Downton Brewery

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Secret Sobriety
Beerpale ale

Secret Sobriety

A Wiltshire-brewed 0.5% pale ale that punches well above its ABV — hoppy, full-bodied, and brewed using a proper infusion mash with English malts and international hops.

About This Drink

Downton Brewery has been making craft beer in Wiltshire for over two decades. Secret Sobriety is their entry into the AF market, and it's a more serious effort than the name might imply. The brewing process uses a traditional infusion mash, which means they're not cutting corners to hit a low ABV number. Selected English malts provide the backbone, while the hop bill draws on international varieties for a tropical-citrus edge that sits on top of the core bitterness. The result is a pale ale at 0.5% ABV that is, as described, deceptively flavoursome — the bitterness and complexity are closer to a standard IPA than to most of what passes for alcohol-free pale ale. Available on Amazon and from smaller independent AF retailers. The cans come in 440ml, which at least means you're getting a proper serving. For anyone who finds most AF beers too mild or too sweet, this is worth trying.

Tasting Notes

Taste

BOLD HOP BITTERNESS LEADS — GRASSY RESINOUS MORE ASSERTIVE THAN THE 0.5% ABV SUGGESTS. ENGLISH MALT GIVES IT A BISCUITY BACKBONE. INTERNATIONAL HOPS BRING TROPICAL AND CITRUS ACCENTS.

Aroma

HOPPY AND GREEN. RESINOUS PINE AND FRESH CITRUS PEEL WITH A LIGHT BREADY MALT NOTE BENEATH.

Character

Appearance
CLEAR GOLDEN AMBER
Mouthfeel
FULLER THAN MOST AF PALE ALES. CLASSIC INFUSION MASH GIVES GENUINE BODY.
Finish
DRY AND MODERATELY BITTER. LINGERS LIKE A PROPER IPA.

Production

Traditional infusion mash with selected English malts and international hops.

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Tasting Notes

Taste

BOLD HOP BITTERNESS LEADS — GRASSY RESINOUS MORE ASSERTIVE THAN THE 0.5% ABV SUGGESTS. ENGLISH MALT GIVES IT A BISCUITY BACKBONE. INTERNATIONAL HOPS BRING TROPICAL AND CITRUS ACCENTS.

Aroma

HOPPY AND GREEN. RESINOUS PINE AND FRESH CITRUS PEEL WITH A LIGHT BREADY MALT NOTE BENEATH.

Character

Appearance
CLEAR GOLDEN AMBER
Mouthfeel
FULLER THAN MOST AF PALE ALES. CLASSIC INFUSION MASH GIVES GENUINE BODY.
Finish
DRY AND MODERATELY BITTER. LINGERS LIKE A PROPER IPA.

Production

Traditional infusion mash with selected English malts and international hops.