Beer of the Week (w/e 13 June 2010)

[Conrad]

Sorry just realised I hadn't started this. :o

RogerB: Exmoor Stag (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14545#post14545)
Oggwyn Trench: Acorn Englands Glory (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14565#post14565)
Alesonly: Springhead Brewery Roaring Meg (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14566#post14566)
oldboots: Triple fff Moondance (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14617#post14617)
ETA: Well's Bombadier (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14724#post14724)
Millay: Bath Ales Gem (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14760#post14760)
ROBCamra: Mallinsons Centennial (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14773#post14773)
aleandhearty: Mallinson's 'Castle Hill Premium' (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14776#post14776)
hopwas: Carlsberg (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14779#post14779)
HTM69: Masterbrew (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14797#post14797)
Evil Gazebo: Ilkley Black (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14799#post14799)
Bucking Fastard: The Little Cart Brewery Alcazar (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2692-Beer-of-the-Week-%28w-e-13-June-2010%29&p=14819#post14819)

[Farway]

I will start with Havant Started, no pun intended. It is from my very local micro brewery, now being trialled at my local.

A very pleasant & easy drinkable bitter, light gold colour with just a hint of sweetness to take the sharpness out

I could drink this one anytime

http://www.thehavantbrewery.co.uk/home_1.html

PS, just spotted the brewery does free local deliveries, £18 for 5 litre box / 9 pints] could this be the World Cup solution for me?

http://www.thehavantbrewery.co.uk/shop_9.html

[trainman]

Havant Started... free local deliveries... £18 for 5 litre box

Could be a solution but, if buying in a box the equiv of £1.80 per 500ml bottle, sounds expensive to me. I know we don't get the ludicrous get-shedded-for-nowt deals that are thrown at lager drinkers several times a year but, say, Morrisons 4 btls for £5.50 would provide variety of style & strength for £1.38pb, albeit the website's crap & they don't deliver.

[RogerB]

On the basis that I may not get to a working PC before the week is out, I will get my BotW nomination in early - Exmoor Stag at the Rutland Ale House in Hammersmith. I only popped in to use the urination station and ended up putting more in than emptying out!

[ROBCamra]

After my self imposed real ale drought last week in Majorca it was good to get back on the ale trail again last night.

A pint of Green Mill Big Chief followed by several pints of Mallinsons Centennial. What a good beer, it's got a chance this week.

[Oggwyn Trench]

Well as tonight will be my last visit to a pub for a couple of weeks my BOTW is Acorn Englands Glory with Wentworth Summer Lovin as a close runner up , BOTW for the next couple of weeks will be Alfa or Mythos

[Alesonly]

Same here this afternoons few Beers will be the last till at least Monday night as I'm on late turn duty till Monday so no more Beer.

This out of this weeks limited choice the best I had was Springhead Brewery Roaring Meg 5.5% ABV I found it very easy drinkable and could easy have had a few more its very deceptive for strength. :drinkup:

[aleandhearty]

Had a few beers in Leeds and 'headquarters' yesterday: Summer Wine 'Helios', Nethergate 'Umbel Magna', Brains 'Reverend James', Roosters 'YPA', Phoenix 'West Coast IPA', Anglo-Dutch 'Sarah Barnes', Fernandes 'Rum for Cover'. Despite being served too cold, the sublime Rooster's is easily in the lead at the moment.

[hopwas]

Haven't had a proper beer this week and I am saving my monies for this Sat night. Then pay day on Monday so I can look forward to my BOTW :)

[oldboots]

As I'm on call then in Masham and stuck on Black Sheep/Theakstons at the weekend, I think I can nominate my BOTW already, drunk in the wonderful Nags Head in Reading... I knew on the first mouthful, Triple fff Moondance.

I would also like to nominate "Cleavage of the Week" as the young barmaid in the Horse and Jockey in Reading, as they say she made a happy man feel very old :love:.

Next week's may be Batham's MILD so watch out in the Black Country..... I'm on the way.

[Oggwyn Trench]

As I'm on call then in Masham and stuck on Black Sheep/Theakstons at the weekend, I think I can nominate my BOTW already, drunk in the wonderful Nags Head in Reading... I knew on the first mouthful, Triple fff Moondance.

I would also like to nominate "Cleavage of the Week" as the young barmaid in the Horse and Jockey in Reading, as they say she made a happy man feel very old :love:.

