Our beers
One of the delights of British beer is the intriguing variety of tastes on offer.
The choice of malt and hops and the way the brewer works with his ingredients all influence the strength, colour and, above all, taste of your beer. The subtleties - from nose to finish – can be described by aficionados, but are best discovered for yourself.
Of course, there is no substitute for trying and tasting to find your own favourites, but to guide you here are a few ales with a strong following.
McMullen Cask Ale
ABV 3.8%
Our latest ale is inspired from over 180 years of brewing at The Whole Hop Brewery. Styrian Goldings added to English Fuggle hops achieve a refreshingly well-balanced combination. The subtle biscuity flavour comes from pale ale and amber malts. Mixed with the citrus flavours of these hops, this creates a light and refreshing ale that all generations of ale drinkers will enjoy.
McMullen Country Bitter
ABV 4.3%
At The Whole Hop Brewery we have over 180 years of traditional brewing experience. The recipe for Country's distinct fruity taste is a testament to this when we carefully mix the Progress, Brambling Cross and English Fuggle hops. The addition of crystal malt to the pale ale malt creates a light colour and adds a nutty taste. Best bitter drinkers will really enjoy this beautifully balanced complex ale.
McMullen AK
ABV 3.7%
As one of the longest established ales in the UK, the quality of AK comes from 180 years of brewing experience at The Whole Hop Brewery.
Our award-winning bitter uses a carefully balanced mixture of pale ale and chocolate malts to give a soft malty taste, while WGV hops give a light fragrant aroma and clean finish. A popular and refreshing easy-drinking bitter.
McMullen Ale Selection Pack
ABV Various%
An ideal gift for both ale connoisseurs and for those wanting the perfect introduction to real ale.
This pack contains:
2 x 500ml of AK XXX (4.1% abv)
Combining the finest East Anglian Ale, chocolate and amber malts with McMullen's own pure spring water.
2 x 500ml of Hertford Castle (5.0% abv)
A fine brew from McMullen at The Whole Hop Brewery, combining natural whole leaf aroma hops, best Suffolk malted barley and McMullen's own pure spring water.
2 x 500ml of Stronghart Bitter (7.0% abv)
Specially brewed from the finest malted East Anglian barley and whole leaf English hops. CAMRA described it as "Liquid Christmas pudding.
Supplied in a McMullen gift presentation bag.
The McMullen Ale Selection Pack is available for Collection only.
McMullen Hertford Castle
ABV 5.0%
A fine brew from McMullen at The Whole Hop Brewery, combining natural whole leaf arome hops, best Suffolk malted barley and McMullen's own pure spring water. Late hopping adds a subtlety to the traditional recipe, creating a truly distinctive taste for the ale connoisseur.
AK XXX
ABV 4.1%
Our Head Brewer has combined the finest East Anglian Ale, chocolate and amber malts with McMullen's own pure spring water. The careful addition of the very best English whole leaf hops gives a rich brown beer, with well balanced maltiness and subtle bitterness from the hops.
McMullen Stronghart Bitter
ABV 7.0%
Specially brewed from the finest malted East Anglian barley and whole leaf English hops. CAMRA chose McMullen Stronghart as their first 'Best Festive Ale' award, describing it as "Liquid Christmas pudding. A beer that is rich, dark and exceptionally smooth, demonstrating the very special skills of Hertfordshire's Independent Family Brewers".
Diversity on tap
Throughout the year The Whole Hop Brewery produces a variety of specially brewed ales, specifically for seasonal, celebration and special events. These ales give us the opportunity to explore new flavours and aromas, and the results are always well received by those who already acknowledge McMullen as one of the leading brewing innovators. They are only available for limited periods so watch this space!
McMullen IPA
ABV 4.8%
IPA is a full-bodied beer that all cask ale connoisseurs will recognise as a "classic". We use specially kilned amber malt to give it its deep rich flavours. One of our head brewers favourites.
Hert -Breaker
ABV 4.5%
Hert-Breaker is a refreshing bitter brewed with a blend of Golding hops to give it a distinctive fruity / zesty taste.
Available for collection and delivery from Monday 6th February.
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