Category Archives: Bottled Beer

Can be classed as real ale if bottle conditioned

0 pint, Bottled Beer

Brewmeister Snake Venom

Leave a comment


67.5% ABV
!! WARNING !! This beer is not for the feint-hearted

Brewmeister Snake Venom is currently recognised as the strongest beer in the World. It is brewed in Moray from smoked, peated malt using two varieties of yeast, one beer and one Champagne. Like other ultra high strength beers it is frozen several times after the fermentation process, and the ice crystals removed. This concentrates the alcohol, flavour, and body of the beer as water is removed each time. The beer is then fortified with alcohol to increase the strength further.

The result is a powerful, viscous, intensely flavoured beer that should be treated more like a spirit with regards to its consumption. There is no carbonation as the liquid is too thick to hold carbon dioxide bubbles.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (0.3 / 5)

Share this:
Share
4.0 to 4.4, Bottled Beer

Fullers – Vintage Ale 2021

Leave a comment

Vintage Ale 8.5% ABV

Now on its 25th edition, 2021 is a landmark year for Vintage Ale. At its heart, Pale Ale and Caragold malts combine with DRC®(Double Roasted Crystal), to deliver a toffee and raisin sweetness. Turning to hops, we’re showcasing younger UK varieties for their luscious fruitiness. Endeavour brings plummy tones, while Olicana® and the yet unnamed experimental hop CF182 add tropical and orange notes. All complemented, as ever, by the zesty marmalade character of our famous Fuller’s yeast.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (4 / 5)

Share this:
Share
3.0 to 3.4, 3.5 to 3.9, Bottled Beer, Canned Beer

West Berkshire Brewery – Detour Pale Ale

Leave a comment

Pale Ale 4.5%

Take a detour with this super easy drinking pale. Crammed full of tropical fruit and citrus flavours with a crisp, balanced bitterness.

The Regulars had the opportunity to sample this n bottles and cans. On balance, the bottled version was marginally preferred as it seemed to hold the head longer. Further scientific analysis is required to determine whether this was related to temperature effects.

Can:  Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.3 / 5)

Bottle: Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
5 pint, Bottled Beer

UPDATE: St Austell Tribute Ale

Leave a comment

The Harper Arms regulars were sad to learn of the death of Roger Ryman, the St Austell Chief Brewer who created Tribute, the Harper Arms benchmark beer.

As our own tribute, we held yet another tasting of this excellent beer.

Tribute as it’s light, hoppy, zesty, easy to drink and consistently delicious.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):  (5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
3.0 to 3.4, Bottled Beer

UPDATE: Morland – Old Speckled Hen

Leave a comment


A high proportion of crystal malt in Old Speckled Hen provides the key toffee/caramel flavour. The yeast used to ferment the beer provides the other key character – estery or banana/pear drop. This estery note provides the fruity and refreshing balance. The hops used add a palate cleansing herbal note and very slight orange citrus. A very malty, full bodied and warming ale.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3 / 5)

Share this:
Share
1 pint, Bottled Beer

Ossett Brewery – Yorkshire Blonde

Leave a comment


A Fruity Pale Ale.

Yorkshire Blonde is a mellow, lager coloured ale. Full-bodied and low in bitterness, there is a delicate malty sweetness on the palate. The fruity hop aroma results from a generous late addition of Mount Hood hops.Our biggest selling beer, Yorkshire Blonde is a mellow, lager coloured ale.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (1.8 / 5)

Share this:
Share
4.5 to 4.9, Bottled Beer

St Austell – Proper Job

Leave a comment

A powerfully authentic IPA, Proper Job is brewed with a blend of imported American hops. It is a real treat of a beer with a growing reputation and is loved by beer enthusiasts far and wide. Perhaps the forerunner of all modern IPAs in the UK!

An award-winning modern IPA, packed full of citrus, pineapple and grapefruit resinous flavours with a fine crisp bitter finish.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (4.5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
2 pint, Bottled Beer

Marston’s Bombardier – Glorious English

Leave a comment

Savour the distinct aroma, then surrender to the perfect balance of malty richness, tangy hops and sultana fruit on the palate.

Natural mineral water, the ripest English fuggles hops and crushed crystal malt deliver this experience of England in a glass. Brace yourself for a long soft spicy finish.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (2.5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
3.5 to 3.9, Bottled Beer

Purity Brewing Company – Pure UBU

Leave a comment

Pure UBU (pronounced ‘OO-BOO’) is named after our faithful canine friend ‘UBU’, a maverick, brim full of character and the unofficial protector of our secrets. God love him, the dog is mad, but an inspiration to all who enjoy doing what they do and who want to be loved for being what they are.

