BLUEBIRD BITTER

The Coniston Brewing Company was formed in 1995 at the Black Bull public house, Coppermine Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HL tel: (015394) 41133  The name of this excellent English bitter was inspired by the exploits of Malcolm and Donald Campbell, no doubt brought home by the association of Coniston water, the venue of several water speed record attempts, including the fateful final run of the CN7 by Donald Campbell CBE.

This award winning bitter won the Champion Beer of Britain (CBOB) award in 1998 and is now contract brewed by Brakspear and distibuted by Beer Counter Limited, South Stoke, Oxfordshire, RG8 0JW.  Which of the two versions you get is anybody's guess, but we feel those trying this beer for the speed record association, would want to drink the local brew.  Bluebird Bitter is available all the year round and is 3.6% drawn or 4.20% bottled ABV.  Brewed from Challenger hops and Maris otter pale malt and crystal malt.

http:conistonbrewery.com       www.ukmultimap.com      mailto:sales@conistonbrewery.com

The beer has a nice golden amber color with a fluffy head about a half inch thick.  The head laces the glass quite nicely and remains for most of the drinking experience.  There is an aroma of citrus and floral hops along with a slight malt aroma of bread mixed with biscuit and a hint of caramel.

Initially this beer hits up front with a nice zesty hop bitterness, and a bit of orange/lemon.  Throughout the middle this beer hits with some caramel, earth tones, wet grass, and a bit of bread flavor.  The beer finishes with a wonderful hop bitterness and a great aftertaste of bread and biscuit with keeps you lingering for more.  

Bluebird bitter is a nice medium bodied beer, creamy, with decent carbonation and a nice all around balance between malts and hops.  The bitterness and hop spiciness combines with a decent malt body to give a satisfying drinking experience.

 English Bittery Coniston Brewing @ Beer Advocate  United Kingdom (England)