Blog Tracker
05-08-2023, 11:53
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/08/august-2023-so-begins-eighth-month.html)
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There's quite a lot going on in the world of beer at themoment, ranging from CAMRA’S flagship event, the Great British Beer Festival, aKent brewery celebrating a significant anniversary, some significant changes toway in which beer duty is levied, and finally a promotional gift of a newlylaunched Irish stout that turned up on my doorstep, completely out of the blue,a couple of days ago.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgUTABfYH36Jo3rOF68Pc19P8VMPxFbFHtNJZ93daQS PyFKcc_yCCOeiZ4-AqGvX-vKhHP6ar8O27oH7pvKPf6z8CUkHTjudtWZ6HRJyJV7zYNqxEdb ulsCQw1ExOm_Eiv8MgmCfEkBPsLBUfnkt8n-WPHwgRtrv-76HQglahGf6_mWD6YufuGM98_x8/w400-h201/Olympia%20Queue.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgUTABfYH36Jo3rOF68Pc19P8VMPxFbFHtNJZ93daQS PyFKcc_yCCOeiZ4-AqGvX-vKhHP6ar8O27oH7pvKPf6z8CUkHTjudtWZ6HRJyJV7zYNqxEdb ulsCQw1ExOm_Eiv8MgmCfEkBPsLBUfnkt8n-WPHwgRtrv-76HQglahGf6_mWD6YufuGM98_x8/s4008/Olympia%20Queue.jpg)
First to GBBF, which draws to a close this Saturday, after whatI gather has been a very successful week at London’s Olympia. I wasn’t temptedto go along, as the last such gathering I attended was back in 2019. That justhappened to be the last GBBF prior to lock-down, and I didn't really enjoy the even, apart from the company of RetiredMartin, who surprised me, and also himself, by turning up.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvhfWWcImxwNHsGS7efafAT5IYk7ZnhtLEt4J_20fTa HP1zBPnPJ5otWStnHXj-1DmgVVaL-6WOFMHEHbwOos7sRTCCe_YIBo48B9CDuCGVriD7wEUFiSQYw2Z xaLzOEFT-RdZdkT-ygu5XZv7erC8ei_5RqQH8LPJ1gtdilVe0QS5LBm8SeTDaHV5lE/w400-h275/Tiny%20Rebel%20kegs.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvhfWWcImxwNHsGS7efafAT5IYk7ZnhtLEt4J_20fTa HP1zBPnPJ5otWStnHXj-1DmgVVaL-6WOFMHEHbwOos7sRTCCe_YIBo48B9CDuCGVriD7wEUFiSQYw2Z xaLzOEFT-RdZdkT-ygu5XZv7erC8ei_5RqQH8LPJ1gtdilVe0QS5LBm8SeTDaHV5lE/s4097/Tiny%20Rebel%20kegs.jpg)
I’ve gone over the reasons why, several times in the past, soI won't go through them all again, but I really should have left when Martin did,and joined him as he “ticked” a few more London pubs. Quite whilst you’re ahead, inother words. explore a few pubs I shouldhave done the same. This year though, looking at the press releases that CAMRAbeen putting out, the Great British Beer Festival certainly seems to have gotits mojo back, which is good for all concerned.
