Beer of the Week

Buxton Brewery Gold - 5.2%, £2.25

Buxton Brewery has been going from strength to strength of late, its success partly evinced by a much-needed rebranding and the installation of a new brewkit.

It has been putting out a range of flavourful, expertly crafted ales for a good while now.

Exciting collaborative and limited edition beers made with specialist techniques (as in the Tsar Bomba and Sky Mountain Sour ales) have kept things exciting in that time, but recently an old favourite returned to the fold: Buxton Gold has resurfaced, always a disastrously drinkable beer, and one that I’m more than happy to see on the shelf once again.

Pouring golden orange, with a delicate white head, the aroma is reminiscent of fresh grapes, juicy plums, and fragrant straw.

Binding it all together is an overarching sharp citrus note suggesting the beer that follows is going to be aromatic and refreshing, and certainly hop-forward like much of Buxton’s portfolio.

The flavour takes a slightly different turn however; there is throughout a gentle hop aroma that fills the mouth with the first sip, but this soon subsides, allowing a rich caramel maltiness to develop.

A light bitterness provides a considered counterpoint to the sweet finish, which ensures that every draught taken is satisfying yet refreshing.

A versatile beer indeed, that drinks dangerously like a session ale without skimping on the good stuff.

As recommended by Michael Bates of Trembling Madness, Stonegate, York

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