Pure UBU (4.5% ABV, IBU36) is a distinctive, full flavoured beer with a sweeter finish. Brewed with English Maris Otter, Crystal, and Wheat malts, with Pilgrim and Cascade hops.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
Bottled Beer

Two Cocks Brewery – Bottled Selection

Leave a comment

Known for featuring on Grand Designs, endorsement from Raymond Blanc and the feather on the bottle , it was about time that The Regulars tried some beer from Two Cocks Brewery.

Diamond Lil is a 3.2% ABV  light and fruity golden ale was developed especially for the Diamond Jubilee.

Puritan Stout has a stark black and white appearance conceals luxurious notes of caramel and chocolate and at 4.5% this is anything but austere.

Viscount Golden Ale features the lightest of malts combined with Nelson Sauvin hops and a piggyback fermentation to deliver an ale with low bitterness and a complex fruit character.

Musket Bitter is an English style bitter. Not much else to add.

As per The Harper Arms rules, there is no rating for these as we only had one bottle of each.

Share this:
Share
3.5 to 3.9, Bottled Beer

Shepherd Neame – Master Brew

Leave a comment

Master Brew is brewed using only the finest Kentish barley and hops and is Shepherd Neame’s flagship beer in the brewery’s Kentish heartland.

The “Local Hero” is a distinctive, mid-brown bitter ale, with all the hoppy aroma you would expect of a beer brewed in the heart of the hop country.

Hand-crafted by the Faversham brewery’s talented team of experienced brewers, it is a well-balanced traditional ale.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.5 / 5)

 

Share this:
Share
3.5 to 3.9, Bottled Beer

Theakston – Old Peculier

3 Comments

The Legend!

Old Peculier is a beautiful, yet very simple beer, brewed using a very generous blend of finest pale, crystal and roasted barley with two bitter hops combined with the majestic and noble ‘Fuggle’ hop to produce a beer of awesome full-bodied flavour with subtle cherry and rich fruit overtones.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):  (3.8 / 5)

Share this:
Share
3.0 to 3.4, Bottled Beer

Rebellion – Red

Leave a comment


A warming, Autumnal red ale, rich & malty, with a balancing bittersweet hop character.

10% Crystal malt blended with Maris Otter pale ale malt in the mash gives the beer its reddish hue. English First Gold & Goldings hops added at stages in the copper for flavour. Late addition Bramling Cross hops in the hop-back for a fruity aroma.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):  (3 / 5)

Share this:
Share
5 pint, Bottled Beer

UPDATE: St Austell Tribute Ale

2 Comments

 

Tribute-Group

Tribute is the benchmark for The Harper Arms regulars.

A  favourite choice throughout South West England as well as being one of the fastest growing premium cask ale brands in the rest of the UK.

Tribute as it’s light, hoppy, zesty, easy to drink and consistently delicious.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):  (5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
3.5 to 3.9, Bottled Beer

Sharps Brewery – Atlantic Pale Ale

Leave a comment

Sharps AtlanticAtlantic is a deep golden colour. The aroma of Pale Ale is a blend of stunning citrus notes, juicy tropical fruits and fresh-picked hops with a touch of candy floss. The flavour has a delicate sweetness with fruity succulence and citrus spice to the fore. The finish is sweet at first becoming dry and lingering with hop zest.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
Bottled Beer

Badger Ales – Bottled Selection

Leave a comment

badgerA collection of bottled beers from Badger.

Tangle Foot: This golden ale has hints of melon and pear that develop from fermentation. 5% ABV

Golden Champion: This pale-golden ale has subtle elderflower aromas that are crisp and fruity, and a subtle tangerine, and floral taste. 5% ABV

First Call: This malty, dark ale is distinctive with hints or orange and spice. 4% ABV

Firkin Fox: This auburn ale has a biscuity maltiness taste, with intense aromas of citrus on the nose.  4.6% ABV

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): Not Rated

Share this:
Share
3.0 to 3.4, Bottled Beer

Renegade Brewery – Red Eye PA

1 Comment

Red-Eye-PA

A collaboration with Farmageddon Brewery in Northern Ireland, a fruity, hoppy, Red IPA with bags of flavour and a dry resinous finish.

Packed with Columbus, Galaxy and Centennial hops, this hoppy Red IPA begins with big aromas of burnt orange and passion fruit followed by sweet malt flavours and a dry resinous finish. Full-on with bags of flavour.

Specially sourced at Dave’s request following his sampling of Farmageddon – India Pale Ale

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3 / 5)

Share this:
Share
4.5 to 4.9, Bottled Beer

Brew Dog – Dead Pony Club

2 Comments


PAYING HOP-FLECKED HOMAGE TO THE GLORY OF THE PACIFIC COAST, DEAD PONY CLUB HAS BEEN CRAFTED FROM AN INSANE AMOUNT OF US HOPS, DELIVERING MASSIVE CITRUS AROMAS OF LEMONGRASS AND LIME ZEST.

