Butty Bach, Premium Ale
Brewer: Wye Valley Brewery
ABV: 4.5%
Awards: 'Beer of the Festival' x3 at The Great Welsh Beer Festival
Bronze award at SIBA Wales & West Competition
Aroma: Malty, Fruity, Rich
Style: Golden Ale
So tonight I have an ale from Wales which has won the coveted 'Beer of the Festival' at the Great Welsh Beer Festival three times. This offering is distinctive to look at with its rich golden rust colour and slight cloudy hue. Butty Bach, meaning 'Little Friend' in Welsh is playing the role of my friend tonight with hints of classic malts and hops immediately evident. This said, the ale when poured produces a slither of head which dissipates quickly. Carbonation is minimal whilst the ale itself is surprisingly full bodied. The taste is interesting, becoming almost lager-like after a while. This is not to say it's uninspiring, the ale has a satisfying sweet taste to start with, with hints of caramel, melon and banana. Towards the end, the hops kick in with a slight bitterness left in the mouth. Wye Valley Brewery was founded by Peter Amor, formally of Guinness fame and has produced several traditional malty and hoppy beers and Butty Bach is no different.
I'd say this beer should be drunk in the company of friends and not overthought with musings about flavourings - some good pub grub would go nicely with this little friend! Overall, I'd be happy to drink this, obviously there are alternative niche ale's which assault the senses and provide a more unique experience but as a standard bottled Ale, Butty Bach is a good choice.
Rating- 3.5 / 5
