Pale ales - recomme...
 

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[Closed] Pale ales - recommendations and places of purchase

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I like sierra nevada (which always seems to be pricey) and had a few nice pale ales from draught in pubs but what do others like and where's cheap to get them? ta


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:10 pm
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brewdog hardcore IPA is great. very strong, but with a slight flavour of lychees (?). not the cheapest, but taaaasty!


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:13 pm
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Timothy Taylor - Landlords

available in good pubs across the north


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:13 pm
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Is Landlord a pale ale? I always thought it was a Bitter. Nice though

there are various IPAs (India Pale Ale*) out there, many available from most supermarkets.

Booths' supermarket has an especially good bottled beer section, if you happen to be in the northwest of England, or Ilkley.

* India Pale Ale was made at home in the UK and shipped out to India for the colonial masters & the troops; to survive the long journey by sea, it had to have a higher alcohol content than typical pale ales of the day; IPAs today are typically nowhere near as strong, although the blend of hops/malt may be close to the original


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:17 pm
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Landlord is a pale ale - probably my favourite as far as mass-produced ale goes.
Deuchars IPA is surprisingly decent considering it's everywhere round where I live. Not amazing or anything, but perfectly respectable. It must be robust enough not to require anything special to look after it.

A lot of the pales will really divide opinion according to how you taste the hopps. Under-hopped ale (too sweet) or strong citrus or flowery flavours are not for me (ie if the ale is described as 'spicy'), although Landlord has a citrus component that I don't mind.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:35 pm
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Another vote for deuchers.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:36 pm
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This is very nice and fairly strong at 5.5% if you like to brew your own.[url= http://www.creativewinemaking.co.uk/beer-kits/st-peters-brewery-ipa/prod_777.html ]St Peters IPA[/url]
Got one brewing at the moment 😀


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:39 pm
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yeah i like deuchars, just wondered if folk had any other tipples bit more off the beaten trail


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:39 pm
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Landlord is indeed a pale ale.
I'm going to take a guess that Sierra Nevada pale ale is made with Cascade hops. If so, Copper Dragon do a nice one called Golden Pippin and Saltaire Brewerys Cascade Pale Ale is one of my favourites.

There are a few others, but their names escape me. Anyway, Cascade hops are being used quite alot now in the UK, so look out for that hop on the labels.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:41 pm
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cheers for that!


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:50 pm
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Ah yes - Golden Pippin is indeed lovely.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:54 pm
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Try www.MyBreweryTap.co.uk for online orders - the owner is a forum lurker too 🙂


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:56 pm
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Brewdog Punk IPA is also worth a try, from most supermarkets.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:57 pm
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Oh. And Marston's Old Empire, from the home of IPA, Burton on Trent.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 1:59 pm
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i've never really got on with the Punk IPA - but the Hardcore IPA is totally different. i found the punk to just taste like a really unrefined strong beer - just a horrible syrupy flavour. lots of people would disagree though i'm sure!


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:00 pm
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I live on Wye Valley HPA (Hereford Pale Ale). The finest beer in the world.

Available direct from the website by bottle. Bottle served is passable compared to the barrel, but pour first to let most of the gas out.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:07 pm
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isn't all "bitter" pale ale?
pale meaning not dark like stout, porter or mild.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:14 pm
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A pale ale ought to be a paler brew. Drier, lighter, more amber.

I agree, some things called Pale Ale, arent. Often northern beers as they have no idea how to make something that doesnt come out like molasses! West country, west of england (Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire/Salopian) and some kentish brewers know how to make a proper dry, hoppy PA 😉

*retires to the flameproof pub*.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:18 pm
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So what about the multi award winning Jaipur from Thornbridge? One of the best current pale ales, from the peak district no less. Magical. 😉


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:27 pm
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Italian head brewer Stefano Cossi’s

Southerner ^

brewery manager Kelly Ryan, a New Zealander

Southerner ^ 🙂


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:32 pm
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Made with northern water. 😀


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:40 pm
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Deuchars for me I like the fact its not too strong by volume must be getting old 😉


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:41 pm
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I have no issues with the ingredients. Have you ever tried drinking Youngs? Brewed with London tap water and tastes like it. What's odd is how Fullers can make ten times better beer from Chiswick water than Youngs can from Wandle water. Possibly less Sloaney piss in it? 🙂


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:42 pm
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Deuchars is almost the only "northern" IPA I do actually really like. Travels very well too, in barrel and bottle.

That and Coniston Bluebird.

