Since I posted my questions/thoughts on the beer can widget, I figured I’d follow up by reviewing a British beer with just such a contraption: Boddingtons Pub Ale. This was also one of those ubiquitous British imports that I’ve seen but never tried, so it was good timing.

This is a standard English Pale Ale, very much a session beer at 4.7% alcohol, and, well, it comes in a can. Like all of the similar imports, it’s a 16-ounce pint can, rather than the usual 12-ounce cans you get here in the US.

Appearance: Super clear golden ale (like honey) with the dense, creamy head from the nitro widget. It started bubbling almost immediately as I opened the can and pouring, it easy to get mesmerized watching the foam cascade as the beer "falls out" and the bottom of the head rises.

Smell: Clean, a bit malty with a touch of English hops. A touch of estery sweetness.

Taste: Lightly bitter with a dry, slightly roasty malt background, with the barest hint of tart tang. Some wheat kernel notes. Hops are earthy, bitter, and a touch spicy. Clean and dry throughout.

Mouthfeel: Creamy, smooth, and crisp; a bit light but not weak or watery.

Overall: It’s a nice baseline English Pale Ale, very clean. A solidly built ale, if unremarkable. Does the widget add to it? Most likely in the mouthfeel, as it presents soft and smooth.

On BeerAdvocate, it scores a grade of B-. On RateBeer, it scores 2.86 out of 5, and is in their 33rd percentile.