Hook Norton Flagship

Flagship
Hook Norton

0,5l
5,3%

Winter is sorta here and I survived my first LARP and got totally hooked. So no wonder that I asked one of my fellow Larpers to choose the brew from my current selection that I will write about today. Otso, this one is for you!

I chose this when it was still hot outside and I wanted an IPA.
I must admit that I never heard of the brewery but it is English so it must be decent.
I am not entirely sure whether the page of Ratebeer has the right beer in their database but it was the closest I could find.

The brew cites "Maris Otter, Pale Ale and Enzymic" as its malts and "Fuggles, Goldings and Admiral" as its hops... I am undecided whether I find a malt with the name Enzymic pleasing or not but hey...

Beeradvocate shows the bottle I have but they do not have as cool ratings as Ratebeer... though I still don't understand their rating either.

So the bottle is brown with a sky blue label on the front with a brown golden frame. Apparently originally brewed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, Otso told me it is supposed to be good so I know where he lives if it isn't. (OK It's a lie, I do not know where he lives)

I actually cleaned my whole action figure and glass cupboard today as I am missing 3 distinct glassed from my collection... and they seem to be gone with the wind. So I instead chose a rather plain not exactly fitting one ... just because I can and because it can go into the dishwasher.. I know, I know I am losing my touch.

The brew pours with little foam of rather big pored bubbles and is not entirely filtered and gold brown of color.

The aroma is very sweet, freshly cut grass, fruits, faint honey and yeast. Heavy zesty tones couple with faint floral ones. I SO want to try this now.

It is surprisingly bitter on the first taste but the sweetness of zest and honey mix in instantly, painting a very nice painting of tastes.  It could use some more carbonation but that's English for you. The fruity tones tickle the front of the tongue while it then rolls off the whole tongue only to end in pleasant bitterness. I absolutely like the fruity, floral tones in it, especially when coupled with the hops.

I really, really, really think you should try this one!

Prost!

DMW