This weekend I went on somewhat of an epic stag do; most go to the casino, most do strip clubs, most do football, I just did beer and a stunning old and picturesque place which we call Roma.
Firstly I can only apologise for lack of pictures. My Android phone run out of power and I took the wrong charger. Amateurish here one may say. However let's give the beer the talking as it did, quite frequently to me on several occasions during the trip!
I arrived at my hotel after an ordeal on the underground, realising a little too late that there was two connections between where I wanted other than the one I had mistakenly read on google maps. Thanks, Google!
I dropped off my bags; headed for the nearest internet café to find out where my party was (epic fail - roaming switched off and everyone else an hour away) and then to the next best place close to Brassiere 4:20 which my limited intellect knew. As my phone had google maps I was able to easily navigate to the fantastic football pub - Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà, some sort of football bar hybrid with a beer cellar and beer taps. Wow. What more do I need to do to get this place as a local? My town has NO descent places to see football in. This is something special.
I witness the Lazio and Arsenal t-shirts on display which keep me happy; supporting both clubs for a long time. I twitch my ears to tune into the most glorious post Sabbath metal riffs emerging from the stereo, eye up the bar and find my friend Ryan's brews have made it! I'm quite speechless. Two of Ryan's brews in a pub in Italy which has both football and METAL on a the same time! This is a quite frankly astounding way to start my weekend.
I await evening kick off and entertain a stag party; a home brewer into Belgian beer, speak metal with the barman and dive into halfs of Crooked Moon amber beer and Tipopils, both costing around 5 Euros a glass each. Next up is a superb Nogne O stout from Norway. This was considerably bitter, had thick dark chocolate, syrup, leather. coffee, roasted malts, cream, espresso, well balanced, intricate and biscuity malt based but done in a great manner.
Evening kick off is near and commotion arises, I turn my head and find Manuele, friend and owner behind me. Emphatic greetings all round. Manuele informs me that Lazio are about to play so I inform in return that I used to watch them on an early morning football show called Italia 90, a coverage dedication programme ala Match of the Day for Italian football, way back in the 90's on Channel Four. I won't bore you with the football talk.
He offers to find me the rare bottles (gold hen's tooth rarity levels) of the Cigar City beers but these limited brews were unattainable so instead I order a De Struise Pannepot (the Sturdy Brewery in northern Belgium). This is one of my favourite beers of all time, but in a football bar? How does this make sense? I love this place.
After the game we visit Bier et Fud. I enjoyed a superb, surely Michelin standard asparagus meal with a unique modern chaux pastry twist and a spectacular and refined sauce. An amazing post meal Balladin rarity was to be consumed before my two mile walk back to meet my entourage, after dinner and drinks were paid for, of course.
I met my entourage around 11:30 at Brassiere 4:20, commence generous group hugs and see our host for the weekend opening bottles of the Revelation Cat Woodwork Lambic Series. Read on two part two for the remainder of the weekend. To get messier.
Friday, 20 May 2011
Thursday, 14 April 2011
My First Printed Interview
This is somewhat of an honour for me. My first printed interview, held by the Financial Times and journalist Glynn Davis, featured in their supplement magazine.
You, my readers, can view this here.
I wonder how this will affect my career in beer?
Will it propel more writings and ramblings or more opportunities to be paid for buying beer, one of my favourite hobbies!
I would like to take time out to thank Glyn Roberts and Evin @The Kernel brewery for forwarding my details. I am very grateful. Thanks, gents!
Cheers and enjoy
Thomas
You, my readers, can view this here.
I wonder how this will affect my career in beer?
Will it propel more writings and ramblings or more opportunities to be paid for buying beer, one of my favourite hobbies!
I would like to take time out to thank Glyn Roberts and Evin @The Kernel brewery for forwarding my details. I am very grateful. Thanks, gents!
Cheers and enjoy
Thomas
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Beer Tax Levy - my response. Also posted @ Brewdog's blog
I completely agree that 7.5% abv beers for increased tax is a bad idea. This is not focussing at all on the route of the problem
They blame beer every year yet always freeze spirits' duty. Why is this? Do they not realise that £5 vodka bottles are the real route of the mess of the alcoholicism which some people face?