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2023, marks the return of CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain (https://camra.org.uk/press_release/ellands-1872-porter-crowned-the-champion-beer-of-britain/) competition, the first such event since before the pandemic. This year’s contesthas not been without controversy, but I shall come onto that shortly. Theoverall winner was 1872 Porter, a 6.5% abv beer produced by Yorkshire-based,Elland Brewery, who repeated the success they had with the same beer, exactly10 years ago. The strange thing about this double triumph is most of the staff employedat Elland today, are not the same people who produced the winner back in 2013.The recipe however for this excellent porter has remained largely the same, apartfrom the odd tweak.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i3lE0OPIaBUM9sER3zW2HoMV28d1axEfw7jnx22ak1 4gB0M5yDpE3BQ_dfe6OsiB5v1g0tENpPceklaXZuE_59WPxfVi 2NINN8tYsp7s9dZxTO8B3medc-xM4UF8P4aaHb9yuAWkjf5cco4-nfPjuw4IZVH2R56OCjir4JPGFWUqIYFAXANeb3Rwde4/w300-h400/20190809_151857.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i3lE0OPIaBUM9sER3zW2HoMV28d1axEfw7jnx22ak1 4gB0M5yDpE3BQ_dfe6OsiB5v1g0tENpPceklaXZuE_59WPxfVi 2NINN8tYsp7s9dZxTO8B3medc-xM4UF8P4aaHb9yuAWkjf5cco4-nfPjuw4IZVH2R56OCjir4JPGFWUqIYFAXANeb3Rwde4/s4128/20190809_151857.jpg)
No dramas there then, as the Australians would say, but thiswas not the case with the runner up. The Silver award went to Abbot Ale 5.0%,brewed by Greene King, one of the best-known cask ales in the country and onethat needs little in the way of introduction. The fact that a “big brewery beer”won second prize seems to have caused considerable consternation, judging bythe howling, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, that has appeared as comments on variousCAMRA Facebook pages. What most of those complaining probably don’t realise is,this is not the first time that a so-called “big brewery beer” has been awardedthe Champion Beer of Britain title, because in 1990, Burton Ale, brewed by IndCoope, won the coveted title.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7LPOTXlKiiWnT6Tu0chCiVmYcaI4L6NAT3wy-A3IByS4_EZ5YIXu3CKuMfZXQEy10K2qUguZqBRk-CJkA8cwGz3AtkxnqGbYKpboLmQkPWXSjfvC66z7IOs4CA2hrUe m1fc4vV01Qr95BbMPPR59sW9sA66JOVPapg9qi_PnR99G6nPlg cabobk1HqI/w305-h400/Burton%20Ale.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7LPOTXlKiiWnT6Tu0chCiVmYcaI4L6NAT3wy-A3IByS4_EZ5YIXu3CKuMfZXQEy10K2qUguZqBRk-CJkA8cwGz3AtkxnqGbYKpboLmQkPWXSjfvC66z7IOs4CA2hrUe m1fc4vV01Qr95BbMPPR59sW9sA66JOVPapg9qi_PnR99G6nPlg cabobk1HqI/s7562/Burton%20Ale.jpg)
Ind Coope are long gone, and their Burton brewery is nowpart of a mega complex owned by global brewer, Molson Coors, but being crowned nationalchampion was no less controversial for Burton Ale 33 years ago, than it is forGK Abbot today. The same comments about CAMRA being in the pockets of bigbreweries, and selling out, are being made today, alongside the accusation thatthe contest was fixed. This is totally untrue, and I speak as someone who hasbeen involved in judging beers in the past. I can honestly, say hand on heart, thatthe tasting sessions at the heart of judging these awards, are conducted on atotally blind basis. All samples are unmarked, apart from a simple A, B, C, etc,and even the people who place the jugs of beer in front of the judging panel,are unaware of the beer they are bringing out.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPB-ouMfJtypWgIJLH1gDETWlica4dbu4HqKaDKKPnUqdZQbE5ixYb XOGgE0PLLn7MNVTGUT8kBu2nOTC6RbmxlkXuI3zWGlbBqbCilf F1rksKqizu6ldr-ZgbKnzBwjjtffuv_VdifpsATbsOIFZOM52MGUep-3BWJaEIuQ5Ybu5AbwKVD-jdHQr2UI/w300-h400/GK%20Ceramic.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPB-ouMfJtypWgIJLH1gDETWlica4dbu4HqKaDKKPnUqdZQbE5ixYb XOGgE0PLLn7MNVTGUT8kBu2nOTC6RbmxlkXuI3zWGlbBqbCilf F1rksKqizu6ldr-ZgbKnzBwjjtffuv_VdifpsATbsOIFZOM52MGUep-3BWJaEIuQ5Ybu5AbwKVD-jdHQr2UI/s4128/GK%20Ceramic.jpg)
Others were asking, was the cask submitted for the contest, onejust taken from stock, or had it been doctored in some way? Might it have been dryhopped, or left to condition and mature for longer, and whilst this couldhappen, to my mind the contest was fair and the results valid, otherwise CAMRAmight as well pack up and go home. From a personally point of view, althoughAbbot is not my tipple of choice, it is still a very good beer, and is a fineexample of a classic, English premium bitter, so well done, not just to GreeneKing and Elland, but to all those breweries who scooped up awards in thevarious categories.I mentioned earlier that a Kent brewery is celebrating its40th anniversary, and I am pleased to announce that the brewery in question, isGoacher’s of Maidstone. (http://www.goachers.com/home) The brewery was established in 1983, at premises in theLoose valley to the south of the county town, by Phil and Debbie Goacher. Theenterprise initially occupied part of an old paper mill, which was one of the lastproducers of handmade paper in the area. Several years later, following theclosure of the mill, Goacher’s relocated to a nearby industrial unit, wherethey have remained until the present day.
