Continuum is a cask conditioned Best Bitter from the Hardknott brewery based up in Cumbria. At 4% ABV, Hardknott Continuum is very middle of the road when considering alcohol strength. In fact, that is pretty much the overriding impression when considering the brew. It is a standard session Bitter that is by no means an earth shattering, but is perfectly pleasant to drink.

The beer pours a coppery amber colour with a small slightly off white head. There is a slight earthy aroma to Continuum – woody and piney that also transmits to the palate. There’s a fairly low level of hoppiness to it which appears to be overpowered by malt which gave it a little too much sweetness in the subtle bitter finish for me.

One word sticks out in the notes I wrote when trying this Bitter and its “unremarkable”. There are a great many UK session bitters that fit this categorisation and in general many punters who favour this style of ale don’t necessarily want to be challenged by strong and unusual flavours.

Continuum isn’t the sort of ale that I would actively seek out, but if it was on cask at my local pub it isn’t one that I would avoid either.

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