Kipling by Thornbridge (5.2%)

With Spring finally upon us, I thought we had to include one of our very favorite beers from the past few years. Both us beer geeks got into sampling quality ales through our love for Jaipur, at least the Jaipur as it used to taste 5 years ago before the mass production and simplifying of the recipe. In my eyes, Kipling has always been a like a paler, younger sister to Thornbridge`s flagship ale but easier / safer to sup than Jaipur which is 5.9%.
When it is good you can get the aroma of Kipling before you even see it. A smack of citrus comes from the passion fruit and kiwis that make this South Pacific Ale a bit special, perfectly complementing one of my favourite hops in Nelson Sauvin. I have had this beer too early several times and it can appear too hazy and overly bitter if it`s not ready. That criticism could certainly not be levelled at the pints of it embibed at The Coach and Horses, Dronfield, or at The Cross Scythes. Give it a try before the Winter returns!

Mike`s Score - 9
Danny`s Score -9

Kipling is my favourite Thornbridge beer. Much better than Jaipur in my opinion

Bramling (4.5%) by Tapped Brew Company

The Sheffield Tap has recruited a long list of plaudits since it opened some 3 (?) years ago and it has now added a brewery named `Tapped`. With Sheffield already having a dozen or so breweries this could be seen to be a brave step albeit one built upon firm foundations on Platform 1b.

I went in search of weird and wonderful ales whilst showing a friend, who had never visited The Tap, the magnificent new room which was added a couple of months ago. With three Tapped ales taking prominence on the bar, albeit next to the hand-pull alcoholic apple juice, their big pump clips rudely demanded that we sample their wares.

I liked Bramling. It was unremarkable but, at 4.5%, it was not at all dull. Nice and clear to look at and very easy to drink sat comfortably in resplendent Edwardian surroundings. Ae a run-of-the-mill bar, I would happily have supped a few of these but there is always so much choice at The Tap that you can`t help but suffer the child-in-sweetshop syndrome! I certainly preferred it to the Tapped attempt at an IPA (Bullit) which was not my bag at all. However, they are one of the very newest breweries in the Steel City so a return ticket is surely in order.

Mike`s Score - 7

Thornbridge Baize Chocolate Mint Stout 5.5% ABV

Developed by the staff at Hallamshire House this new beer from Thornbridge was one I was looking forward to. I've sampled many a chocolate beer over the years and although it may not be my favorite style of ale when it is done right the results can be delicious. This is the first time I've heard of a chocolate mint beer before so like all new beers I was keen to sample it.
As always Tom at The Cross Scythes wasted absolutely no time in getting it on the bar. Now I'm not usually one to drink halves but something told me to opt for the smaller option this time and I must say I'm glad I did. We like to stay away from negativity here at twobeergeeks but I have to say this isn't a beer that suited my palate. Chocolate and mint may go together with ice cream or sweets but in my opinion its not a flavour combination that works well with beer. It's a nice idea in theory but I'm afraid it's a low score from me.
 Meanwhile, I really enjoyed supping this strange brew. Sure, it does taste like a load of After Eights chucked into some decent stout, but then I like the Choc / Mint combo. It is pretty much the only type of ice cream I like so what`s not to like about a (mint) creamy dark ale. Thornbridge genius, in my opinion. You HAVE to try and decide!
Danny's Score - 3/10
Mike Score - 8/10

I`m just glad that we tasted this beer seperately. We often differ in our opinions of darker ales but this could`ve resulted in fisticuffs and neither of us wants to be barred from The Cross Scythes !