If you’re looking for a c lassic English old ale , look no further than Vale Brewery’s Grumpling . Hailing from Buckinghamshire, this mahogany, chestnut-coloured ale embodies tradition both in flavour and in its name. At 4 .6% ABV , Grumpling is slightly on the heavier side, but its smooth balance of malt, molasses, and a restrained bitterness makes it incredibly drinkable . Hints of citrus and pear add brightness to a beer that remains solidly traditional, making it both familiar and endlessly moreish. A Beer with Historical Resonance The name 'Grumpling' carries deep historical significance in the region. In Buckinghamshire and across central England, witchert refers to a traditional method of mud walling , a form of building that has been used worldwide for thousands of years. Before the walls could be built, a foundation of rough stone was laid, wider at the base than above. This foundational layer was known as the ' grumpling ,' a crucial step in the proces...
The notebook of a renegade bartender and amateur drinking enthusiast with a passion for real ale, beer festivals, microbrewing, and pubs. Relentless rants on what to drink, while quaffing, scoffing and reviewing from both sides of the bar.