This new style of pale, well-hopped and quenching beer developed in the 1980s as independent brewers attempted to win younger drinkers from heavily-promoted lager brands. The first in the field were Exmoor Gold and Hop Back Summer Lightning, though many micros and regionals now make their versions of the style. Strengths will range from 3.5% to 5.3%.
The hallmark will be the biscuity and juicy malt character derived from pale malts, underscored by tart citrus fruit and peppery hops, often with the addition of hints of vanilla and cornflour. Golden ales are pale amber, gold, yellow or straw coloured and above all, such beers are quenching and served cool.
Information from www.camra.org.uk/page.php?id=229Beers
- Fyne Ales – Avalanche – 4.5% [SOLD OUT]
- Oakham – Bishops Farewell – 4.6%
- Firebrick – Blaydon Brick – 3.8% [SOLD OUT]
- Arran – Blonde – 5%
- Woodforde’s – Bure gold – 4.3% [SOLD OUT]
- Wylam – Centennial – 4.1% [SOLD OUT]
- Gundog – Dogs Aloud – 4% [SOLD OUT]
- York – Dragon Slayer – 4.3% [SOLD OUT]
- Strathbraan – Due South – 3.8% [SOLD OUT]
- Castle Rock – Elsie Mo – 4.7%
- Deeply Vale – Golden Vale – 4.2% [SOLD OUT]
- Navigation – Hercules – 5%
- Highland – Island Hopping – 3.9%
- Fyne Ales – Jarl – 3.8%
- Mighty Oak – Kings – 4.2%
- Revolutions – Kings of the Wild Frontier – 4.5% [SOLD OUT]
- Thornbridge – Kipling – 5.2% [SOLD OUT]
- Adnams – Krystal White Ale – 4.2% [SOLD OUT]
- Grafton – Lasamboo – 4% [SOLD OUT]
- Harbour – Light Ale – 3.7%
- Butcombe – Mendip Spring – 3.8%
- Beer Geek – Noble Geek – 4% [SOLD OUT]
- Orkney – Northern Light – 4%
- Cheddar Ales – Potholer – 4.3% [SOLD OUT]
- Great Newsome – Pricky Back Octhan – 4.2%
- Gloucester – Priory Pale – 3.7%
- Batemans – Spring Goddess – 4.2% [SOLD OUT]
- Acorn – St George’s Best – 4.6%
- Broughton – Willicade – 3.6%
