I popped into M & S the other day because I had heard they had a fairly large craft beer range. And the rumours were true! I was out at the time so could only pick up one beer and decided it would not only be a new brewery but a little treat for my Dad as well. This is ‘Bandit’ from London based Gipsy Hill and is a can of their gluten free pale ale. The beer comes in at a very sessionable 3.8% ABV but it was bought in M & S so with the slightly higher price tag I’m hoping for the best.

It has a cracking hazy golden colour that is super inviting. You get an amazingly tropical fruit medley on the nose full of pineapple chunks and that tinned peach vibe as well. The beer itself has a decent like hop that is not overpowering. It is flavourful, clean drinking as well as being incredibly refreshing. It’s got a slight biscuity back end which I believe is the result of the added oats in the beer.

A quick note on the can art: Gipsy Hill have a really cool theme in that the people on the front of their cans all work for the brewery. This one is Sam, one of the co-founders of the brewery.

M & S actually have a massive selection of beers but are on the slightly pricier end of things. I’m glad I picked this one up first however because for such a light ABV session beer they’ve managed to pack it with a ton of flavour. That really is an ideal session beer. Dad says he’d give it a very solid 8/10 and I think I’m inclined to agree. I will be sure to check out Gipsy Hill and M & S more in the future.

Score: 8/10

Thanks for reading! Cheers!

Additional Information:

• Hops: Not Available
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: 40
• ABV: 3.8%
• Gluten Free: Yes!
• Vegan: Yes!
• Purchase Price: £2.20
• Purchase Location: M & S