Style: English Bitter Ale
Format: 500ml can
ABV: 4.2% IBU: ~36
Date tasted: 10 Mar 2021

Final Rating: 28/50

• Appearance: 5/5
• Aroma: 8/10
• Taste: 10/20
• Mouthfeel: 2/5
• Overall: 3/10

Overview

I bought this because of the can. I work in aviation and I’m a big history buff, and that coupled with being Canadian means I do have fairly strong feelings towards the Spitfire. The can is fairly plain, describing itself as: “Kentish Ale with Substance and Character.”

I will also give the disclaimer right off the bat, however, that I still haven’t adjusted to the English habit of drinking beer at room temperature, and my research seems to indicate this beer benefits from being warmer so I might need to prepare myself for disappointment.

Appearance

Medium amber with a very light head that dissipates quickly. Decent amount of carbonation with slightly larger bubbles than I’d expect. Looks very inviting overall.

Aroma

Very complex on the nose, with malt and caramel dominating and wafts of citrus, plums and molasses in the background. Very appetizing indeed.

Taste

Wonderfully earthy caramel and bitter hops front-loaded, but unfortunately it dies out far too quickly with very little left by the finish and virtually no aftertaste. The start is so great it really gets one’s hopes up, only to dash them against the rocks with the plain, watery finish. Despite being crisp and balanced, it just falls short. Very disappointing.

Mouthfeel

Nice carbonation gives a very pleasant tingly feeling that really surrounds the tongue, but as with the taste, everything just dies off quickly.

Overall

This is the epitome of disappointment in a can for me. It promises so much, from look to smell to the first moment it hits your tongue…but then becomes an absolute bore far too quickly. It gets a bonus points for naming as well, but all-in-all, it’s a very unfortunate drink.

References:

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