A quick recommendation for you today. There are some great ales coming out of Scotland today and the beer up there has improved tremedously since I went up there on a sheep rustling holiday in 1992.
Down in Hertfordshire recently, I was lucky enough to come across Thrappledouser from Perth's Inveralmond brewery. It's a rich amber coloured ale - the website described it as having a spicy taste - I thought it was fruity. In any case it was superb and definitely one to look out for.
The only problem I found was that 'Thrappledouser' gets harder to say as the evening wears on but despite that I shall certainly be looking out for it on my trails. Check out the brewery website also - http://www.inveralmond-brewery.co.uk/home.htm
Monday, 16 June 2008
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Brew it Yourself !
It was my birthday a few days ago. Forty three! Whenever anyone asked what I wanted I would always reply 'Oh don't worry about getting me anything' in a manner that suggested if I got nothing I would be sticking pins in their effigies for the rest of the year.
I fully expected the usual socks, bad taste jumpers and so on so imagine my surprise then when my partner turned up with a Woodforde’s Wherry Home Brew kit!
The phrase ‘It’s just what I wanted’ just didn’t do it justice. In truth, it’s all I’ve ever wanted. Of course that isn’t true but I hadn’t felt this surge of excitement since I unwrapped a Subbuteo Munich set at Christmas 1974. Not only that but she had also managed to source a fruit beer kit and a wheat beer kit. Having done a fair bit of research into home brewing myself, I didn’t even think such things existed.
She had managed to acquire this wealth of home brew excitement from May & Brett, a homebrewing shop in Great Dunmow that we had encountered at a Taste of Anglia show. Their website http://www.thebrewingshop.co.uk/ details their products but a trip to their shop is worthwhile and their knowledge and advice is invaluable.
I have had two brief stabs at homebrewing, both of which didn’t yield impressive results but I was desperate to give it another try. Who knows, my own microbrewery may just be a few years away. At the very least I can sparge my wort and mash my grist without anyone calling the police.
So I shall, as soon as my first brew is ready, be letting you know how it tastes.
The Woodforde's Wherry set itself is an ideal starter kit. If you can’t make a decent pint from this then you really shouldn’t bother going any further. It makes forty pints of Woodforde’s Wherry which is an excellent draught beer from Norfolk. It would appear that all you do is sterilise it with the solution, bung everything in and then wait twenty one days to drink it. What could possibly go wrong? We shall see.
I've found some excellent sites for brewing resources - try these
http://chopper196.brewrecipe.hop.clickbank.net/
http://chopper196.easybrew.hop.clickbank.net/
I fully expected the usual socks, bad taste jumpers and so on so imagine my surprise then when my partner turned up with a Woodforde’s Wherry Home Brew kit!
The phrase ‘It’s just what I wanted’ just didn’t do it justice. In truth, it’s all I’ve ever wanted. Of course that isn’t true but I hadn’t felt this surge of excitement since I unwrapped a Subbuteo Munich set at Christmas 1974. Not only that but she had also managed to source a fruit beer kit and a wheat beer kit. Having done a fair bit of research into home brewing myself, I didn’t even think such things existed.
She had managed to acquire this wealth of home brew excitement from May & Brett, a homebrewing shop in Great Dunmow that we had encountered at a Taste of Anglia show. Their website http://www.thebrewingshop.co.uk/ details their products but a trip to their shop is worthwhile and their knowledge and advice is invaluable.
I have had two brief stabs at homebrewing, both of which didn’t yield impressive results but I was desperate to give it another try. Who knows, my own microbrewery may just be a few years away. At the very least I can sparge my wort and mash my grist without anyone calling the police.
So I shall, as soon as my first brew is ready, be letting you know how it tastes.
The Woodforde's Wherry set itself is an ideal starter kit. If you can’t make a decent pint from this then you really shouldn’t bother going any further. It makes forty pints of Woodforde’s Wherry which is an excellent draught beer from Norfolk. It would appear that all you do is sterilise it with the solution, bung everything in and then wait twenty one days to drink it. What could possibly go wrong? We shall see.
