Brewed to an 1880 recipe from Simond's Brewery in Reading, via the archives of the Durden Park Beer Circle. Their notes on the beer state simply: 'Dream Bitter with a lovely flavour. A Durden Park Favourite.' Round the brewery we just call it 'Dream Bitter'. The strength of the beer is typical for that era - 6% was average enough for a bitter. And the malt bill predates the common use of crystal malts (which hugely influence a modern bitter's flavour), so comprises of just Pale Ale Malt (our regular Maris Otter being ideal for this purpose) and Amber Malt (a lightly toasted malt). Hopped with Goldings all the way through. Aroma of citrus, spice and hedgerow leading through to a smooth body, flavours of marmalade and a touch of tea, a touch of warmth. Firm bitterness to balance. Perhaps in style closer to how we now consider an ESB or Burton Ale than a modern bitter?
