The Caskaway

Cask Liberation Ale. Beer fans of a certain age here in Jersey have fond memories of Mary Anne beers from the Anne Street brewery. Made on the island for over 130 years, a timeline even the German occupation in World War II didn’t interrupt. The even carried the tagline ‘The beers that made Jersey Famous’. Mary Anne Special is legendary brew talked of in hushed tones and a sell out when revived as a guest ale. Today, visitors to the island can still see signs for the company on some of the islands pubs. In 2008 Anne Street became part of the Liberation Group and the brewery was renamed Liberation Brewery.

They started brewing a new flagship cask beer, Liberation Ale in 2009 which went on to win a range of national and international awards. Other beers followed including Liberation IPA, Herm Gold, and a range of seasonal specials. Sadly, it was announced last week that due to increased costs production of the company’s range of Liberation Ales will be moved to Somerset. On a more positive note, the company will continue to operate its pubs and wholesaling operations in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney and head brewer Pat Dean is moving to oversee production in the UK. If you are interested, I’ve written about this in more detail for CAMRA’s What’s Brewing platform.

A little bit about English Pale Ale

English Pale Ales are made using pale roasted malts the basis for most English beers. This contributes to the clean, crisp flavour and the golden to amber hue. The more you roast malt the darker the colours and the more intense flavours imparted to the finished brew. Dark milds and stouts are made with chocolate malts that impart the familiar chocolate and cocoa notes. Amber style Pale Ales are made with the addition of crystal malts which have a strong caramel flavour and in addition add sweetness to the finished beer.

English Pale Ales were brewed using the finest ingredient with an emphasise their quality and overall balance. The toasted biscuit flavours of pale malts traditionally Maris Otter combine with the fruity ones imparted from traditional English brewing yeasts and East Kent Goldings and Fuggles hops. Pale Ales are normally lightly carbonated with an attractive, smooth mouthfeel. There is a pleasing bitterness balanced with the caramel sweetness from the addition of crystal malts to the brew.

English Pale Ales originated in the early seventeen hundreds, and the most famous example is Bass Pale Ale brewed in the home of British brewing Burton-upon-Trent. The hard water here plays a big part in the brewing chemistry and Bass became hugely popular. By the late eighteen hundreds the Bass brewery was the largest in the UK producing a million barrels a year. Today draught Bass and Marston’s Pedigree remain the most authentic examples of this particular style.

Tasting Cask Liberation Ale

Hands up time, I worked for the company’s pub division for well over ten years so had ample opportunity to taste a pint or two of Liberation Ale. Now as I’m impartial customer I thought now would be as good time as any to add it to my tasting notes. What’s more I have the prefect word to sum up a good Pale Ale ‘quaffable’ meaning very easy and pleasant to drink. Does Liberation Ale meet the quaffablity test?

Amber with copper hues Liberation Ale has a creamy off-white head. The beer is lightly carbonated, I don’t like overly fizzy beer, with a pleasant light citrus and biscuity aroma. The beer is well balanced with just enough toasty flavours to balance the hoppiness and gentle bitterness. What I enjoy about Liberation Ale is its drinkability. At 4% abv it is a classic session beer and very quaffable. It has a nice finish and is very smooth. If you are lucky enough to visit the Channel Islands search out this appealing quaffable beer.

Cask Liberation Ale

Cask Liberation Ale