Marston’s ‘Old Empire’ IPA

Rating:

“A memorable and deceptively easy drinking IPA. This is an authentic recreation of the beer style created for, and enjoyed throughout the Empire. Goldings, Fuggles and American Cascade hops combine to give a crisp, citrus hops aroma with a balanced bittersweet finish,”

Glassware: IPA.

Appearance: Amber with a mild haze. It constructs a rocky two finger head which gradually peels off and leaves an absolute mess on the glass.

Aroma: Straight up English IPA. There’s a solid base of semi sweet and lightly roasted malts for the orange citrus-driven and grassy/herbal hops to work off. Definitely some floral and spicy aspects along with that somewhat earthy, cedar-like character that’s synonymous with English ale. Just a hint of funky English yeast cutting through as well.

Flavour: We’re seeing the age old battle between malt and hops play out here. Earthy, citrusy and herbal/grassy hops seem to take control but the toasty and semi sweet malts immediately pull them back into line. Also getting a dry, spicy and grainy flavour which forms a big chunk of the finish…which really goes the distance.

Mouthfeel: Very well rounded. Slightly chewy yet crisp and a little dry. Perfectly carbonated. The 5.7% ABV is right on the money as well.

Overall: This style has to resurface again at some point. There’s too much to like about it for it not to. The precise balance, the light and crushable yet kinda complex nature of it. We want to see more new world English IPA!