Marston’s Pedigree Victorious Bitter

Victorious Bitter from the Marston’s Pedigree range is the latest in a series of Ashes-related ales that have been appearing over the summer. This version, typically, is released to celebrate the success of the England team (and indeed Marton’s own triumphant sponsorship of the side, if reports are to be believed).

I very much enjoyed a couple of bottles of the Ashes Ale that was on sale throughout off licenses throughout the summer and indeed hoped that the beer would contain a sweet smell of success.

The warm golden colour hints at the approach of autumn; indeed the end of the victorious summer. The ale is lively in the glass, bubbling away like the celebratory champagne. The nose is equally warm, hinting at toffee, a malty aroma and for some reason reminds me of the cooler, dewy, bright mornings that have approached with the changing of the season.

The carbonisation is immediately felt on the tongue; as is the rather astringent taste. The body is virtually none existent as the bitterness washes away any hope of my tongue being used effectively.

The immediate aftertaste reminds me of Double Drop – a Marton’s beer I tried once and vowed never to touch again, such was the unpleasant, weak, acidic taste it left in my mouth. Victorious Bitter isn’t quite at those depths, and the glass is drinkable, but its not a bottle I will pick up in any hurry again.

Considering some of the genuinely victorious, prize-winning beers Marston has created over the years, it is a little disappointing that this particular bottle has been used to celebrate a terrific sporting achievement. Indeed, it would have been preferable for them to re-brand the very enjoyable Ashes ale, and allow us to enjoy it for that little bit longer – along with the afterglow of England’s success!