Ridgeway Brewing – Reindeer’s Revolt (6% ABV)

Hello and welcome back to the Eternal Hoptimists,

Whenever I see a bottled beer with the words ‘Christmas Beer/Ale’ written on the label I tend to approach with a sense of caution, why? Well, let’s be honest, many breweries have tried, some have been successful whereas many have failed and on numerous occasions some just view this as a gimmick to sell beers in the festive season.

I still remain open minded when it comes to festive offerings in the hope that I find the odd gem. In this review I will be taking a look at a winter warmer from micro-brewery Ridgeway Brewing in the hope that this is one that proves a welcome beer to enjoy on a cold winter’s night.

1. Name : Reindeer’s Revolt

2. Brewery: Ridgeway Brewing (South Stoke, Oxfordshire)

3. Hops :  Not stated

4. Grain :  Barley, Wheat & oats

5. Aroma : Nose of a traditional English ale with the malt being quite prominent. This is backed by a subtle winter spice and almost baking flour aroma.

6. Appearance : Pours amber in colour with a one finger fluffy white head

7. Body : Medium bodied beer with quite a creamy mouthfeel

8. Taste :  First taste that hits the palate is a slight floral hop with a strong malt base. This is backed by a touch of spice that in all honesty does not bring all that much to proceedings. The 6% abv is there on the taste with a hint of the alcohol presence however as this is drank I got the baking flour and slight metallic taste on the back end.

Yeah, this is ok. I wouldn’t go crazy for it by any means as I expected more from a winter warmer. There is not much to suggest that this is a Christmas ale really as the winter spices are more subtle than expected but as an all year-round beer it isn’t too bad.

I will admit that if I saw this one again it wouldn’t be the first beer added to my basket, but I wouldn’t be against an occasional bottle/pint. This is one of those beers that I would much prefer on cask I suspect and whilst there is nothing wrong with it there wasn’t all that much to excite.

Mark’s overall rating: 2.7 / 5.0