I like Ghost Ship but didn't like the low alcohol version at all
Quote from: David L on April 24, 2022, 09:47:13 AMI like Ghost Ship but didn't like the low alcohol version at all
it is brilliant.
Quote from: Rufus_the_dawg on April 24, 2022, 06:03:35 PMQuote from: David L on April 24, 2022, 09:47:13 AMI like Ghost Ship but didn't like the low alcohol version at all
it is brilliant.
It's gnats.
If you're not going to drink good proper beer you should drink Adam's ale.
I've lost a lot of respect for Adnams over the last few years.
I thought these posts deserved a separate topic.
I like San Miguel myself. Peroni and Moretti are nice, as well. I developed a taste for Japanese beer from frequenting sushi places in London. Kirin and Asahi, though I haven't seen Kirin for ages. Tesco do sell Asahi.
Had a bit of a 'do' around town Saturday night for a colleague's retirement. Nine of us out, only two (including myself) still working for the nation's favourite communications company :D
First pub, The Cross Keys, is a Greene King ( :-\ ) establishment.........and I organised it! (it is central for meeting up but...what was I thinking??) So, it was Greene King IPA for starters (bland but the alternative was Abbot - yeuch!)).
Next up was the, one-time Witney Post Office the Part & Parcel. Now, usually they serve Little Ox 'Hufflepuff' a nice pale ale. Alas, not on. The only cask ale was from the same brewery, 'Ox Blood'. I was a bit disappointed as it is a dark beer. I shouldn't have been because it is contradictorily descrided as a 'red' IPA. It turned out to be a very nice pint (nice enough to have two!)
Then on to the Indian restaurant where I resigned myself to having to drink Cobra. Not the case! As bottles of London Pride were available so I had a brace (despite the unpleasant 'fizz' you get from a bottled beer)
Finally ended up in one of the most traditional pubs in Witney, the Eagle Tavern. For years this has served beer from Hook Norton brewery. I'm a bit "meh" about Hooky beers. My choice in the past would have been the Lion beer. An English bitter but quite light in colour with just a hint of citrus - not a favourite but better than the alternatives. However, they are now stocking the very pleasant 'Off The Hook' a new IPA (it has replaced discontinued Lion) which I first sampled at The Trumpet in Evesham a few weeks back. I was delighted.
So, a six pint night with a belly full of Indian nosh. Everyone had a great time so we vowed to repeat the experience in around six months.
Quote from: Rufus_the_dawg on April 24, 2022, 11:05:02 PMDo you have any respect for anything though? apart from her indoors?
errrrrrr, no ;D
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on April 25, 2022, 12:56:59 PMQuote from: Rufus_the_dawg on April 24, 2022, 11:05:02 PMDo you have any respect for anything though? apart from her indoors?
errrrrrr, no ;D
I'm pretty sure you didn't need that many r's to answer that one ;D ;)
Just about my favourite beer ever was this one. I haven't seen it since the late '70s or early '80s:
(http://truth.justdied.com/images/amberale.jpg)
My dad used to drink it and he kept it in a cupboard (never the fridge. He used to claim that refrigerated beer gave you colic).
Another favourite that's long gone now is this one:
(http://truth.justdied.com/images/longlife_beer.jpg)
Never even seen Newcastle's 'Amber' ale. I used to drink Newcky Brown when I attended training courses at BT's college at Yarnfield, near Stone, Staffs. No idea why, never drank it anywhere else ???
Long Life is one of those 70s 'throw-back' beers. File with Watney's Red Barrel and Double Diamond
I've been on Jarl..
Quote from: David L on April 25, 2022, 01:43:19 PMNever even seen Newcastle's 'Amber' ale. I used to drink Newcky Brown when I attended training courses at BT's college at Yarnfield, near Stone, Staffs. No idea why, never drank it anywhere else ???
Long Life is one of those 70s 'throw-back' beers. File with Watney's Red Barrel and Double Diamond
What was the pint that thought it was a Quart?
Quote from: dom on April 25, 2022, 05:21:08 PMQuote from: David L on April 25, 2022, 01:43:19 PMNever even seen Newcastle's 'Amber' ale. I used to drink Newcky Brown when I attended training courses at BT's college at Yarnfield, near Stone, Staffs. No idea why, never drank it anywhere else ???
Long Life is one of those 70s 'throw-back' beers. File with Watney's Red Barrel and Double Diamond
What was the pint that thought it was a Quart?
Whitbread 'Trophy' bitter. One of the most memorable beer adverts on TV, (along with Davenports)
I find a continental lager is a very good accompaniment to my "Friday Night Movie Club"; they're usually on offer at the local shop (steps away) and San Miguel is the first preference, followed by Moretti. Sometimes I'll have a bottle of red instead though.
Quote from: David L on April 25, 2022, 05:28:55 PMQuote from: dom on April 25, 2022, 05:21:08 PMQuote from: David L on April 25, 2022, 01:43:19 PMNever even seen Newcastle's 'Amber' ale. I used to drink Newcky Brown when I attended training courses at BT's college at Yarnfield, near Stone, Staffs. No idea why, never drank it anywhere else ???
Long Life is one of those 70s 'throw-back' beers. File with Watney's Red Barrel and Double Diamond
What was the pint that thought it was a Quart?
Whitbread 'Trophy' bitter. One of the most memorable beer adverts on TV, (along with Davenports)
Crap beer though.
Thank God for CAMRA, and Belgium (are you sure about that? - ed)
Not that I drink beer these days. I do enjoy Adnam's Broadside though whenever I get a chance, or as it's known after six pints in Southold
Roadside.
Just had two pints of The Mishnish...
All Timothy Taylor's beers are outstanding.
I just wonder if they travel well out of Keighley, though.
