Moon Gazer Bob's Tale, Norfolk Brewhouse

Moon Gazer Bob’s Tale (8.8%) Norfolk Brewhouse

As the weather refuses to improve, a barley wine from Norfolk Brewhouse should warm the cockles. The beer has a fascinating story. The brewery in Dereham is run by David and Rachel Holliday and Rachel asked her father, Colin Bobbitt, known as Bob, which were his favourite beers.

When he said Fuller’s 1845 and Oakham Bishop’s Farewell, the Hollidays brewed a beer, Bob’s Tale, at 4.8 per cent that would contain some of the flavours of Bob’s favourites. Sadly, Bob passed away but he was able to sample the 4.8 per cent beer. In his memory, the Moon Gazer team decided to create a stronger version of Bob’s Tale.

Two pale malts are used: Maris Otter and Chevalier Heritage, with Chevalier imparting a strong biscuit character. Darker malts include amber, chocolate and crystal. The Fuller’s recipe used Goldings hops while the Oakham beer has American Cascade and English Challenger. The three hops worked well together and were used as late hops during the copper boil to give extra aroma and flavour.

The beer is bottle conditioned and with that level of alcohol will improve over several years. It has a hazy amber colour with a big fruity nose and a strong hint of mint, with spicy hops and a freshly-baked bread note. Burnt fruit and mint build in the mouth, balanced by spicy hops and biscuit malt. The finish is bittersweet with mint, ripe fruit, bitter and spicy hops and nutty malt.

£4.25 a bottle from www.moongazerale.co.uk. On sale from Friday 7 May.