Following our taste of the West Country with Butcombe, we managed to get our hands on a true legend of British brewing history. I am talking about Exmoor Gold (5.0% ABV) by Exmoor Ales.
For a traditionalist like me, this isn’t just any bottle—this is a sip of history. Back in the 1986, this brilliant brew was launched as the UK’s very first commercial ‘Golden Ale’, single-handedly changing a part of the British pub scene forever.
Here is my take on the original pioneer.
🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む: 【イギリスビール旅】これぞ元祖の味！伝統派の英国人夫が熱く語る歴史的名作「エクスムーア・ゴールド（Exmoor Gold）」
The Appearance & Aroma
As you can see it pours a gorgeous, rich golden colour, slightly deeper than the Butcombe Gold we tried recently. It looks incredibly inviting in the glass. On the nose, it is delightfully complex. You get a forward aroma of fresh citrus and grassy hops, instantly followed by a deep, malty sweetness that promises a bit more punch.
The Taste: A Masterclass in Balance
At 5% ABV, it has a slightly higher alcohol content than your average ale, and you can feel that extra depth in the body.
The first sip is a fantastic blend of flavours. It hits you with a soft, biscuit-like malt base, which is quickly balanced by a sharp, zesty citrus freshness. What I love most about this ale is the finish—it delivers a proper, long-lasting hop bitterness that lingers beautifully. It doesn’t compromise on that classic British character just to be refreshing; it has real substance.
The Verdict
The label featuring the iconic red deer of Exmoor National Park is a classic, no-nonsense design that reflects exactly what is inside: an authentic, well-crafted, traditional ale.
If you want to understand how the entire golden ale style began, you have to try this. It is a masterclass in balancing hop freshness with malt depth. A timeless British classic that still stands ten feet tall today.
Cheers to the original!
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