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Since that time the brewery has increased its range of beersand has acquired three tied pubs – the Royal Paper Mill, at Tovil, close to thecurrent brewery, the Rifle Volunteer, a very traditional ragstone- built pub, in the centre of Maidstone, and finally, the Little Gem in Aylesford.This well-known pub was acquired just before the start of lock-down, and theenforced break in trading, at least gave Goacher’s plenty of time to get the placeproperly sorted, following years of standing empty and semi-derelict. I've known both Phil and Debbie since they first started out,and this goes back to the time I lived in Maidstone. The couple launched itsbeers commercially, at a beer tent run by the Maidstone & Mid-Kent CAMRA, ata charity beer festival held in support of the local Cheshire Home in Maidstone's Moat Park. The beer, which is sold today as Best DarkAle, was an instant success with festival goers and CAMRA members, and was soonfollowed by Fine Light Ale, Old 1066 Ale, Silver Star and Gold Star Ales, plusCrown Imperial Stout.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwWiyEe_Gf4dfwb7goTab-BMvTYMWvbF0JtAIw8ixCKEAFNxUqoIRIU8Dxbtw43c3TfDH6ya-ETDAxMFpYCfCIoh5CbK2nIpMgD6RmSjSmcZt1PETzngZyvI3Mj voaAUAVrLF1_p_lOaSBM0zW_ao2Oos80-I_--amtSTU2e8H_FDTDII5WY1bc3CwLM/w400-h290/Rifle%20Volunteeers.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwWiyEe_Gf4dfwb7goTab-BMvTYMWvbF0JtAIw8ixCKEAFNxUqoIRIU8Dxbtw43c3TfDH6ya-ETDAxMFpYCfCIoh5CbK2nIpMgD6RmSjSmcZt1PETzngZyvI3Mj voaAUAVrLF1_p_lOaSBM0zW_ao2Oos80-I_--amtSTU2e8H_FDTDII5WY1bc3CwLM/s1582/Rifle%20Volunteeers.JPG)
Now, a new generation of the family is set to take over the companyand is looking to expand. (https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/goachers-ale-to-keep-flowing-after-11-million-pints-290793/) The couple’s 30-year old son Howard is the driving force behind thisexpansion, and the brewery, along with the company are looking to move into newpremises at Friday Street Farm, at East Sutton, just outside Maidstone. Greatnews, especially as Goacher’s have stuck with what they do best – namely brewingtraditional style, Kentish ales, brewed from floor malted barley, and flavouredwith locally grown, Kentish hops.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxJ22U57QD_nrt647wLIzMmbBUI0w408B_6rnqB6dCX IHVIdba7SifJhfAp1Vf2hG4OoOXuw8zZ4m6tTYpmL3TjWCKjiY kTvcKKaImVl0o-4RHHge53_Ezp9dV42eL_1SdODnQa5VWTuwZtsPgFohdClr1tRO CPteaBwRDTKd6haX_yqD-bW9gPAP1xc/w400-h255/Little%20Gem%20ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxJ22U57QD_nrt647wLIzMmbBUI0w408B_6rnqB6dCX IHVIdba7SifJhfAp1Vf2hG4OoOXuw8zZ4m6tTYpmL3TjWCKjiY kTvcKKaImVl0o-4RHHge53_Ezp9dV42eL_1SdODnQa5VWTuwZtsPgFohdClr1tRO CPteaBwRDTKd6haX_yqD-bW9gPAP1xc/s3436/Little%20Gem%20ext.jpg)
The penultimate piece of news concerns changes to UK beerduty, that came into force at the beginning of August. Although these changes seemto have provoked much discussion, I can't really elaborate much on the new regulations,apart from saying they appear to be based on the principle that the strongerthe beer, the more duty is charged. This seems fair enough to me, but there is anotheraspect that makes no sense at all, and is the one which many people are, quiterightly, complaining about.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVBYFyEfFP55bo2pjbL10Hqiey3F8ZApxZ75UFrJ47v BhBI4O6gqKoMFkiv6Nd3-T5vbFSrabscbyK90sQdFSPT_kYY35UNChZY_VfFtWn9cm1S512 G7DEOxpzMkyX-gMeWXvh0BNyKpB6U3p68xhp69nySue2RwMIR3xezKLDzroODrv xNRpfNt4lHI/w400-h289/Take-out%20Fuggles.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVBYFyEfFP55bo2pjbL10Hqiey3F8ZApxZ75UFrJ47v BhBI4O6gqKoMFkiv6Nd3-T5vbFSrabscbyK90sQdFSPT_kYY35UNChZY_VfFtWn9cm1S512 G7DEOxpzMkyX-gMeWXvh0BNyKpB6U3p68xhp69nySue2RwMIR3xezKLDzroODrv xNRpfNt4lHI/s2754/Take-out%20Fuggles.jpg)
