Sharp's Doom Bar

Brewer: Sharp's Brewery

ABV: 4.3%

Awards: Brussels Beer Challenge - Pale & Amber Ale - Bitter Bronze 2013

Brussels Beer Challenge Bronze 2015

Food Reader Awards Best Drink 2014

Peoples Choice Awards - Favourite Cask Ale Gold 2016

Publican's Choice Award National Cask Ale Brand 2013

Taste of the West Award Silver 2014

Aroma: Plum, Vanilla, Sweet Roasted Malt

Style: Amber Ale

Regulars of this blog may recall a review I published back in March of Sharp's Breweries 'Wolf Rock'. You may recall it wasn't entirely complimentary and Sharp's made it known to me on Twitter that they were disappointed by my verdict. Nevertheless today's review is a chance to see what else Sharp's have up their sleeve, so without further adieu, I bring you Doom Bar!

Now, I'll let you in on a little secret, this isn't exactly my first time with a doom bar. I've been a frequent drinker for a while now and I can truthfully say it does not disappoint. For an amber ale, it is rich and full of colour which is almost mesmerising.

The aroma is malty and I'm hit with a hint of grape and citrus. The flavour is sweet and fruity - I'm overcome by a strong hint of raspberries. There is a subtle spiciness to the beer, although thankfully not overpowering. Coupled with its relatively modest alcohol content, this ensures Doom Bar is suitable as a session beer, i.e Extremely drinkable over a longer period of time.

In terms of ingredients, Doom Bar contains pale ale malts, likely to be a Maris Otter or Halcyon variety, which is typical of English beer styles. Crystal Malts, better known by the Carapils brand name, add sweetness, body and gives the ale its distinctive colour. The colour is further enriched by the inclusion of Roasted Barley which makes up the grist, ultimately becoming the mash for the brewing of the beer.

The Super Styrian hybrid Aurora hop from Slovenia adds a fruity, yet spicy, earthy taste whilst ensuring those distinctive hops are ever-present. A lot of mass produced ales these days tend to use Cascade Hops which gives that all too familiar citrus taste, so it's refreshing to see something slightly different.

Just in case you're wondering, Doom Bar acquired its name from the treacherous Doom Bar sandbank at the mouth of the Camel Estuary in Rock, Cornwall. The sandbank is known to require a certain finesse from sailors attempting to navigate its waters.

In summary, I'm sure you can tell by my in depth, albeit slightly gushing review, that I am a big fan of Doom Bar. As mentioned, it is an extremely drinkable session ale which can be drunk for any occasion.

4.5/5