Last month I wrote how I’d like to post on this site more frequently whilst also staying away from simply regurgitating tasting notes. As it is December, I figured a good way to put this into practice would be to try my hand at an end of year list. I’m comfortable with approaching films and music via a top ten format, but I think with beer, for me anyway, it is far too subjective and influenced by so many factors to put such a list together. Instead, here are some key moments from each season of 2025 and the particularly memorable beers that complimented them.
Winter – Rock 8 @ Mollo Brew, Ålesund
As the start of 2025 coincided with our Honeymoon, we were making our way back down the coast of Norway. After spending the morning of our final port day in Ålesund, we escaped a rather drab afternoon at Mollo’s gorgeous taproom. With a tap list of some 20+ beers, ranging in style from very fresh NEIPAs to classic abbey styles, beautiful decor, shuffle board tables, and friendly staff, I can’t recommend this taproom enough. A stand out for me was their Rock 8, a flavourful Belgian dark strong ale with a great yeast profile and smooth mouthfeel. After a couple flights and some shambolic games of Uno on my part, it was easy to forget we’d soon be back home.
Spring – George Gale’s HSB @ Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, Chiswick
For my Birthday, I treated myself to the tour at Fuller’s Griffin Brewery which whilst being very informative, also introduced me to the history of the George Gale Brewery. I was able to sample London Pride, ESB and HSB side by side, and not to do Fuller’s any disservice but HSB was easily my favourite. Visually I found it not too dissimilar from London Pride with good clarity and a chestnut brown colour, but vastly more complex aroma perhaps more akin to the ESB but with a distinct pear and spicy character. The flavours are robust with rye bread and a light minerality, and whilst the body feels pretty full, it is kept very drinkable with a good level bitterness. I liked it so much that I got some bottles for home and it is now my go-to at any Fuller’s pubs, when I’m fortunate enough to come across it.
Summer – Little Earth Project’s The Brett Organic Stock Ale 2020 @ Home
After moving house in the summer, we marked the occasion by opening one of the many special British wild ales that I covet. I can’t recall why I picked this one, perhaps the idea of a stock ale sounded symbolic after unpacking our entire lives, or perhaps it was simply the oldest of the beers I was sitting on. Either way we lucked out as this was a truly momentous beer. It poured a dark amber, with a red hue, good charity and decent tan head. On the nose it was very hay forward, but also nutty and toffee with some earthy notes too. Full of malt sweetness with a very slight acidity and lots of cherry-like fruit flavour. Quite smooth, no astringency with medium body and carbonation, low bitterness, and despite the sweetness it still felt quite dry.
Autumn – Harvey’s Dark Mild @ The Royal Oak, Borough
I only had this beer for the first time at CAMRA’s Worthing Beer & Cider Festival in October, but now it could easily be one of my all time favourites. During the beer festival, I had tried a large number of fantastic beers from both Sussex and also Scotland (as per the theme), but when I crossed paths with a glass of dark mild, I instantly knew it was from Harvey’s. It is perfectly nutty and sweet but without being cloying, astringent, or even bland, all with the distinctive Harvey’s yeast character. Fortunately for me, The Royal Oak in Borough is always in good supply so I’ve not been too far from my new obsession.
Babette’s Yeast 
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