This is the beer that anyone will appreciate if they fancy something sweet. Aunt Bessie’s Jam & Custard Pale Ale brewed by the Northern Monk is a take on the old school classic pudding – the jam roly poly (with custard). Whilst this is no longer being brewed by Northern Monk, it is still available exclusively in Morrisons. 

The best way to describe this beer is that it is a dessert in a can. When people fancy something sweet, they normally opt for a chocolate-y malt, by doing that though they miss out on Aunt Bessie’s childhood favourite treat. Made with plum, apricot, strawberry and custard, the same fruits used in Aunt Bessie’s recipe, it’s certainly not one to miss. 

on Aunt Bessie’s childhood favourite treat. Made with plum, apricot, strawberry and custard, the same fruits used in Aunt Bessie’s recipe, it’s certainly not one to miss. 

About Northern Monk Brewery

Northern Monk is a brewery based in Leeds that originally started its journey in 2008 when its co-founder Russ Bisset entered a young entrepreneurial competition with the idea of Northern Monk. It wasn’t until a few years later though that this brewery got going and it officially became a reality in 2014. 

What makes them a valuable brewery in the UK is their personal message, in which ‘[they] want to give people the best beer experiences in the world [and] that is something that will never change, and hasn’t changed since day one.’ They have a very clear message about what they want to achieve in the beer world. 

Thoughts on the clarity, aroma, taste and aftertaste 

When you first start looking at this beer, you’ll instantly notice how cloudy the beer looks, this is nothing to be alarmed about, this is purely down to the fact that the beer is unfined which basically means a hazy style beer, which is still very drinkable. 

As soon as you pour this beer into the glass, you’ll instantly notice its colour which is a vivid red. It looks great in the glass, but you’ll notice the lack of head on the top, which might be down to the beer being unfined. 

On the nose, you’ll be greeted with pleasant flavours of rhubarb and custard which certainly makes you think of that old-school dessert, the Jam Roly Poly. 

The first sip of this beer brings out the vibrant flavour of fresh strawberries which quickly turns this beer into a glass full of punchy goodness. 

The aftertaste of this beer delivers a sweet, refreshing and fruity texture. This is not a drink to have during your Sunday Dinner, but will go perfect afterwards, as your palette is craving a sweet treat.

Do we recommend it?

Whilst we enjoyed trying this drink, it’s not one that we will be buying again any time soon. The drink is best enjoyed as a novelty gift or for those looking for something a bit different one evening. 

If you haven’t tried it yet, we recommend buying one can first and then you can decide if this sweet drink is for you. What we can say though, is that Northern Monk have definitely gone above and beyond by creating this interesting take on Aunt Bessie’s Jam Roly Poly.