Double Dragon

Beer: Felinfoel Double Dragon
Brewery: Felinfoel Brewery Company, Ltd., Llanelli, Wales, United Kingdom
ABV: 4.2%
Style: English Pale Ale
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 16.9 oz

Impression: I was immediately attracted to this beer for two reasons. First, it shares the name of one of my all time favorite video games which brought pleasant memories flooding back. Second, at the bottom of the label in rather humble text are the words “the national ale of Wales.” Aside from instantly wondering if there is a national lager of Wales, I figured that between the nostalgia and national endorsement I would likely have a pleasant experience. And, yeah I did. I like Double Dragon. This beer manages to pack a fair amount in while still maintaining a pleasantly understated simplicity. The flavors are earthy, woody, and nutty with mild malt and hopping. At the end of a sip I taste almost a mild toasted popcorn flavor. Really it seems like this beer has an “old soul” which I realize sounds ludicrous. But, it actually smells and tastes of an old bar, as if somehow the wood, smoke and years of spilt beer from a Welsh pub have all made it into the bottle. Of course I mean that in a good way. Admittedly this sounds bizarre, but give Double Dragon a try. I think most anyone would enjoy this ale…Now if I could only find where I put my old Nintendo.

London Pride

Beer: Fuller's London Pride
Brewery: Griffin Brewery, Chiswick, London
ABV: 4.7%
Style: English Pale Ale
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 16.9 oz

Impression: When I imagine the beginnings of modern beer as we know it Fuller’s London Pride Pale Ale comes to mind. I don’t know exactly when the recipe for this particular brew was concocted, and certainly there are older beers out there, but I feel London Pride captures the essence of the early British style pale ales that birthed the modern beer. I am enamored with this beer for its lovely simplicity and yet elegant depth. The deep honey color and brilliant clarity give the ale a regal appearance in a pint glass. The body and mouth feel are perfectly balanced to satiate my senses and yet are graceful enough to court my desire for another sip. In part I attribute this to wonderful malts from a skilled maltster whomever you are. The aroma hints of mild malty sweetness which is made good on after the creamy smooth suds wash down your gullet. To get a better appreciation for the differences between American and UK pale ales try London Pride side by side with Mirror Pond for fun. Afterward I think you will posses a deeper understand of London Pride's delicate elegance.