Bowland Hunters Moon
Bowland Beer Company Limited

Presentation: Having arrived back in England on Friday 18th April for my annual 2 week vacation only hours earlier, I was back in my beloved Wakefield Labour Club (the Red Shed) at lunchtime.

I was just about to leave after 4 Pints when the first of my beers, Ossett Brewery Pale Gold ran off…….fresh with the taste of Durham White Gold, Durham White Scimitar and Rudgate Ruby Mild…..I couldn’t resist but stay to see what would replace the Ossett………I promised myself I would only have the four, but as it turned out to be a brand new beer from Bowland Brewery, Hunters Moon at 3.7% ABV….well, I had to stay and sneak a quick one in!

Appearance: Fresh from the Cask it filled the Pint Glass with a dark brown body, some black hints but not much light gets through this one, though when held to the light the dark brown characteristics are easily deciphered. Thick creamy tan leather head rings the glass as I supped this one. Clumpy rich lacing and a flirtatious fresh conditioning.

Nose: Struggled to get anything from this when first pulled. As it settled and I worked my way down the Pint, dark chocolate Walnut Whips leaped out. Darkish malts with a light coffee aspect.

Taste: Dark malts and dark chocolate feel throughout, all intertwined in a medium body. Sweetish coffee feel at the start, dry malty hot chocolate finish. Toffee chewyness in the ending and a lingering ‘scorched dark Belgian chocolate melted into a hot cup of freshly brewed Coffee’ feel on the tongue….did I really write that?? This was definitely my fifth Pint before I ate!!

Mouthfeel: Average feel despite the low ABV, this one has a depressed mouthfeel though which can leave a wanting feel after the swallow. The chocolate aspects of this brew really make it though.

Drinkability: My fifth and last lunchtime Pint. I rather quickly managed this 5th Pint, it settled well and held me in good stead for the bus ride home before I headed back to meet my Parents for the first time in 12 months. I could have oh so easily managed another though.

Overall: A new Brewery and a new Beer for me, I’m impressed, despite its just average mouthfeel, it has a good feel and a nice taste profile. I’d have this one again for sure!