I've found some excellent sites for brewing resources - try these
http://chopper196.brewrecipe.hop.clickbank.net/
http://chopper196.easybrew.hop.clickbank.net/
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
J D Wetherspoon Pubs
This is a review I wrote for the http://www.hertsgrapevine.co.uk/ website. Although it's specifically about one Wetherspoons pub in Hertford, many of the points could apply to other outlets in the chain.
It must be pretty frustrating having gone through four names before you even open, then finally you settle on 'The Six Templars', only to be known throughout the area as 'The Wetherspoons'.
The pub formerly known as 'The Last Witch', 'The Jane Wenham', The Five Bishops', and 'The Knights Templar' finally opened its doors in February 2008 to predictably mixed reviews. As with many places, one or two teething troubles were reported so we left a suitable four month gap before embarking on our visit.
In recent times, Wetherspoons pubs have been accredited with the Cask Marque in recognition of their ale keeping and they also have an affiliation with the Campaign for Real Ale. Wetherspoons claim now to be the largest supporter of microbreweries in the country.
Quite often when you call into the Six Templars, many of the ales on handpump are marked as 'Coming Soon', but today there was a good choice including two beers from Hertfordshire's own Tring brewery. I tried the 'Blonde' which was a full flavoured and fruity beer but my favourite ale was Three Sisters from Scotland's Atlas Brewery. Like many Scottish beers, this had strong hints of red fruits and was simply delicious.
One complaint I've heard is that the ales are too cold. They are certainly on the cold side but as Cask Marque has strict guidelines on temperature, one must assume that they are being adhered to? One observation I would make is that on more than one occasion I've been served a pint with a huge head, making it a short measure. However the staff have always been happy to top this up.
Aside from ale, many lagers and beers from around the World are always available and I called in during a wine festival which was proving to be very popular.
Turning to food - tonight was Curry Night! Offerings included Malaysian Beef Rendang, Hot Chicken Masala, Lamb Kashmiri, Thai Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh. One main course, including a drink would set you back just over £6.00. I ordered the Beef Rendang.
Again, much has been said about Wetherspoons food - how it's prepared etc. The phrase 'you get what you pay for', has been thrown at me several times. At £6.00 including a pint, I thought you were getting more than you paid for. It wasn't the greatest curry I've ever had but it was fine - nicely spiced, tender and lots of it. I had no complaints at this price and there are plenty of restaurants I can head to if I want to pay in excess of £20.00 for an Indian meal.
Staff at The Six Templars are friendly and helpful even if their inexperience comes through at times. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the pub is heaving and service is an issue. But if this isn't your thing then come back when it's quieter.
On the whole, I rate this pub as a worthy addition to Hertford. Call in and let us know what you think.
It must be pretty frustrating having gone through four names before you even open, then finally you settle on 'The Six Templars', only to be known throughout the area as 'The Wetherspoons'.
The pub formerly known as 'The Last Witch', 'The Jane Wenham', The Five Bishops', and 'The Knights Templar' finally opened its doors in February 2008 to predictably mixed reviews. As with many places, one or two teething troubles were reported so we left a suitable four month gap before embarking on our visit.
In recent times, Wetherspoons pubs have been accredited with the Cask Marque in recognition of their ale keeping and they also have an affiliation with the Campaign for Real Ale. Wetherspoons claim now to be the largest supporter of microbreweries in the country.
Quite often when you call into the Six Templars, many of the ales on handpump are marked as 'Coming Soon', but today there was a good choice including two beers from Hertfordshire's own Tring brewery. I tried the 'Blonde' which was a full flavoured and fruity beer but my favourite ale was Three Sisters from Scotland's Atlas Brewery. Like many Scottish beers, this had strong hints of red fruits and was simply delicious.
One complaint I've heard is that the ales are too cold. They are certainly on the cold side but as Cask Marque has strict guidelines on temperature, one must assume that they are being adhered to? One observation I would make is that on more than one occasion I've been served a pint with a huge head, making it a short measure. However the staff have always been happy to top this up.
Aside from ale, many lagers and beers from around the World are always available and I called in during a wine festival which was proving to be very popular.
Turning to food - tonight was Curry Night! Offerings included Malaysian Beef Rendang, Hot Chicken Masala, Lamb Kashmiri, Thai Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh. One main course, including a drink would set you back just over £6.00. I ordered the Beef Rendang.
