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.

Mirror Pond Pale Ale

Beer: Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Brewery: Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon
ABV: 5%
Style: Pale Ale
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size:12 oz


Impression: This is a straight forward expression of the pale ale style. Mirror Pond is light and smooth without compromising a rich body or satisfying flavor. This ale pours up a lush creamy head. Unfortunately the head didn't last long, but the beautiful orange-yellow color more than made up for that. By far my favorite aspect of this ale is an elegant hopping that provides a crisp clean finish. The construction is just so perfectly balanced that each swig really satisfies and makes you want another sip. To be fair I must admit that I am a bit of a Deschutes fan boy but, then again their style of brewing matches my tastes. At the end of the day that is what every beer enthusiast is looking for, a brewer making beer you like to drink. Overall I rate Mirror Pond in the top 1/3rd of beers. It isn't going to blow your socks of or surprise you. It will however, consistently provide you delightful hopping and satisfying refreshment.