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Tongham TEA

United Kingdom·Traditional English Ale
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Malt leads in this amber ale: caramel and malty notes, with the hops providing balance rather than bite, and a lingering malt sweetness that runs into a long, satisfying finish. Tongham TEA (Traditional English Ale) is 4.2%, was first brewed in August 1992 and is made with Fuggles hops, many grown in the brewery's own hop garden, and water drawn from the chalk beneath the Hogs Back ridge.

ABV
4.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
amber12
PaceSession

AWARDS

Gold · 2017
World Beer Awards
UK 4% - 5% ABV Bitter
★Gold — World Beer Awards (UK 4% - 5% ABV Bitter)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltycaramel
malty
caramel
Aroma
The nose is led by caramel and breadlike malt sweetness, with subtle notes of honey and dried fruit emerging beneath.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Tongham TEA

◎ Appearance

Tongham TEA presents a warm amber hue with bright clarity and gentle light transmission. The head is modest but persistent, building a fine white collar that clings softly to the glass. Carbonation is moderate and steady, contributing to the ale's relaxed, inviting visual presence.

warm amberclearpersistent headmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose is led by caramel and breadlike malt sweetness, with subtle notes of honey and dried fruit emerging beneath. Fuggles hops contribute a gentle herbal and slightly peppery character without dominating the bouquet. The overall impression is rounded and approachable, with no sharp edges or aggressive bittering compounds.

caramel maltherbal hopshoney notessoft and inviting

◐ Taste

The palate opens with a soft, malty sweetness that fills the mid-mouth with caramel and toasted grain flavors. Bitterness is restrained and balanced, allowing the malt character to remain firmly in the foreground throughout the tasting. The body is smooth and slightly creamy, with gentle warming from the modest 4.2% alcohol.

malty sweetnessbalanced bitternesssmooth bodycaramel

◑ Finish

The finish is long and satisfying, with malt sweetness persisting gently on the palate as bitterness fades. A lingering warmth and subtle dryness complete the experience without harsh notes.

lingering maltlong finishsubtle dryness
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
76
Taste
80
Appearance
77
Finish
78
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

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 Tongham TEA

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About Traditional English Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Traditional English Ale?

Traditional English 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 Traditional English Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, caramel, sweet character as Tongham TEA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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