Marie Jaune - ABV: 4.5%
The Ilkley Brewery and Aerated Water Company was first founded in 1873, and although being swallowed up by various other breweries and eventually closing in the 1920s, brewing was brought back in 2009, with the new brewery building its reputation on the quality of the ingredients and skill of the brewers.
According to the brewery, Marie Jaune is brewed with specially sourced French hops and French yeast, Marie Jaune is a light refreshing blonde bièrre bursting with full-bodied Yorkshire flavour and a touch of French joie de vivre. Designed to commemorate Le Tour and showcase Yorkshire brewing, Marie Jaune will be available throughout June and July in cask and bottle.
From the bottle, Marie Jaune (no doubt a play on words relating to 'Mary Jane', Ilkley's flagship beer) looked clear, lively and a lovely blonde colour, with a tight, white head. Very lager-like in its appearance.
The aroma is warming and malty and the flavour is initially quite sweet, with a dry, grassy finish, thanks to the Triskel and Bouclier hops used. The flavour and mouth feel gives the impression of a much stronger beer than the ABV would suggest.
I deliberately used my Glossop Mountain Rescue glass as I saw it only appropriate that the volunteers were given the mention they deserve after their support during Stage 2 of Le Tour.
A hugely refreshing, flavoursome blonde ale available in three different labels representing the main coloured jerseys worn by the leaders, this one being the red polka-dotted 'King of the Mountain' jersey.
Highly recommended, regardless of the label colour!
Verdict: 4/5