The Old Man of Hoy

First blog of the new year, and I've had three more brews;

Swannay Orkney Best, 3.6%

The Orkney Best is from the Swannay Brewery in Orkney, the picture on the label is of The Old Man of Hoy which is the tallest rock stack in the UK at 450ft tall, I wouldn't normally comment on a random picture on the label but as a former Geography student this sort of thing I find interesting. This light ale has a yellow straw colour, a minimal hoppy nose, the taste was floral hops and very light malts, and for me it’s a little too thin even though it is a light ale, it could have a bit more flavour, 5/10.

Springhead Brewery The Leveller, 4.8%

The Springhead Brewery from Nottinghamshire, began life in 1990 when for a period it was the smallest brewery in England but since then they have grown into a sizeable microbrewery with 21 separate ales available. The Leveller pours a dark ruby with a nice beige foam head, aromas of roasted malts, toffee and a little dark chocolate, and I’d use exactly the same words for the taste with a mild bitter finish, very nice, 7.25/10.

Cairngorm Sheepshaggers Gold, 4.5%

The Cairngorm Brewery Co sited in Aviemore in Scotland have recently upgraded to a 20 barrel brewery due to demand. The Sheepshagger pours a light golden colour with a good head, this continental style beer has aromas of malts and caramel, tastes quite sweet with some citrus and biscuit nuttiness from the malts, a light bitter finish, 7.5/10.