“A well-balanced, genuine Yorkshire Bitter, with a full measure of maltiness and hoppy aroma – Boltmaker is first choice for the discerning drinker – on both sides of the Pennines. Formerly known as Best Bitter, Boltmaker has won many awards over the years but most recently it was awarded the CAMRA Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in 2014 and Champion Beer of Britain – Bitter category in 2016.”
Glassware: English Pint.
Appearance: Bold amber with full transparency. It forms a thumb of khaki head which hangs around. Nice webbed lace as we imbibe.
Aroma: Smells absolutely amazing. Malty sweet but nicely balanced by the spicy and herbal old world hops. It really is the malt show though…packed full of caramel, toffee, nuts, toast/doughy bread and sweet dark fruits i.e raisin, prunes/dates and fig. A faint hint of marmalade in there too. Top shelf stuff.
Flavour: English ale at its finest. The palate is swamped with sweet malts ranging from caramel, butterscotch, dried dark fruits and nuts but it’s kept in check by a fine hop bitterness along with orange peel, spice and earthy herbals. Beautifully balanced finish with lingering notes of wheatmeal biscuits and toast.
Mouthfeel: Nice and full yet still light on…the bitterness certainly helping there. Moderate Co2. Only 4.2% ABV so well in to session territory.
Overall: An absolute corker of a beer. The epitome of English ale – easy drinking, sweet but balanced and highly palatable. Brilliant.