Brewery: Bishop Nick
ABV: 5.1%
Style: Premium Bitter
Location: Braintree, Essex
Aroma: Malts, plum, sherry, vanilla, oak.
Colour: Deep brown with a two finger fluffy cream coloured head.
Taste: Bitter and biscuity in the foreground, followed by a bed of mulled fruits, caramel, nutty and sherry, a rush of warmth comes through but it is pleasant not forced. Mouthfeel is chewy and creamy, good head retention from the use of flaked oats.
Verdict: A quaffable premium bitter with bags of character, malt plays a key role in forming the flavour profile, bringing notes of fruitiness, sweetness and a bitter backbone. The hops seem a bit muted which slightly detracts from the experience. There there's a sense that tradition is on the forefront of the brewers minds with this one, the flavour grows on you, a good quality bottled beer.
Rating: 9/10