It concerns the sale of draught beer in two or four-pint containers,for the take home trade, because for some reason, that I can’t get my headaround, pubs are no longer allowed to sell beer in this fashion. It’s a rulingthat makes no sense at all, and besides, I can't see how it could possibly beenforced. If it's a daft regulation then people will take no notice of it, althoughas far as I can make out, the inclusion of take away draught beer in thislegislation is nothing more than a clumsy attempt at tidying up what wasperhaps seen as a hangover, from the pandemic. This was when take- away draughtbeer was the only way in which pubs could make a living.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTnwGfYRRwvsgvIpHzXiYHIrxOUAOSHkmFeL2IARLx6 k9iKDgkXskBMOlZhdoHssyeBwx0bNPtLC3EevarJezQX19GcYN y8xm_hYUVWtlZ-JW4mQTXPEfOpCZ6R3jsfvS9xI--1ndSPJB6rlYbljNEuaAnZ_mXquCb1KNAygvEXNTFkzkEjhBJAg rnws/w400-h225/IMG_20230804_172329.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTnwGfYRRwvsgvIpHzXiYHIrxOUAOSHkmFeL2IARLx6 k9iKDgkXskBMOlZhdoHssyeBwx0bNPtLC3EevarJezQX19GcYN y8xm_hYUVWtlZ-JW4mQTXPEfOpCZ6R3jsfvS9xI--1ndSPJB6rlYbljNEuaAnZ_mXquCb1KNAygvEXNTFkzkEjhBJAg rnws/s4000/IMG_20230804_172329.jpg)
Moving swiftly on to the last item on my list, which was amystery package that turned up on my doorstep three days ago. At first, Ithought it was the new neck support pillow I'd ordered, but as it arrivedwhilst I was at work, I asked Mrs PBT’s to open it. It definitely wasn’t apillow, but instead was a very nice presentation box containing two cans of anew nitro-pour, Irish stout called Forged. Brewed by a Dublin based brewerycalled FRGD, the box also contained a bottle opener, a rather posh baseball cap,plus some promotional material about the beer and the brewery.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN46e6AqOcltrU8xgvlfqTtoZEZsXfz33OckVbID4ycz 2UXfNytGWCBeBBOqGds5KtZpOq2SFFGU96Dc0nTVdHDEOwZcyN FSMX1_fahx7VhgZPBLFR25LLPLBJ9l5x6NWCDgW_kB6A4dlKrf dontra-byRNddVtBfrKMJIrpPfJ7GgI_b0bVw5HhCu_ZA/w400-h225/IMG_20230804_172556.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN46e6AqOcltrU8xgvlfqTtoZEZsXfz33OckVbID4ycz 2UXfNytGWCBeBBOqGds5KtZpOq2SFFGU96Dc0nTVdHDEOwZcyN FSMX1_fahx7VhgZPBLFR25LLPLBJ9l5x6NWCDgW_kB6A4dlKrf dontra-byRNddVtBfrKMJIrpPfJ7GgI_b0bVw5HhCu_ZA/s4000/IMG_20230804_172556.jpg)
Being an inveterate snob, I wouldn't normally wear a baseball cap, although I might try itback to front, like Kevin and Perry in the classic Harry Enfield - Kathy Burke sketch., but as I write thispiece, I’m getting stuck into what is a rather stunning Irish stout. It looksgood as well in the glass, so the makers have got me hooked already, but how theygot hold of my name and my address remains a mystery. I certainly don'tremember signing up for anything, and I’m not normally someone who’d pass at thechance of a free beer. Full report to follow in due course, by which time Imight have discovered the who, what, why and where behind Forged Irish Stout.
