Harvey's Armada Ale

Armada Ale was one of the first 'golden ales' that hit the scene back in the 1980s and proved such a success that it's remained a key part of their line-up ever since. Dry-hopped with Fuggles and Goldings, it's got a vibrant floral and herbal hoppiness over a crisp, biscuit-malt backbone and a clean, dry finish. A reliable port of call if you like a golden ale properly hoppy but firmly in balance.

Harvey's can fairly claim to be part of England's brewing heritage. They're one of the country's long-established regional breweries still under independent ownership - something of a dying breed - and have been run by the descendants of founder John Harvey since the late eighteenth century, operating from their historic brewery, locally known as the cathedral, in the heart of the Sussex market town of Lewes. Using locally sourced ingredients is high on their list, and their flagship ales are made with hops and malt sourced almost entirely from Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Tradition and continuity are the twin themes that guide them, yet while their best-known ale, Sussex Best, is something of an institution in its own right, they're not shy of embracing contemporary fashions. All of which leaves Harvey's well placed to play a significant part in England's beer culture well into the future.