Fron Badger Brewery
TARGET CONSUMER
Tim Ireland, 37, is head of product development for a loudspeaker manufacturer
When it comes to beer I fall into the traditional camp. Brought up on a diet of cask ales and the odd continental lager, I find the trend towards bland lagers and alcopops distressing.
The Badger's Golden Glory beer sounded as if it would be right up my street that is until I saw the label. It was reminiscent of the Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. I half expected to see an endorsement from Alan Titchmarsh on the back.
First impressions of the bouquet reminded me of those waters with a gentle hint' of elderflower.
When I actually tasted it, the overpowering elements of melon and peach dominated the palate.
In fact, if it hadn't said beer on the label, I would have happily believed this was a melon/peach alcopop.
Rating out of 25 3
Sally Easton
Master of Wine and wine buyer for Berry Brothers and Rudd
This has a rich amber colour and a fragrant fruity nose of cinnamon, dried fruits and tangerine (none of the peach blossom and melon suggested on the label, but attractive nonetheless). The palate is clean and fresh with a taste profile similar to the nose and with intensity and depth. The ale is well structured with the fruit sweetness balanced well by the traditional bitter hint on the finish. The packaging mixes a classic approach with peach blossom, and it works well enough. It is likely to appeal to both genders and at a price point of £1.49 for 500ml deserves to do very well. Rating out of 25 23
Graham Shearsby
Board creative director, graphics, at Design Bridge
The Tesco Beer Challenge may mean a lot to a "Mr Beardy Real Ale Enthusiast", but it leaves me cold. It really doesn't look like something worth winning. Does that neck label really reflect an award of quality and stature something to treasure in your old age? I don't think it does. Absolutely glorious it may be sitting in the sun in Dorset, but will I notice it wandering around the Park Royal Tesco on a wet Wednesday afternoon. Just another award winning authentic beer to blend into the other award winning authentic and psuedo-authentic beers that litter the shelves. Rating out of 25 5
Steve Mayes
Category controller at Landmark
The bottled ale market is still showing good growth and is an area of untapped potential for many outlets. The Badger Brewery produces beers of some repute. Golden Glory recently romped home in the Tesco Spring Beer Challenge and is well pitched at £1.49. In theory, it has all the ingredients for success and should sell reasonably well within the trade. However, the personal opinion of a disheartened Badger lover is that beer should never smell let alone taste of peaches. This is a poncy beer with a poncy label and if you want an alcoholic drink with peaches drink a pint of Archers. Rating out of 25 13
Total score out of 100 44
{{DRINKS }}
No comments yet