ARBOR brewery, based in Bristol, continue to experiment extensively with their range of single-hopped beers, with this latest offering showcasing Pacific Gem.

This hop originates in New Zealand, and its reliability and high percentage of alpha acids, the main beer-bittering compound contained within a hop cone, mean that it has been embraced by many craft breweries for the production of hop-forward ales for some time now.

Arbor have chosen to showcase this hop in a 4.8 per cent golden ale, providing balance and complexity through the of use of caramelised and speciality malts.

Pouring golden with a moderate head, loosely composed of large bubbles, the aroma is woody, laden with black pepper, a touch of tangerine, and a wheaty cereal note. The flavour begins with an intense burst raw hop cone – sharp, aromatic, and flavourful, with raw oak and sour blackcurrant cutting across the palate.

A rich banana fudge and walnut note then rises and rounds out the flavour into a smooth, even bitterness.

Butterscotch, peanut brittle, and a touch of almond are mixed with vanilla and blackcurrant jam as the finish lingers and fades into a distant tart echo of the initial raw hop aroma.

Moderate to sweet and medium bodied, this is a beer with low carbonation, and a smooth, rounded palate.

Recommended by Michael Bates, Trembling Madness, Stonegate, York