I like Blenheim Palace (I went to school in Woodstock, so we often used to get thrashed around the grounds of the palace on cross-country runs by our dear teachers from the Marlborough school. Hi Mr Haynes (Clarry) – yes, you were right…I should have tried much harder in Economics lessons)
Anyway, the palace itself aside -nice, though it is- we’re here (again) for the beer.
Normally when I see branded products that are so obviously destined for the gift shop my heart sinks…invariably they’re tawdry, novelty items that are more a reminder of a place than a product that’s actually any good.
But unbelievably Blenheim Palace Traditional Ale is not too bad at all.
Poured into a glass it’s a fairly good-looking golden straw colour, is also bottle conditioned and has a delightfully sweet malt ‘n’ grains sort of aroma going on.
Let’s be clear about this…it’s not the most complex drop you’ll ever have – but it’s very drinkable and is all honeyed and tasty. Definitely a summertime drink and with a good trailing bitterness it’s a taste that you’ll want to revisit…very much like Blenheim Palace itself.
As you can see I had mine with an Indian meal (lovingly prepared by Eve) and it worked perfectly. I’d like to see BPGA on draught in Woodstock, but that’s unlikely, I guess.
I didn’t get my bottle from the Blenheim gift shop, I actually got it from my sister’s deli in Woodstock – which is the go-to place for hampers, champers, baguettes, sandwiches, coffee and just about anything else you can think of in the eating and drinking line.
