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Absolution

Abbeydale Brewery
United Kingdom·Golden Ale
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Fruity and floral, with citrussy and spicy edges: Willamette and Cascade supply the fruit and flowers, Bobek and Spalt hops from continental neighbours add citrus and spice. At 5.3 % ABV this golden ale has real weight for its style. Absolution was the first beer to leave the brewery: on 16 August 1996 the first cask went to the Three Stags Heads in Wardlow Mires, still a customer today. Silver at SIBA North East 2026.

ABV
5.3%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter29 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceA Few

AWARDS

Silver · 2026
SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, North East)
Cask Pale Ales (4.4 to 5.5%)
★Silver — SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, North East) (Cask Pale Ales (4.4 to 5.5%))
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
fruityfloralcitrusy
fruity
floral
citrusy
spicy
hoppy
clean
Aroma
The nose opens with distinct floral and fruity character from Willamette and Cascade hops, offering peach and honeysuckle notes.
also:malty
not found:juicy,caramel,sour,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Absolution

◎ Appearance

Absolution displays a bright golden hue with excellent clarity and a pale straw sheen. The head is substantial and well-retained, leaving fine lacing along the glass as it settles. Carbonation is crisp and visible, supporting a lively, inviting presentation.

bright goldenwell-retained headcrisp carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with distinct floral and fruity character from Willamette and Cascade hops, offering peach and honeysuckle notes. Bobek and Spalt add a refined citrus edge with gentle spice—orange zest and white pepper—without overwhelming the composition. Supporting this is a clean, understated malt base with a whisper of cereal grain.

floral, honeyedcitrus zestwhite pepper spiceclean grain

◐ Taste

Entry is soft and approachable, with a full body that belies the modest 5.3% ABV. Mid-palate reveals layered fruit—stone fruit and citrus—balanced by the herbal and spicy contribution of continental hops. Bitterness is restrained at 29 IBU, present as a refined edge rather than an assertive force, allowing complexity to surface.

stone fruitherbal balancerestrained bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and moderately dry, with lingering citrus and spice fading gracefully. Aftertaste remains fruity and pleasant, inviting another sip without harsh residue.

clean drylingering citrus
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
83
Appearance
82
Finish
78
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve at 7–10°C. Light and refreshing — serve cold to keep the delicate hop and malt balance intact.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Absolution

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About Golden Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Golden Ale?

Golden Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Golden Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same fruity, floral, citrusy character as Absolution will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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