Church End Grave Digger's Ale

Tasting Summary

These comments are the opinion of the individual reviewer and represent what they thought of the beer on a particular day in a particular pub. If a review is less favourable, it may be because the beer suffered somewhere in the supply chain between them and the brewery.

The Crown, Horsell, Surrey

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling	Not Tried	25 Apr 2026
Hogan Sampling		25 Apr 2026	3rd beer of this visit: Perhaps defiantly some life in this Warwickshire dark mild from Ridge Lane, near Nuneaton, and first set up in 1994 in an old coffin workshop in Shustoke, about 8 miles west of Nuneaton, before relocating in 2001. A very frothy beige head and lacing and lasting. A dry bitter first hit on this dark mild. A maltiness derived from its floor-malted barley climbing out of its coffin with roasted malt, cinder toffee, coffee beans and a hint of liquorice all in on the act. Most memorably, a dark chocolatey note tantalising my taste buds. A dry bitterness winning over with an oaty biscuity flavouring. A hoppiness emerging with dark fruits on display from its traditional whole hops and although not stated, likely to be Fuggles known for its earthy and resinous flavours, and Goldings behind its delicate, floral and honey-like sweetness to contrast with its dark malts. Not overly malty for me in this brew’s aftertaste before its downwards passage. Certainly, highly palatable in the condition served.

The Bull, Birmingham, West Midlands

Rochford Beer & Cider Festival 2017, Rochford, Essex

The Old Barge, Hertford, Hertfordshire

The Half Moon, Hitchin, Hertfordshire

The Village Freehouse, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Who	Score	When	Notes
ChrisE		07 Dec 2012

Old Fox, Birmingham, West Midlands

Who	Score	When	Notes
Martin the Mildman		22 May 2011	Classic black mild with good sweet malty flavour and little or no hoppiness. A little bitter chocolate malt in the finish. My score 16/20.

The Grand Union (formerly Broood@ Vin Quatre), Leicester, Leicestershire

Who	Score	When	Notes
Stu		24 Apr 2009	Dark ruby colour. Roast malt/coffee in the aroma. Taste of berry fruit and coffeee,with quite dry finish.

Great British Beer Festival 2008, Earl's Court, Central London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Ian		08 Aug 2008	Roasted malt aroma. some dark fruits, bit of damson. OK mild, needs a bit of condition. Good roasted malts though. Quite intense for a mild.