Again, much has been said about Wetherspoons food - how it's prepared etc. The phrase 'you get what you pay for', has been thrown at me several times. At £6.00 including a pint, I thought you were getting more than you paid for. It wasn't the greatest curry I've ever had but it was fine - nicely spiced, tender and lots of it. I had no complaints at this price and there are plenty of restaurants I can head to if I want to pay in excess of £20.00 for an Indian meal.
Staff at The Six Templars are friendly and helpful even if their inexperience comes through at times. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the pub is heaving and service is an issue. But if this isn't your thing then come back when it's quieter.
On the whole, I rate this pub as a worthy addition to Hertford. Call in and let us know what you think.
Monday, 2 June 2008
Adnams East Green Carbon Neutral
Long time no post - sorry to my reader for the absence but I am now back tasting ales with a vengeance.
The first of these is East Green Carbon Neutral , the newest offering from the Adnams brewery. The beer marks, Adnams' recent £10m overhaul to create a more environmentally friendly operation.
So how does the beer actually taste? The Brewery's website describes it as 'a light golden beer with subtle citrus and grassy hop aromas, dry and refreshing with well-balanced bitterness.'That description is difficult to improve upon! What really hits you on first taste are the rich fruit flavours battling for your attention. These give way to a smooth finish with no bitter aftertaste.The beer has a nice appearance inthe glass with its deep golden appearance and with summer now upon us, Adnams have truly hit upon a winner.
The first of these is East Green Carbon Neutral , the newest offering from the Adnams brewery. The beer marks, Adnams' recent £10m overhaul to create a more environmentally friendly operation.
So how does the beer actually taste? The Brewery's website describes it as 'a light golden beer with subtle citrus and grassy hop aromas, dry and refreshing with well-balanced bitterness.'That description is difficult to improve upon! What really hits you on first taste are the rich fruit flavours battling for your attention. These give way to a smooth finish with no bitter aftertaste.The beer has a nice appearance inthe glass with its deep golden appearance and with summer now upon us, Adnams have truly hit upon a winner.
Friday, 29 February 2008
Favourites
My favourite ale of all time was Red Fox from the Fullers brewery. It was a seasonal beer coming out every autumn but sadly, last year it didn't appear.
From what I recall, it was brewed using toasted oats which resulted in a delicious toffee flavoured ale. Sadly missed...
I'm off for a swift one this evening so I'll let you know if I get to try anything new!
From what I recall, it was brewed using toasted oats which resulted in a delicious toffee flavoured ale. Sadly missed...
I'm off for a swift one this evening so I'll let you know if I get to try anything new!
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Buntingford 92 Squadron
Well that intro may have been a bit vague but to be honest I'm just going to make this up as I go along and see where we go with it.
First recommendation is a bottled beer called 92 Squadron from Buntingford Brewery. This is a deliciously malty 4.5% abv beer - it uses Amarillo & Columbus hops and produces a malty, bitter taste with subtle spice and citrus. Although I'm biased because they're local to me, this is one of my favourite bottled beers at the moment.
Check at the website at www.buntingford-brewery.co.uk . Steve Banfield from the brewery writes an entertaing blog - who knows, one day my own blog may be as funny.
More tomorrow - cheers!
First recommendation is a bottled beer called 92 Squadron from Buntingford Brewery. This is a deliciously malty 4.5% abv beer - it uses Amarillo & Columbus hops and produces a malty, bitter taste with subtle spice and citrus. Although I'm biased because they're local to me, this is one of my favourite bottled beers at the moment.
Check at the website at www.buntingford-brewery.co.uk . Steve Banfield from the brewery writes an entertaing blog - who knows, one day my own blog may be as funny.
More tomorrow - cheers!
welcome
One man's quest to enlighten the world. Want to try new ales, bottled beers and the like? perhaps you would like to hear about the crazy goings on and the strange people you'd like to meet at a local beer festival. Which pubs and bars serve the best range of Belgian beers?
What new breweries are out there? Who's the latest small brewer to be bought out by a major? Do you care if your local pub closes down? perhaps you've even tried brewing beer yourself. Let's talk about it - back soon...
What new breweries are out there? Who's the latest small brewer to be bought out by a major? Do you care if your local pub closes down? perhaps you've even tried brewing beer yourself. Let's talk about it - back soon...
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