Real Ale Reviews
Independent reviewers of real ales, beers and lagers from around the world, including beer reviews, breweries, watering holes and real ale events
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November 22nd, 2009Beer Reviews, Golden Ales
Trade Winds: A former prizewinner that still retains a certain appeal.
Despite finding myself in deepest Norfolk last week, I found that I had actually picked up a selection of Scottish ales from the various beer outlets around the region. One of these is Trade Winds by Cairngorm Brewery, from Aviemore in the Highlands of the country.
The cask version is a three-time former Champion Beer of Britain in the Speciality Class, so Trade Winds comes with some pedigree and the aroma straight from the bottle displays one of its key assets straight away; a lovely hoppy-sweet scent that appeals to my recently aquired love of the hoppy beers. There is a slightly grassy note present, supported by a sweet fruitiness – most likely from the Elderflower as promised on the bottle.
The inital mouthfeel, considering the richness of the nose, is surprisingly astringent and a little thinner in the body than I anticipated, with a light carbonisation that tickles the tongue. Although these descriptions are generally negative connotations, this isn’t the impression I am trying to generate by using them; more that it is an unexpected experience from the richness promised by the aroma. Flavour-wise, the fruitiness remains, with a slight hint of blackberries that fills out an otherwise sharp, crisp, citrusy flavour. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: blackberry, Cairngorm, champion beer of britain, citrus, fruitiness, scottish, trade winds -
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{ We will be in touch! } – Jun 05, 8:32 PM{ Hi Guys You contacted me ages ago about doing a desert island beers I think it was december 2011 you needed my selection by! Then... } – Jun 05, 5:38 PM
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