Cheddleton Christmas Ale - ABV: 5.5%
A lovely label on this bottle from Staffordshire Brewery in Leek promises a full bodied Christmas ale, using crystal malt to give a deep ruby tint with a sweet, malty aroma.
I can't argue with the sweet, malty aroma part of the description at all. It's a lovely, warm aroma with toasty caramel notes that makes it very tempting. And the dark colour only adds to the toasty impression.
In fact, caramel is one of the first flavours to hit you as well, quickly followed by a warm maltiness that lingers, prior to a complex yet balanced bitterness afterwards.
At 5.5% this is not a session ale in the traditional sense, but with lovely warm, malty flavours and well balanced bitterness, it's a great beer that does Staffordshire Brewery proud. Good stuff.!
Verdict: 3.5/5
I can't argue with the sweet, malty aroma part of the description at all. It's a lovely, warm aroma with toasty caramel notes that makes it very tempting. And the dark colour only adds to the toasty impression.
In fact, caramel is one of the first flavours to hit you as well, quickly followed by a warm maltiness that lingers, prior to a complex yet balanced bitterness afterwards.
At 5.5% this is not a session ale in the traditional sense, but with lovely warm, malty flavours and well balanced bitterness, it's a great beer that does Staffordshire Brewery proud. Good stuff.!
Verdict: 3.5/5