Little Creatures Day of the Long Shadow

Hooray, another single batch effort from Mitsubishi err hang on Kirin oops I mean Lion Nathan ahm Little Creatures.

Another bush shack logo adorns another single batch - but this one promises to be quite different again as a spiced winter ale weighing in at a more than respectable 8.9%.


This pours a lovely scorched amber, becoming lighter in direct light, one of the few beers to elucidate words of approval from my normally reticent (when it comes to beer visuals at least) wife. Aeration seems spot on right away, it's flat with just enough oomph to power a thick and defined head, but doesn't need to be left alone to settle before you plow right in.


An aroma of initially earthy UK hops, and a burst of cinnamon and fivespice assails the nostrils pre the first bite. The taste initially shows slight bitterness and a ripe fruity yeast, which is soon overtaken by a sneaking suspicion the 8.9% alc is going to burst in and ruin everything but - rejoice - spices arrive on cue to save the day. Indeed, cinnamon and friends ensure this is pretty mellow through the midsection and onwards. It feels like you're just relaxing in that fivespice armchair waiting for the crash that never comes.

Finish is quite nutty, bit of biscuit and dry caramel, well suited to style, quick to depart save a warming but unobtrusive throat alc note.. truly a winter fireside warmer. Sweetness is restrained throughout and to me, this is key to maintaining drinkability here. Fine work.

Overall this is perhaps not quite as complex as one may have expected but smooth and comforting nevertheless. Quite the swansong, if indeed that's what it is. 


Let's hope not. 8.0

Little Creatures Single Batch: The Quiet American

The long awaited new single batch from the crew at Little Creatures, and an interesting one at that, combining American hops (Cascade, Chinook) with what is essentially a Belgian Tripel.

It's tough to get your head around and to be honest, a bit hard to get your mouth around to begin with too. Pours a little sticky and heavy, minimal head, low aeration.

The hops are apparent early, giving it a sweet character a lot like their eponymous pale ale. But from there things turn with a sweet sugary Belgian character with cloves and other spices comes to the fore. It's a little bit syrupy on the finish but pretty drinkable.

I think this beer will take a bit of time to get to know, so glad I picked up a few extra. In terms of rating.. I think Belgian beer fans will probably have a go at this as it's not to the level of authentic Tripels I'm sure. But I'm happy with this as something that is quite unique and what seems a genuinely ballsy attempt to take things forward. Good stuff. 7.5

Little Creatures Rogers

Lightweights rejoice for your saviour has come.

Hadn't had this one in quite a while either, but pleased to find it still stacks up as a pretty respectable example and one of the best in its class at just 3.8%.

Nondescript aroma gives way to a sweet floral malty body. It's light and gently carbonated, but I don't agree it's empty as some have said. Chrysanthemum puts me in mind a bit of sweet green tea in a can.


Easy drinking, flavoursome midstrength. There will continue to be a market for this sort of thing. 7.5

Little Creatures Pale Ale

The old classic, hardly the first time of meeting but more than worth revisiting in it's attractive pint bottle format.

Thick head quite creamy with good lacing and retention in a frosty glass.

I'm told they change the recipe from time to time for this one but it's still hoppy on the nose, floral, but impeccably balanced. There's enough bitterness alongside a solid mouthfeel.

It's a great round mouthful of a beer and to me - admittedly probably through upbringing as well as quality - remains the definition and yardstick of an american pale ale. Satisfying - an 8.5.