Next week's may be Batham's MILD so watch out in the Black Country..... I'm on the way.

Good beer + good cleavage , check out the Bursting Out pumpclip http://sixbellsbrewery.co.uk/

[oldboots]

Good beer + good cleavage , check out the Bursting Out pumpclip http://sixbellsbrewery.co.uk/

I've seen those somewhere before:o

Bishops Castle is very firmly on my list as I remember it for having two of the very few surviving home brew pubs before the micro brewery craze took off (Three Tuns is the other in the village).

[Evil Gazebo]

Some great beers this week, it will take something special over the weekend to top the list. Best four of the bunch have been Hydes 1863, Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie, Brewdog 5am Saint and Ilkley Black.

Incidentally, has anyone else here tried many of the Humpty Dumpty Brewery’s beers? I’d never even heard of them until last week, but all of their beers I've had have been exceptionally good. Despite their silly name.

[Maldenman]

The Zulu Blonde from the 'spoons festival was on last night in the Wibbas Down Inn. Surely this isn't a remnant of the JDWfestival, it was in good shape and selling well. Anyone heard news, perhaps extended for the World Cup? The original notes stated that the brewer visited and brewed the batch here at Marstons. Has he stayed on?

[trainman]

The Zulu Blonde ... Anyone heard news, perhaps extended for the World Cup?
Yes, I vaguely recall they were bringing the brewer back for the World Cup, but brewing it elsewhere ...maybe Everards?

[ROBCamra]

Some great beers this week, it will take something special over the weekend to top the list. Best four of the bunch have been Hydes 1863, Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie, Brewdog 5am Saint and Ilkley Black.

Incidentally, has anyone else here tried many of the Humpty Dumpty Brewery’s beers? I’d never even heard of them until last week, but all of their beers I've had have been exceptionally good. Despite their silly name.

Yes I've had a few of them, mainly at beer festivals. They often follow a railway theme as the brewery was originally at the Railway Tavern in Reedham. Anyone want a Tender Behind? :p

[Conrad]

The Zulu Blonde from the 'spoons festival was on last night in the Wibbas Down Inn. Surely this isn't a remnant of the JDWfestival, it was in good shape and selling well. Anyone heard news, perhaps extended for the World Cup? The original notes stated that the brewer visited and brewed the batch here at Marstons. Has he stayed on?


Yes, I vaguely recall they were bringing the brewer back for the World Cup, but brewing it elsewhere ...maybe Everards?
The following is taken from the Men Brewing Badly thread (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?2577-Men-Brewing-Badly&p=14308#post14308):

Wetherspoons are fighting back in their own particular way though. They’ve bought the Zululand Brewery guy over from South Africa and he’ll be brewing the Zulu Blonde that featured at the last festival during the World Cup. He’ll be brewing at Everards this time rather than Marstons. Something to look forward to :drinkup:

[aleandhearty]

Best four of the bunch have been Hydes 1863, Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie, Brewdog 5am Saint and Ilkley Black.

Can't comment on the others EG, but love Ilkley Black. My BOTW a couple of weeks ago. Fabulous stuff.

Turning out to be a good week, this week. Didn't think anything would topple Rooster's 'YPA', but had Mallinson's 'Castle Hill Premium' yesterday and that blew me away.

[ETA]

[QUOTE=oldboots;14617]... I think I can nominate my BOTW already, drunk in the wonderful Nags Head in Reading... I knew on the first mouthful, Triple fff Moondance.

QUOTE]

Always a favourite of mine, but sadly (and surprisingly) topped this week by a particularly good pint of Well's Bombardier (my BOTW nomination) in the Joiners Arms in Stafford (can't put in a link as the pub wasn't on here, so I've added it).

[oldboots]

..... a particularly good pint of Well's Bombardier......

Now there's some words I'd never expect to read, not in this context anyway :eek:

that must be some skilled cellarman they have there and deserving of our respect.

[aleandhearty]

...a particularly good pint of Well's Bombardier....


Now there's some words I'd never expect to read, not in this context anyway :eek:

that must be some skilled cellarman they have there and deserving of our respect.

:D That was exactly my reaction. Sorry ETA, it'll never float my boat.

[Millay]

Having just spent the weekend in Bath, and drunk a fair bit of this stuff, my BotW goes to Bath Ales Gem.

[ETA]

:D That was exactly my reaction. Sorry ETA, it'll never float my boat.