That said, go to the tourist trap of Haworth and I've found that not only are they spectacularly over-priced, but horribly watered-down too. 😕
Quote from: Matt2112 on May 10, 2022, 11:47:55 PMAll Timothy Taylor's beers are outstanding.
I just wonder if they travel well out of Keighley, though.
That said, go to the tourist trap of Haworth and I've found that not only are they spectacularly over-priced, but horribly watered-down too. 😕
Landlord is a quality beer although I've been told by someone (that should know) that it is difficult to keep (?)
Quote from: David L on May 11, 2022, 12:17:45 AMQuote from: Matt2112 on May 10, 2022, 11:47:55 PMAll Timothy Taylor's beers are outstanding.
I just wonder if they travel well out of Keighley, though.
That said, go to the tourist trap of Haworth and I've found that not only are they spectacularly over-priced, but horribly watered-down too. 😕
Landlord is a quality beer although I've been told by someone (that should know) that it is difficult to keep (?)
I thought they couldn't top Landlord until I had a pint of Boltmaker - absolute nectar!
Quote from: Matt2112 on May 11, 2022, 01:42:36 PMQuote from: David L on May 11, 2022, 12:17:45 AMQuote from: Matt2112 on May 10, 2022, 11:47:55 PMAll Timothy Taylor's beers are outstanding.
I just wonder if they travel well out of Keighley, though.
That said, go to the tourist trap of Haworth and I've found that not only are they spectacularly over-priced, but horribly watered-down too. 😕
Landlord is a quality beer although I've been told by someone (that should know) that it is difficult to keep (?)
I thought they couldn't top Landlord until I had a pint of Boltmaker - absolute nectar!
Not so keen on that one myself. A traditional 'Best Bitter'. I'm keener on the IPAs nowadays
I must say my preference nowadays is for blondes (yes, yes ::) ) and APAs.
Of the latter, Ossett brewery's Silver King is a real classic.
Quote from: Matt2112 on May 11, 2022, 01:57:50 PMI must say my preference nowadays is for blondes (yes, yes ::) ) and APAs.
Of the latter, Ossett brewery's Silver King is a real classic.
Yes the American-style pales are really tasty. Have you tried Goose Island (available in Waitrose)?
Quote from: David L on May 11, 2022, 04:03:51 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on May 11, 2022, 01:57:50 PMI must say my preference nowadays is for blondes (yes, yes ::) ) and APAs.
Of the latter, Ossett brewery's Silver King is a real classic.
Yes the American-style pales are really tasty. Have you tried Goose Island (available in Waitrose)?
They do the Chinook, right? Another tremendous beverage. :)
Quote from: Matt2112 on May 11, 2022, 06:13:49 PMQuote from: David L on May 11, 2022, 04:03:51 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on May 11, 2022, 01:57:50 PMI must say my preference nowadays is for blondes (yes, yes ::) ) and APAs.
Of the latter, Ossett brewery's Silver King is a real classic.
Yes the American-style pales are really tasty. Have you tried Goose Island (available in Waitrose)?
They do the Chinook, right? Another tremendous beverage. :)
No, I think that's Elland Brewery, Yorkshire
https://www.ellandbrewery.co.uk/cask/chinook/
https://www.gooseislandshop.com/
Quote from: David L on May 11, 2022, 04:03:51 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on May 11, 2022, 01:57:50 PMI must say my preference nowadays is for blondes (yes, yes ::) ) and APAs.
Of the latter, Ossett brewery's Silver King is a real classic.
Yes the American-style pales are really tasty. Have you tried Goose Island (available in Waitrose)?
Goose Island, not as good as it used to be now it's part of Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Used to drink the IPA when I worked in Chicago, when it was still an independent, their Honkers Ale was good too, very like an English Bitter.
Quote from: David L on May 11, 2022, 07:14:33 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on May 11, 2022, 06:13:49 PMQuote from: David L on May 11, 2022, 04:03:51 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on May 11, 2022, 01:57:50 PMI must say my preference nowadays is for blondes (yes, yes ::) ) and APAs.
Of the latter, Ossett brewery's Silver King is a real classic.
Yes the American-style pales are really tasty. Have you tried Goose Island (available in Waitrose)?
They do the Chinook, right? Another tremendous beverage. :)
No, I think that's Elland Brewery, Yorkshire
https://www.ellandbrewery.co.uk/cask/chinook/
https://www.gooseislandshop.com/
Ah, the Chinook I was thinking of is by Goose Eye brewery, based in Bingley.
I used to live round the corner from Elland Brewery; they produce some real corkers too. :)
Juat having a chilled Leffe after a bike ride in warm weather. Lovely. 6.6% but slips down very easily.
Quote from: Slim on June 14, 2022, 08:12:58 PMJuat having a chilled Leffe after a bike ride in warm weather. Lovely. 6.6% but slips down very easily.
Leffe Blonde is a nice beer. Used to be partial to a couple after work when I was in Paris. Nice glasses too. I've always found it goes well with nuts
Just had a bottled Asahi. Fabulous.
Just quenched my thirst after a 30 mile mtb ride with a pint of keg Beavertown Neck Oil followed by a pint of cask 61 Deep from Marstons - at the Old Hall Inn in Hope
Quote from: David L on July 08, 2022, 07:35:21 PMJust quenched my thirst after a 30 mile mtb ride with a pint of keg Beavertown Neck Oil followed by a pint of cask 61 Deep from Marstons - at the Old Hall Inn in Hope
Might ride out that way tomorrow. Wouldn't stop for a drink though and if it's warm I'll stay closer to home and have an Adam's Ale when I get back.
Quote from: David L on July 08, 2022, 07:35:21 PMJust quenched my thirst after a 30 mile mtb ride with a pint of keg Beavertown Neck Oil followed by a pint of cask 61 Deep from Marstons - at the Old Hall Inn in Hope
Very refreshing is Beavertown Neck Oil.
