St. Austell Tinners Ale

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 9

First sampled Cask-conditioned @ The New Inn, Tywardreath, Cornwall (and later at other locations throughout Middle Cornwall).

Ah..., so this is what my mate Darren has been harping about for ages, eh? The beauty that results from a well-tended firkin's contents being hand-pumped into a proper pint glass (at the correct temps, of course).

The kid brother to St. Austell's flagship brew (Tribute Ale), this is still by no means a slouch in comparison. Rather, I think it shows off exactly what can be done with a beer that clocks in at a mere 3.7%ABV.

Ruddy-goldenish in color, with a very fragrant aroma -- mixing equal parts yeasty esteriness and hoppy goodness. The hops jump out at you at the first sip, but then quickly subsides to let the well-crafted malt-bill carry the rest of the load. And while this does feel pretty light in the mouthfeel, there's still enough girth to keep things interesting. All quite balanced, all told.

A very easy-drinking and quaffable Session Beer, if ever there was one. A solid choice for starting off a drinking session... or perhaps for finishing off a session on a lighter note.

Recommended.
//TB

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

A nice bitter - a fairly pleasant, if weak, sessionbeer. Refreshingly hoppy without being too bitter.