On 16 December a unique evening was held where all of the Bass Corkers were opened and tasted to mark the 150th Anniversary of the brewing of Bass’ Ratcliff Ale. The panel was led by international Beer Writer and beer tasting expert Roger Protz and here for your reading pleasure are Roger’s tasting notes from all six beers.
1982 Prince’s Ale a.k.a. Celebration Ale
Marmite, toffee, spicy hops on the nose, rich malty palate with vinous fruit and hops developing. A lot of Marmite notes in the finish with tart fruit and peppery hops.
1978 Princess Ale
Chestnut colour, good condition, sherry and hops aroma. Bittersweet in the mouth with tart fruit and peppery hops. The finish is dry with rich fruit and some hop bitterness.
1977 Jubilee Strong Ale
Herbal note on the nose — coriander? Earthy note on the palate from English hops, dry and fruity like old blood oranges, some hops notes. Tart fruity finish ending bitter.
1929 Prince’s Ale
Oak on the nose — was this aged in wood? Raisins and sultana fruit. Tart fruit in the mouth with hop bitterness. Finish has more tart fruit, oak notes and light hop bitterness.
1902 King’s Ale
Dry vinous fruit on the aroma with toasted malt and a touch of acidity. Rich, ripe fruit dominate the palate — Dundee Cake fruitiness and ripe malt. Long, bittersweet finish dominated by fruit and rich malt notes with gentle bitterness.
1869 Ratcliff Ale
Bright chestnut colour, Massive fruit on the nose — raisins, sultanas, plums. Bitter and slightly acidiic in the mouth with burnt fruit. Bitter finish with drak fruit and rich malt. Amazingly complex.