When Newstead Brewing opened a decade ago, one of their core range beers was 3 Quarter Time Session Ale. At a time when many in the craft beer scene looked with scorn upon mid-strength and light beers, 3/4 Time was appreciated as a flavoursome option by punters, going on to receive a number of awards at competitions.
But things change, beers change, time marches on as the spectre of death inches ever closer, blah blah blah. The fact is, that beer of a decade ago is long gone.
Enter Session Mid Pale, which Newstead proudly state is a throwback to that well-regarded mid-strength. Their exact words: “close to the OG recipe of 2012, with a couple modern updates… These little tweaks have brought back the aromatic intensity, clean flavours, full body and drinkability.”
In line with the way drinkers enjoy hoppy beers nowadays, Session Mid has a little less malt sweetness and hop bitterness than its grandaddy so the fruity hop aromas can shine: Amarillo, Mosaic and Mosaic Spectrum hop resin amp up the tropicals (plenty of pineapple) and stone fruit (plenty of nectarine) in Session Mid to levels that hit the right spot in both the aroma and flavour. There’s enough body and bitterness to propel you forward, but not enough to slow you down.
It’s a good mid.
Mick Wüst
Published October 30, 2023 2023-10-30 00:00:00