Beer is always branded as an escape goat because education on beer is so poor in this country. They have their agendas confused and cross-wired and for CAMRA to jump into bed with this is disgusting.
A lot of pre-war beers were above 7.5% and this new tax will hurt breweries whom brew beers above that abv. To stifle that is disgusting. CAMRA are being hypocritical again about the industry and are ignoring imperial stouts and barely wines which are traditional and British and should be rewarded with production instead of condemned with an unfair tax levy.
The greed of the Government is disgusting. They see this is an easy option as a cash cow and are not focusing at all on why there is the problems which this country has To demolish £5 vodka bottles is a start. Make those £15+ and then you have a bitter situation. Beer is an escape goat and it's unjustified and pathetic.
They blame beer every year yet always freeze spirits' duty. Why is this? Do they not realise that £5 vodka bottles are the real route of the mess of the alcoholicism which some people face?
Beer is always branded as an escape goat because education on beer is so poor in this country. They have their agendas confused and cross-wired and for CAMRA to jump into bed with this is disgusting.
A lot of pre-war beers were above 7.5% and this new tax will hurt breweries whom brew beers above that abv. To stifle that is disgusting. CAMRA are being hypocritical again about the industry and are ignoring imperial stouts and barely wines which are traditional and British and should be rewarded with production instead of condemned with an unfair tax levy.
The greed of the Government is disgusting. They see this is an easy option as a cash cow and are not focusing at all on why there is the problems which this country has To demolish £5 vodka bottles is a start. Make those £15+ and then you have a bitter situation. Beer is an escape goat and it's unjustified and pathetic.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Brewmasters: The Series - Episode One - Dogfish Head and Miles Davis' project
I watched it this morning.
It’s VERY discovery style orientated. Similar to the Motor City series but on craft beer.
It goes into the science; it follows the process and is basically a fast forward how to brew a new batch with the goofs and the mistakes thrown in for good measure. It’s well weighted and well paced with comedy and quirky elements which Sam pulls of well.
The rap song yes is a little annoying but it’s tv and Sam understands that some viewers need a break.
It’s a good show and I think it’s great for the exposure of a fantastic brand. I just hope the programme makers focus on other fantastic microbreweries such as Captain Lawrence; Great Divide, Stone and Alesmith.
It would be great to watch a different focus on world class breweries. If they need someone to take a camera around Europe I’m free!
Great for craft beer and great for learning on the core businesses.
It’s VERY discovery style orientated. Similar to the Motor City series but on craft beer.
It goes into the science; it follows the process and is basically a fast forward how to brew a new batch with the goofs and the mistakes thrown in for good measure. It’s well weighted and well paced with comedy and quirky elements which Sam pulls of well.
The rap song yes is a little annoying but it’s tv and Sam understands that some viewers need a break.
It’s a good show and I think it’s great for the exposure of a fantastic brand. I just hope the programme makers focus on other fantastic microbreweries such as Captain Lawrence; Great Divide, Stone and Alesmith.
It would be great to watch a different focus on world class breweries. If they need someone to take a camera around Europe I’m free!
Great for craft beer and great for learning on the core businesses.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Brewdog Abstrakt 002 Night
Last night a craft beer scene emerged openly. The patrons of the arts' world from the Tate were invited to merge with the craft beer tickers; managers and writers. The venue was pumped with the adolation and expectation of another Brewdog experimental wonder.
A packed out 'Cask and Kitchen' in Pimlico was the venue. Have never seen the craft beer community and the arts' scene merge so succesfully. Hats off to Brewdog for this quite frankly genius and spactacular marketing skill.
Arrived in the venue pretty drained from an hour and a half train ride. Walk to the bar and bump into fellow rating friends and order a Hardcore. Let me tell you about Hardcore. When this is on form it is like the finest UK double IPA. The malt character is so well balanced. It's incredibly outstandingly drinkable for an astonishing 9.2% IPA. The crystal malts, the caramel body and the juicy fruit texture combine to leave you gasping on the floor for more.
