Lost the Plot by Arches Brewing was judged as BJCP category 17A, British Strong Ale. First, I must say that I am pleased that someone is still brewing British strong ales. While Fuller’s 1845 and Young’s Winter Warmer can be found, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find this great style among the myriad hazy IPAs crowding the shelves. As the BJCP guidelines point out British strong ales “can have a wide range of interpretation, but most will have varying degrees of malt richness, late hops and bitterness, fruity esters and alcohol warmth.” What more could you ask for?

Lost the Plot opens with moderately high levels of dark fruity esters including dried fig, dates and raisins. There is an underlying layer of brown malt with some dark caramel malts. The earthy hops and alcohol come through as it warms. Something about these aromas I find very comforting. The beer is a brilliantly clear brown with some deep copper and ruby hues, all topped with a creamy tan head that lingers throughout. The flavor follows the aroma with a moderate offering of dark fruits. Dried figs, dates and raisins are all present and nicely integrated into the brown bread and caramel malts. Earthy flavor hops add some counter-interest. The bittering hops are assisted by a touch of dark malt in adding a bittering balance to the rich malts and fruity esters. The beer is malt balanced but has sufficient bitterness to avoid an overly sweet impression. The beer finishes with a touch of cola-like sweetness with lingering dark fruits and brown sugar moving into the aftertaste.

This is an excellent example of the style. I would say any suggestions for improvement would be based on personal preference. Perhaps a touch of nutty malts, a slight increase in the earthy flavor hops or a tad more bitterness would bring it to British strong ale perfection, but then again, there is a broad range to the style and I can’t really find anything to complain about here. Seek it out!