Tuesday 2 March 2010

Dark Star Six Hop

Dark Star's Six Hop is one of the best beers I’ve drunk so far this year, whether in the UK or California, from anywhere in the world, dispensed from the bottle, can, keg or cask. It truly was a stunning glassful, a perfectly hand-pulled cask ale. It’s 6.5%, six-times hopped, a February special from the Sussex brewery. It shines in the glass, one of those pints that’s alive with colour and condition, a crown of frothing bubbles settling above. It’s a full bowl of tropical fruit, grapefruits, oranges and peaches, it’s fresh like spring, floral and grassy, it has hints of sweetness but never too much, the bitterness is bold but not brash, it’s smooth, it’s crisp, it’s dry and quenching yet and mouth-filling and lip-smacking. A complete triumph – if you see it, drink it.

I had this in The Bull where an Oakham Inferno was a great start and a Pictish Porter with a wonderful dry, roasty bitterness was on top form. I also got myself a bottle each of the Marble Decadence Kriek and Frambozen. That was my reward for following Lauren around the shops all day.

10 comments:

  1. Dominic, Marble Brewery2 March 2010 at 11:57

    Dark Star are freakin' awesome.

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  2. Will have to keep an eye out. Oakham Inferno - nice pint!

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  4. Where can I get some, apart from making the trip to Horton Kirby that is?

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  5. ive got hold of some Dark star Sunburst...never tried they're beer before as its not easily available in Scotland, however i have heard good things about them. anyone tried sunburst before?

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  6. Paul, I would guess that it's finished at The Bull unless Garrett has any more. As for other places... I wish I knew as I'd be there!! I'm even considering a trip to the Evening Star in Brighton to try and find it again.

    Davie, Sunburst is a good beer, I'm assuming you have a bottle (I'm not sure if I've had the bottled version...)? If you see Dark Star's bottled Espresso Stout then buy that too as it's very good.

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  7. I do indeed have it in bottle form...added it in a order from beers of europe, now realise they have the espresso stout aswell and wish i had added that in too. although many american ipa to keep me going

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  8. Hi Mark.

    Just a quickie to let you know that we do actually have a couple more of the DS Six Hop (which, along with Dark Star's IPA, is my favourite beer from the brewery). They will be making an appearance over the next couple of months. Keep 'em peeled!

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  9. tis on now at the southampton arms NW5 (thursday 24th feb) probably for the next day or two.
    Apologies for the plug mark, hope that doesn't contravene blogging etiquette, was googling for an image to print as we lost the pump clip.

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