Banana Bread Beer - Wells & Young

Banana bread beer is another example that I have had abundant exposure to; exposure that I have thoroughly enjoyed.  I don't remember the first time I had it, as, to be honest, I can't stand fruit beers, and just think they are plain weird
Anyway, here it is, an English ale at 5.2% ABV which is readily available pretty much everywhere in my area

The beer is a slightly cloudy caramel, honey colour.  There is lots of fizz as it hits the glass which produces a very nice white head, which sticks around throughout.  Great lacing

The smell suggests evidence of Belgium yeast, with hints of banana and clove.  Some toffee and bread are also clear, with a slight apple note.  Not much hops detectable

The taste initially gives a nice malty sweetness with toffee and bread.  Mid-palate suggest hints of honey, vanilla, cloves and banana.  The finish is moderately bitter with resin and pine.  Linger is bitter sweet, banana and slight mineral taste at the back end.  The alcohol just doesn't seem strong enough though.  Think this would have benefited from a higher ABV..?  Maybe I'm just greedy!

Body is medium, slightly thin and wet with moderate astringency.  Clean, decent balance, but carbonation is a touch prickly.

Overall, this delivers exactly what is says on the bottle.  However, considering this is brewed with actual banana and banana extract; it just doesn't seem banana-ry enough.  The malt and hop profiles delivers clean and crisp flavour to the palate, if a little subdued overall.

80% - Good