Skinners Cornish Knocker

Skinners, another brewery unknown to me, was founded by Steve and Sarah Skinner in 1997 in Truro.. The brewery moved to bigger premises in 2003 and now employs 25 people. It has enjoyed success with its beers winning awards at both CAMRA and SIBA festivals, indeed more than any other brewery in the South West it is claimed. More details at http://www.skinnersbrewery.com/.

Cornish Knockers are I understand tin mine fairies who used to guide the miners to the rich veins of ore by knocking. With the demise of tin mining in Cornwall in recent years, many of them have 'returned to grass, where, in disguise, they help with the brewing of ales.

This beer is apparently one of Skinners award winners. The CAMRA Guide says that it is "a refreshing golden beer full of life with hops all the way through. Flowery and fruity hops in the mouth and malt undertones, with a clean and lasting malty bitter sweet finished." Unfortunately, this did not accord with my experience. I found it bland and not tasting of very much at all. Perhaps I just got a duff bottle.

Not much detail is given about ingredients, other than it contains Cornish malted barley and wheat. It is 4.5% ABV and does not appear to be bottle conditioned.