International Beer Day 2017: five of the best London beers
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From Brixton to Hackney, London is awash with brilliant breweries offering an exceptional range of beer styles.
As International Beer Day falls on August 4, we’ve taken the opportunity to pick some of the capital’s finest offerings.
Here are five must-try beers from both classic and new breweries across the city.
1. Fuller’s London Porter
From London’s most historic brewery comes this world classic style. Chocolate malt and coffee flavours mix with just the right amount of hop bitterness to deliver a smooth and creamy mouth feel. Its well-balanced aromas deliver a great lingering finish. Not overwhelming, but a highly-satisfying porter. Goes well with rich meats and chocolate desserts.
£1.89, Ocado, Buy it now
2. Redemption Trinity
A light ale crafted with 3 types of malts and 3 different hops, the award-winning Trinity comes from Tottenham craft brewery, Redemption Brewing Company. The low strength beer packs an impressive punch for its 3 per cent abv, with great layers of flavour until a nice dry finish. The sweet malty aroma is rounded off to notes of citrus fruit. Bright and extremely drinkable.
£2.40, Beer Merchants, Buy it now
3. Brixton Reliance Pale Ale
Bright citrus aromas and a hoppy hit to boot make this the perfect tipple for long summer days. Named after Brixton’s iconic Reliance Arcade, its pairing of zesty fruit and delicate floral notes lead to a dry finish. Malted barley provides a crisp background for the generous hop flavours. A true artisan ale.
£2.45, The Whisky Exchange, Buy it now
4. Pressure Drop Pale Fire
A local favourite, Pressure Drop is a microbrewery located in Hackney – which is known as one of London’s major beer destinations. Pale Fire is a full-bodied pale ale with tropical fruit notes and plenty of new world hops to give a bold flavour. The best part? It’s made with different hops each time. An ever-changing crowd pleaser.
£2.39, Honest Brew, Buy it now
5. Beavertown Gamma Ray
This American pale ale from London’s Beavertown Brewery is a superstar in the craft beer world. The beer is dry hopped for days to give it the huge aromas and flavours that you can smell immediately and taste from the first mouthful. New world hops shine through a sweet malt backdrop, leading to a long dry finish. Praise all round.
£2.49, Honest Brew, Buy it now
VERDICT: Searching for a capital classic? With its wonderfully balanced flavour and silky smooth feel, Fuller’s London Porter is a must-try for any beer lover. For everyday drinking, Beavertown’s Gamma Ray, with its bold flavours and aromas, wins every time.
