Arran Brewery

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Arran Brewery, Arran Blonde (Scotland) From this island off the Scottish West Coast come Arran Blonde, a light golden-coloured beer with a white, quite persistent head. On the nose it is very crisp and quite elegant, with citrus and hops and a distinct wheatbeer perfume. On the palate there's a touch of grassy, herbal character and a smooth, medium- to full-bodied texture. The fine citrussy flavours fill-in on the mid-palate, and a real creaminess develops. It is a refreshing style of beer served quite cold, with a touch of caramel sweetness too. Lovely stuff. 5.0% ABV, 50cl, ?1.75, Asda, Booth's, Luvians, Safeway, Waitrose.

Arran Brewery, Arran Dark Premium Beer (Scotland) Dark is a realtive term here, as this beer is a ruby/amber colour with a thinnish white head. There's a nice hoppy freshness here rather than overt malt on the nose, with spice and orange aromas in the background. On the palate it is very smooth and creamy-textured, though again quite fresh. There's a bitter orange and orange pith grip to this beer, with very good hopping and only the merest suggestion of treacly darkness. It is grown-up and quite sophisticated beer, with good bitterness and fine drinkablity. 4.3% ABV, 50cl, ?1.99, Booth's, Peckhams.