Brewery: St Austell
Location: St Austell, Cornwall, England
ABV: 5.0%
Version: 500ml bottle

Founded in 1851 St Austell Brewery Company Limited, to give its full name, is more than just a brewery, it’s a major employer in the south-east region of England, with over 1000 employees, annual turnover exceeding £90 million, and 169 pubs and hotels, 25 of which are run by company employees and the rest by tenants. They produce 9 beers, selling over 45000 barrels of them each year, none of which are lagers, and between them have notched up 50 awards.

Admiral’s Ale was launched in 2005 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, and picked up the Supreme Champion award at the 2008 International Beer Challenge, which apparently makes it the World’s Best Bottled Beer. It’s a lovely dark bronze colour, with a reddish glow when held up to the light, and gives off a floral, fruity aroma with a hint of malt.  The flavour is quite malty, biscuity with some fruit notes, backed up with hints of caramel and raisins, and just a touch of bitterness. Nicely balanced, it’s a very smooth ale with a slightly dry biscuity finish, understated and very pleasant. By no means the best bottled beer I’ve had but it’s a lovely drop and I’d certainly get it again.