By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food
Strength: 5% ABV
Brewed: Ellon, Scotland
Tired of a market dominated by industrially brewed lagers and ales, the team behind BrewDog set up the world’s first crowd-funded brewery in 2007. Now operating from a site in Ellon, just north of Aberdeen, a community of over 35000 investors own shares in the business, with shares still available. And what’s more, the brewery that’s made for the people, by the people is still constantly striving to encourage passion for craft beer. 2015 was a huge year for the brewery in terms of success, and this year is already shaping up to be just as exhilarating for BrewDog.
Brewed using Nelson Sauvin and Amarillo hops, before being dry-hopped with Simcoe, Cascade, and Centennial varieties, BrewDog’s 5AM Saint is a red ale filled with depth, although the hops are surprisingly not overpowering. Instead, the dark amber beer with its relatively full body is a very pleasant, well balanced beer. On the nose, red currant, juniper berry, lychee and pine are all present, while the caramel sweetness is contrasted by the slight sourness of cherry. Continuing into the taste, the malty sweetness, sour berries, and bitterness from the hops all make for an all-round delicious beer, and a fine British interpretation of American red ale.
5AM Saint is available to buy from a selection of retailers across the UK, as well as from brewdog.com.