“Hawthorn Amber Ale is a rich malt flavoured ale, presenting itself as dark auburn coloured with hints of red. More British than the Queen’s corgi’s, our Amber Ale is meticulously brewed to the true Northern English style. The inclusion of the world famous base malt – Maris Otter, ensures a lovely rounded body, whilst a small addition of Chocolate Malt in the grain bill delivers a warm bittersweet roasted caramel flavour. Mild English hops balance the sweet malt nicely, and plenty of dry hopping after the fermentation infuses a floral and spice aroma. Hawthorn Amber Ale is an all malt beer with no added sugar, chemicals or preservatives. Smooth and well balanced, drink it a few degrees warmer than the fridge for the full flavoured experience. Best from a glass”.
Poured into a shaker glass the appearance offers a deep amber with a tight one and a half finger beige head. Good retention drawing some nice lace trails as the beer recedes. The aroma displays a gorgeous roasted character with hints of toffee, nuts and toast. An encompassing candy-like aroma adds depth and a sweet component to the nose that is really alluring. Medium carbonation with a frothy mouth feel. Medium body. Sweet malt, nuts and light, spicy hops initially make way for a subtle peppery mid-palate. Flashes of caramel malt move forward through to the nutty finish. Unfortunately the overall flavour becomes quite thin and one dimensional which is a real shame. The 4.7% ABV is quite modest, we feel the beer could have been lifted a bit if the percentage was higher. All in all, a good beer with the right foundations, just lacking the knock out blow for us.