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There's quite a lot going on in the world of beer at themoment, ranging from CAMRA’S flagship event, the Great British Beer Festival, aKent brewery celebrating a significant anniversary, some significant changes toway in which beer duty is levied, and finally a promotional gift of a newlylaunched Irish stout that turned up on my doorstep, completely out of the blue,a couple of days ago.
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First to GBBF, which draws to a close this Saturday, after whatI gather has been a very successful week at London’s Olympia. I wasn’t temptedto go along, as the last such gathering I attended was back in 2019. That justhappened to be the last GBBF prior to lock-down, and I didn't really enjoy the even, apart from the company of RetiredMartin, who surprised me, and also himself, by turning up.
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I’ve gone over the reasons why, several times in the past, soI won't go through them all again, but I really should have left when Martin did,and joined him as he “ticked” a few more London pubs. Quite whilst you’re ahead, inother words. explore a few pubs I shouldhave done the same. This year though, looking at the press releases that CAMRAbeen putting out, the Great British Beer Festival certainly seems to have gotits mojo back, which is good for all concerned.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20_Q6mv2DPeCpf6i5vfvBfdbUgn-vc1lBPQDUks9ucHJsfC_PaYEK__dCoyZXK3zWFJDEryQfvdOpz DOqXjkJCPnI7GGLMMnzay9Ttac4RdXoLfcKc-MpFUepXIn5AwTg8dypZw-m6FOPsPYc3OvmFLMG_8UYTcuroCMSnjEp9TLOg2f0l9IEdpShJ hI/w400-h248/Olympia%20roof.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20_Q6mv2DPeCpf6i5vfvBfdbUgn-vc1lBPQDUks9ucHJsfC_PaYEK__dCoyZXK3zWFJDEryQfvdOpz DOqXjkJCPnI7GGLMMnzay9Ttac4RdXoLfcKc-MpFUepXIn5AwTg8dypZw-m6FOPsPYc3OvmFLMG_8UYTcuroCMSnjEp9TLOg2f0l9IEdpShJ hI/s3928/Olympia%20roof.jpg)
2023, marks the return of CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain (https://camra.org.uk/press_release/ellands-1872-porter-crowned-the-champion-beer-of-britain/) competition, the first such event since before the pandemic. This year’s contesthas not been without controversy, but I shall come onto that shortly. Theoverall winner was 1872 Porter, a 6.5% abv beer produced by Yorkshire-based,Elland Brewery, who repeated the success they had with the same beer, exactly10 years ago. The strange thing about this double triumph is most of the staff employedat Elland today, are not the same people who produced the winner back in 2013.The recipe however for this excellent porter has remained largely the same, apartfrom the odd tweak.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i3lE0OPIaBUM9sER3zW2HoMV28d1axEfw7jnx22ak1 4gB0M5yDpE3BQ_dfe6OsiB5v1g0tENpPceklaXZuE_59WPxfVi 2NINN8tYsp7s9dZxTO8B3medc-xM4UF8P4aaHb9yuAWkjf5cco4-nfPjuw4IZVH2R56OCjir4JPGFWUqIYFAXANeb3Rwde4/w300-h400/20190809_151857.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i3lE0OPIaBUM9sER3zW2HoMV28d1axEfw7jnx22ak1 4gB0M5yDpE3BQ_dfe6OsiB5v1g0tENpPceklaXZuE_59WPxfVi 2NINN8tYsp7s9dZxTO8B3medc-xM4UF8P4aaHb9yuAWkjf5cco4-nfPjuw4IZVH2R56OCjir4JPGFWUqIYFAXANeb3Rwde4/s4128/20190809_151857.jpg)
