Hall & Woodhouse, An American Venture

Brewer: Hall & Woodhouse

Brew An American Venture

ABV: 6%

Aroma: Hoppy, Fruity, Spicy

Style: Bitter, West Coast Pale Ale

Ok, so those of you who are regular readers may be thinking this Hops guy seemingly likes to review the entirety of Hall & Woodhouse's back catalogue; and this being my third such review since Clarkey and I started BeerSwillers back in January, I couldn't blame you for making such an assertion and concluding that I must be on their payroll - I can however justify such extensive coverage. Having been on a recent holiday to Dorset, (the home of Hall & Woodhouse's) I thought it rude not to pay a visit to their brewery. I was staying in a place called Moreton, which happens to be around the corner from Hall & Woodhouse's brewery in Blandford, Dorset.

Hall & Woodhouse's brewery is located in an impressive facility with a visitor centre and cafe/shop on the premises, it was here I thought I'd take a look around. Whilst studying the various ales on sale (and other beverages may I add, what with the impressive array of wines and ciders on offer too), one ale in particular caught my eye... An American Venture it turns out is a new, limited edition beer and I was keen to give it a try. The label is enticing and in keeping with all of the other 'Badger' beers.

An American Venture, as the name suggests is Hall & Woodhouse's take on American Craft ales which have garnered such fervour this side of the pond. This ale utilises popular American hop varieties such as the Amarillo, Cascade and Mosaic hops, whilst combining a malt base comprising of three speciality malts; namely Vienna, Munich and Caramel. This mix conjures up an impressively strong, spicy roast, yet providing a satisfying refreshment.

As I alluded to above the flavour is hoppy, rich and thought provoking, whilst being well balanced. The colour of the ale is an alluring dark amber which produces a decent amount of carbonation. I'm hit with an aroma of sweet fruits; notably lemon, orange, grapefruit and lime. This is coupled with a spicy aftertaste which can be attributed to the use of the Amarillo hop which blends well with the equally citrus based Cascade hop. American craft brewers love these hop varieties due to their excellent variety; Amarillo in particular, with its interesting orange taste and natural defence to mildew. The fruitiness of the ale is further enhanced by the Mosaic Hop, a relatively new hop variety, which in turn is finding prevalence in many common American beer styles to great aplomb.

The malts aforementioned above; Vienna, Munich and Caramel provide an excellent balance to this ale and contribute greatly to the rich rust colour. Vienna and Munich are coloured malts and are somewhat similar, the difference being Munich's more pronounced malty flavour.

Overall I am impressed by this ale which I would class as strong, yet well balanced and easily drinkable. The refreshing fruity and spicy taste beckons the drinker to drink more - I know this is a dangerous precedent but one I'm more than happy to oblige to.

4.25/5