01/02/2026
After School Beers #1 30/01/2026
For this the inaugural edition of After School Beers, I present for your consideration dear reader a fine bottle conditioned ale, procured from that esteemed Leicester beer institution, The Offie. Still taking pride of place at 142 Clarendon Park Road after over thirty years of trading, The Offie is a venerable treasure trove of bottled beverages, selling only the finest in beers, wines, and spirits from across the globe. Popping in on a Friday afternoon and chatting to the proprietor Muree was as usual, a pleasure, he being as jovial as ever, and still so enthusiastic about the future of craft, microbrewed and cask conditioned beer. Before we reach the tasting notes, it is my plea here that if you can, then please support you local bottle shop - as well of course as your local pubs - especially at what is always a difficult time of year for many such businesses.
Today we have the ‘1909 Manchester Bitter’ (5.9%) from the Heritage Brewing Co, hailing from that historical haven of pale ale Burton Upon Trent. Pouring a rich copper colour and with a modest natural head, it has a sweet toasty, malty nose that is delicate but satisfying. In the mouth it starts off gently, not immediately betraying its somewhat hefty ABV. The substantial body of this beer soon became apparent however, yet it was so well balanced that it did not at all overwhelm your author. The mouthfeel was soft, and the strength almost perfect. Much of the action with this one happens at the back of the mouth and in the upper throat, with the malt-forward profile lingering endlessly here long after the final drops have been swallowed. Although not leading with bitterness, this, much like the body, shrewdly develops towards the tail end of the finish. Once again, this is very refined, and there is also a well-structured acidity present, which despite it being a historic recipe, gives the Manchester quite a modern feel. I could easily see myself nursing a couple of pints of this next to a roaring pub fire over the course of an autumnal afternoon, and although far too strong to be a contender for a session ale, this is certainly one to savour. A real keeper. 8.5/10