No dramas there then, as the Australians would say, but thiswas not the case with the runner up. The Silver award went to Abbot Ale 5.0%,brewed by Greene King, one of the best-known cask ales in the country and onethat needs little in the way of introduction. The fact that a “big brewery beer”won second prize seems to have caused considerable consternation, judging bythe howling, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, that has appeared as comments on variousCAMRA Facebook pages. What most of those complaining probably don’t realise is,this is not the first time that a so-called “big brewery beer” has been awardedthe Champion Beer of Britain title, because in 1990, Burton Ale, brewed by IndCoope, won the coveted title.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7LPOTXlKiiWnT6Tu0chCiVmYcaI4L6NAT3wy-A3IByS4_EZ5YIXu3CKuMfZXQEy10K2qUguZqBRk-CJkA8cwGz3AtkxnqGbYKpboLmQkPWXSjfvC66z7IOs4CA2hrUe m1fc4vV01Qr95BbMPPR59sW9sA66JOVPapg9qi_PnR99G6nPlg cabobk1HqI/w305-h400/Burton%20Ale.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7LPOTXlKiiWnT6Tu0chCiVmYcaI4L6NAT3wy-A3IByS4_EZ5YIXu3CKuMfZXQEy10K2qUguZqBRk-CJkA8cwGz3AtkxnqGbYKpboLmQkPWXSjfvC66z7IOs4CA2hrUe m1fc4vV01Qr95BbMPPR59sW9sA66JOVPapg9qi_PnR99G6nPlg cabobk1HqI/s7562/Burton%20Ale.jpg)
Ind Coope are long gone, and their Burton brewery is nowpart of a mega complex owned by global brewer, Molson Coors, but being crowned nationalchampion was no less controversial for Burton Ale 33 years ago, than it is forGK Abbot today. The same comments about CAMRA being in the pockets of bigbreweries, and selling out, are being made today, alongside the accusation thatthe contest was fixed. This is totally untrue, and I speak as someone who hasbeen involved in judging beers in the past. I can honestly, say hand on heart, thatthe tasting sessions at the heart of judging these awards, are conducted on atotally blind basis. All samples are unmarked, apart from a simple A, B, C, etc,and even the people who place the jugs of beer in front of the judging panel,are unaware of the beer they are bringing out.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPB-ouMfJtypWgIJLH1gDETWlica4dbu4HqKaDKKPnUqdZQbE5ixYb XOGgE0PLLn7MNVTGUT8kBu2nOTC6RbmxlkXuI3zWGlbBqbCilf F1rksKqizu6ldr-ZgbKnzBwjjtffuv_VdifpsATbsOIFZOM52MGUep-3BWJaEIuQ5Ybu5AbwKVD-jdHQr2UI/w300-h400/GK%20Ceramic.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPB-ouMfJtypWgIJLH1gDETWlica4dbu4HqKaDKKPnUqdZQbE5ixYb XOGgE0PLLn7MNVTGUT8kBu2nOTC6RbmxlkXuI3zWGlbBqbCilf F1rksKqizu6ldr-ZgbKnzBwjjtffuv_VdifpsATbsOIFZOM52MGUep-3BWJaEIuQ5Ybu5AbwKVD-jdHQr2UI/s4128/GK%20Ceramic.jpg)
Others were asking, was the cask submitted for the contest, onejust taken from stock, or had it been doctored in some way? Might it have been dryhopped, or left to condition and mature for longer, and whilst this couldhappen, to my mind the contest was fair and the results valid, otherwise CAMRAmight as well pack up and go home. From a personally point of view, althoughAbbot is not my tipple of choice, it is still a very good beer, and is a fineexample of a classic, English premium bitter, so well done, not just to GreeneKing and Elland, but to all those breweries who scooped up awards in thevarious categories.I mentioned earlier that a Kent brewery is celebrating its40th anniversary, and I am pleased to announce that the brewery in question, isGoacher’s of Maidstone. (http://www.goachers.com/home) The brewery was established in 1983, at premises in theLoose valley to the south of the county town, by Phil and Debbie Goacher. Theenterprise initially occupied part of an old paper mill, which was one of the lastproducers of handmade paper in the area. Several years later, following theclosure of the mill, Goacher’s relocated to a nearby industrial unit, wherethey have remained until the present day.
