I’m a big fan of McEwan’s (owned by Wells & Youngs) line – particularly the 80/-, but this is the first time I’ve sampled the Champion ale. It’s one of those ones that’s suited for winter…or yet another rainy, chilly evening in July, as I happen to be drinking it.
It’s a lovely deep mahogany colour with a raisin nose. It’s the taste that stands out here. There’s a rich treacle hit but if you swill it around your tongue you’ll get roast malts with hints of cloves, and even chocolate and whisky.
At 7.3% it’s pretty hardcore. It’s rich like Christmas pudding, even Christmas in July…
The essentials:
ABV: 7.3%
Colour:Â Mahogany
Nose: Roast malt and raisin
Taste: Christmas pudding
Our verdict: Heavy going but rewarding.
Website: www.wellsandyoungs.co.uk/
