Ushers Bishops Tipple

Formerly brewed at Thomas Hardy (Burtonwood)
Style: English Strong Ale
Burtonwood, England

This might rank as the oldest bottle I've sampled - best before Aug. 1983 - which if it adheres to what I've been told means that it's from 1983 and was brewed by Gibbs Mew. Was somewhat hesitant as no strength was listed and I had no idea if it had been properly stored. Well, not to worry. I do think it might have gone just a tad past its prime, but still was quite good. Winelike, fruity nose. Near still, no head. Currants and caramel and a cola like quality (Dr. Pepper for those that know - stewed prune cola for those that don't) Hadn't noticed until pouring the remaining little bit (label & fiol obscured all) that there was quite a bit of dark residue atthe bottom, changing the taste slightly and adding a bit of cocoa to the mix. Thanks to SilkTork for passing this on (and Doug for toting it back)

Bottled. Copper bronze, thin white head and moderate condition. Muted butterscotch and malt aromas, more butterscotch in the mouth with a slight suggestion of sweet whiskyish notes. Remains sweet in the finish with a hop bitter tingle developing.

floral hop aroma, pours with a dark copper hue and an off white head, fruity (blackcurrant) amlt flavour, reasonable ale.

Heavy, real heavy, but not as perfect as Ushers Tawny. Rich fruitiness and a wide palate of bitterness.

Amber colour, thick small white head. Sweet caramel aroma with of hops. Full-bodied. Soft and sweet toffee and caramel flavours from the malt. Maybe too sweet. Some hops in finish with some metallic notes. A quality brew, but my bottle was a little bit skunky, I guess.

5.5%. Red-copper. Perhaps not balanced properly: sweet maltiness does not work good with strong hoppy bitterness. Anyway, very nice bitter ale.

Bottled, Pasteurised. An amber beer with light fluffy head. This is the 5.5% version which has a slightly tart malty start, a little sweetness and a pungent alcohol nose. Fair hop balance, good citric flavours. A pleasant drinkable beer.

Sept, 2002:Bottle - brewed in Dorchester. This beer has undergone some changes over the years. It used to be brewed by Gibbs Mew, then by Badger Brewery for Gibbs Mew. Then by Ushers. Now by Thomas Hardy of Dorchester for Refresh UK (ex-Ushers management). The Bishop’s Tipple is now 5.5%, and, although it does still have some of the qualities of a weak barley wine, it is nowhere near as sweet or thick, and is much more hoppy. In fact, the balance between hops and malt is well judged and manages to bring forth a range of flavours. The taste is more like a strong ale - a more robust Old Speckled Hen perhaps. I found this quite delightful. [3.3]
Nov, 2004: Bottle. Now brewed at Burtonwood. Burnt and smoky toffee. Lacks life and character due to the filtering treatment, but the very pleasant taste makes up for many faults. I do like a sweet beer. A solid and enjoyable and fun ale. [3.5]