Brewery: Joseph Holt (Holt’s)
Location: Manchester, England
ABV: 4.5%
Version: 500ml bottle
Source: Tesco

The first mention of a beer from local large independent brewery Joseph Holt and it’s a fine one. Holt’s 1849 was originally brewed to mark the company’s 150th anniversary in 1999 and has been kept on their premium bottled ales roster by popular demand ever since.

It’s easy to see why: pouring a lovely ruby amber colour, the beer has a sharp, hoppy bite and a dry finish, but with good malt flavours as well to balance it out. Overall it’s fresh-tasting, refreshing and very easy-drinking with a nicely-balanced strength as well. Very good indeed.

I know from personal experience that the draft version is even more satisfying, but you might have to wait for that to come around: Holt’s serve just one of their premium range on draft in their pubs every month (although the rest are usually available in bottles), and display a tantalising poster version of the schedule to let you know when your favourite is coming up. Roll on November, I say: it’s Fifth Sense month!