Tomos Watkin Old Style Bitter

Tomos Watkin Old Style Bitter

Quick Score Review:

The birds are chirping, a light mist is lifting over the fields of gold, and Sting is singing in the background. My cobblestone retreat has brought me to a land of depth and character. I’ve heard stories of this beer, but have yet to try it. Today is the day that I get to sample Tomos Watkin Old Style Bitter. Was a journey of so many miles worth the trip?

Date Tested:

7-28-10

Type of Glass:

English Pub Glass

Overall Rating Scores:

Soupy- 82 out of 100 (Excellent)

Pablo- 77 out of 100 (Excellent)

Tasting Notes:

This little beauty comes in with a lovely copper color and a nice, thick cream colored head. This is a type of head that lasts for a bit, and doesn’t run as soon as it sees light. 

The aroma of hops is very different from most styles of American beers. You get a lot of complexity in the smell alone. This is a beer that you should sniff a few times before taking a sip to get all the flavors broken down. You get strong wafts of earth and wood. This is a very complex beer with a lot going on for such a low alcohol product. You can tell that these beers are hand crafted to be flavorful, easy drinking beers that most people would enjoy. The taste of the hops is evident, but not overpowering. The hops work very well with the flavors of the malt.

Hops Rating:

3 out of 10 (Where’s the Hops?)

The malt in this beer is fairly dominant. You get a very strong yeast and bread presence in the beer. Flavors of biscuit run around in your mouth. There is a sweetness that is evident, but stays within check. The nice smooth flavor is a welcomed sight for a worn out bitter palate. It is amazing how something that is so low in alcohol can have so many flavors. This is the type of beer that American’s should start brewing. In the aftertaste of this brew is a light tinge of figs. 

This is a very well balanced beer with lots of charm and flavor. The body is medium, but it is heading toward the heavy side. These beers a lightly carbonated so the body feels a little heavier then we are used to with American beers. This is how the beer is supposed to be, but be aware that the head is about all of the carbonation you are going to see. 

There is something about English style beers that any beer drinker should appreciate. So much flavor, so much complexity, but remains smooth and easy going. These beers are meant to be drunk with any food and at any time. Enjoy this beer with roast pheasant or duck, or pair it with cheese. This is an extremely versatile beer that just about anyone would enjoy. 

I must bid you goodbye, but I will always remember my time I shared with you in those fields of gold.

Would you buy this beer? Yes

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