The quality when fresh is outstanding. The balance and lacing is spot on. The smooth succulate sip to the bottom of the glass knocks me for six every time it's fresh.
The fact it was on cask and in a half pint measure for under £2 was thoroughly awesome. Thak you Cask and Kitchen for this.
The pub also provided us with Punk IPA Batch, 123; the 5.A.M Saint, 77 Lager, Trashy Blonde and Hardcore. Tom Cadden, their regional sales' manager for London informed that this was to be the biggest Brewdog event yet in London. I just had to attend. It did not dissapoint.
I conversed with tickers before meeting Brewdog's new Scottish sales' person. A very entertaining and passionate marketing man. Very keen to show to us, craft beer lovers, that Brewdog is keen to expand and innovate and set a trend for introducing new beers at an outstanding capacity rate. Great to meet you, Richard!
To his credit he was very keen for us to report back when we have a dodgy or inconsistent ale from Brewdog. I mentioned I have been reporting to Tom when the beer has fluctuated in recent times. As a genius cellar man Tom knows his stuff and can definitely sort out issues with conditioning at other pubs. Despite specific instructions from Brewdog HQ, bars and pubs still manage to screw up their beer!
The Absrakt 002 tastings was conducted after a simulating speech by Richard. Very brave to dive into the UK scene like that. I felt he did admirably. Not only was the pub fall; not only had he just met people in the pub that day but also there was the art scene from the Tate Modern which meant an even trickier crowd to manage. A bunch of drunks like me were just easy pickings.
After the speech the Abstrakt 002 was produced like some sort of holy grail. Contained in a silver; transparent and substantial glass. The beer was keg conditioned. As the crowd realised that the beer was available there was a massive surge towards the bar.
The bar was absolutely rammed. I had bought a few for friends and consumed one myself. The beer is tripple dry-hopped and at 18%. I tasted more pears than vanilla however the vanilla was hidden. There was a large caramel base and the appearance was very brown-mild ale style; redding out on the edges. I was very impressed with the appearance. For some reason the dryness, pears and the sweet crystal malts for me just didn't work. I'm not a fan of dry beers. I felt really odd and cold as the original Abstrakt 001 was outstanding.
I enjoyed the beer but was just left a little let down. I then switched to Hardcore and Punk IPA batch 123 which I believe is their best batch. For some reason the pint of Punk does not contain so much grapefruit notes as the bottles do. I found it especially drinkable and regard it as an excellent lager and one you can come back to again and again. A very assuringly retailed price too and available in supermarkets. Surrounding critics agreed that the grapefruit element was weaker compared to the bottled conditioned Punk but it was a thoroughly enjoyable session beer. The alcohol is very well hidden and drinkability is awesome.
The event petered out and it was left to the crowd to try the beers; enjoy the company and write some buzz words on the wipe board which they produced.
All in all a fantastic night and I hope they strive to do this again and again. It is really great that during this recession a brewery such as Brewdog can profit and enable its customers to share their beer with core members of their team. The pub benefits from the turn out of both the art and the beer world. The pub is likely to become a major success given the strength of their conditioning and their newly inspired bottle beer fridges. Just a shame that Abstrakt 002 didn't live up to the expectations. Maybe Brewdog have just raised the bar and made even the good neglectable??
A great night with many thanks to the Brewdog team for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Time for a little rest now.
You too, can judge for yourself as the beer is retailing on their website. Go here for the experience.
A packed out 'Cask and Kitchen' in Pimlico was the venue. Have never seen the craft beer community and the arts' scene merge so succesfully. Hats off to Brewdog for this quite frankly genius and spactacular marketing skill.
Arrived in the venue pretty drained from an hour and a half train ride. Walk to the bar and bump into fellow rating friends and order a Hardcore. Let me tell you about Hardcore. When this is on form it is like the finest UK double IPA. The malt character is so well balanced. It's incredibly outstandingly drinkable for an astonishing 9.2% IPA. The crystal malts, the caramel body and the juicy fruit texture combine to leave you gasping on the floor for more.
The quality when fresh is outstanding. The balance and lacing is spot on. The smooth succulate sip to the bottom of the glass knocks me for six every time it's fresh.