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Since that time the brewery has increased its range of beersand has acquired three tied pubs – the Royal Paper Mill, at Tovil, close to thecurrent brewery, the Rifle Volunteer, a very traditional ragstone- built pub, in the centre of Maidstone, and finally, the Little Gem in Aylesford.This well-known pub was acquired just before the start of lock-down, and theenforced break in trading, at least gave Goacher’s plenty of time to get the placeproperly sorted, following years of standing empty and semi-derelict. I've known both Phil and Debbie since they first started out,and this goes back to the time I lived in Maidstone. The couple launched itsbeers commercially, at a beer tent run by the Maidstone & Mid-Kent CAMRA, ata charity beer festival held in support of the local Cheshire Home in Maidstone's Moat Park. The beer, which is sold today as Best DarkAle, was an instant success with festival goers and CAMRA members, and was soonfollowed by Fine Light Ale, Old 1066 Ale, Silver Star and Gold Star Ales, plusCrown Imperial Stout.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwWiyEe_Gf4dfwb7goTab-BMvTYMWvbF0JtAIw8ixCKEAFNxUqoIRIU8Dxbtw43c3TfDH6ya-ETDAxMFpYCfCIoh5CbK2nIpMgD6RmSjSmcZt1PETzngZyvI3Mj voaAUAVrLF1_p_lOaSBM0zW_ao2Oos80-I_--amtSTU2e8H_FDTDII5WY1bc3CwLM/w400-h290/Rifle%20Volunteeers.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwWiyEe_Gf4dfwb7goTab-BMvTYMWvbF0JtAIw8ixCKEAFNxUqoIRIU8Dxbtw43c3TfDH6ya-ETDAxMFpYCfCIoh5CbK2nIpMgD6RmSjSmcZt1PETzngZyvI3Mj voaAUAVrLF1_p_lOaSBM0zW_ao2Oos80-I_--amtSTU2e8H_FDTDII5WY1bc3CwLM/s1582/Rifle%20Volunteeers.JPG)
Now, a new generation of the family is set to take over the companyand is looking to expand. (https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/goachers-ale-to-keep-flowing-after-11-million-pints-290793/) The couple’s 30-year old son Howard is the driving force behind thisexpansion, and the brewery, along with the company are looking to move into newpremises at Friday Street Farm, at East Sutton, just outside Maidstone. Greatnews, especially as Goacher’s have stuck with what they do best – namely brewingtraditional style, Kentish ales, brewed from floor malted barley, and flavouredwith locally grown, Kentish hops.
