Top Tastings 2008. A shorter version was first published on facebook January 2009.
ABV: 4.4%
Origin: Caerdydd, Cymru
Website: www.sabrain.com
Brains Top Notch
Old established Cardiff family brewer Brains offers several cask classics such as SA and Brains Dark but this is a relatively new addition to the range that deserves better exposure. Originally a festival special selected following a tasting of trial ales organised by CAMRA, it’s been promoted to a regular November seasonal, which was when I caught it at the city’s Chapter Arts Centre, but I could happily drink it all year round.
Coloured malts along with pale malt give it a reddish nut-brown colour with rich nutmeggy head. There’s a sweet nutty malty autumn fruit aroma, a complex chewy palate with more nuts, caramel toffee and a bit of powdery-dry hops (it’s late hopped with Fuggles and Goldings), with lightly woody old ale-like hints creeping through. The creamy dry finish has a burry hop wash and a touch of roast and overall that leaves a big impression.
Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/brains-top-notch/95083/
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