The fact it was on cask and in a half pint measure for under £2 was thoroughly awesome. Thak you Cask and Kitchen for this.
The pub also provided us with Punk IPA Batch, 123; the 5.A.M Saint, 77 Lager, Trashy Blonde and Hardcore. Tom Cadden, their regional sales' manager for London informed that this was to be the biggest Brewdog event yet in London. I just had to attend. It did not dissapoint.
I conversed with tickers before meeting Brewdog's new Scottish sales' person. A very entertaining and passionate marketing man. Very keen to show to us, craft beer lovers, that Brewdog is keen to expand and innovate and set a trend for introducing new beers at an outstanding capacity rate. Great to meet you, Richard!
To his credit he was very keen for us to report back when we have a dodgy or inconsistent ale from Brewdog. I mentioned I have been reporting to Tom when the beer has fluctuated in recent times. As a genius cellar man Tom knows his stuff and can definitely sort out issues with conditioning at other pubs. Despite specific instructions from Brewdog HQ, bars and pubs still manage to screw up their beer!
The Absrakt 002 tastings was conducted after a simulating speech by Richard. Very brave to dive into the UK scene like that. I felt he did admirably. Not only was the pub fall; not only had he just met people in the pub that day but also there was the art scene from the Tate Modern which meant an even trickier crowd to manage. A bunch of drunks like me were just easy pickings.
After the speech the Abstrakt 002 was produced like some sort of holy grail. Contained in a silver; transparent and substantial glass. The beer was keg conditioned. As the crowd realised that the beer was available there was a massive surge towards the bar.
The bar was absolutely rammed. I had bought a few for friends and consumed one myself. The beer is tripple dry-hopped and at 18%. I tasted more pears than vanilla however the vanilla was hidden. There was a large caramel base and the appearance was very brown-mild ale style; redding out on the edges. I was very impressed with the appearance. For some reason the dryness, pears and the sweet crystal malts for me just didn't work. I'm not a fan of dry beers. I felt really odd and cold as the original Abstrakt 001 was outstanding.
I enjoyed the beer but was just left a little let down. I then switched to Hardcore and Punk IPA batch 123 which I believe is their best batch. For some reason the pint of Punk does not contain so much grapefruit notes as the bottles do. I found it especially drinkable and regard it as an excellent lager and one you can come back to again and again. A very assuringly retailed price too and available in supermarkets. Surrounding critics agreed that the grapefruit element was weaker compared to the bottled conditioned Punk but it was a thoroughly enjoyable session beer. The alcohol is very well hidden and drinkability is awesome.
The event petered out and it was left to the crowd to try the beers; enjoy the company and write some buzz words on the wipe board which they produced.
All in all a fantastic night and I hope they strive to do this again and again. It is really great that during this recession a brewery such as Brewdog can profit and enable its customers to share their beer with core members of their team. The pub benefits from the turn out of both the art and the beer world. The pub is likely to become a major success given the strength of their conditioning and their newly inspired bottle beer fridges. Just a shame that Abstrakt 002 didn't live up to the expectations. Maybe Brewdog have just raised the bar and made even the good neglectable??
A great night with many thanks to the Brewdog team for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Time for a little rest now.
You too, can judge for yourself as the beer is retailing on their website. Go here for the experience.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
World Cup Beers
It's that once every four years' experience. The echelon of the profesional game. The grandest exposure of the art of football on the planet. The grandest field to play your game. The competition you need to excel at to show your value as a world class professional footballer.
The World Cup. Maybe just the finest tournament in the world. One tournament worth an astronomical amount to the economy. One of the tournaments where companies whom know nothing about football decide all their marketing should be based around the beautiful game. The TV sales shoot up and companies try and push the latest technology so you can really feel like you're there but you're really in Nebraska.
So what does this mean for the best brand in the world? What does this mean for beer? Beer I tell you.
Supermarkets sell cut price crates to the discerning publc. They are desperate to flog you high brand poor quality beers accross their shelves. They ignore the craft scene completely. Do the majors release world cup beers? No. The craft beer scene is full of them.
