Beer Review: Bing’s Bru English Pale Ale

beer review south africa

bings bru deon bing beerWhen a beer says “Share the Stoke” on its label, I am definitely going to buy a bottle. No, not because I’m a surf fanatic (though I did give it a go recently and rather enjoyed it). It’s because I am, in fact, from Stoke. So already this beer was winning – it’s an English Pale Ale that references my home town on its branding.

The beer is brewed at Woodstock Brewery for Deon Bing, who you might well know from KFM’s morning surf report. A couple of years back, Deon did a one-off brew with Boston Breweries – a beer to raise funds to send his son to Peru. Realising he might be on to something with the whole beer thing, he started to research how and where to get the beer brewed. It’s now available at both branches of Tiger’s Milk, Banana Jam, the Thirsty Scarecrow in Stellenbosch and in bottles at Roeland Liquors, among others. Surf/beer fans in Durban will also find it at Republik and Home Bru Craft Cafe.

Anyway, enough admin – what does it taste like? It’s definitely a malt-forward beer with lots of biscuit aroma and a touch of toffee. There’s a slight sulphury smell in the background (bit of Burton snatch anyone?) which reminded me of my first pub job, pouring pints of Marston’s Pedigree. There’s not much going on in the esters department and I would certainly like a bit more of the floral, earthy hop character associated with English ales. But if you’re looking for something that showcases malt over hops, Bing’s Bru is a good bet – an easy-drinking, sessionable ale (5% ABV) with some seriously pretty lacing (see pic). It’s best-paired with a plate of oatcakes and cheese. And if you don’t know what that is, you need to get over to the UK for a real slice of Stoke…

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