Bellringer 4.2% Review: A Crisp Golden Bitter with a Refreshingly Hoppy Finish
Bellringer is the sort of beer that reminds you why British real ale remains one of the great pleasures of pub life.
Clean, crisp and beautifully balanced, this award-winning 4.2% golden bitter from Abbey Ales delivers a refreshingly hoppy finish and the kind of effortless drinkability that makes one pint quickly turn into two.
For lovers of traditional cask ale, Bellringer is a textbook example of how simplicity, balance and quality brewing can create something truly memorable.
“A proper session ale should be full of flavour without ever becoming heavy. Bellringer gets that balance just right.”
About the Brewery
Based in Wiltshire, Abbey Ales has earned a loyal following for producing traditional British ales with consistency and character.
The brewery focuses on classic beer styles, brewed with care and attention to detail, creating pints that are as dependable as they are enjoyable.
Bellringer has become one of the brewery's best-known beers and has won awards for its clean taste, balanced bitterness and exceptional drinkability.
“Abbey Ales has built its reputation on producing honest, well-crafted beers that feel perfectly at home in Britain's pubs.”
First Impressions
Bellringer pours a brilliant golden colour with crystal-clear clarity and a tight white head that lingers in the glass.
It is an inviting-looking pint, bright and fresh, with all the visual hallmarks of a well-made golden bitter.
The aroma is subtle but enticing, offering floral hops, hints of citrus and a light biscuit malt sweetness.
Tasting Notes
The first sip is wonderfully crisp and refreshing.
A delicate malt sweetness forms the foundation before floral and citrus hop notes gradually build into a clean, dry and pleasantly bitter finish.
Flavour Highlights - Light biscuit malt - Floral hop character - Gentle citrus zest - Herbal bitterness - Clean, dry finish
Nothing dominates. Every element is carefully balanced, creating a beer that is both satisfying and remarkably easy to drink.
“Bellringer is not about overpowering flavours. It is about balance, refreshment and the quiet confidence of a very well-made pint.”
Mouthfeel and Drinkability
At 4.2% ABV, Bellringer sits perfectly in the classic session ale range.
It has a medium-light body with a smooth mouthfeel and a crisp finish that leaves the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.
This is exactly the kind of beer you can enjoy over a long evening in a traditional pub, surrounded by good conversation and even better company.
Food Pairings
Bellringer pairs beautifully with classic British pub dishes, including:
- Fish and chips - Steak and ale pie - Sausage and mash - Ploughman's lunch - Mature cheddar
Its refreshing bitterness cuts through rich flavours and complements hearty food exceptionally well.
Who Will Enjoy Bellringer?
Bellringer is ideal for:
- Real ale enthusiasts - Fans of golden bitters - Drinkers seeking a dependable session beer - Anyone discovering traditional British ales
Whether you are a seasoned ale drinker or exploring cask beer for the first time, Bellringer is an excellent choice.
Pub Social Tasting Notes
Beer Name: Bellringer Brewery: Abbey Ales Style: Golden Bitter ABV: 4.2% Location: Wiltshire, England Colour: Bright Gold Aroma: Floral hops and biscuit malt Taste: Clean, crisp and balanced Finish: Refreshingly hoppy Drinkability: Excellent Pub Social Rating: 4.5/5
Final Verdict
Bellringer is everything a good golden bitter should be.
Clean, refreshing and beautifully balanced, it showcases the brewing skill of Abbey Ales and proves that traditional British beer styles remain as relevant and enjoyable as ever.
If you appreciate well-crafted real ale with a crisp hoppy finish, Bellringer is a pint that deserves a place firmly on your must-try list.
“Sometimes the best beers are not the loudest. They are the ones you happily order again and again.”
Have you tried Bellringer from Abbey Ales? Let us know what you thought in the comments below and tell us where you enjoyed your pint. Follow Pub Social for more beer reviews, brewery stories and real ale discoveries from across the UK.