Love the distinctive branding too.
Quote from: Matt2112 on July 09, 2022, 12:30:20 AMQuote from: David L on July 08, 2022, 07:35:21 PMJust quenched my thirst after a 30 mile mtb ride with a pint of keg Beavertown Neck Oil followed by a pint of cask 61 Deep from Marstons - at the Old Hall Inn in Hope
Very refreshing is Beavertown Neck Oil.
Love the distinctive branding too.
Perhaps too distinctive. I was told that I was unable to have mine in a Neck Oil glass. They've only got one left (in use), all the rest have been nicked!
So, after our supreme cycling endeavour yesterday, we decided to take s break from physical exertion today.
The plan wad to get the bus to Castleton for a pub crawl. 7 pubs in total but we only made 5 due to socialising. Notes below:
Swiss House - Jollys YPA (cask) - cloudy/sour/bitter. 6/10
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese - Addlestones Deception Pale Ale (cask) - very pale colour. Bitter/smokey/lemon? 6/10
The Peak Hotel - Beavertown Neck Oil (keg) - citrus/tropical/slight fizz - 8/10. Followed by Wainwright Golden beer (cask) - sweet/ coffee? 7/10
Ye Olde Nags Head - Distant Hills Bukhara - full-bodied/strong/tobacco 6/10. Followed by Stancill Stainless - pale ale with a hint of scotch/good legs/not my cup of tea - 5/10
The George - Charles Wells - Triple Hop IPA (keg)- not as hoppy or flavoursome as expected. A little like lager. 7/10
Ale consumption interrupted by visit to Italian restaurant, 1530. Mirabello Pinot Grigio Rosé.
Unfortunately, had no time to visit The Castle or The Bull's Head Hotel, had to catch the bus back to Hope
Hathersage pub crawl today.
Bank House - Abbeydale Heathen Pale Ale - nice/citrus - 8/10
The George Hotel - Thornbridge Jaipur - full-bodied/syrupy/strong - 8/10. Followed by Thornbridge AM.PM - a session pale ale. similar flavour to Jaipur but 1% ABV less. Much more drinkable. 8.5/10
The Little John Hotel - Thornbridge Peverel - session IPA - 8/10. Followed by Blackjack Brewing Co. - Irk Street Pale - Light/citrus - 8.5/10
The Scotsmans Pack - Banks's Sunbeam - smooth/sweet/refreshing - 8/10. Followed by Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold . A favourite from my local brewery.Sweet/smooth - 8.5/10
Now on the cocktails!
Back at The Old Hall Hotel in Hope.
Robinson Dizzy Blonde. Nice beer. Good for sessioning. 8.5/10. Followed by Castle Rock Harvest Pale - light/ refreshing- 8/10
Abbeydale (of Sheffield) consistently produce top notch ales - very artistic pump clips, too.
Hoping to get to Thornbridge tap room when we move down to Bakewell tomorrow
Visited Thornbridge Brewery Tap Room tonight.
Just two pints: Tap Room IPA - keg. Hazy/citrus - 4.1%. 8.5/10
Rattlesnake West Coast IPA - cask. Full-bodied/slightly bland/strong (5.9%) - 7.5/10
This is quite nice - 9.5% though, and perhaps a little too bitter for my taste.
(https://i.ibb.co/FKh7JX2/duvel.jpg)
Duvel is a classic. Doesn't it translate as "Devil"...? And apparently with good reason. :)
I like most beers with citra hops, must try it....with caution ;D
Quote from: Matt2112 on July 26, 2022, 08:14:18 PMDuvel is a classic. Doesn't it translate as "Devil"...? And apparently with good reason. :)
It is indeed the Devil :) I prefer the original Old Duvel Good, New Duvel Bad etc. etc.
This one was nice as well, I think I prefer the other one though. This one's a shade weaker at 8.5%.
(https://i.ibb.co/Zhy5JGH/duvel2.jpg)
Even better than either, for me anyway:
(https://i.ibb.co/JpYj7zD/asahi.jpg)
An excellent match day out - spoiled only by the actual match - quaffing these absolute classic pales:
Abbeydale - Moonshine
Osset - Silver King
Goose Eye - Chinook
Not sure how far out of Yorkshire they travel, but they are effusively recommended.
I've always enjoyed Abbeydale's Moonshine. Used to be on at the late lamented Boardwalk in Sheffield.
Quote from: Matt2112 on August 27, 2022, 06:54:38 PMAn excellent match day out - spoiled only by the actual match - quaffing these absolute classic pales:
Abbeydale - Moonshine
Osset - Silver King
Goose Eye - Chinook
Not sure how far out of Yorkshire they travel, but they are effusively recommended.
Had a Chinook at the beer festival today. Tasted great just over the county border 😀
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 27, 2022, 09:21:12 PMI've always enjoyed Abbeydale's Moonshine. Used to be on at the late lamented Boardwalk in Sheffield.
Every Abbeydale beer is top notch; I remember once having a few pints of Absolution which knocked my socks off in more ways than one.
They have the best pump clips as well!
Quote from: Slim on July 08, 2022, 07:25:54 PMJust had a bottled Asahi. Fabulous.
Fantastic beer.
Enjoying Estella Galicia for the first time tonight. Very enjoyable. I also noticed a Belgian beer in Waitrose tonight that I have never seen before. Triple Karmeliet. 8.4% though, so I decided to pick it up on another day. Not really a Saturday night quaffing ale.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on November 26, 2022, 08:47:33 PMEnjoying Estella Galicia for the first time tonight. Very enjoyable. I also noticed a Belgian beer in Waitrose tonight that I have never seen before. Triple Karmeliet. 8.4% though, so I decided to pick it up on another day. Not really a Saturday night quaffing ale.
