On my last trip across Bodmin Moor, I finally stopped into the famous Jamaica Inn and ordered their house brew – Jamaica Inn Ale. I’d heard a lot about it, but nothing quite prepares you for that first sip in such a legendary, slightly spooky setting.
First Impressions
The pint landed in front of me looking exactly how a proper Cornish ale should: a deep amber glow, a decent creamy head, and just enough haze to tell you it hasn’t been over-fussed with. I lifted it up and straight away got that malty, slightly sweet aroma with a whisper of fruit.
The Taste Test
Here’s how it went down:
- Look: Copper-amber, inviting, with a clingy head.
- Smell: Caramel malt, a touch of citrusy fruit.
- Taste: Smooth and malty up front, followed by a crisp, dry finish. Not overpowering, not too hoppy – just balanced.
- Strength: 4.2% ABV – session-friendly without leaving you swaying like a shipwrecked smuggler.
I’d call it an easy-drinker. Nothing showy, nothing trendy – just a straightforward bitter that suits the inn perfectly.
What Other Drinkers Say
I did a bit of digging afterwards and saw it averages about 3.3 out of 5 on Untappd. Some people describe it as “hazy with a fruity, dry bitter finish” – which pretty much nailed what I got from it. Others say it’s one of those pints that makes more sense when you drink it at the inn itself, and I couldn’t agree more.
The Setting Makes the Pint
And honestly, that’s the real magic. Sitting in that 18th-century inn with the fire crackling, smugglers’ tales pinned to the walls, and Bodmin Moor misting up outside, it just hits differently. The beer’s decent, but when you combine it with the history and atmosphere, it turns into one of the most memorable pints I’ve had in a long time.
My Verdict
Would I hunt it down in bottles back home? Maybe. But would I tell anyone heading to Cornwall to stop at Jamaica Inn and try a pint on site? Absolutely. It’s not just about what’s in the glass – it’s about the story you get with every sip.
