Ruddles County

Brewed in Surrey by Ruddles who are now owned by Greene King, their bottle of County is one that has long since been a local pub favourite. When sniffing the aroma lifting its way up from the bottle, it doesn't smell particularly strong despite its 4.3% alc volume.

However, you do get a slight sweet, hoppy smell which is reminiscent of a London Pride or Doom Bar. Actually if you look at the photo provided by myself below, you can see that the colour is not too dissimilar to those other ales mentioned. Its ruby red colour with the slight foamy head (that depends on the way it is poured) is strangely attractive and welcoming.

Anyway, enough bullshit. Lets get down to tasting!

Wow does it pack a punch. Its sharp, slightly carbonated aftertaste is one that deceived the drinker. The sweet rich top notes compliment the taste on the tongue as it settles on the pallet. One thing to be mentioned is the extreme hop flavour being packed in, unlike the fruitiness of traditional EPA's, this one lacks fruitiness which draws similarities to an IPA (Indian Pale Ale).

A delicious beer, that draws an image of an idyllic English countryside. I give this beer a 7 out of 10. Its good but there are similar beers that just have that slighter edge to them.

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