Beers such as sheps 4-4-2; Robinsons 4-4-2. Woodfordes Game On, Acorn - England's Dreaming, Green King's Back of The Net, all this before the tournament is on!
The world cup of beers. Well for me you would have to have a beer representing each country. Let's put all the countries best micro beers together and see how the beers rival the football.
From Group A I would have:
Mexico - Casta Unica - Especialidades Cerveceras (FEMSA), Apodaca Nuevo Leon, Mexico
France - La Bavaisienne Ambrée - Brasserie Theillier, Bavay, France
South Africa - Helderbräu Lager - Helderbräu Brewery, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
Uruguay - FNC Patricia Dunkel - Montevideo, Uruguay
From Group B:
Argentina - Murrays Old Ale - Murrays Cerveza Artesanal - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Greece - Zeos Pilsner (Unpasteurized) - Argos, Argolida, Greece
Nigeria - Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (Nigeria) - Lagos, Nigeria
South Korea - Platinum Microbrewery - Seoul, South Korea
Group C
Algeria - Schems Bavaroise - Sab Miller - Oran, Algeria
England - Old Chimneys Good King Henry Special Reserve - Diss - England
Slovenia - Laško Termalni Desert - Laško, Slovenia
United States - Three Floyds Oak Aged Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout - Munster, Indiana, USA
Group D
Australia - Redoak Baltic Porter - Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe - Sydney, Australia
Germany - Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock - Brauerei Aying - Aying, Germany
Ghana - Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (Ghana) - Guinness Ghana - Kumasi, Ghana
Serbia - Krugher & Brent Extra Stout - Ritiševo, Serbia
Group E
Cameroon - Beaufort 8.9 - Les Brasseries du Cameroun (BGI) - Douala, Cameroon
Denmark - Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel - Mikkeller - Copenhagen V, Denmark
Japan - Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout - Kiuchi Brewery, Ibaraki, Japan
Netherlands - De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis (Wild Turkey Barrel) - De Molen - Bodegraven, Netherlands
Group F
Italy - Panil Barriquée (Sour) - Panil Birra Artigianale - Birrificio Torrechiara - Torrechiara-Parma, Italy
New Zealand - Epic Armageddon IPA - Steam Brewing Company - Auckland, New Zealand
Paraguay - Brahma Beats - Cerveceria Paraguaya - Cervepar - Ypané, Paraguay
Slovakia - Popper Palatin 16% - Pivovar Popper Bytca, Slovak Republic
Group G
Brazil - Eisenbahn Lust - Cervejaria Sudbrack - Blumenau, Brazil
Ivory Coast - Mamba - Solibra - Abidjan, Ivory Coast
North Korea - Taedonggang 15P - Taedonggang Beer Brewery - Pyongyang, North Korea
Portugal - Lusitana Double Bock - Cervejeira Lusitana (Unicer) - Carnaxide-Oeiras, Portugal
Group H
Spain - Agullons Setembre - Masia Agullons - Sant Juan de Mediona, Spain
Switzerland - BFM Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien 2004 - BFM (Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes) - Saignelégier, Switzerland
Hundorus - Cerveza Port Royal Export - Cerveceria Hondurena (SABMiller) - Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Chille - Szot Strong Ale 12% - Szot Microbrewery - Santiago, Chile
So there we have it. The countries and their most highest rated beer according to Rate Beer.com - a general consumer forum group for rating and reviewing beers; pubs and shops selling beer.
If each beer could be consumed whilst teams play each other it would be a great experience. Trying obscure cult classics and micros no one's heard of. The competition would grow so other beers could be introduced. The beers could be pit against each other and for an overall winner.
I for certain don't see Dark Lord being rated less than a micro larger from Brazil.
These are some pointers for you to sink when you are watching the cup. If you were thinking hey what is their countries best beer in a consumer focus group? Then this site is a great source and I have compiled them here for your amusment. To have these beers against each other well that would be an insane tasting evening but one I would be thrilled to attend. There is a lot more to beer than a huge macro and much more out there.
Please don't be ignorant of the high flying micros. Please try these during the world cup and try and seek out the opposition's favourites. This is a discovery and a cup is the perfect way to seek new beers and cultures.