Was over in Spain a couple of months ago and that lager appears to have taken over the country, I don't remember it all from previous visits
Was chatting about beer to my barber on Thursday. He mentioned a 'spicy' beer that he found undrinkable. I was intrigued enough for him to retrieve a bottle from out the back.
Turned out it was Badger (Hall & Woodhouse) Blandford Fly. I've seen it but I don't believe I've ever tasted it. Described as a "sweet & spicy golden ale" it is infused with ginger. Decided to open the bottle tonight. The ginger gives it a bit of a 'Christmassy' vibe. A bit weird, I'll probably finish it but can't see me ever exchanging my own money for another one.
Quote from: Slim on August 09, 2022, 09:55:39 PMThis one was nice as well, I think I prefer the other one though. This one's a shade weaker at 8.5%.
(https://i.ibb.co/Zhy5JGH/duvel2.jpg)
Having one of these again as I type. It's a bit too strong to be a thirst quencher. I should have had a cup of tea first.
Bit of a session yesterday. I met two friends in the local to watch the rugby. Leisurely three pints of Timothy Taylor Landlord. After the game we wandered up town to The Eagle Tavern where I enjoyed a pint of Off The Hook from the Hook Norton brewery. Next up, a bottle of London Pride (Fullers) to wash down a chicken tikka bhuna.
A pint of Neck Oil in Fat Lil's Bar & Grill before watching a 70's cover band next door in their live venue whilst consuming two pints of Hobgoblin IPA (Wychwood) and a G&T.
Tried a pint of Copper Dragon Silver Wynd at the local over the weekend. Ended up quaffing a few more...nectar!! :)
I am really lucky to live in Micropub Central here in East Kent. If I go out of my door I have a micropub 250 yards away in both directions, The Pub Ramsgate and The Hovelling Boat. Slightly further are The Artillery Arms and The Ravensgate, then we have The Montefiore. For a cheaper pint we also have the largest Spoons in the universe although thanks to Tim Martin being an utter twat I try not to go there. We also have a huge number of local breweries including GADDS which is owned by Eddie Gadd who helped develop the beers for the 'Firkin' chain in the 1990's. If you liked some of the Firkin Beers you can get them from Gadds. Here are some links for any beer enthusiasts.
http://www.ramsgatebrewery.co.uk/ (http://www.ramsgatebrewery.co.uk/)
http://www.northdownbrewery.com/ (http://www.northdownbrewery.com/)
https://shivering-sands-brewery.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral (https://shivering-sands-brewery.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral)
http://www.wantsumbrewery.co.uk/ (http://www.wantsumbrewery.co.uk/)
https://www.timeandtidebrewing.co.uk/ (https://www.timeandtidebrewing.co.uk/)
http://www.goodyales.co.uk (http://www.goodyales.co.uk/)
http://www.hopfuzz.co.uk/ (http://www.hopfuzz.co.uk/)
https://www.madcatbrewery.co.uk (https://www.madcatbrewery.co.uk/)
http://www.flocbrewing.com/ (http://www.flocbrewing.com/)
https://canterburybrewers-distillers.co.uk/product-category/our-beers/ (https://canterburybrewers-distillers.co.uk/product-category/our-beers/)
This was quite nice. Not my usual sort of thing. Reminded me of the Newcastle Amber Ale my dad used to drink as described here (http://betweenthewheels.net/index.php?msg=2265).
(https://i.ibb.co/zbYxHMg/banksamber.jpg)
Quote from: Slim on June 23, 2023, 10:06:33 AMThis was quite nice. Not my usual sort of thing. Reminded me of the Newcastle Amber Ale my dad used to drink as described here (http://betweenthewheels.net/index.php?msg=2265).
(https://i.ibb.co/zbYxHMg/banksamber.jpg)
I've tried this in the past and quite liked it, although I'm mainly a lager lout. I think I tried it because Tesco were selling it at a ridiculously low price. I must check what it's at now.
Currently at the local having a "couple" of pints of Citra from Nailmaker Brewery, based in Barnsley.
It's absolutely glorious and perfect for warm summer nights. :)
Quote from: Matt2112 on June 23, 2023, 11:09:36 PMCurrently at the local having a "couple" of pints of Citra from Nailmaker Brewery, based in Barnsley.
It's absolutely glorious and perfect for warm summer nights. :)
If that's true, they've nicked the name from Oakham:
https://www.oakhamales.com/core-beers/citra/
One of my favourites. Anything with citra hops fits the bill for me
To be fair, beers being called after the hops they're made from now seems to be as common as naming them "Blonde", "Gold" etc.
Quote from: Matt2112 on June 24, 2023, 10:43:53 AMTo be fair, beers being called after the hops they're made from now seems to be as common as naming them "Blonde", "Gold" etc.
I did notice Oakham have registered Citra
Quote from: David L on June 24, 2023, 11:39:20 AMQuote from: Matt2112 on June 24, 2023, 10:43:53 AMTo be fair, beers being called after the hops they're made from now seems to be as common as naming them "Blonde", "Gold" etc.
I did notice Oakham have registered Citra
Interesting - seems to be because it's the "original" citra hop imported from the US? I see it's a national award winner to boot, so definitely looks top class. :)
Fancied some Hoegaarden or Leffe. Tesco didn't have any Leffe and this was a bit cheaper than the Hoegaarden. Sorry to report that it's a bit rubbish. Actually 5.3% but somehow tastes weak. A bit tasteless all round.
(https://i.ibb.co/zb16b2j/erdinger230712.jpg)
Surprises me that. I drank it quite often back when I could go out on the town every week and loved it.
Been a while since I've tried some though and might just have to revisit.
