Golden Honey
Hanby Ales

Brown 500ml bottle, best before March 2009, drank August 2008.

Not sure I've slotted this into the correct style choice, but it is close enough I suppose.

I poured into my Westmalle Trappist chalice (twice)just because it is my favourite glass at the moment.

Looked good, golden amber colour, clear and bright a thin off-white head sadly fell away to a wispy covering before I had a chance to stick my tongue in.

The aroma was of roasted, toasted malts with a caramel, toffee sweetness thrown in, very pleasant. As the beer warmed the honey came through as well.

I must be getting a sweeter tooth because I really liked this. The honey obviously adds to the sweetness and smoothness. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a sickly sweet brew, just a well balanced different brew.

I wonder why the brewer (John Hanby) has used Australian Honey, there is plenty of local Honey in Shropshire. I must remember to ask him when we next meet (not that we meet often, but I do know him vaguely).

This was consummed with a salad of Beetroot, Frisee, Lambs Lettice and a Gouda Cheese impregnated with Cumin. The beer and food went together like 'Fish and Chips'.