Once again, I’m back at The Mawson Arms for The Friday Pint. This week, I’m trying Wild River, this year’s summer seasonal from Fuller’s, that has been launched today.

The first noticeable thing about the beer in the Mawson Arms is the promotional campaign that has been built around the beer. Above the bar sits the usual posters, along with a yellow paw print t-shirt, and a bear cuddly toy. A quick bit of research on the Internet also revealed there to be some promotional materials that aren’t being used at the Mawson Arms. Clearly Fuller’s want to push this beer over the summer.

So, what is the beer actually like? Well, it’s somewhere around straw in colour, and catches the light well. In terms of the taste and aroma of the beer, it’s grapefruit that is the overpowering aspect, which leads to a bitter aftertaste. Halfway down the pint, the dominance of the grapefruit appears to subside, and hints of malt start to come through.

Wild River is a good example of a well hopped pale ale. It’s not among the best I’ve tried, but having drunk a fair number of weak flavoured pale ales, something with this much flavour is most welcome. If you’re in a Fuller’s pub this summer, look out for the bear…

(235)