This beer is one which I know well in its cask form. Having been on a tour of the brewery, bought multiple casks and polypins of this beer for parties and beer festivals, and tried in in many pubs around the local area, I can honestly say I’ve never had it from a bottle.
The brewery admit it’s different in its bottled form to its cask form; the ABV jump to 4.5% is an immediate flag, but the beer is introduced by its bottle as ‘The Hoppy One’. The beer pours well and has good condition but does appear to be filtered if not pasteurised. Head retention is pretty good for the style and colour of beer. Now, you’ll have to forgive me if I’m a little vague or off-form with the tasting notes here. I’ve had this blasted sinusitis for the best part of a week now and although I can (mostly) smell again, it’s not going to be 100%.
The aroma is fresh and clean and the hops are noticeable. Mouthfeel is light and vibrant and there’s a rather prominent taste of bananas and exotic fruits which give way to a momentary metallic twang which in turn fades into that musky hop bitterness which we know and love. The aftertaste is all about the hops, leaving a beautiful mellow, smoky hop feel to your mouth. The aftertaste is so stunning it leaves you in two minds whether or not to spoil it with another mouthful of beer (and that’s not something you get very often).
If this beer is the best part of a percentage point stronger than its cask equivalent, it doesn’t show. It’s still the same lovable, drinkable Sidepocket we’re used to. I’ll you something else, too: I think it’s clearing out my sinuses. They should put that on the label.
If you live within driving distance of Tring, I’d strongly recommend picking up a polypin of this beer next time you’re having a party or get-together. At a friend’s recent housewarming party, thirty-six pints of this beer went down very nicely indeed with the guests. Failing that, keep an eye on your local branch of JD Wetherspoon – I’ve seen a couple of Tring beers on in there recently and I hope that continues.
July 14th, 2010 - 6:08 pm
Greetings: As far as I am concerned the title Tring Brewery (as in Side Pocket etc.. ) is the mark of a superlative beer – however, some pubs serve the delightful brews at the WRONG TEMPERATURE ie. cold. Can’t anything be done about this? I have written to Wetherspoons and they have promised to look into the problem but so farnothing seems to have happened.