Tetley's English Ale -- Carlsburg Tetley (Leeds, Yorkshire, England)
The widgeted can proclaims that Tetley's is "Yorkshire's Finest Pub Ale" -- if so, then I'm thinking that the tastebuds are a little different up that way ... though it does explain a little something about musical heroes like David Gedge or the current crop of madness coming out of Sheffield. Tetley's looks and pours like a Boddington, but trades the clean taste for an earthy bitterness.
Characteristics: Amber-gold color emerges from nitrogenated widget pour, with a nice persistent head; light-to-medium body, smooth but strong opening resolves into slightly malty bitterness (as opposed to a hoppy bite).
Minor Gripes: The bitter edge gets a little sweet as the beer warms, and the overall flavor profile can run a little chalky.
Bottom Line: If this is a true English bitter, then sign me up for additional samples. (This site gets lots of search hits for "boddington's bitter" -- not the first identification I'd use.) It's not yet my idea of an everyday beer, but certainly could be (especially if I was tasting it relatively fresh with a properly pulled pint).
Rating: 5.5 / 10
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