08 September, 2011

Brew Review: Boddingtons Pub Ale

I'm not really all that much of a beer drinker, and when I do it's usually a lager, pilsner, or IPA. But my brother-in-law Nick had been gifted with a case of Boddintons Pub Ale recently, and I couldn't resist giving it a try.

Boddington's is imported to the US in nitro-cans, the same type of container that allows Guinness to pour successfully even when not drawn from a proper tap.  And let me tell you, it is a gorgeous pour - the same tumbling cascade of rich creamy foam, perhaps a bit less dramatic than a Guinness pour because the head roils and builds against a honey-golden backdrop instead of the deep chocolate color of Guinness.  After a moment or two, the head settles to a thick top layer about an inch or so thick, ready to sip through.

The ale itself is surprisingly mild, and almost bland. Malty sweetness hides behind a strong cereal flavor tinged with a touch of grassy hops, and when the initial nitro-charged creaminess fades after the pour, Boddingtons winds up a little on the thin side.  But for all that, it was still a decent and refreshing brew and went quite well with the marinated London broil and barbecued chicken which Nick was serving from the grill.


1 comment:

Lisa in Cincinnati said...

I LOVE Boddingtons!

Im from Cincinnati and a lot of people walk away from the light beers, German background everything is dark and heavy. I was told by a very lovely English man, they use honey to make it sweet. Well duh there are honey bee's on the can! Somedays Im super smart! ;o) (I hope that English guy was right)

Its a great summer beer with all the grills outs, it does match nicely with a lot of different meals. If you get the chance, make homemade pizza bake it on a wood burning grill with some Boddingtons.