Erdinger's a perfectly palatable Weissbier. Was it Hefe or Kristall, the Hefe is certainly more flavoursome.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 12, 2023, 09:51:41 PMErdinger's a perfectly palatable Weissbier. Was it Hefe or Kristall, the Hefe is certainly more flavoursome.
Doesn't say either on the label. Just Weissbier and Weissbrau.
This is much more like it - a blonde beer called Delirium Tremens at a micropub in Ashby, about two hours ago. 7.5% and slipped down very nicely.
(https://i.ibb.co/xFkH4T4/delirium-beer.jpg)
Has there ever been a more inappropriate name for an alcoholic drink? I'm surprised it was allowed. Maybe an infamous fortified wine popular in some parts of the west of Scotland might actually be officially rebranded as "Wreck The Hoose".
Abbeydale of Sheffield have a stout called 'Last Rites' - ABV is 6.66%
No, really! :)
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 15, 2023, 07:22:01 PMHas there ever been a more inappropriate name for an alcoholic drink?
it's Belgian. Funny lot the Belgians, strange sense of humour.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 15, 2023, 09:25:35 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 15, 2023, 07:22:01 PMHas there ever been a more inappropriate name for an alcoholic drink?
it's Belgian. Funny lot the Belgians, strange sense of humour.
Do you have any Belgian blood? 😉 Still, mussels, chips and mayonnaise. I could learn to endure that.
I've currently taken a strange liking to weaker lagers. Tennent's Light is good, Bud Light is fine and I hadn't realised Foster's had been reduced to 3.5% recently. I'm sure this will only be a short lived warmer weather phase and I will return to my more usual 4.5- 5.5% loutish varieties soon. I can never find Furstenberg though. Only one store locally stocked it and they closed a few months ago. I liked the entire range. Their standard Pilsner at 5.3% if I remember correctly and also the excellent Oktoberfest version. Occasionally their Dunkel bier although I've never been a fan of darker brews. A Guinness or rarely a London Pride for the odd change does me.
One night in the middle of summer about 25 years ago when I lived in a heat trap of a flat at the top of an old house in London, I created an alcohol-depleted beer by combining alcohol-free lager - I can't remember which one - in equal measures with conventional beer - Budvar, probably. It was very refreshing.
I well remember sitting in front of my Playstation and a mains-powered fan with a huge chilled jug of it. Good times.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 15, 2023, 09:45:10 PMQuote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 15, 2023, 09:25:35 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 15, 2023, 07:22:01 PMHas there ever been a more inappropriate name for an alcoholic drink?
it's Belgian. Funny lot the Belgians, strange sense of humour.
Do you have any Belgian blood? 😉 Still, mussels, chips and mayonnaise. I could learn to endure that.
Absolutely not.
Love Belgian Beer and Frites and Cyclocross, can't abide mussels and mayonnaise.
I had another Delirium in the pub in Ashby yesterday. It's described on the blackboard there as "Delirium Tremens" and supposed to be 7.5%. However I found a bottle of the stuff at Tesco and that's 8.5%, and only labelled as "Delirium".
Anyway the bottled variant is very similar to the draught version and I think it's probably the same strength.
Also tried one of these, also from Tesco. Much darker and 10%. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the Delirium. It's a sort of Newcastle Brown on steroids.
(https://i.ibb.co/CtvKMY4/bernardus.jpg)
Tried another draught Belgian blond at a hotel in Durham last night, called Blue Moon. Came with an orange slice floating in it (I was asked if I wanted to opt out of this, but I'll try anything once).
Was very nice, not as strong or sharp as Delirium but a very refreshing accompaniment to a half hour in a beer garden.
Commenced my annual week-long binge on Alfa - the first few mouthfuls of this crisp, wonderfully refreshing Greek beer when it has just come out of the cooler is utter bliss, especially at a beachfront restaurant with a gentle sea breeze wafting into your face. 8)
I was quite surprised and disappointed to learn recently that there is an allowable ABV tolerance of plus or minus 0.5% for beers up to 5.5% strength. I always believed beer strengths to be an accurate figure.
After years of visits to Greece and its islands and enjoying probably its most well-known brew Mythos, in 2019 I was in Kefalonia (the correct placement of the stress is on the last syllable, not the third) and a barman suggested I try Alfa instead: since that moment, that's been my default Greek beer.
However, at a busy, buzzing Italian restaurant in the centre of Perissa town this evening, Mythos was the only beer available, so that's what I had. I've always liked it, but this time it was better than I remembered, a little lighter on the palate than Alfa, a little less gassy, but still with that glorious cold, crisp, supremely refreshing hit.
I think it may have reclaimed its crown. :)
Quote from: Matt2112 on August 12, 2023, 09:54:24 PMAfter years of visits to Greece and its islands and enjoying probably its most well-known brew Mythos, in 2019 I was in Kefalonia (the correct placement of the stress is on the last syllable, not the third) and a barman suggested I try Alfa instead: since that moment, that's been my default Greek beer.
However, at a busy, buzzing Italian restaurant in the centre of Perissa town this evening, Mythos was the only beer available, so that's what I had. I've always liked it, but this time it was better than I remembered, a little lighter on the palate than Alfa, a little less gassy, but still with that glorious cold, crisp, supremely refreshing hit.
I think it may have reclaimed its crown. :)
In my experience, the taste of beer and wine is greatly affected by the circumstances in which it is consumed. A bit weird, but so often the flavour seems influenced by the time and the place
Quite possibly.
The best pint of Guinness I ever had was in Belfast. Or was it on that top floor bar at the end of Dublin's Guinness brewery tour, with its panoramic view of the fair city, and where the first pint is "free"?
It's a close call. :)
Making the most of a day off tomorrow by nipping down the local for a "couple" (and from where I tap out this post).
Delighted that mine hosts have Ossett Brewery's Silver King as one of the guest ales - this 4.3% APA really is absolute nectar and up there with the all-time classic British real ales as far as I'm concerned.
