Skinners Big Sister

Well, another guest ale came on not too long ago at my local pub, and it was great. From the makers of award winning beers such as "Betty Stoggs" comes a nice ale called Betty's Big Sister. Skinners brewery in cornwall unveiled this winter beer in October last year, and last week was my first opportunity to try it.

Curiously, the tap label was massive. Like about 4 times bigger than the rest of the guest ales. My fellow drinker Ricky said that it must be compensating for something. (note: not too long ago there was a christmas ale with flashing lights on the tap label- turned out to be disappointing)

But ever the optimist, I ordered a pint and it turned out to be one of my best decisions that week. These winter ales are often described as "winter warmers", but the way I see it, that just seems to mean they are more alcoholic. Big sister is a "warming" 5.3% ale, in comparison to its very much more established sister Betty Stoggs at only 4%.

Having tried both Betty Stoggs and her Big Sister, I have to say I definitely prefer the latter. Even though Betty Stoggs was winner of last years CAMRA best beer. As a dark amber ale with enough alcohol to make you merry but not ruining the flavour, big sister was very drinkable. So much so, that when I went for a breakfast there in the morning I just had to have a pint of big sister for fear of it running out!