Winner of the ‘British Ale’ Category at the 2021 Brewers Guild Awards, Emerson’s Bookbinder actually predates the Guild itself, which was set-up (with Richard Emerson as a driving force) 15 years. Twenty-five years is a long time for anything, but 25 years in the world of craft beer might as well be forever. Yet that’s how long Bookbinder has been on the market, and still winning awards to this day. Softly fragrant on the nose, with chewy malt and keenly floral hop aroma, with dried apricot, earth and spice in support. Despite the diminutive 3.4 per cent abv, the palate bursts with flavour. Light toffee malt tinged with more dried fruit and floral lift, with medium body, firm bitterness and surprisingly long finish. What Bookbinder really nails is the perfect balance and integration between malt, hop and yeast expression that is the hallmark of the best British ales. Here’s to another 25 years.