It's...beautiful...!
Quote from: David L on August 12, 2023, 10:20:36 PMIn my experience, the taste of beer and wine is greatly affected by the circumstances in which it is consumed. A bit weird, but so often the flavour seems influenced by the time and the place
There are certain mugs I can't drink coffee out of, because it tastes wrong.
Quote from: Slim on October 13, 2023, 09:21:54 AMQuote from: David L on August 12, 2023, 10:20:36 PMIn my experience, the taste of beer and wine is greatly affected by the circumstances in which it is consumed. A bit weird, but so often the flavour seems influenced by the time and the place
There are certain mugs I can't drink coffee out of, because it tastes wrong.
I'm the same with tea. Only like it out of certain mugs at home..
This has reminded me to order some traditional dimpled pint beer mugs online tonight. Been meaning to for ages. I notice Drinkstuff carry half pint versions as well and they're cheaper than I expected.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 13, 2023, 04:56:19 PMThis has reminded me to order some traditional dimpled pint beer mugs online tonight. Been meaning to for ages. I notice Drinkstuff carry half pint versions as well and they're cheaper than I expected.
'Grenades'
Quote from: David L on October 13, 2023, 07:06:48 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 13, 2023, 04:56:19 PMThis has reminded me to order some traditional dimpled pint beer mugs online tonight. Been meaning to for ages. I notice Drinkstuff carry half pint versions as well and they're cheaper than I expected.
'Grenades'
First time I've heard them called that.😁
Quote from: Slim on October 13, 2023, 09:21:54 AMThere are certain mugs I can't drink coffee out of, because it tastes wrong.
When I was at work some bastard(s) used to keep using my coffee mug and I had to use one of the grotty things that had been left behind by previous employees. Never tasted as good as from my grey Sainsbury's mug.
Speaking of mugs, I have several sets of wine glasses from a company called Riedel which are supposed to enhance the flavours of different wines. Whether it does or not I don't know, the only time I tried a comparison I was already well pissed. They look nice though :)
Same with Belgian breweries all doing different style glasses for their beers, got a cupboard full of those too...
I've found that San Miguel is still pretty good out of an Erdinger glass.
I have a large goblet shaped beer glass, etched with the Camden restaurant name Belgo which I visited a few times in the 90s. I stupidly don't use it as it holds many happy memories and I'm worried it gets broken.
Quote from: Matt2112 on October 13, 2023, 11:30:46 PMI've found that San Miguel is still pretty good out of an Erdinger glass.
Is it really bad that I enjoyed a few recently straight from the can?
Quote from: Matt2112 on October 13, 2023, 11:30:46 PMI've found that San Miguel is still pretty good out of an Erdinger glass.
Whilst in Menorca researching Estrella Damm beer, I found out that San Miguel was established in Manilla, Phillipines. Surprised me, that did
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 13, 2023, 11:40:28 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on October 13, 2023, 11:30:46 PMI've found that San Miguel is still pretty good out of an Erdinger glass.
Is it really bad that I enjoyed a few recently straight from the can?
I was always dead against tinned beer but, of course, it tastes exactly the same as the bottled equivalent. Drinking
from a can though is only to be done in an emergency IMHO as it always fizzes up the contents (as does drinking from the bottle). Having spent most of the 90s drinking from bottles, I'm now sure that all beer is best enjoyed from a glass.
Quote from: David L on October 14, 2023, 12:30:22 AMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 13, 2023, 11:40:28 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on October 13, 2023, 11:30:46 PMI've found that San Miguel is still pretty good out of an Erdinger glass.
Is it really bad that I enjoyed a few recently straight from the can?
I was always dead against tinned beer but, of course, it tastes exactly the same as the bottled equivalent. Drinking from a can though is only to be done in an emergency IMHO as it always fizzes up the contents (as does drinking from the bottle). Having spent most of the 90s drinking from bottles, I'm now sure that all beer is best enjoyed from a glass.
Based purely on unsolicited YouTube shorts (on which I now survive) beer is fresher when stored in a can as no light or air can enter. With bottles, no air, but quite a lot of light which damages taste. Apparently, which a word I hate hearing others start a sentence with, the best way to serve beer is by the German method of pouring straight down into the base of the glass and allowing the gas to escape before drinking. Thus allowing proper ingestion and reducing gastric complications. Another very interesting YT snippet was from Slovakia where they have three different methods of pouring draught beer. The first horrific example was entirely froth which they call milk and is loved by woman drinkers. There was a middle half and half version which I can't remember the name of, but the nearest to my preference was the tourist version which was mostly golden nectar, still retaining fizz, with a reasonable sized head. So there you go.
The Seville beer Cruzcampo seems to be popping up in bars and clubs everywhere, from nowhere.
It's pretty good too! A bit smoother and lesser-bodied than San Miguel and has a lovely, crisp refreshing finish.
I prefer the current range of Spanish beers on the circuit to the Italian ones (Moretti, Peroni etc), though those are very quaffable also.
Quote from: Matt2112 on October 14, 2023, 08:10:07 AMThe Seville beer Cruzcampo seems to be popping up in bars and clubs everywhere, from nowhere.
It's pretty good too! A bit smoother and lesser-bodied than San Miguel and has a lovely, crisp refreshing finish.
I prefer the current range of Spanish beers on the circuit to the Italian ones (Moretti, Peroni etc), though those are very quaffable also.
I think the prevalence of different lagers is mostly down to the large drinks companies deciding to push them with big advertising campaigns. They seem to like a turnover of different beers from the continent. In recent years we have seen large promotions for Amstel, Peroni, Moretti, Estrella and Madri. This obviously works for them as a business model. I get the feeling they could sell anything they wanted to if they invested enough in it (a return for Hofmeister?) For me though, these lagers are much of a muchness which is why I am a committed real ale/craft beer fan (and Camra member to boot).