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The penultimate piece of news concerns changes to UK beerduty, that came into force at the beginning of August. Although these changes seemto have provoked much discussion, I can't really elaborate much on the new regulations,apart from saying they appear to be based on the principle that the strongerthe beer, the more duty is charged. This seems fair enough to me, but there is anotheraspect that makes no sense at all, and is the one which many people are, quiterightly, complaining about.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVBYFyEfFP55bo2pjbL10Hqiey3F8ZApxZ75UFrJ47v BhBI4O6gqKoMFkiv6Nd3-T5vbFSrabscbyK90sQdFSPT_kYY35UNChZY_VfFtWn9cm1S512 G7DEOxpzMkyX-gMeWXvh0BNyKpB6U3p68xhp69nySue2RwMIR3xezKLDzroODrv xNRpfNt4lHI/w400-h289/Take-out%20Fuggles.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVBYFyEfFP55bo2pjbL10Hqiey3F8ZApxZ75UFrJ47v BhBI4O6gqKoMFkiv6Nd3-T5vbFSrabscbyK90sQdFSPT_kYY35UNChZY_VfFtWn9cm1S512 G7DEOxpzMkyX-gMeWXvh0BNyKpB6U3p68xhp69nySue2RwMIR3xezKLDzroODrv xNRpfNt4lHI/s2754/Take-out%20Fuggles.jpg)
It concerns the sale of draught beer in two or four-pint containers,for the take home trade, because for some reason, that I can’t get my headaround, pubs are no longer allowed to sell beer in this fashion. It’s a rulingthat makes no sense at all, and besides, I can't see how it could possibly beenforced. If it's a daft regulation then people will take no notice of it, althoughas far as I can make out, the inclusion of take away draught beer in thislegislation is nothing more than a clumsy attempt at tidying up what wasperhaps seen as a hangover, from the pandemic. This was when take- away draughtbeer was the only way in which pubs could make a living.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTnwGfYRRwvsgvIpHzXiYHIrxOUAOSHkmFeL2IARLx6 k9iKDgkXskBMOlZhdoHssyeBwx0bNPtLC3EevarJezQX19GcYN y8xm_hYUVWtlZ-JW4mQTXPEfOpCZ6R3jsfvS9xI--1ndSPJB6rlYbljNEuaAnZ_mXquCb1KNAygvEXNTFkzkEjhBJAg rnws/w400-h225/IMG_20230804_172329.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTnwGfYRRwvsgvIpHzXiYHIrxOUAOSHkmFeL2IARLx6 k9iKDgkXskBMOlZhdoHssyeBwx0bNPtLC3EevarJezQX19GcYN y8xm_hYUVWtlZ-JW4mQTXPEfOpCZ6R3jsfvS9xI--1ndSPJB6rlYbljNEuaAnZ_mXquCb1KNAygvEXNTFkzkEjhBJAg rnws/s4000/IMG_20230804_172329.jpg)
Moving swiftly on to the last item on my list, which was amystery package that turned up on my doorstep three days ago. At first, Ithought it was the new neck support pillow I'd ordered, but as it arrivedwhilst I was at work, I asked Mrs PBT’s to open it. It definitely wasn’t apillow, but instead was a very nice presentation box containing two cans of anew nitro-pour, Irish stout called Forged. Brewed by a Dublin based brewerycalled FRGD, the box also contained a bottle opener, a rather posh baseball cap,plus some promotional material about the beer and the brewery.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN46e6AqOcltrU8xgvlfqTtoZEZsXfz33OckVbID4ycz 2UXfNytGWCBeBBOqGds5KtZpOq2SFFGU96Dc0nTVdHDEOwZcyN FSMX1_fahx7VhgZPBLFR25LLPLBJ9l5x6NWCDgW_kB6A4dlKrf dontra-byRNddVtBfrKMJIrpPfJ7GgI_b0bVw5HhCu_ZA/w400-h225/IMG_20230804_172556.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN46e6AqOcltrU8xgvlfqTtoZEZsXfz33OckVbID4ycz 2UXfNytGWCBeBBOqGds5KtZpOq2SFFGU96Dc0nTVdHDEOwZcyN FSMX1_fahx7VhgZPBLFR25LLPLBJ9l5x6NWCDgW_kB6A4dlKrf dontra-byRNddVtBfrKMJIrpPfJ7GgI_b0bVw5HhCu_ZA/s4000/IMG_20230804_172556.jpg)
Being an inveterate snob, I wouldn't normally wear a baseball cap, although I might try itback to front, like Kevin and Perry in the classic Harry Enfield - Kathy Burke sketch., but as I write thispiece, I’m getting stuck into what is a rather stunning Irish stout. It looksgood as well in the glass, so the makers have got me hooked already, but how theygot hold of my name and my address remains a mystery. I certainly don'tremember signing up for anything, and I’m not normally someone who’d pass at thechance of a free beer. Full report to follow in due course, by which time Imight have discovered the who, what, why and where behind Forged Irish Stout.
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