Review: Morrissey Fox Proud of Pubs Best

It seems that Neil Morrissey and Richard Fox are taking this whole brewing thing seriously. Their original brew ‘Blonde’ has become regular sight in several serious cask ale pub bars and a quick glance at their website shows they have developed quite a range since their television programme was broadcast last year.

A new permanent ale to their armory is ‘Proud of Pubs Best’, a beer launched to support  The Publican’s ‘Proud of Pubs Week’ in July.  This appears to be the brewery’s attempt at traditional mild; a suprisingly rare approach these days by modern brewaries who tend to break away from the English traditions and throw more and more hops into ever-paler beers

The dark caramel colour looks like it should be surrounded by a fog of woodbine smoke, making me feel particularly underdressed without a flat capcovering my work-beaten head. It’s a terrific throw back.

A smokey-yellow head, perhaps more commonly seen on darker ales looks great and stays with the beer for the vast majority of the pint.

The malty aroma makes me anticipate a heavy ale that may be hard to stomach in a body used to lighter ales, but the toffee flavour and creamy mouthfeel dissipates with only the slighest of warm traces remaining in the throat.

If I’m honest, it’s a little warm today for such a style as this, but it manages to remain a strangely satisfying pint. As the cold winter nights approach, this is definately one I will be seeking out for a session.

In our quest for new and innovative beers, it is perhaps forgotten occaisionally that there is still a market for a good quality traditional mild. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded!