North East Beer Review

A bottle I purchased a while ago when I had a trip across to Kendal and Windermere. I had never got around to drinking it but eventually tried it last weekend. The brew in question was the Windermere Brewing Company W’ruff Night. And to start things off, this one really took me by surprise. To find out how I will cover the history of this brewery and beer, the pour, taste and aroma and finally my verdict. Cheers

A microbrewery within a pub

Windermere Brewing Company is small microbrewery located within The Watermill Inn near Windermere, Cumbria. The brewery was established in 2006, to produce traditional ales for the pub and surrounding areas of the Lake District. The brewery is known for its use of dog themed beers as the Lake District such as Golden Retriever and Dog’th Vader. Windermere Brewing Company operates a 5-barrel kit and focuses primarily on traditional real ale. Over the years, the brewery has built a reputation for its seasonal releases and its ability to showcase classic English brewing styles.

Windermere Brewing Company W’ruff Night is a bitter which has an ABV of 5%. The brewery describes this as having ‘a finely balanced pale bitter with a fusion of citrus hops and a smooth, dry aftertaste, making it an easy-drinking yet flavourful ale’. The bottle imagery keeps up with the dog themed beer.

A typical bitter pour

Windermere Brewing Company W’Ruff Night pours a clear pale gold to amber colour which has a typical real ale bitter and blonde appearance. A foamy white head forms which was creamy and was retained throughout the drinking experience. Also, leaving a great amount of lacing down the glass. The carbonation was moderate which displayed a steady stream of bubbles rising to the top of the glass. Overall, this an inviting pour which is reminiscent of typical real ale cask pour.

A citrus led flavour profile

Aroma

W’Ruff Night is a citrus led aromatic bitter which has notes of lemon zest and grapefruit are present alongside a biscuity malt base. As the flavour unlocks the hop character releases giving a sweet and slightly honey like aroma. Overall, an intriguing and inviting ale which makes you want to take a sip.

Taste

When it comes to the taste, on the palate the brew delivers a clean flavour. Firstly, the malt sweetness presents itself with notes of bread and sweet biscuit. This is followed by a citrus edge which has subtle tones of lemon and grapefruit along with a moderate herbal hop bitterness. The finish is dry and somewhat bitter which is remarkably refreshing and moreish. A beer with a fine balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Overall, a very drinkable beer which was quite enjoyable and tasty.

Time for my verdict

Windermere Brewing Company W’Ruff Night is a drinkable and refreshing ale which I really enjoyed and as someone who isn’t the biggest cask ale drinker, I found this really pleasant and I would definitely go for a pint at the Watermill Pub next time I am in the Lake District. This towed the fine line between hop forwardness and malt sweetness which really makes up what makes a great traditional ale. Overall, I rate this beer a solid 4.5 out of 5. Cheers

Where did I purchase this beer from?

I bought this beer from Windermere Wine Stores located in Windermere itself.

Thanks for reading my review of this ale. If you enjoyed this review you will love my review of fellow Lake District based ale called Lakes Brew Co NE Session IPA.