Three Castles Brewery - Nutcracker. Not what I was hopping for...

A couple of weekends ago I picked up three different beers from the shop at Down House, an English Heritage property. I like to support them and always to try a new beer. Unfortunately, the first two have not impressed.

This claims to be a ruby ale, but it's not very ruby in look or taste. Admittedly the photos make it look quite pale, but that's what it tastes like - an over-hopped autumn red. Again, it's slightly metallic in taste, so maybe it's the water, or the brewing, or even that it's going off in my under-stairs cupboard (which can get warm now the central heating's on).
At least there's a head on this one. Again, I have a second bottle, so if I get a different result I'll update. At this point, it's only the price label that's keeping me from pouring this down the sink.

For reference, the glass had previously contained some Badger's Fursty Ferret - a similar coloured pasteurised beer that seldom disappoints and costs £1.50 - £1.80 in my local shops.

Update on Secret Santa - the second bottle was drinkable, but still underwhelming. There must be something in the water that makes the beer seem very dry.

This is posted as part of the #BeerSaturday challenge by @detlev. Earn some extra Steem by posting about beer!