Artisan - Munich Malt Vs American Hops
Arbor Ales

A 500ml bottle with a BB of Feb 2014, so it's rather out of date. I hope it's still OK. Acquired a while back from Trembling Madness in York. The label describes it as a best bitter brewed with pale and munich malt combined with American hops.

Poured into a tulip pint glass. Bottle conditioned. A hazy coppery-amber hue with fine sediment and very low carbonation. Forms a small head of white foam that lasts for a moment before disappearing. Aroma of fruity hops with hints of white grape, citrus, earthy yeast, mild caramel malt and faint stewed leaves. Not too shabby.

Tastes of aromatic hops with a lingering dry finish. Notes of white grape, lime, citrus, faint tropical fruits, hay, earthy yeast, mild caramel and stewed leaves. Well-attenuated, followed by a subtle, leafy bitterness upon swallowing. Mouthfeel is smooth, dry and tingly, with soft carbonation and a rather watery body. Slightly astringent, accompanied by an aftertaste of leafy aromatic hops, vague fruitiness, earthy yeast and faint malt.

It's alright, though I rather think it's faded due to age. Oh well. Looks a bit lacklustre, while the aroma and flavour are hoppy but subdued. Fruity, with little malt character or bitterness. Insubstantial body. Goes down OK but a poor showing by Arbor's standards. No need to hunt it down.

A bottle brought in Corks of Cotham, Bristol on my recent road trip. Poured into a Liberation Ale pint glass. Web site description- A well balanced premium best bitter combination of English pale & German Munich malts and all American hops for a fresh citrus character.
My experience is of an aroma that is big on caramel, fruity with herbal hops coming through. Flavour is of fruity hops, medium bitterness, and some sweet malt notes, mostly caramel. A Perfectly balanced beer, one that I'll go out of my way to buy more off as it my favourite since I joined BA!