All About Beer Magazine

Beer Talk

St. George’s English Ale

Young’s Brewery
Wandsworth, London, England

Available: All States

Alcohol (vol.): 5.2%
Color: Amber
Malts used: Maris Otter, Crystal
Hops used: Fuggles, Goldings, English Pilgrim

• Stephen Beaumont

  British ales described on their labels as “smooth” make me nervous, but thankfully this copper-colored brew is no widget-y abomination. Blessed with the full perfume of English hops backed by soft notes of muddled fruit, it offers in the body first fruitiness in the form of soft apricot and perhaps a hint of pear, and then a malt-accented hoppiness that gives rise to spicy tobacco notes. A lightly spicy bitterness lingers on the finish. Although strong by British standards for a session beer, that’s how I’ll enjoy it, and happily so.

• Charlie Papazian

  Full-bodied head, with an effusive winey-grape aroma with hints of malt. Traditional malt and hop flavor with a hint of toffee; added touch of a well-traveled beer. Not tasting vibrant and fresh, but still a very pleasurable experience. A good session beer that sings of the British pub tradition. More enjoyable at temperatures in the high 40s and low 50s —avoid typical ice-cold serving temps for the best experience.

• Garrett Oliver

  A hazy honey-colored beer pours from the handsome custom-made bottle. The nose shows some hop aromatics and a backdrop of biscuity malt, but also some sherry and apple notes. The bitterness is broad and the palate light and brisk, finishing cleanly. Young’s is among my favorite breweries, and I’m sure this beer is characterful when fresh. This bottle, only two weeks short of its best-by date, was rather tired. A fresh bottle would no doubt be just the thing with fish and chips.