08/06/2026
Being delivered Wednesday for the Steam and Ale weekend at Winchcombe in the beautiful Cotswolds for the North Cotswolds CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale in the North Cotswolds
Utta Nutta 6.0% ABV
A sumptuous American "chocolate/hazelnut" porter brewed with eight carefully selected malts and infused with an indulgent dose of cacao nibs.
Built on a complex malt bill of lager malt, medium and light crystal, dark Munich, Vienna, black malt, chocolate wheat, and dextrin malt, this porter delivers depth, body, and a velvety mouthfeel.
Expect layers of caramel, toasted grain, dark chocolate, and subtle roast, all woven together with a smooth sweetness and a rich, nutty undertone.
An addition of cacao nibs amplifies the chocolate profile, bringing a bold American‑style cocoa punch that pairs beautifully with the natural hazelnut character emerging from the malt blend.
The result is a decadent, full‑flavoured porter with a silky texture, pronounced chocolate richness, and a lingering hazelnut warmth — indulgent yet balanced, and unmistakably satisfying.
Joining Utta Nutta will be "The Jesters Court" a Blonde Ale at 5.3% ABV
Magnum‑bittered • Jester‑driven flavour, aroma & dry hop
A bright, modern British blonde ale built on a clean, pale malt base and lifted by a vibrant expression of English Jester hops. Magnum provides a smooth, unobtrusive bitterness that keeps the beer crisp and refreshing, allowing Jester’s signature character to shine through.
Expect lively notes of grapefruit zest, ripe gooseberry, and a subtle blackcurrant twist, layered over gentle tropical hints that emerge from generous late‑kettle and whirlpool additions. A finishing dry hop of Jester adds a fresh, fruity aroma without tipping the beer into pale‑ale territory, keeping it balanced, rounded, and effortlessly drinkable.
The result is a golden, aromatic blonde with a clean finish, soft bitterness, and a distinctly modern English hop profile — refreshing yet full of personality.
Also to be found at The Hoptimist - Spondon Ltd soon to celebrate Forces week is "Victory Ale" 5.3% ABV
A classic British Extra Special Bitter brewed with crystal malts and traditional English hops, crafted for balance, depth, and drinkability.
The crystal malts provide layers of toffee, caramel, and raisin, adding warmth, richness, and a gentle reddish hue. This malt profile creates a fuller body with a touch of residual sweetness that softens and balances the hop bitterness.
For bitterness, Magnum delivers a clean, smooth foundation without harsh edges. First Gold then brings its signature notes of orange zest and gentle spice, adding brightness and subtle complexity. Finally, Fuggles contributes earthy, woody, and lightly floral tones, rounding out the hop character with classic English charm.
The result is a copper‑coloured ESB with moderate, restrained bitterness, a dry finish, and a refined interplay of malt sweetness and hop nuance — a quietly confident, beautifully balanced pint.
Waiting in the wings is a traditional Best Bitter Not Yet Sold
"Kinder Edge Bitter" 4.2% ABV
A traditional British Best Bitter brewed with Maris Otter as the foundation, supported by a touch of wheat for improved body, head retention, and a gentle grainy softness.
Maris Otter provides its signature biscuit and light toffee character, forming a rounded, flavourful malt backbone that defines the style.
The small addition of wheat adds smoothness and stability without intruding on the classic profile.
Bitterness comes from a balanced blend of Challenger and First Gold, delivering a firm yet clean bitterness with hints of spice and subtle orange peel. Fuggles brings its familiar earthy, woody, and lightly floral aroma, adding depth and authenticity.
A final flame‑out addition of East Kent Goldings lifts the beer with gentle honeyed, floral notes and a soft, classic English elegance.
The result is a bright amber bitter with a smooth malt core, moderate bitterness, and a layered hop character — a proper sessionable pint with timeless British charm.