EDIT - good point re strength. I dont like beers more than 5.0% which would rule out Jaipur for me except as a tryout beer. I like a dry hoppy 3.6-4% session beer.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:43 pm
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Young's isn't brewed anywhere near London, after all the brewery is waiting to be turned into apartments.
Red Squirrel RSX went down nice last night.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:50 pm
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Leeds Brewery Pale ale. Only available to buy in casks unless you live near leeds.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:52 pm
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I confess I havent tried Youngs for about 8 years.
Where are they now?


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:53 pm
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Southern shandy puff eh? 😉


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:54 pm
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Thornbridge Jaipur, Castle Rock Screech Owl and Bradfield Brewery Farmer's Blonde are all great.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:56 pm
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West of England bitter puff if you dont mind!

Anyway, it's all rich coming from a Burton Union Muck man! bleugggghhhh! Marstons & Bass = foul ditch water 🙂


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 2:57 pm
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[url= http://www.banktopbrewery.com/ales.htm ]Jobs a Good un.[/url]


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 3:30 pm
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Youngs now brewed in Bedford.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 3:39 pm
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Oakham Ales Bishops Farewell - Mmmmmm, try this if you get the chance 🙂

http://www.oakhamales.com/bishopsfarewell.asp


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 3:40 pm
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Had a few pints of Jaipur last week very nice and strong too


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 3:40 pm
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might go and try youngs again then. They went through a phase in the late 90s of being undrinkable IMO. Put me off for life. But if they have different water they may be better now...


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 3:43 pm
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+1 Marstons Old Empire.

But I did use to prefer a pint of Mild as my first when out for a 'night'... spot the (older) Northerner


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 4:31 pm
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I'm not rally a fan of either Landlord or Deuchars, I'd recommend [url= http://www.wyevalleybrewery.co.uk/ ]HPA[/url] and [url= http://www.liverpoolorganicbrewery.com/about/cask-ales/ ]Liverpool Pale Ale[/url] depending on where you as neither seem to be available that far from the the respective breweries.

HPA is one of the nicest beers I have tried and good reason to do the Rough Ride each year.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 4:39 pm
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Of the easily available beers Old Empire is my favourite. Otherwise Meantime's London Pale is good, and their IPA is spectacular but at 7.5% probably a bit heavy for a session.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 4:44 pm
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Had a pint of [url= http://www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk/ ]Windermere Pale[/url] in the Hawkshead Brewery yesterday. Very, very nice.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 4:46 pm
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Another vote for Old Empire and Deuchars. A good session IPA is Greene King only 3.6%.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 5:00 pm
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Oakham White Dwarf is very nice as is Enville White.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 5:15 pm
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Ah yes - Golden Pippin is indeed lovely.

+1


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 6:15 pm
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A good session IPA is Greene King only 3.6%.

There is nothing good about GK IPA 🙂


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 6:19 pm
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+1 for the Old Empire

My head never thanks me in the morning though!


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 6:20 pm
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A good session IPA is Greene King only 3.6%.
There is nothing good about GK IPA

amen! *boaaakkkkk*


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 6:21 pm
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My St Peters IPA has just finished and I've just had my first taste of it. Very yummy and very easy to do.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:02 pm
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I was disappointed with the St Peters PA especially as their Best and Golden are so good.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:06 pm
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another +1 for old empire. Also Jaipur was pretty damned good, wouldnt drink too many, but very good.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:09 pm
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Butcombe Brunel IPA is worth a look too.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:11 pm
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Booths supermarkets have a great range of beer
+1 for Golden Pippin


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:12 pm
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good idea. Not had enough Butcombe at my local. Will put a request in with our landlord...


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:14 pm
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Anyone in Yorkshire, Rhythm and Booze are selling Butcombe Brunel IPA @ 99p per bottle at the mo.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:20 pm
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So what about the multi award winning Jaipur from Thornbridge? One of the best current pale ales, from the peak district no less. Magical.

it's lovely. but far removed from an old style IPA it's colour and citrus aroma is more american in style.

too much regional bias in this thread, there are top beers from all over the country even scotland where they are stingy with their hops 🙄


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:23 pm
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Phipps NBC IPA is tasty too.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:40 pm
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For an "authentic" IPA, Meantime IPA is probably the closest you'll get. Available in 750ml bottles from Sainsburys.

Phipps NBC IPA is tasty too.

Yup, quite partial to a drop of that 🙂


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:42 pm
 ton
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pippin
siver king
blonde bombshell
humdinger

all nice pales i enjoy.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:44 pm
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Harveys IPA was quite a nice pint on friday evening. Other favourites include Cornish Coaster and Twickenham Grandstand.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:53 pm
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O'Hanlons Yellowhammer for me..


