The first question that we need to ask is ‘Who is the Thoughtful Forager?’ whoever he/she is they travel the length and breadth of the UK, seeking out the best craft beers and ciders, created by the most passionate producers. In partnership with SIBA the forager has discovered a broad selection of incredible flavours all of them celebrated with highly prestigious SIBA awards, making them the very best beers in the country…..Well that’s what the foragers website says anyway!
In this review we take a look at the Thoughtful Foragers Dark Hopped Mild Ale which was discovered on the South Coast from Georges Brewery, Great Wakering, Southend-on Sea.
Let’s see if it proves to be a nice as the Thoughtful Forager promises.
1. Name : Dark Hopped Mild Ale
2. Brewery: Thoughtful Forager, Foraged from Georges Brewery, Southend-onSea
3. Hops : Not specified
4. Grain : Barley and wheat
5. Aroma : Initial aroma of subtle dark fruits with a pleasant touch of chocolate, hazelnut, roasted malts and slight liquorice notes.
6. Appearance : Pours an inviting dark ruby colour with a fluffy two finger off white head
7. Body : Body is very light which makes the beer slip down rather nicely
8. Taste : Dark fruit bitterness backed by hints of dark chocolate and roasted malts.
In my opinion mild’s are somewhat of an understated style that do not always get the credit that the style deserves. One has to say hats of to the Thoughtful Forager for being so thoughtful in seeking out a mild to add to their portfolio.
The first thing that hits you is the appealing can art depicting a typical British seaside scene which obviously pays homage to Southend-on-Sea where the beer is foraged from. Once you open the can the aroma is typical of a beer of the style with roasted malts, hints of chocolate and dark fruit bitterness to the fore.
In terms of taste the beer has a rather moreish roasted malt taste with a lingering dark fruit bitterness that lingers on the palate. This, in conjunction with the light body makes this quite a palatable beer.
Whilst the Thoughtful Forager states that they seek out the best beers in the country I would have to say that whilst I have had better mild’s, this one is a pretty fine example and is one that I am glad that I have tried and is one that I would happily drink again.
Our overall rating: 3.6/ 5.0
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