Advent Calendar Window 17

Advent Calendar Window 17 - Holly Bush

"Pretty lights on the tree,
I'm watching them shine,
You should be here with me
Baby, please come home."

Salopian Brewery from Shrewsbury were established in 1995 and were once more affiliated with tasty, but rather standard ales such as Shropshire Gold and Oracle. They were ordinary Golden Bitters that sufficed when available, but never had me searching for more. Then, two years ago, I tasted their Darwin's Origin and realised they were innovating and bringing out incredible new efforts. It was balanced, hoppy and delicious.

Since then, they've been stocking their beers in the majority of "craft" beer shops up and down the land and receiving great plaudits. They seem to differentiate with tradition by the black labels with white writing showing that the beer inside is on the "newer" side. Since that applies to this Holly Bush behind Window 17 on this Advent Calendar, I hold out high hopes for it.

Salopian Brewery - Holly Bush 5.5%

This russet coloured beer is like no ale I've seen before. It's as murky as the ocean depths with so many shades of marigold, mahogany and tangerine. The nose is a fruit heaven sensation. Ooh sweet mango, papaya, summer berries and starburst. Holy fuck, this is good. Oh yes. That nose I just described, well just keep reading that whilst thinking about a sticky, chewy, sweet fruitiness and bitterness that tickles your tongue rather than shredding it in two. It's like alcoholic jelly babies. Body, carbonation, mouthfeel, other tasting notes - fuck you! I don't care right now. This isn't the time. In previous years, I would have torn this beer to shreds for not being remotely "Christmassy," but not this year. This year this wins. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Spirit Rating: 98%. I'm a giant orgasm of festive joy right now!

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