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 14, 2023, 02:39:27 AMBased purely on unsolicited YouTube shorts (on which I now survive) beer is fresher when stored in a can as no light or air can enter. With bottles, no air, but quite a lot of light which damages taste.
I never drink canned beer, it doesn't taste as good as beer from a bottle. It actually tastes a bit wrong to me. A bit tainted. Always assumed that the bottle keeps the beer fresher than a can but I suppose a double blind test might be a fun experiment.
Not knocking anyone's opinion because it's definitely a matter of taste but I can't bear that British real ale slop. If ever I buy a brown-looking beer in a pub I always end up regretting it.
I do, probably because I like them, discern a difference between the likes of Peroni, Amstel, San Miguel et al. They all have a different character.
Quote from: Slim on October 14, 2023, 09:58:03 AMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 14, 2023, 02:39:27 AMBased purely on unsolicited YouTube shorts (on which I now survive) beer is fresher when stored in a can as no light or air can enter. With bottles, no air, but quite a lot of light which damages taste.
I never drink canned beer, it doesn't taste as good as beer from a bottle. It actually tastes a bit wrong to me. A bit tainted. Always assumed that the bottle keeps the beer fresher than a can but I suppose a double blind test might be a fun experiment.
Not knocking anyone's opinion because it's definitely a matter of taste but I can't bear that British real ale slop. If ever I buy a brown-looking beer in a pub I always end up regretting it.
I do, probably because I like them, discern a difference between the likes of Peroni, Amstel, San Miguel et al. They all have a different character.
Seems I'm not alone in this:
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/2/4/25
The results of the preliminary study largely support the anecdotal reports suggesting that people think that a beer tastes better from a bottle (see Table 1). Specifically, 61.29% believed that a beer tastes better from a bottle, 27.42% that a beer tastes the same from a bottle or a can, and 11.29% that it tastes better from a can.
Quote from: Slim on October 14, 2023, 09:58:03 AMNot knocking anyone's opinion because it's definitely a matter of taste but I can't bear that British real ale slop. If ever I buy a brown-looking beer in a pub I always end up regretting it.
Reminds me of the Hobgoblin advert:
"What's the matter lagerboy, afraid you might taste something?"
Yes! Something like the contents of the mop bucket after they've cleaned out the vats at the Marmite factory.
Quote from: Slim on October 15, 2023, 10:52:47 AMYes! Something like the contents of the mop bucket after they've cleaned out the vats at the Marmite factory.
There has to be a way we can get you on to Saturday Kitchen Live.
😂
Picked up a couple of bottles of Hobgoblin Ruby in my usual weekend lager shop. Have to say I'm really enjoying them. Seem lighter in taste than when I've tried it before and I notice it is only 5.0% ABV which I think is less than my previous experience with it. Suits me to be honest. It takes away that heavy overbearing lava sensation that some darker beers deliver. Expecting a sore head tomorrow which lagers don't seem to give me. Well, at least the clocks go back to assist recovery.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 28, 2023, 09:15:16 PMPicked up a couple of bottles of Hobgoblin Ruby in my usual weekend lager shop. Have to say I'm really enjoying them. Seem lighter in taste than when I've tried it before and I notice it is only 5.0% ABV which I think is less than my previous experience with it. Suits me to be honest. It takes away that heavy overbearing lava sensation that some darker beers deliver. Expecting a sore head tomorrow which lagers don't seem to give me. Well, at least the clocks go back to assist recovery.
You mean you like the taste of the contents of the mop bucket after they've been cleaning out the vats at the marmite factory?
Quote from: David L on October 29, 2023, 05:40:23 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 28, 2023, 09:15:16 PMPicked up a couple of bottles of Hobgoblin Ruby in my usual weekend lager shop. Have to say I'm really enjoying them. Seem lighter in taste than when I've tried it before and I notice it is only 5.0% ABV which I think is less than my previous experience with it. Suits me to be honest. It takes away that heavy overbearing lava sensation that some darker beers deliver. Expecting a sore head tomorrow which lagers don't seem to give me. Well, at least the clocks go back to assist recovery.
You mean you like the taste of the contents of the mop bucket after they've been cleaning out the vats at the marmite factory?
It would appear so. My worst beer experience was in my formative years as a drinker. I sometimes stayed in on a Friday night if I was working the next day. My routine was very organised and almost brings a tear of happiness to my eye when I think about it. I would skip my usual evening meal and head out for my night's supplies. These would be enjoyed watching Cheers before I donned my headphones to listen to Tommy Vance, always hoping there would be a new Rush release. The night he played Time Stand Still is a night I shall never forget. I usually stopped at a local off licence close to a kebab shop where I would buy a large donner. I'd usually buy a few lagers like Labatt or Furstenburg or anything I hadn't tried before. However, one evening I took a detour when I noticed a new shop called Farmer George's. It was a kind of deli run by a young guy and stocked weird and wonderful provisions including alcohol. I picked up a few familiar beers but noticed bottles called EKU 28 and bought a couple of those too. Got home and couldn't wait to try my new find. Good Lord! It was vile. 11% ABV (I just looked it up as memory failed me). Thick, malty muck which reminded me of Virol, a vitamin supplement I was given as an infant. I think that it made me a confirmed lager man, but to be honest if you could only get mop bucket contents, I'd probably drink it.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 29, 2023, 08:05:30 PMQuote from: David L on October 29, 2023, 05:40:23 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 28, 2023, 09:15:16 PMPicked up a couple of bottles of Hobgoblin Ruby in my usual weekend lager shop. Have to say I'm really enjoying them. Seem lighter in taste than when I've tried it before and I notice it is only 5.0% ABV which I think is less than my previous experience with it. Suits me to be honest. It takes away that heavy overbearing lava sensation that some darker beers deliver. Expecting a sore head tomorrow which lagers don't seem to give me. Well, at least the clocks go back to assist recovery.