Now there's some words I'd never expect to read, not in this context anyway

that must be some skilled cellarman they have there and deserving of our respect.

No, I never thougt it would come to that - so yes, hats off to the landlord.

[ROBCamra]

After my self imposed real ale drought last week in Majorca it was good to get back on the ale trail again last night.

A pint of Green Mill Big Chief followed by several pints of Mallinsons Centennial. What a good beer, it's got a chance this week.

Well, despite quite a few pints over the weekend, nothing has come close to Mallinsons Centennial, so that's the beer of the week. :cheers:

[aleandhearty]

Didn't think anything would topple Rooster's 'YPA', but had Mallinson's 'Castle Hill Premium' yesterday and that blew me away.

Was hoping to squeeze a couple in yesterday, but unfortunately not to be. Therefore, Mallinson's 'Castle Hill Premium' is my BOTW.

[ROBCamra]

Was hoping to squeeze a couple in yesterday, but unfortunately not to be. Therefore, Mallinson's 'Castle Hill Premium' is my BOTW.

So that's two votes for a Mallinsons beer this week so far. Keep 'em coming Tara (Mallinson). :notworthy:

[hopwas]

Without real ales this week.. I'll have go for.. ahem.. Carlsberg that I had at The Fox. Oh feeling the shame... :(

[aleandhearty]

Keep 'em coming Tara (Mallinson). :notworthy:

I'll drink to that. I don't think I've had a duff beer from her yet.

[Conrad]

Having just spent the weekend in Bath, and drunk a fair bit of this stuff, my BotW goes to Bath Ales Gem.
Did you find somewhere to watch the football in the end?

[HTM69]

Hmm… last week was not a particular good one, beer-wise and in fact, was somewhat lager-fuelled!

11 pints over a 3-day period, with an assortment of bottled beverages thrown in.

Beck’s Vier x 3
Guinness x 3
Leeds Brewery Midnight Bell x 1
Tetley’s Cask x 1 – vile, truly vile.
Gamers Cider x 1
Tuborg Lager x 2
The Nelson Brewery Ballywrinkle Brown Ale (bottled-conditioned) x 1
The Nelson Brewery Spinnaker (bottled-conditioned) x 1
Shepherd Neame Masterbrew (bottle) x 2
Stella Artois (bottle) x 2

BOTW: Masterbrew. Oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear.

[Evil Gazebo]

Despite stiff competition from various Humpty Dumpty beers, this week's champion is Ilkley Black.

[aleandhearty]

Hmm… last week was not a particular good one, beer-wise
Leeds Brewery Midnight Bell x 1

Shepherd Neame Masterbrew (bottle) x 2

BOTW: Masterbrew. Oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear.

Hey, Honky Tonk Man. That must have been one lousy pint of Midnight Bell for you to have voted bottled Masterbrew ahead of it. :eek:

[HTM69]

Hey, Honky Tonk Man. That must have been one lousy pint of Midnight Bell for you to have voted bottled Masterbrew ahead of it. :eek:

Hmm... Perhaps I should have a re-think!

I sampled it in the Beehive Wetherspoon (Brixton). The place was heaving, uncomfortable, and I felt rushed. Perhaps If I had savoured it a little more I may have been more appreciative! Also, I had the foulest pint for a long time in the shape of Tetley's Bitter (cask version). - is it supposed to smell eggy and have a fizzy aftertaste?

The couple of Nelson bottles I had were slightly disappointing, also. I like the idea of bottle-conditioned beers, but there was way too much sediment floating about.

Materbrew may be a little dull and an unimaginative 'beer-of-the-week', but it's at least it's consistent in bottle-form!

[Wittenden]

Hmm... Perhaps I should have a re-think!



The couple of Nelson bottles I had were slightly disappointing, also. I like the idea of bottle-conditioned beers, but there was way too much sediment floating about.

Materbrew may be a little dull and an unimaginative 'beer-of-the-week', but it's at least it's consistent in bottle-form!

Can't say I go wild about bottled MB, though I do admit a liking for it from the cask when it is on top form. I agree about Nelson's ales: I had a bottle of Spinnaker yesterday-the first for a long time, and found it odd, with a sort of burnt homebrew flavour. I'lll probably continue to steer clear again. I've never seem 'em on draught.
I had a dull pint of Harvey's Sussex Best-too cold, really. My BOTW must be (bottled) Gold Top from Old Dairy: a pretty good Golden. I'm fairly critical of this style-it can be either excellent or dull,me too.This was pretty damn fine, with a decent hop bite-I think they use, amongst others, A& H's beloved Cascades. I'm yet to try it on pump, but should imagine it would make a good beer for a summer day.

