Ramsbury 506

Apparently, Ramsbury beers, which come from Marlborough in Wiltshire, were nationally renowned in the 18th century. This was because the water is some of the purest in southern England. Rain falling on the high chalk downs, filters its way through the strata where it emerges as springs (source of the River Kennet) or is artificially pumped from wells deep underground to centres of population. This same soil, which filters the water, is the very lifeblood of the barley, which grows on the surface. Generations of farmers planted seed on the Downs of Wiltshire, reaping the internationally acclaimed barley at harvest. The Rambury estate decided to start brewing its own beer in 2003. Redundant farm building formed the nucleus of the brewery, stripped out - re-roofed and fitted out to the highest hygiene standards, and brewing commenced in April 2004. All done with local labour it was ready for production in October 2004. Read more at http://www.ramsburybrewery.com/.

They now have a range of 7 or 8 beers, of which 506 is one. They often use local names to promote their beer. 506 was apparently chosen because of the tie between the area where the brewery is located and the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, who were stationed in the area in 1943, prior to their landing in Normandy on D-Day and subsequently Holland during the second world war.

The beer uses a mix of European and European hops, with a very lightly kilned barley and wheat to give a hint of sweetness. It is 5% ABV and is a very pleasant golden ale. However, I think it probably suffered in comparison with the very good beers of this type that I have been sampling just recently.