Beer OF THE Week

With Adrian Tierney-Jones

AUTHOR of 1001 Beers To Try Before You Die and his latest book United Kingdom Of Beer gives us his verdict on the best pint he’s tried this week. Follow @ATJbeer on Twitter.

UTOPIAN is a Devon brewery noted for its divine lagers, based on central Europe brewing traditions.

Topsham Brewery, meanwhile, is located in Exeter and its head brewer creates excellent beers across a range of styles.

This ale is a collaboration between the two breweries and what a great beer it is.

Light amber with a deep orange tint, in the glass it is as clear as a peal of church bells on a crisp winter’s night.

There is citrusy fruit, resinous pine and caramel sweetness on the nose, with the palate having the same smooth orange note alongside a bitter sweetness before it finishes with an assertive bitterness.

Add the full-bodied mouth feel and you have a beer that takes your taste buds on a jaunty journey.