The bitters of the River Thames stand on the fault line between the more malt-forward, fruity interpretations of Anglia and the drier, more firmly bitter bitters of London and the hop country of Kent. Fusing the complex of biscuit/caramel/dried citrus derived from British pale and crystal malt with the pungent floweriness that comes via the exuberant use of English hops, then transmuting the whole with rich, estery yeast strains, the draught ales of the rural Thames Valley are truly exemplary. Unfortunately, low gravity beers like these don't travel well, if they travel at all … if you want to experience an ale like this as the brewer meant it to taste, you'll have to fire up your kettle! With a bantamweight ABV of only 3.4%, Broken Spear is modeled on a world-class standard bitter from the town of Oxfordshire in the Thames Valley. It arrives in the pint glass with a tawny color and fine, short-lived head (because we don't want to waste that volume on foam, now, do we?). A true session beer that showcases fat, juicy malt ahead of snappy bitterness, and subtle tropical fruit behind a blend of fragrant, resiny hops. Dry hopping adds layers of earth and new-mown hay to the restrained fruitiness of the nose. Low alcohol? Yes. Bland? Oh heavens no. Serve at cellar temperature with fish and chips or a nice chunk of Stilton or Cheddar.