I will be sinking Punk IPA from Scotland during the world cup. Feeling sorry that our neighbours aren't in the competition. If Glyn puts on his mighty Motley during the event I will try and have that too. Wales are not in the competition either.
Looking forward to the summer ale festivals which I will write about later.
Have a good tournament. Enjoy and don't be fooled by the marketing scams.
The World Cup. Maybe just the finest tournament in the world. One tournament worth an astronomical amount to the economy. One of the tournaments where companies whom know nothing about football decide all their marketing should be based around the beautiful game. The TV sales shoot up and companies try and push the latest technology so you can really feel like you're there but you're really in Nebraska.
So what does this mean for the best brand in the world? What does this mean for beer? Beer I tell you.
Supermarkets sell cut price crates to the discerning publc. They are desperate to flog you high brand poor quality beers accross their shelves. They ignore the craft scene completely. Do the majors release world cup beers? No. The craft beer scene is full of them.
Beers such as sheps 4-4-2; Robinsons 4-4-2. Woodfordes Game On, Acorn - England's Dreaming, Green King's Back of The Net, all this before the tournament is on!
The world cup of beers. Well for me you would have to have a beer representing each country. Let's put all the countries best micro beers together and see how the beers rival the football.
From Group A I would have:
Mexico - Casta Unica - Especialidades Cerveceras (FEMSA), Apodaca Nuevo Leon, Mexico
France - La Bavaisienne Ambrée - Brasserie Theillier, Bavay, France
South Africa - Helderbräu Lager - Helderbräu Brewery, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
Uruguay - FNC Patricia Dunkel - Montevideo, Uruguay
From Group B:
Argentina - Murrays Old Ale - Murrays Cerveza Artesanal - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Greece - Zeos Pilsner (Unpasteurized) - Argos, Argolida, Greece
Nigeria - Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (Nigeria) - Lagos, Nigeria
South Korea - Platinum Microbrewery - Seoul, South Korea
Group C
Algeria - Schems Bavaroise - Sab Miller - Oran, Algeria
England - Old Chimneys Good King Henry Special Reserve - Diss - England
Slovenia - Laško Termalni Desert - Laško, Slovenia
United States - Three Floyds Oak Aged Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout - Munster, Indiana, USA
Group D
Australia - Redoak Baltic Porter - Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe - Sydney, Australia
Germany - Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock - Brauerei Aying - Aying, Germany
Ghana - Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (Ghana) - Guinness Ghana - Kumasi, Ghana
Serbia - Krugher & Brent Extra Stout - Ritiševo, Serbia
Group E
Cameroon - Beaufort 8.9 - Les Brasseries du Cameroun (BGI) - Douala, Cameroon
Denmark - Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel - Mikkeller - Copenhagen V, Denmark
Japan - Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout - Kiuchi Brewery, Ibaraki, Japan
Netherlands - De Molen Hel & Verdoemenis (Wild Turkey Barrel) - De Molen - Bodegraven, Netherlands
Group F
Italy - Panil Barriquée (Sour) - Panil Birra Artigianale - Birrificio Torrechiara - Torrechiara-Parma, Italy
New Zealand - Epic Armageddon IPA - Steam Brewing Company - Auckland, New Zealand
Paraguay - Brahma Beats - Cerveceria Paraguaya - Cervepar - Ypané, Paraguay
Slovakia - Popper Palatin 16% - Pivovar Popper Bytca, Slovak Republic
Group G
Brazil - Eisenbahn Lust - Cervejaria Sudbrack - Blumenau, Brazil
Ivory Coast - Mamba - Solibra - Abidjan, Ivory Coast
North Korea - Taedonggang 15P - Taedonggang Beer Brewery - Pyongyang, North Korea
Portugal - Lusitana Double Bock - Cervejeira Lusitana (Unicer) - Carnaxide-Oeiras, Portugal
Group H
Spain - Agullons Setembre - Masia Agullons - Sant Juan de Mediona, Spain
Switzerland - BFM Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien 2004 - BFM (Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes) - Saignelégier, Switzerland
Hundorus - Cerveza Port Royal Export - Cerveceria Hondurena (SABMiller) - Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Chille - Szot Strong Ale 12% - Szot Microbrewery - Santiago, Chile
So there we have it. The countries and their most highest rated beer according to Rate Beer.com - a general consumer forum group for rating and reviewing beers; pubs and shops selling beer.