You mean you like the taste of the contents of the mop bucket after they've been cleaning out the vats at the marmite factory?
It would appear so. My worst beer experience was in my formative years as a drinker. I sometimes stayed in on a Friday night if I was working the next day. My routine was very organised and almost brings a tear of happiness to my eye when I think about it. I would skip my usual evening meal and head out for my night's supplies. These would be enjoyed watching Cheers before I donned my headphones to listen to Tommy Vance, always hoping there would be a new Rush release. The night he played Time Stand Still is a night I shall never forget. I usually stopped at a local off licence close to a kebab shop where I would buy a large donner. I'd usually buy a few lagers like Labatt or Furstenburg or anything I hadn't tried before. However, one evening I took a detour when I noticed a new shop called Farmer George's. It was a kind of deli run by a young guy and stocked weird and wonderful provisions including alcohol. I picked up a few familiar beers but noticed bottles called EKU 28 and bought a couple of those too. Got home and couldn't wait to try my new find. Good Lord! It was vile. 11% ABV (I just looked it up as memory failed me). Thick, malty muck which reminded me of Virol, a vitamin supplement I was given as an infant. I think that it made me a confirmed lager man, but to be honest if you could only get mop bucket contents, I'd probably drink it.
A beer with an ABV of 11% is never going to end well! FWIW, Hobgoblin was first brewed here in Witney and I can't stand the stuff. Far too dark and gloopy for me. However, I don't mind a good Porter (like Titanic 'Plum Porter') or a decent Stout (Whitstable Bay 'Black Stout' is lovely)
Had a bit of a holiday weekend as I've decided to diet properly until Christmas, so I've indulged in a variety of difficult beers this last couple of days. I think I can recommend Aldi's Six States. A New England White IPA. Brewed in Scotland lol. But very nice.
Quote from: David L on October 29, 2023, 11:39:40 PMPersonally, I'm a fan of IPA-style beer, especially those containing Citra hops like Oakham Citra. I also like the American Pale Ale style such as Goose Island (available at Waitrose) but I would imagine that would be a bit too 'fruity' and 'complex' for your own taste. Adnams Ghost Ship would be a gentler introduction (widely available).
I have something of a ritual when I've been to an away game down London way of popping in to the Little Waitrose at King's Cross station for a 4-pack for the journey back to West Yorkshire.
After a 0-0 draw at Barnet's The Hive stadium just over a month ago (the second successive time I've gone on a 400-mile round-trip to see us in a goalless draw at that place) the only choice I had for cans of beer for the way back (I keep forgetting to buy a bottle opener for my key ring) was Ghost Ship.
And...well, it wasn't too bad and did the job in the circumstances, but that's about the best I can say about it.
Quote from: Matt2112 on August 12, 2023, 09:54:24 PMAfter years of visits to Greece and its islands and enjoying probably its most well-known brew Mythos, in 2019 I was in Kefalonia (the correct placement of the stress is on the last syllable, not the third) and a barman suggested I try Alfa instead: since that moment, that's been my default Greek beer.
However, at a busy, buzzing Italian restaurant in the centre of Perissa town this evening, Mythos was the only beer available, so that's what I had. I've always liked it, but this time it was better than I remembered, a little lighter on the palate than Alfa, a little less gassy, but still with that glorious cold, crisp, supremely refreshing hit.
I think it may have reclaimed its crown. :)
Not sure what's influencing my mind on this, but Alfa is definitely superior (again) based on my visit to Greece's capital. ::) ;D
Found time for two or three cheeky ones at a Tower Hill pub round the corner from the hotel.
Tried a pint of Peroni which started out okay but I thought gradually tasted a bit "off" as I got toward the bottom of the glass.
So then for the first time I tried the Beavertown APA Gamma Ray (5.2%) to immediately discover it is right up my street: crisp, refreshing, with a satisfying potency...one of those stronger than average beers which dares you to ensure the night doesn't end well. ;) ;D
Quote from: Matt2112 on November 04, 2023, 12:20:53 AMFound time for two or three cheeky ones at a Tower Hill pub round the corner from the hotel.
Tried a pint of Peroni which started out okay but I thought gradually tasted a bit "off" as I got toward the bottom of the glass.
So then for the first time I tried the Beavertown APA Gamma Ray (5.2%) to immediately discover it is right up my street: crisp, refreshing, with a satisfying potency...one of those stronger than average beers which dares you to ensure the night doesn't end well. ;) ;D
I'll take a Neck Oil if nothing else available but, like most keg beer, too cold and too fizzy. They're after the Lagerboys with those two IMHO (see also Punk IPA)
Not a fan of Brewdog - a triumph of marketing and branding over product.
But fair play to them I suppose.
Back at the micropub in Ashby thus afternoon. Alas, the Delirium I'd promised myself is no longer available there. The barman explained that it had been replaced with something more appropriate to Winter.
So I tried something he recommended instead, called LAX or possibly LA X. Not nice. Pale in colour, very strong but a subtle hint of the slop bucket.
No real reason to go there now. They do whisky but you can get that anywhere, and other places in the area have decent beer.
Had a bottle of Fuller's 2011 Vintage Ale tonight.
Drinkable, but a touch of slop bucket to it - with lots of added caramel.
I saw this in Tesco and wondered if it might make a viable alternative to Delirium, which is £3 a bottle (whereas this is only £2.60 a go).
It's very similar - an 8% strength Belgian blonde - but not quite as sharp. Not sure it's worth it for 40p. I liked it a lot, though. Highly quaffable (actually it didn't taste particularly strong).
(https://i.ibb.co/T0d45j2/lachouffe.jpg)