Sine Qua Non, Twisted Barrel Ale.

Another beer loving bugger brought this weeks beer to my attention. David drove a selection box of brews all the way, from Leamington Spa, to my flat in London, just for me to try them. That’s dedication.

He then convinced me to head up to the tap house (which FYI is also the actually brewery) to try even more beer!!! What a bastard!

Brewery: Twisted Barrel Ale

Brew: Sine Qua Non

Style: Session IPA

ABV: 4.5%

So thank you David but…Twisted Barrel Ale. Who are they? Where do they come from?

These boys and girls, self described as “more folk than punk”, were once the smallest commercial brewery in the UK, and they aren’t exactly huge now. Based in Unit 5 FarGo Village, Coventry (go along and visit) Twisted Barrel Ale brew 7 core beers out of their brewery/tap house set up, a mix of modern and classics.

So this week, as well as popping along and indulging myself in a few from their taps, I snapped up a can from their core beer collection and settled down.

Sine Qua Non…An essential condition.

Its a session IPA, so it should go down smooth. Session ales are usually lighter their hops than your standard IPA, usually weaker ABV as well allowing multiple beverages with less of the headache…although don’t push it. Just because it is less hoppy does not mean it is lacking in flavour, or so I hope. I’m expecting good things.

Its sounds great. Flavoursome with notes of pine and tropical fruits. I smell fruit straight away, but it’s really only grapefruit, and behind that comes the subtle pine. the simplicity of it is welcome. The pour is just like an IPA should pour and get it right and you rewarded with golden loveliness with a fluffy white top. Little lighter than your standard IPA.

Its a bit of a woody taste and not too much of the tropics come through at first, its a little more warming than expected. However, as it settles in your mouth a fruity, passion fruit like flavour peaks but is a little on the dried side. It’s light, very enjoyable and you will definitely want to have more.

Sine Qua Non is a real easy drinking Session IPA, as Session IPAs should be. The character instilled in it has a very country feel to it. It wouldn’t be too obscure to imagine this little tin presented in a mini flat cap and shooting jacket. Bit of a juxtaposition against its roots, brewed by two tattooed, bearded blokes in the..erm..lovely city of Coventry (kidding). This is a proper pub goers beer, if you like your traditional ales you’ll want to try this. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you’ll want to try this too,

I’m a big fan of this one and have no doubt you’ll catch me lying belly up on the grass with one of these close by. I'm pretty sure this is the essential condition.

4 / 5

“I had a heart attack. It proves that I have a heart.” - Serge Gainsbourg