This beer was something I thought looked cool but had no idea of folklore behind it. As I will cover in the history section of this review, this Kirkby Lonsdale beer holds an interesting place in the legend of the areas. Purchased in the Lakes, sit back and learn about this very interesting beer. During this review, I will cover the history, the pour, the taste and aroma and finally, my verdict.
Forklore turned can of beer
Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery was founded in 2009 and is located in the Old Station Yard located in Kirkby Lonsdale itself. This was founded by local partners who shared a passion for ale and decided to set up their own brewery. They have even set up their own tap room in the town centre called Royal Barn.
This brewery emphasises being a family run business spanning two generations. They brew a range of different beers including ales, bitters and mild golden ales. The brewery supply to pubs around the North of England
The beer Devil’s Bridge IPA is named after an ancient bridge called Devil’s Bridge which is located a short walk from Ruskin’s Walk. The folklore comes from ‘
A woman needed a bridge to cross the river, but the Devil appeared and said he would build it in exchange for the soul of the first living being to cross it. When the bridge was finished, she tricked the Devil by sending her dog across first.
Angry at being outwitted, the Devil disappeared but the bridge remained.
The beer itself is an IPA which carries an ABV 5.2% which comes in cans, cask and keg. It is marketed as using ‘New World hops, giving a citrus hit with a bitter end’ and was introduced in December 2021.
A real ale pour
When poured, this present a clear golden colour which is quite bright. A foamy white head reminiscent of a decent cask ale is. This was quite smooth and the carbonation is relatively lively. This is typical of real ale ipa pour which left a decent level of lacing down the glass.
A citrusy taste and aroma
On the nose, this is immediately exploding with citrus such as grapefruit, lemon and orange. There is also a malt flavour reminiscent of a caramel biscuit. This is very citrusy with a malt backbone. Overall, a fully flavoured aromatic IPA.
When it comes to the taste, on the first sip, it has a malt flavour which is shortly followed citrus and resin flavour from the hops. As marketed the bitterness is present but clean. The finish is clean, dry and bitter. I personally feel the major depth of flavour is missing. Overall, not a bad beer but it feels like something is needed.
Time for my verdict
Overall, this is a malt and citrus led beer which carries a very interesting backstory. The Devil’s Bridge IPA is a clean beer with a lovely looking pour which was amber and contains a fluffy head. However, the depth of flavour was missing. Overall, I rate this a 3.25 out of 5.
Where did I purchase?
I purchased this on trip away to the Lake District with my girlfriend. I bought this for £2 from Booth’s in Kendal.
Cheers for reading. If you enjoyed this one please check my other beer reviews such as my Northern Monkey review.
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