Brewery: Wye Valley Brewery
Location: Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire
ABV: 4.6%
Version: 500ml bottle
Source: Raglan Garden Centre

A couple of weeks ago, after having a lovely freshly-ground coffee and a portion of delightful homemade shortbread, we ventured into Raglan Garden Centre’s new food hall.  Ahhh, the sort of place where I could have spent a lot of money on not much at all, and had a feast.  We did leave with a few bits and pieces, including a jar of the best lime chutney I’ve ever tasted, and a bottle of Dorothy Goodbody’s Wholesome Stout.

Now, I’m no stranger to Wye Valley Brewery, having partaken of their product in several local pubs and other places (my local beauty spot for boating types, Goytre Wharf, stocks a fine selection of bottled ales in their little cafe, including this beauty).  But for some reason, I’ve never tried a bottle of their Wholesome Stout.  That error has now been corrected, and this is one I’ll return to for sure.  It was the CAMRA Champion Bottle-Condition Beer 2008, and it was well deserved.  A beautiful ruby-tinged chocolate colour when poured, it releases a bitter coffee odour, which is maintained throughout the drinking.  A hoppy taste, a deep, heavy feel, it fairly glides down – not smooth, exactly, but confident in its delicate roughness.

The name and bottle design delight – Dorothy does indeed have a good body, and the label’s slightly retro look is cheeky and pleasing. A winner, a keeper, and highly recommended.