Angel of the North ale

In my recent review for Northumberland Now supplement I have taken pleasure in reviewing some of the finest summer ales in the Northeast of England, and this time the beer quality was defiantly moved up a notch since last months edition (where a bunch of average beers were bowled over by the mighty Triple Karmeliet, a Belgian triple). However, without disrespecting the classic local brews from Hadrian and Border and High House Farm brewery, the clear winner was actually a newly released beer from the well respected Wylam brewery called Angel. This beer was released this year to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the structure known as the angel of the north (as shown on the bottle). Although no one actually knows the clear reasoning for the Angel being erected in the first place, and this was discussed allot back in 98 (some though it was artistic symbol of regional identity, others a waste of money), my theory is a bunch of designers got bored in the 90s and decided make some giant structure from an old aeroplane and other bits.



Non the less the 4.3% cascade hopped filtered ale is a very refreshing, well crafter beer indeed. Deep copper in colour with a signature ‘fresh mowed lawn’ hoppy aroma. Grassy and citrus hints lead to the full, fresh and crisp palate that finishes rather rounded with sweet lingering caramel and cherry notes. Good stuff all-round indeed, next month I shall be aiming to review some of the more amber to brown ales and maybe even some Halloween specials if I can get hold of them in due coarse for October.