Hello and welcome back to the Eternal Hoptimists,
Today as part of our mild week specials, today we are looking at a collaboration between Thornbridge and Double-Barrelled for a ruby mild called Wilders Folly coming in at a very respectable 6.5% abv.
Regular visitors to The Eternal Hoptimists will be aware that I am a fan of Thornbridge so when I recently came across a mild brewed as a collaboration, needless to say that I was excited to crack the can and get it into my glass. Here’s hoping that this mild thing makes my heart sing….let’s see!
1. Name : Wilders Folly
2. Brewery: Thornbridge, Bakewell & Double-Barrelled Brewery, Reading
3. Hops : Ernest & WGV
4. Grain : Barley & Wheat with LCMO, Crystal, Caramalt Wheat & Chocolate malts
5. Aroma : Aromas of chocolate, caramel, roasted malts with a touch of dark berries
6. Appearance : Pours a deep red/almost black colour with a fluffy two finger off white head
7. Body : Lovely full bodied beer that has a very creamy and moreish mouthfeel.
8. Taste : Incredibly well balanced flavour profile with notes of chocolate, caramel, plum, figs and blackcurrant with a delicate hop balance. The beer is incredibly smooth and is an overall delight on the palate.
I’ll cut straight to the chase on this one and say that Wilders Folly is a tremendous example of a traditional ruby mild. Looks great, has an appealing aroma and a great flavour profile, Thornbridge and Double-Barrelled have done a fine job with this one.
The beer has such a lovely well balanced taste that it proves incredibly moreish and it almost slips down far too easily which considering it’s high ABV can prove pretty dangerous. Whilst there will be many that will see the word mild and give this a wide berth, take my advice and try it as it is such a well-balanced flavoursome beer that I am sure you will enjoy it.
Very nice, and one that I will keep my eyes open for again.
Our overall rating: 4.1/ 5.0
The|Eternal|Hoptimitsts 