ABV: 9%
Origin: Bowburn, Durham, England
Website: www.durham-brewery.co.uk
A shorter version was originally published in BEER November 2008. For more smoky beers see previous post.
Durham Brewery
Also amber (like St Austell Admiral’s Ale — see previous post) but considerably stronger is Durham Bede’s Chalice (9 per cent) one of several fine strong ales perfect for winter drinking from a brewery that emphasises the ecclesiastical heritage of its home territory. It was originally a Christmas beer and is still only bottled on an occasional basis (my tasting sample was from Gyle 1771), but is well worth snapping up if you see it. The grist is Maris Otter pale, lager, Vienna and wheat malts, hopped with Centennial, with a recommended serving temperature of at least 8°C.
It’s a warm amber beer, a glow no doubt down to the Vienna malt, with a fine white head and a smooth and slightly wheaty aroma with notes of angelica and a touch of wood. The palate is rich with orange and peach liqeur character and a spicy wheaty note, with the syrupiness drying on the swallow. A sweet-sour creamy and herby finish develops rooty woody hops and juicy fruit. Overall a very flavourful and impressive beer.
For more smoky beers, see next post.
Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/durham-bedes-chalice/82045/
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