PDA

View Full Version : a swift one - Christmas cheer



Blog Tracker
14-12-2010, 10:25
Visit the a swift one site (http://www.aswiftone.com/2010/12/christmas-cheer.html)

It has been a tradition for a while for some of us more aged gentlemen to gather together on a Monday in a local hostelry to compare notes while sampling a few of the wares that they have on offer. This week we gathered in the Grove for our usual brainstorming session, and were treated to some excellent beers, both English and foreign.

My only regret was that the Dark Star 'Green Hop IPA' ran off before we could sample it, (thanks Gary !) but I managed to find several other beers to make the disappointment more bearable.


Moor 'Revival' seemed a good place to start; a 3.8% session beer, pale and hoppy and well up to their usual standards. A brewery rarely seen about these parts but one that are consistently good and have the knack of succeeding whatever style of beer they produce. I followed this with another Moor beer 'Ported Peat Porter', which was dark but equally as good. Those in the know told me it was their 'Peat Porter' with added port. It was 4.7% and robust but very drinkable, with just a hint of port.


Another of my favourite beers was on the bar, so next on the list came Bathams 'Best Bitter'. I was a little disappointed with this, it displayed a little more sweetness than usual and seemed a tad unbalanced, but there were still plenty others to go for. I followed this with Nethergate 'Sweeney Todd', not to my taste and Adnams 'Old Ale'. Another favourite from years back and this time it did not disappoint, bringing back memories of times gone by when it was often on at the 'Rat'.


By this time I decided to go a bit experimental. I often overlook the foreign beer in the Grove but this time did venture round the other side of the bar and took the plunge. It is not cheap but does give the chance to see what other countries have to offer us this time of year. I started with the American 'Stone Pale Ale', at 5.4% I expected much from it but it somehow did not have a lot of the flavour I wanted from a beer of its strength from one of the classic breweries of the States. That was soon put right by a 1/3 of the 'Delerium Noel', a dark,fruity 10% offering. I could not complain about the lack of flavour in this, a robust little number, packed with taste and far too drinkable for its strength. A real Belgian classic and fine way to round off an interesting afternoon. Should you be in the area and need an antidote to the Christmas shopping then look no further, I am sure you will enjoy it.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5761264498865183675-9051248974125122894?l=www.aswiftone.com


More... (http://www.aswiftone.com/2010/12/christmas-cheer.html)