Dead Pony is the invigorating surf that pounds the iridescent shoreline yards from the salt-encrusted asphalt of Route 1. The hop-heavy west-coast wonderland awaits.

Dive in and the toasted malt base soon yields to a huge box-fresh hop hit, washing tropical fruit, floral garlands and spicy undertones all over your palate.

Inspired by US-Style pale ales, Dead Pony is a low amplitude, high voltage hop hit; California dreaming for the craft beer generation.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (4.5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
4.0 to 4.4, Bottled Beer

Goose Island Beer Company – Goose IPA

1 Comment

GooseIslandIPApng
An India Pale Ale that recalls a time when ales shipped from England to India were highly hopped to preserve their distinct taste during the long journey. The result is a hop lover’s dream with a fruity aroma, set off by a dry malt middle, and long hop finish.

Hops: Cascade, Celeia, Centennial, Pilgrim, Styrian Golding

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (4.3 / 5)

Share this:
Share
2 pint, Bottled Beer

Harpers Brewing Company – Bottled Selection

3 Comments

Harpers Brewing CompanyA selection of beers from Aldi under the Harper’s Brewing Company brand.

Amber Stone is a traditional English bitter, Wild Billy’s IPA is an American IPA, Medusa is a ruby red ale and Golden Crown is a golden ale.

Brewed by Marston’s in the UK.

 

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):

  • Golden Crown     (2.3 / 5)
  • Amber Stone        (2.3 / 5)
  • Wild Billy’s IPA   (2.5 / 5)
  • Medusa                 (2.8 / 5)
  • Overall               (2.5 / 5)

Note that The Regulars are currently in dispute with Aldi over the use of the Harper name. We want to  ensure that the general public do not confuse these beers with our very own Harper Arms Hoppy Punch.

Share this:
Share
Bottled Beer

ON TOUR: Anvil Ale – Pale Ale

Leave a comment

Anvil AleAfter a week in South Africa where the only beer available was lager, Dave was forced to drink Gin & Tonic and Red Wine until he came across this locally brewed Pale Ale.

A copper-to-red coloured English ale. The late addition of imported Goldings hops gives this ale an aromatic floral hop character that is combined with mild fruitiness. This premium ale has a lingering spicy hop character on the back of the tongue, balanced by the malty fullness on the front of the palate.

Share this:
Share
3.0 to 3.4, Bottled Beer

Marstons Old Empire IPA

Leave a comment

Old Empire IPACrafted to produce an authentic re-creation of an IPA. With its pale appearance, strong hoppy taste and higher alcoholic strength it comprises all the genuine characteristics of a true India Pale Ale, which were necessary to survive the three month long journey from Burton to Bombay – 5.7% abv.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3 / 5)

Share this:
Share
4.5 to 4.9, Bottled Beer, Canned Beer

BrewDog – Punk IPA

1 Comment

Punk IPA

Our scene-stealing flagship is an India Pale Ale that has become a byword for craft beer rebellion; synonymous with the insurgency against mass-produced, lowest common denominator beer. Punk IPA charges the barricades to fly its colours from the ramparts – full-on, full-flavour; at full-throttle.

Layered with new world hops to create an explosion of tropical fruit and an all-out riot of grapefruit, pineapple and lychee before a spiky bitter finish, this is transatlantic fusion running at the fences of lost empires.

Nothing will ever be the same again.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (4.8 / 5)

Share this:
Share
3.5 to 3.9, Bottled Beer

Adnams Ghost Ship

Leave a comment

GHOSTSHIP-web1-e1445253051531
At 4.5% abv, this Pale Ale has a good assertive pithy bitterness and a malty backbone. It is brewed with a selection of malts – Pale Ale, Rye and Cara – plus Citra, and a blend of other American hop varieties to create some great citrus flavours.

Ghost Ship was adapted from a recipe for Deathly Pale Ale which was withdrawn from sales because the skull and cross-bones lablel was too similar to the poison symbol.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.5 / 5)

 

Share this:
Share
3.0 to 3.4, Bottled Beer

Robinsons Brewery – Trooper

1 Comment

Trooper

TROOPER is a Premium British Beer inspired by Iron Maiden and handcrafted at Robinsons Brewery.

Malt flavours and citric notes for a unique blend of Bobek, Goldings and Cascade hops give this deep golden ale a subtle hint of lemon. TROOPER takes its name from the Iron Maiden song which itself was inspired by the famous Charge of the Light Brigade.

