Charles Dickens Pub

To mark this momentous milestone, the brewery has released Exmoor Antler, their first new beer since the launch of Silver Stallion in 2005. Dark amber in colour, it’s a beer that has a lot more bite and character than its 4% abv (alcohol by volume) might suggest. As for what went into the brewing recipe, head brewer Adrian Newman will only let on that ‘we used a blend of four different malts and four hops’. Though he does admit that for the first time ever he used the American hop Cascade, a well-regarded hop that offers floral and spicy aromas on a finished beer.

According to Exmoor’s Managing Director and owner, Jonathan Price, Exmoor Antler originated ‘because we wanted a darker beer that we felt was lacking in our range. Likewise we felt that a 4% beer was also missing. As for the colour, there was a feeling that golden/blonde and IPA styled beers now so over represented, that perhaps the man at the bar would welcome something different. What Adrian has created certainly seems to have done that judging by demand from our customers.

Exmoor-based journalist Adrian Tierney-Jones is the editor of 1001 Beers You Should Try Before You Die (Cassell) and gave his verdict on the beer: ‘Dark amber in colour. Nose of popcorn and buttery, soft toffee with the very slightest hint of chewy Starburst sweets in the background. Full-bodied mouthfeel for its strength, toffee and nuts on the palate, kept in line by a swirl of a ripe fruit bowl; dry, Weetabix-

like finish that leaves the palate calling out for more. Given the popcorn and toffee nose it’s time to ask your local pub to set up a cinema club and claim the front aisle with a pint of Antler.’

Exmoor Ales’ continued their winning ways at the 18th Tuckers Maltings Festival, organised by the southwest branch of the Society of Independent Brewers. Its sumptuous strong porter Exmoor Beast won silver in the Strong Ales section.

Brains Milkwood

Finally get around to trying this Brains seasonal beer in a pub rather than in the depths of their Victorian Brewery with the head brewer. This version of Milkwood differs from recipes in previous years as the ingredients are rye and naked golden oats this year, producing an unusual brown ale with a very nutty flavour. An inticing aroma of caramel and vanilla leads to a smooth, rather sweet ale. The crystal rye comes through in the aftertaste, leaving a bitter-sweet flavour. Quite a complex and unusual beer for Brains to produce, hats off to Bill Dobson and his team for producing this beer.
Milkwood was tried in my local Brains pub, the Hanbury in Caerleon