the thin 300ml Becks glass. The caramel nose is rather strong although closer inspection adds a strong metallic edge similar to Granville Island Maple Cream. Tastes like Traditional with less malt sweetness and a bit of a bitter edge. A slight price discount to Traditional and Warthog but a comparable product.