Tasting notes: Hopping Hare

Working on the premise that no excuse is too thin to drink beer on a school night, a new label seems as good a reason as any to crack open a bottle of Badger Hopping Hare, especially as the PR company for Dorset brewers Hall & Woodhouse were kind enough to send me a few sample bottles. To be fair to Hall & Woodhouse (and the BrandOpus design agency they used) the new labels do look rather nifty. Traditional yet modern was the brief, I'd guess, and they've succeeded. I know there are a lot of sandals and socks traditionalists out there that think that flash labels and high spec printing is not in the spirit of real ale, but I have to say I think that's a lot of bollocks. There are a lot of great ales out there and customers have more choice than they've ever had - which is great for all concerned - but not everyone that walks into a store is a beer anorak with a tick list in a grubby notepad in their paw. Lots of them will try beers simply on the strength of the label and let's be honest, we've all done it.

There's also the small consideration that Badger Ales have long done well in the supermarkets (boo, hiss) where a decent looking label is a pre-requisite for a listing. Good luck them too because I'd far rather be able to buy a bottle of Hopping Hare out of Sainsbury's than be reduced to a four-pack of Carling and a free t-shirt.
Anyway, onto the beer, which is 'thrice hopped' using Goldings, Cascade and First Gold hops...

TASTING NOTES, AFTER A FASHION:
Badger Hopping Hare, Hall & Woodhouse, golden ale, 4.4%, gifted
Lemony gold in the glass with a not much of a head going on, it has an interesting and difficult to pin down aroma. Faintly floral with a some citrus fruit, some grassy hop resins and maybe even a biscuity hint. Not surprisingly, it kicks off with a big hoppy assault in the mouth, bitter and crisp but with a surprising amount of underlying sweetness. More lemony fruit and some spicy notes round off a proper mouthful. A little greasy (or perhaps oily is a better word), if I'm being hyper critical but enough body to carry it all off and a good, firm hoppy finish with some floral notes. Not a bad drop at all.
Score: 3/5

http://www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/