If each beer could be consumed whilst teams play each other it would be a great experience. Trying obscure cult classics and micros no one's heard of. The competition would grow so other beers could be introduced. The beers could be pit against each other and for an overall winner.
I for certain don't see Dark Lord being rated less than a micro larger from Brazil.
These are some pointers for you to sink when you are watching the cup. If you were thinking hey what is their countries best beer in a consumer focus group? Then this site is a great source and I have compiled them here for your amusment. To have these beers against each other well that would be an insane tasting evening but one I would be thrilled to attend. There is a lot more to beer than a huge macro and much more out there.
Please don't be ignorant of the high flying micros. Please try these during the world cup and try and seek out the opposition's favourites. This is a discovery and a cup is the perfect way to seek new beers and cultures.
I will be sinking Punk IPA from Scotland during the world cup. Feeling sorry that our neighbours aren't in the competition. If Glyn puts on his mighty Motley during the event I will try and have that too. Wales are not in the competition either.
Looking forward to the summer ale festivals which I will write about later.
Have a good tournament. Enjoy and don't be fooled by the marketing scams.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
A True Recession - Beer Is The Key
When you think of luxurious alcoholic products you immediately become aware that you're going to spend a substantial amount. If you want the best this is a general sods law of the beverages' industry. With beer however there is a better way of economics. You DON'T have to spend a lot to consume the BEST.
The best beer in the world is considered to be Westvlereten 12. This beer is in VERY high demand. You may think this beer costs as much as a Grand Classe Cru or some other ostentatious fine beverage. It doesn't. I can acquire it at a De Struise auction shop for very little. Ok you have to pay postage and packaging and wait for customs to clear it but if you WANT the best you can buy it.
You can get it direct here. Please bare in mind they are only selling limited quantities at the moment. I was lucky to get mine and now you may have to wait for fresh stock. They are brewers based in Vleteren which is close to Saint Sixtus, where Westvleteren is brewed, so minimum traveling involed from Saint Sixtus to De Struise. A small disclaimer if you will. I paid under 4 Euros for this. Other sources it sells for 6 Euros MORE.
I went to the Kulminator last March and found you don't need to pay a lot for a vintage either. I paid 15 Euros for a Chimay Rouge from 1982! I was astounded by the oaky woody notes I received from the beer. A definite sherry flavour laced around the caramel base. This is due to the aging. Certain beers can hapily sit there and age. Even milds can age and they are relatively low abv. However the problem with aging beers is you instantly lose the hop appeal. You have to have a beer fresh to get the hops. Blondes are always better straight away but the brunnettes age with find distinction. This has happend regularly on my findings. I am currently aging Thomas O'Hardy's from 2008. Along with a Westvleteren 12 from 1996 and an Achel Exstra bomber.
Anyway back to the point. Today I received from an order from Beermerchants a mixed personally selected crate of beers. 3 Fonteinen 2005 vintage, a superb geuze from Belgium, Brewdog's 77 Larger and Zietgeist, the famous Port Brewing's Wipeout IPA; Old Viscosity and Santas Little Helpa 2008! I also received a Rochefort 10 (also in top 100), Mikkeller Black Hole, Moor Tripple J, Old Freddie Walker and Merlin's Magic.
The grand total of these mainly very highly rated and globally appreciated beers?? Not even more than £80! This included delivery. I paid £74.80. This is the equivilant of ONE St Julien! Now I love my fine wine but as beer economics goes and I've been hit by the global supressive recession I forsee that beer drinking and beer buying is the way forward. I can no longer afford to acquire my descent grand classe crues which in England are easily £30 a bottle. I used to buy Margaux at £35 but now I can't do that. I got my tax credits recently and decided to buy a mixed crate when I can still get these beers.
