Did a Full Pallet Drop RUIN This Beer? Testing Transport Shock on Wookey Brewing Co’s Witch Way Home
- Samuel Mills
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Picture this: a pallet of beer crates tumbling off the back of a lorry, hitting concrete hard. Cans dented, chaos everywhere. Most people would write them off as casualties of the road. But not me. When a batch of Wookey Brewing Co’s Witch Way Home literally fell off a lorry, I decided to put the “transport shock” myth to the test.
They call it transport shock – the violent shaking, vibrations, and impacts that beer endures during delivery. Does it wreck the carbonation? Does it permanently mess with the flavour? Or does a proper session pale ale like this one bounce back like the resilient West Country brew it is?
I cracked open one of the survivors (after letting it settle – patience is key here). Let’s dive in.
What Transport Shock Actually Does to Carbonation
Shaking a can or bottle knocks CO₂ out of solution, creating tiny nucleation sites for bubbles. The result? Insane pressure and a potential geyser when you open it. This one was tense – that classic hiss built up like it was about to erupt. But after a gentle tap on the sides and a slow pour (pro tip: don’t rush a shaken beer), the foam settled into a tight, creamy head that held beautifully. No volcano, no mess on the ceiling. The carbonation was lively but controlled once it calmed down. Verdict: Temporary drama, not permanent damage.
Does It Permanently Affect Flavour?
Science says vibrations and shocks can accelerate oxidation or off-flavours (especially with temperature swings), but a short, sharp drop like this? Not much evidence of lasting harm in a fresh can. After the initial fizz frenzy subsided, the beer tasted spot-on – no cardboard notes, no metallic twang, no muted hops. If anything, the settling time let the aromas open up nicely. It didn’t ruin the beer; it just made the opening a bit more… exciting.
Perle and Centennial Hop Breakdown
Witch Way Home is a 4.1% vegan session pale ale brewed with Somerset water, and its hop bill shines through. Perle brings that classic noble German herbal, spicy edge – clean and grounding. Centennial (the American star) delivers the punch: bold grapefruit, citrus zest, and a touch of pine. Together, they create a hearty base that’s fruity without being over-the-top juicy. Dry-hopping adds an extra layer of fresh hop character that pops once poured.
Grapefruit and Citrus Notes
From the first sniff: bright, zesty grapefruit rind, lemon pith, and a whisper of tropical fruit. On the palate, it’s refreshing and balanced – citrus-forward but with enough malt backbone to keep it sessionable. Clean finish, moderate bitterness, no harsh edges. That persistent head carried the aromas right to the last sip.
Does Witch Way Home Still Deliver Once It Settles?
Absolutely. This beer didn’t just survive the drop – it thrived. The transport shock added a story, but the quality shone through. Juicy, hoppy, easy-drinking perfection. If this is what happens after a proper tumble, imagine how good it is straight from the brewery.
Big shoutout to Wookey Brewing Co for crafting something this resilient (and tasty). Their flagship session pale is multi-award-winning for a reason.
Grab one (carefully!) and see for yourself. For more honest reviews and beer adventures, head over to www.barrybeerreviewer.co.uk.
Have you ever drunk a beer that took a beating in transit? Did it hold up? Share below!
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Watch the full review ⬇️
Very enjoyable beer 🍺