Timothy Taylor’s – Knowle Spring

What they say: “Knowle Spring Blonde is a full-bodied blonde beer brewed with Golden Promise barley malt, Strisselspalt hops from Alsace, and UK-grown Minstrel, Cascade and Chinook hops. It’s an easy-drinking beer with floral and grapefruit aromas, spiced orange on the tongue followed by aromatic citrus hop flavours to finish.”

This was never going to be one of my favourites, even though I’m a TT fan, nevertheless, the journey down from Yorkshire clearly didn’t do it any harm as it was in superb condition. 4.3% A.B.V.

The Blue Lion, Hardwick, Cambridgeshire. August 2017

St Austell–Harvest Moon

What they say: “For a late summer flourish of sun, or when the first whispers of autumn begin, this is a beer to truly refresh and satisfy the palate….Harvest your taste buds with this well-balanced and drinkable malty number that offers plenty of biscuit and fruit cake flavours.……”

I like this a lot – even though it was summer and the sun was noticeably absent it went down well. Sadly it’s only a seasonal. 4.3% A.B.V.

We ate here too and the food was great. Coeliacs will be pleased to note that most items on the menu are available gluten free too.

The Muddiford Inn, Muddiford, North Devon. August 2017

Forge–Litehouse

What they say: “2010 overall winner of SIBA SW maltings festival. A golden coloured beer with a good balance of malt and a very good hop blend for a lovely hoppy finish.”

Perhaps just a little too hoppy for me, however it was my birthday and certainly wasn’t the first of the day – and I had another one. A great pub too and brewed just a few miles away near Bideford. 4.3% A.B.V

The Grampus Inn, Lee, North Devon. August 2017

Wickwar–Falling Star

what they say: “Our Premium Golden Ale. 4.2% ABV. Brewed for the contemporary taste palate using locally grown and renowned floor malted Maris Otter barley from Warminster Maltings. Distinctive and complex flavours and aromas are delivered through a carefully chosen blend of Cascade, Willamette and Mittlefruh hops. The resulting balanced and refreshing finish is achieved through a combination of our pure Cotswold water and unique strain of yeast. A golden artisan ale.”

I’ve always enjoyed Wickwar’s Bob so was delighted to find another in their range and this didn’t disappoint either. A quality pint served just right.

Cook Island Freehouse, Mullacott Cross, North Devon. August 2017.

Bishop Nick–Revelry

What they say: “Brewed especially for Fathers’ Day, we’ve gone big in honour of the big fella. Waimea hops are as big as they come, epic citrus and pine flavours burst from this New Zealand crop. Bold bitterness is perfectly balanced with a dad sized portion of crystal malt, providing sweet, subtle toffee flavours, a dab of spice and devilish red hue. “

I liked this, I didn’t find the citrus and pine overpowering at all – a lovely combination of flavours. Found in one of Cambridgeshire’s great village pubs I remember from years back when we still lived here. 4.2% A.B.V.

The Red Lion, Grantchester. July 2017