A real ale enthusiast, band vocalist Bruce Dickinson has helped develop a beer with a true depth of character.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3 / 5)

 

Share this:
Share
3.5 to 3.9, Bottled Beer

Meantime Brewery – London Pale Ale

1 Comment

london-pale-aleOne hundred and fifty years ago the new bitter beer style, Pale Ale, was so popular that brewers had to import Californian hops to meet demand. Meantime London Pale Ale continues that tradition by combining lots of American Cascade and Centennial hops to give it a complex citrus aroma and buckets full of local Kentish Goldings to provide the bitterness that makes the style so refreshing. Together they conspire to assail the nose with a complex, heady mix of  spearmint, grass and ‘hop sack’ aromas, fruity citrus flavours and a bitter finish that makes pale ale drinking a truly rewarding experience

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (3.5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
2 pint, Bottled Beer

Wizard – Robinsons Brewery

3 Comments

Robinsons Wizard

This is the stuff of Cheshire legend (The Wizard of Alderley Edge), combined with 5 English hops, pale, wheat and magical crystal malts.

The result is Wizard, a mythical amber ale with a spell-binding fruity, zesty palate…and a tantalising hint of blackcurrant.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (2.8 / 5)

Share this:
Share
Bottled Beer

Hunters – Pheasant Plucker

2 Comments

pheasantPluckerA selection of bottled conditioned beers from Hunters Brewery.

Pheasant Plucker, a light gold speciality ale with an aroma of spicy hops, molasses and cocoa and a rich and fruity taste.

Devon Dreamer is an Amber Bitter with an aroma of orange and fresh goldings and a zesty, refreshing and well balanced taste.

Bluebeard’s Revenge – The Ultimate Pale Ale! Really?

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): Not Rated. Sampling Only

Share this:
Share
0 pint, Bottled Beer

Belhaven Fruit Beer

4 Comments

beerimg_fruit2Not just the domain of the Belgians,the Scots have combined another two things they think they are great at – beer and soft fruits. Not too sweet though, for its great fruity addition, it’s got just the right balance of fruit and bitterness. A perfect beer for summer days (raining or otherwise)

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (0 / 5)

Share this:
Share
2 pint, Bottled Beer

Wychwood Bottled Beer Collection

4 Comments

Wychwood collectionA range of bottle only beers from Wychwood.

Fire Catcher is a  blonde ale at 3.5% ABV.

Dr Thirsty’s no 4 is an unpasteurised blonde ale and comes in a bit stronger at 4.1%

Arrowaine is a dark chestnut ale with a flavour that lingers longer than you want it to 🙁 The Regulars had to have a quick Soundwave to take away the taste!

Goliath is a full-bodied and robust ruby ale. The most well known beer in the collection

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):

  • Fire Catcher           (3 / 5) 
  • Dr Thirsty’s no 4   (3.5 / 5) 
  • Arrowaine               (1 / 5)
  • Goliath                       (3.5 / 5)
  • Overall               (2.8 / 5)
Share this:
Share
4.5 to 4.9, Bottled Beer

Siren Craft Brew – Soundwave

5 Comments

siren-soundwave

A 5.6% west coast IPA: golden, immensely hoppy and alive with grapefruit, peach and mango flavours.

Soundwave carries her drinker to the west coast, to the golden shores of California where craft ale is nectar. She is the driest of Siren’s ales – full with flavour but subtle with bitterness.

Her resinous finish will pull you off balance.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling): (4.5 / 5)

Share this:
Share
4.0 to 4.4, Bottled Beer

Brakspear Oxford Gold

1 Comment

lg-oxford-bottle

Brakspear Oxford Gold is a remarkably zesty brew, with fresh, citrussy aromas and a firm, fruity flavour. Pale ale malts provide the beer with its gold-gilt shimmer, spruced by a hatful of crystal malts to give body, texture and a delicate honey’d wrap.

The blend of hops delivers a shamelessly fresh perfume and fermentation by the  Brakspear yeast gives Brakspear Oxford Gold a fabulous, fruity finish.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):  (4 / 5)

Share this:
Share
2 pint, Bottled Beer

Samuel Adams Boston Lager

2 Comments

bostonlager2015btlpourlg--en--b852109a-cb8e-4bc3-ae90-7bbe22674a40
Samuel Adams Boston Lager helped lead the American beer revolution, reviving a passion for full-bodied brews that are robust and rich with character. Since 1984, Samuel Adams Boston Lager has used only the finest hand-selected ingredients to create this perfectly balanced, complex and full-bodied original brew.

Harper Arms Rating (5=Tribute, 1=Carling):  (2 / 5)

Share this:
Share