[Bucking Fastard]

A recce around Sheffield threw up some wonderful pale /golden ales which were very hoppy and bitter some with citrus and many relatively strong.Kelham Island Pale Rider and Durham's Hopping Mad were fantastic but my BOTW goes to The Little Cart Brewery Alcazar which was bitter ,crisp ,5% and slipped down a treat and one of the house brews in The Wellington,another great pub.

Having most of this week off the beer before a return trip to Sheffield this Friday before a weeks voyage around the pubs (and waterways) of Yorkshire.Will post next BOTW when sober.

[aleandhearty]

Also, I had the foulest pint for a long time in the shape of Tetley's Bitter (cask version). - is it supposed to smell eggy and have a fizzy aftertaste?

Are you sure you weren't drinking advocaat and lemonade? :D Seriously, eggs suggest sulphur, which in turn makes me think it was off. It's nowhere near the beer it was, but it's not that bad.


I'm fairly critical of this style-it can be either excellent or dull.This was pretty damn fine, with a decent hop bite-I think they use, amongst others, A& H's beloved Cascades.

Agreed it can be a very dull style, but when they get it right...Still love my Cascade hops, but the variety that's got me really excited at the moment is Nelson Sauvin. There's a real nettle-y verdancy to the flavours, rather like the Sauvignon Blanc grape the name hints at. Fabulous.

[trainman]

the variety that's got me really excited at the moment is Nelson Sauvin. There's a real nettle-y verdancy to the flavours, rather like the Sauvignon Blanc grape the name hints at. Fabulous.

I very much liked Pictish Sauvin Blanc, but all their beers are great. Looking for it, I found the att'd...

http://www.aswiftone.com/2009/08/nelson-sauvin.html

[aleandhearty]

I very much liked Pictish Sauvin Blanc, but all their beers are great. Looking for it, I found the att'd...

http://www.aswiftone.com/2009/08/nelson-sauvin.html

Thanks for the thought, but I've read it before, shortly after trying the Fernandes Nelson IPA mentioned in the article. At the time I couldn't work out the significance of the 'Nelson'. A tribute to Mr Mandela? Some bizarre tribute to the Lancashire town of the same name? :) Look forward to trying the Pictish version. Acorn Brewery also had / have a brew in their single hop series. It was on at The Market Porter when I went to Borough Market a few weeks ago. Having popped our head round the door to see what was on, we decided to eat first. Fifteen minutes later it had gone! :mad:

[Wittenden]

I very much liked Pictish Sauvin Blanc, but all their beers are great. Looking for it, I found the att'd...

http://www.aswiftone.com/2009/08/nelson-sauvin.html

Been looking out for Pictish beers,also any using Nelson sauvin-I did have a bottle of Thornbridge Hall Kipling, which I liked, but didn't realise it used NS. I probably hadn't heard of NS then!Westerham Brewery, which can do wonders with Wye Tartgets(don't tell Gazza Prescott!) is doing a single varietal Cascade, which I haven't seen yet, unfortunately.

[wallcreeper]

Thanks for the thought, but I've read it before, shortly after trying the Fernandes Nelson IPA mentioned in the article. At the time I couldn't work out the significance of the 'Nelson'. A tribute to Mr Mandela? Some bizarre tribute to the Lancashire town of the same name? :) Look forward to trying the Pictish version. Acorn Brewery also had / have a brew in their single hop series. It was on at The Market Porter when I went to Borough Market a few weeks ago. Having popped our head round the door to see what was on, we decided to eat first. Fifteen minutes later it had gone! :mad:
It refers to the city/region in New Zealand I believe.

[Conrad]

Hi wallcreeper,

Welcome to the Pubs Galore forums, you may want to join in on the Favourites thread (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?382-Your-favourite......) to let everyone know a little about yourself. Myself and Dave M are the admins of the main site if you have any problems, queries or suggestions we would love to hear them.

Hope you enjoy your stay.

[aleandhearty]

It refers to the city/region in New Zealand I believe.

Thanks for that 'w/c'. I must admit I googled it after reading your post and a fine place it looks too.