Declaration of interest: I work for the Star Inn, which is the Penzance Brewing Co tap, in Crowlas, just outside Penzance. I’ll try not to be biased! Well, not too much …
Potion No 9 (4% ABV, cask)
Deep golden, just a hint of amber, with a white head that laces well. The aroma is grassy hop, lemon pith, biscuit malt. Lemon and graefruit burst through on the palate, with balancing biscuit malt, and notes of lychee and resinous hop. The lemon lingers on a gentle bitter finish. It’s a cult beer in West Cornwall, known generally as either ‘Potion’ or ‘No 9’ when ordering.
Buy: It’s available on draught only, mainly at the Star, but also at a select handful of pubs, including Beerwolf, in Falmouth.
(5th July, 2020)
Thirty Summit (4.5% ABV, cask)
The aroma of this brew — bright golden, with a white head — is surprisingly malty, but some tropical notes come through. Resinous hops on the palate, quite dry, with hints of orange and stone fruit, and a suggestion of mango and kiwi. There’s light biscuit malt to balance. Decent bitterness on the finish, but veering towards the dry side, with a herbal aftertaste. A deservedly popular mid-strength pale.
Buy: It’s available on draught only, mainly at the Star, but also at a select handful of pubs, including Beerwolf, in Falmouth.
(5th July, 2020)
Trink (5.2% ABV, bottle)
Crystal clear gold, it has a white head that stays fairly well. On the palate, there’s lemon and grapefruit from Citra hops, honeydew melon, and a nice biscuit malt backbone, with a little honeycomb coming through. Gente bitterness of the satisfying finish.
Buy: I got mine from The Star. Bottles are available on the Hop Kettle Brewery website and from the Spar shop, Crowlas.
(28th November, 2020)
Zythos Pale (5.3% ABV, cask)
“Why is it called Zythos?” is the question I get asked most about this beer, second only to how to pronounce it. (We’ve gone with zie-thoss.) It’s the Greek name for beer, but also the name of the main hop in the brew, a proprietory American variety created with IPAs and (in this case) strong pale ales in mind. Clear and bright golden, with a white head, the inviting aroma is herbal and spicy. Blood orange, pineapple, and lemon pith lead the charge of fruit flavours, with a minty edge and biscuit malt sweetness. High ABV, but splendidly well balanced. A new kid on the block, but fast becoming a tap favourite.
Buy: It’s available on draught only, mainly at the Star, but also at a select handful of pubs, including Beerwolf, in Falmouth.
(22nd September 2019)
Penzance Brewing Co | Crowlas