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:54 pm
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Hope Back Summer Lightning and Meantime IPA for me.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 7:59 pm
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I love pale ales and IPAs but my mind has gone blank. The almost metallic kick of Punk IPA is fun whilst Harvey's Blue Label is very easy drinking. I'll be back with more...


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 8:03 pm
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Hope Back

😕


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 8:54 pm
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I have no issues with the ingredients. Have you ever tried drinking Youngs? Brewed with London tap water and tastes like it. What's odd is how Fullers can make ten times better beer from Chiswick water than Youngs can from Wandle water. Possibly less Sloaney piss in it?

are you mad? Youngs ordinary is everything but. Fantastic, refreshing, tasty, not too strong. Its not an IPA so not strictly relevant to OP but you started this sub argument. London Pride is sweet muck IMO. Fullers 'Bengal Lancer' is a good IPA.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 9:55 pm
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Deuchars is awesome

Liking Wainwright too, not sure its pale ale though. Better than Landlord, in bottles at least.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 10:20 pm
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It's probably not niche enough STW but I've tried a few IPAs from M&S recently. Rushing to get beer before catching the train it was the only option.

The Southwold Winter IPA is brewed by Adnams and I had another one brewed by Marstons.

Both good and certainly worth another try.


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 10:32 pm
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A lot of the M&S beer is nice (OT but their Spanish Lager is lovely!)


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 10:34 pm
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matthew - The M&S cornish is brewed by St Austell I reckon...


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 10:43 pm
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Not sure if its strictly a pale ale but Spitfire is top stuff. Somehow reminds me of my grandad.
Badger brewery make some nice stuff too, Golden Glory, Golden Champion and First Gold are all very good


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 10:50 pm
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Lots of good stuff on this thread, but for me the [i]ne plus ultra[/i] of IPA has to be the Brewdog American Double IPA (sold as a Tesco own brand). In their infinite wisdom, Tesco were selling it at £1 a bottle before Christmas so I have a couple of boxes in the shed 😛

I currently have a glass beside me, and it's like Brewdog's Punk IPA but turned up to 11 - massive hit of hops on the nose followed by a further assault of citrus. Definitely not a session beer at 9 percent though!


 
Posted : 13/02/2011 11:23 pm
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White Shield IPA - local pub had it on draught at the weekend - very tasty.

http://backoftheferry.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/white-shield-india-pale-ale-simply-great/


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 8:48 am
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Harveys all the way for me, big big fan of there beers, best, copperwheat and south downs harvest, great after a ride on the south downs.

[url= http://www.harveys.org.uk/bottledbeers.php ]Harveys[/url]


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 1:18 pm
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My recommendation from the weekends sampling - [url= http://www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/beers/badgerales/blandfordfly.asp ]Blandford Fly[/url].

Like a pale ale and ginger beer combined, only better. From Sainsburys.


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 1:36 pm
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another vote for HPA

Farmers Blonde is nicer though ( http://www.bradfieldbrewery.co.uk/home/)


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 2:15 pm
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Butcombe rules.

As a Somerset lad, I occasionally have some blood in my Butcombe system.


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 2:16 pm
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And for those that are interested in HPA producers: Wye Valley brewery, they won the BBC 2010 Food & Farming award for Best Drinks Producer
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/ffa/2010/

Quite right too 🙂


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 2:17 pm
 Haze
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Wye Valley HPA and Sadler's Thin Ice (extra pale ale).

The hoppier the better, although I've yet to try the Brew Dog stuff...


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 2:25 pm
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+1's for:

Marstons Old Empire
Wye Vallyey HPA (The only beer in the world that doesn't give me a hangover)
Oakham Ales White Dwarf
Hop Back Summer Lightning

And I'll add (unless I missed it further up...)
Brains S.A. Gold


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 2:26 pm
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Timmy Taylors is my fave pale. Paid £1.75 in Morrisons this morning as opposed to £2+ in Sainsbreeze.


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 3:34 pm
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Can't believe Abbeydales Moonshine hasn't been mentioned, also a fan of farmers blonde, Timmy Taylors and Easy rider.


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 4:24 pm
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kelham island plae rider is rather splendid , phoenix brewery arizona is another winner


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 4:43 pm
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[url= http://www.tringbrewery.co.uk/ ]Tring Brewery[/url] has got some lovely ales and Sidepocket for a Toad is available in bottles.

They also sponsor quite a lot of local MTB stuff.


 
Posted : 14/02/2011 5:37 pm
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