Bitter Falls is a West Coast Pale Ale and comes from the Burnt Mill Brewery located in Suffolk, England. Brewed with a selection of four hops, it promises to be juicy citrus pale with a perfect bitter edge. So is Bitter Falls pale ale a decent beer?
Will it deliver not only a juicy citrus hit, but also a good helping of bitterness? Well it is called Bitter Falls, so the name suggests at least the bitterness should be present.
Bitter Falls is a decent beer with plenty of citrus bite and a satisfying bitter finish. It pours a pale straw colour with a one finger white top. On the nose is fruity and full of citrus notes of mango and grapefruit. The taste follows the nose with a slight malt foundation that gets overpowered by a big kick of fruity citrus. Flavours of grapefruit and mango come through on a wave of good carbonation. It finishes with a nice bitterness that leaves you wanting more. A cracking fruity pale with a beautiful bitter finish, it gets a rate my beer score of 4.6 – 5.0.
A decent pale ale packed with citrus and a rewarding bitterness, I like it.
Table Of Contents
Is Bitter Falls Pale Ale A Decent Beer?
Bought for me by my son, thanks Joe. It all starts with the stunning waterfall scene on the 440ml can. To me it looks like Iguacu Falls on the borders of Argentina and Brazil, but I can’t be sure.
So with that on the can it kind of sets you up for something refreshing. Also on top of that there is other evidence that this will be a refreshing fruity citrus pale blessed with some bitterness.
The four hops it is brewed with, Citra, self explanatory, Columbus with its punchy hoppiness. Idaho 7 lends some pine and tropical notes like mango and grapefruit. Finally Centennial with its depth of bitterness.
A good combo that promises to deliver the pale ale goods.
It all comes together in 5.5% ABV beer.
Drinking Bitter Falls Pale Ale
A slightly aggressive pour reveals a pale straw liquid shinning from the glass. On top lies a one finger white foamy head. The head does fade to a thin cover, but then stays for the duration, and a little swirl of the glass revitalises it.
Bring the glass to the nose and there is a burst of fruity citrus flying from the rim. I get notes of grapefruit and mango, and possibly pineapple.
Going in for a taste and there is a subtle maltiness that gets blown away by a powerful fruity citrus kick. For me it is grapefruit that steals the show, but its clean and fresh.
A lovely bitterness bites at the buds leaving a lasting bitter taste. Its a nice clean pale ale with a clean crisp citrus taste followed by a decent bitter end. It gets a rate my beer score of 4.6 out of 5.0.
M’Lady is also impressed with this west coast pale, saying “A strong but not overpowering smell, it’s refreshing and crisp with a bitter finish. Lou scores it a slight lower 4.4 out of 5.0.
The verdict then is a cracking fruity pale with a beautiful bitter finish.
Burnt Mill Brewery
Burnt Mill Brewery started life in an old farm building in Suffolk, England. Charles O’Reilly is the man behind the brewery which was established in 2016.
He made impressive progress and the brewery one best new brewers in England within two years. Charles soon brought a head brewer on board Sophie De Ronde from Muntons the malt producer.
However while at Muntons Sophie discovered she had an allergy to wheat and barley. So was unable to taste most beer, a brewer that can’t taste the beer they brew.
Interesting, however using the nose and close communication with Charles, they make it work. If Bitter Falls is anything to go by, then it definitely works.
Burnt Mill Beer Range
Burnt Mill are a brewery that are always bringing out new beers, so the range changes a lot. However there is always plenty of beer to choose from.
They do produce some of the most popular beers again and again, but they are always looking for new flavours and tweaks to their beers.
Here are a few that I intend to get hold of and try out.
Pintle Pale Ale
Pintle pale ale is a session beer at 4.3% ABV and is a popular beer among the Burnt Mill fans. Brewed with Citra and Cascade hops it will be a fruity citrus beer.
However I don’t think this one will have the level of bitterness that Bitter Falls has, but it still sounds like a decent pale.
One I will be looking out for.
Bright Midnight
Bright Midnight is an imperial porter that has been barrel aged in Cognac casks. It promises flavours of fruit cake, a certain amount of smokiness and some vanilla and chocolate.
Sounds like a nice dessert beer, however you need to be cautious with its hefty 10.5% ABV. A rich porter than demands respect, it needs to be tried.
Helles
As you would expect Helles is a lager, a thirst quencher with a clean fresh taste. Malt lays the foundation with a little fruit and spice leading to a light bitter finish.
It sounds a decent lager that is crisp and fresh. At just 4.0% Vol it could be a perfect sessionable refreshing lager.
Final Thoughts
Burnt Mill then is a relatively young but exciting brewery. It’s main aim is to produce quality beers that excite the pallet.
It’s all about quality ingredients and creating different flavour combinations for a perfect beer. Bitter Falls is the first beer I have tried from Burnt Mill Brewery, but it won’t be the last.
I will definitely be looking at trying more of their beers in the future. If you have enjoyed the Bitter Falls pale ale, or any other Burnt Mill beers. Then do share you thoughts below, let me know what you think about their beers.
Related: Beer Reviews By Brewery
Rob is a passionate home bar and pub shed enthusiast with a passion for craft beer. With hands-on experience in designing and building his own home bar, Rob shares his knowledge, tips, and inspiration to help fellow enthusiasts create their own perfect space. Alongside the world of home bars and pub sheds, Rob also explores the diverse and exciting realm of craft beer, providing honest reviews to help you discover your next favorite brew. Join Rob on a journey of flavor, design, and craftsmanship right here on Home Bar Kit.