Malagold
Arbor Ales

A 500ml bottle with a BB of Dec 2012. Picked up a little while back from Trembling Madness in York. The label describes it as a hoppy golden ale named after the river Malago (Bristol).

Poured into a tulip pint glass. Bottle conditioned. A hazy golden hue with light carbonation and fine floating sediment. Yields a large head of creamy white foam that lasts for a few minutes before reducing to a surface layer. Aroma of light malt with a good dose of hops. Notes of grass, hay, citrus and faint white fruits, underpinned by dry, earthy yeast esters. Yum.

Tastes of light malt with a distinctly hoppy character and a dry, bitter finish. Notes of grass/hay, citrus, mild white fruits, a faint noble hop flavour, earthy yeast esters and stewed hops. Slightly spicy on the tongue. A restrained, dry bitterness upon swallowing. Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and lightly peppery, with pleasant carbonation and good body. Somewhat astringent, with an aftertaste of fruity, grassy hop notes, dry bitterness and earthy yeast.

Another delicious success from Arbor! A lovely pale ale with a balanced but insistant hop character. Looks nice, and the aroma/flavour are great. A perfect ale when you need refreshment - I have no idea if this is a one-off but grab it if you see it.