Urban Peaks (again)

It's not often, indeed this may be the first time, that I get the chance to try an ale a second time with a difference. Certainly not overnight. But, here I am with that opportunity.

It's a second bout with Urban Peaks but, this time, it has had a round with a nitro nozzle. Republica had it right and inform me as I write this that they are drop dead gorgeous. Oh, well, I was thinking of their other one: it's back and ready to go.

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Nitro definitely improves the body and removes the feeling that this is watery. For a start there is a strong biscuit head, the honey and almond hit the nose more heavily and instantly grab attention. There's a touch of mill-building in the sun about it. Dry brick grandeur making one squint in the light. The quiet brooding of something that has faced adversity and survived, changed but unbowed.

The cream previously noted, one of the lingering memories from last night's review, makes a bigger play on the opening of the taste and there is a definite hit of the honey there this time. Down the gunnels that honeyed sweetness continues, allowing the dry nuttiness of the almond and malt to make up the middle.

The chocolate remains subtle, warming more than the alcohol, drawing the honey and nuts together and hanging around in the aftertaste. It puts me in mind of a factory town humming with post industrial activity, but it's pre-gentrification so it's not affectation or ostentatious. It's honest and sincere. A kind of satisfied terrace with the extra brick moulding running through, made with care and pride. What a difference a nitro nozzle makes!

The whole thing hangs together more, not that it was bad last night, it wasn't. It was a bit like the terrace, but with the patches of pebbledash and stone facing where people have tried to improve on the original and hidden it instead. The pebbledash is gone here, the brickwork touched back up, the gardens open and the gates freshly painted. I liked what it was last night. But this is back in the big leagues.

I've said it before but Urban Pig (link) was a stout that belonged in the company of Desserts in a Can and Macchiato (link). It played in the premier league and could destroy all but the biggest rivals. This, nitro Urban Peaks, is a worthy stablemate to that triumph.

On a warm day, after shopping and regretting the pizza takeaway last night, the slippery honey is welcome. Not too heavy, nicely balanced at the 5.5% ABV this is back in its comfort zone. As am I. Two trips out to the Crafty One back to back? Truly I am spoiled!