There are moments in the pub when anticipation hangs in the air, that flicker of excitement when a new pump clip appears on the bar. You lean in, squint at the design, maybe exchange a hopeful glance with the regulars. This time, it was a paper-thin laminated effort, slightly rough around the edges. Not unusual. In fact, sometimes those modest, homemade-looking clips signal something special, a hidden gem from a small, passionate brewery.
Sadly, this was not one of those times.
First Impressions: Hope and Hesitation
At first pour, there was curiosity. Maybe even optimism. The kind that makes you think, this could be a sleeper hit. But one sip in, and the mood shifted.
The collective verdict, reached somewhere between raised eyebrows and puzzled frowns? Pernod.
Not a subtle hint. Not a whisper of complexity. Just a full-on, unmistakable wave of aniseed crashing over the palate.
The Taste Test: Aniseed Overload
Now, aniseed has its place. In the right context, it can add intrigue, depth, even a touch of sophistication. But here, it overwhelmed everything.
Instead of a balanced dark ale, what you get is something dominated entirely by that sharp, liquorice-like note. Any malt character, any roasted richness, any nuance, it’s all drowned out.
At 4.0% ABV, you might forgive a lighter body. But flavour-wise, this simply doesn’t deliver. It’s not just disappointing, it’s difficult to finish.
Giving It the Benefit of the Doubt
Of course, the first instinct is to question the cask.
'Bad barrel?'
'Off day?'
'Surely it’s not meant to taste like this?'
A quick dive into the digital rabbit hole (and a fair bit of determined Googling) suggests otherwise. It seems this isn’t an isolated experience. Others have encountered the same overpowering profile. and reached similar conclusions.
At that point, persistence feels less like dedication and more like a chore. And with so many good beers out there, that’s never a great sign.
A Missed Opportunity
What makes this particularly frustrating is the sense of potential. Strip back the aggressive aniseed, and you can almost imagine what this beer could have been:
- A smooth, dark ale
- Subtle roasted malt
- A gentle, warming finish
Instead, it veers too far in one direction and never finds its way back.
This is one of those rare occasions where the pint doesn’t just fall flat, it ends up, quite literally, down the drain.
About Grafton Brewing Company
It’s worth noting that Grafton Brewing Company itself has solid roots. The brewery began life behind the Packet Inn in Retford, a classic origin story grounded in pub culture and small-scale production.
Today, it operates out of Worksop, in the Bassetlaw district of Nottingham, where it has expanded significantly and now produces around 100 barrels per week. Their beers are served at both the Grafton Hotel on Gateford Road in Worksop and the original Packet Inn in Retford, maintaining a close connection between brewery and pub.
There’s clearly experience and infrastructure behind the operation, which makes this particular pint all the more surprising.
Final Thoughts: Not Every Pint is a Winner
Every beer drinker knows that not every pint is going to be a triumph. Sometimes, curiosity leads to discovery. Other times, it leads to… Pernod.
This one falls firmly into the latter category.
It’s a reminder that even established breweries can miss the mark, and that balance, always balance, is key. Because when one flavour dominates too heavily, it doesn’t matter how good the idea was to begin with.
You’re left with a pint that promises much, but ultimately delivers very little.
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