Torstone Pale Ale
Dartmoor Brewery

Apparently this is what was formerly Dartmoor IPA, now including unspecified australian hops to complement the unspecified english hops. Normally this new world addition wouldn't augur wonderfully for my decidedly old-school british tastes, but i've never been a huge fan of any Dartmoor's beers so am happy to give this new recipe a spin. Pours straw and fairly bubbly, with no head. Aroma is lemon drizzle with a hint of fenugreek. A lagery, slightly maizey start quickly produces a more biscuity flavour. It carries little intensity, and gives way to a generic and undistinguished zesty finish which is more present in nose than mouth. Seltzer lingers in the release, and very late in the flavour cycle is surpassed by a slightly fatty, almost hard cheese quality. The minerality is perhaps the most interesting element of this, but the flavours are ultimately as unsatisfying as the flaccid mouthfeel. I've enjoyed good walks in the vicinity of this hinterland brewery, but disappointingly I can't say i've ever had a truly good beer from them, and it's not for the want of trying!