Challenger IPA - abv 4.8%; £2.25/50cl (From York Press)

Challenger IPA - abv 4.8%; £2.25/50cl

9:38am Saturday 31st December 2011 in Beer of the week By Jim Helsby

CHRISTOPHER Scott opened his Skipton brewery in 1816, powered by waterwheel, coal and later steam. By 1902, when it was taken over by Bentley’s of Woodlesford, the company had a second, smaller brewery in Keighley, and 39 pubs.

Both breweries closed in 1904 and it wasn’t until 2002 that brewing returned to Skipton with the opening of the Copper Dragon brewery.

In a few short years, the new brewery has established an enviable reputation for quality and consistency, with well over 1,000 pubs and clubs stocking their beers.

This week’s beer is Copper Dragon’s take on the IPA style, the beer originally brewed for export to the empire in the 19th century. The name Challenger presumably refers to the hop variety used.

The colour is pale orange, with a deep, foamy, clinging head. On the nose there is lemon/orange fruit, with dry, biscuity malt, a touch of barley sugar and a little herbal hint.

The palate is full-bodied and malty, with lots more marmalade citrus flavours and notes of honey and vanilla.

A dry hoppiness builds through the mid palate, culminating in a firm, robust and tingling bitter finish.

• Recommended by Jim Helsby, of the York Beer And Wine Shop, Sandringham Street, York