West Berkshire Dr Hexter’s Healer

Beer sellers: Westholme Store

ABV: 5%
Origin: Yattendon, West Berkshire, England
Website: www.wbbrew.com

West Berkshire Dr Hexter's Healer

From the image on the label, you might guess that Dr Hexter was some eccentric Victorian quack, but he turns out to be a more contemporary local character — the landlord of a pub in Wantage for whom this beer was originally developed. The brewery, too, began in a pub — the Potkiln in Filsham, where it was founded in 1995 by Dave and Helen Maggs. In 1997 it relocated to a freestanding plant which has since expanded into what the owners are proud to describe as the biggest independent brewer in Berkshire.

Brewed from Maris Otter barley and with three hop varieties including a US import, this decent strong bitter, sampled in filtered, bottled form, pours mid-amber with a decent off-white head. The malty, toasty aroma has fruit and olive notes and polleny hops. A smooth and malty palate has autumn fruit, citrus feel and a developing grapefruit hop tang offset by a sugary note. The long, rounded and bitterish finish has sappy fruit and malt and a slight mineral tang.

It may not do much to heal you, but it could certainly perk you up a bit.

Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/west-berkshire-dr-hexters-healer/1310/