I am pretty convinced there will be a trend away from wine and other beverages to beer. Beer is high quality, beer has its health benefits with moderation and there is a massive social element to beer drinking. I believe that craft beer will ride the recession as it is a cheaper option and more reliable option than the Bordaux circuit for instance. Champagne sales have plumbeted recently. There are a lot of reserves UNTAPED and beer is selling through the roof. Craft brewers are popping up like there is no tomorrow. Not too long ago Mikkeller wasn't even a brewery. Now it is setting trends for microbeers in Denmark like nothing else. They have an amazing array of beers.
Domestic ale sales are on the increase. Ale has a small tax benefit in the UK so people are realising this and trying out ale for the first time due to their economic worries. Ale is benefiting from this and due to this there are a lot of new craft ale brewers in the country. There is a graet growth at the moment for the industry. Here is an article from Roger Protz on the current state.
You can save a fantastic amount of cash if you are smart and use the right resources. I shop at Beermerchants. They are rated very highly by the Rate Beer community. This site is an awesome guide to find out the best beers from the consumer perspective and ratings are fair and sometimes conducted during blind tastings. There is no corporate side to rate beer. It is not owned by a brewery but run by a great guy called Joe Tucker.
Do yourself a favour. If you want to get into beer and you want to do it properly and to learn about the hops and the funk and the brett and the intensity of the lambics then log in, try a few beers, write on them and buy them. There are links to shops and resources on the places' page.
A recession comes accross as markets contract globally. People lose jobs. Business die. Business become taken over by new chairmans. Businesses collapse.
It's a worrying time but there is always good and cheap beer. Instead of getting smashed on champagne show some true class and buy some beer. Beer is a fraction of the cost and the taste is something you will come back to again and again. If you don't like it just try a different beer. That beer could be shot or just bland and awful. Have another. Wait for something else. Stay away from the macro big business and stick to the micros. There are some great cases options at Beermerchants so start there. £35 a mixed crate or a bottle of Margaux Grand Classe Cru????
Enjoy, sit back and have your mates in envy at your ever increasing cellar. I have one, although pretty primitive. I will write up about that later. Cheers.
The best beer in the world is considered to be Westvlereten 12. This beer is in VERY high demand. You may think this beer costs as much as a Grand Classe Cru or some other ostentatious fine beverage. It doesn't. I can acquire it at a De Struise auction shop for very little. Ok you have to pay postage and packaging and wait for customs to clear it but if you WANT the best you can buy it.
You can get it direct here. Please bare in mind they are only selling limited quantities at the moment. I was lucky to get mine and now you may have to wait for fresh stock. They are brewers based in Vleteren which is close to Saint Sixtus, where Westvleteren is brewed, so minimum traveling involed from Saint Sixtus to De Struise. A small disclaimer if you will. I paid under 4 Euros for this. Other sources it sells for 6 Euros MORE.
I went to the Kulminator last March and found you don't need to pay a lot for a vintage either. I paid 15 Euros for a Chimay Rouge from 1982! I was astounded by the oaky woody notes I received from the beer. A definite sherry flavour laced around the caramel base. This is due to the aging. Certain beers can hapily sit there and age. Even milds can age and they are relatively low abv. However the problem with aging beers is you instantly lose the hop appeal. You have to have a beer fresh to get the hops. Blondes are always better straight away but the brunnettes age with find distinction. This has happend regularly on my findings. I am currently aging Thomas O'Hardy's from 2008. Along with a Westvleteren 12 from 1996 and an Achel Exstra bomber.
Anyway back to the point. Today I received from an order from Beermerchants a mixed personally selected crate of beers. 3 Fonteinen 2005 vintage, a superb geuze from Belgium, Brewdog's 77 Larger and Zietgeist, the famous Port Brewing's Wipeout IPA; Old Viscosity and Santas Little Helpa 2008! I also received a Rochefort 10 (also in top 100), Mikkeller Black Hole, Moor Tripple J, Old Freddie Walker and Merlin's Magic.
The grand total of these mainly very highly rated and globally appreciated beers?? Not even more than £80! This included delivery. I paid £74.80. This is the equivilant of ONE St Julien! Now I love my fine wine but as beer economics goes and I've been hit by the global supressive recession I forsee that beer drinking and beer buying is the way forward. I can no longer afford to acquire my descent grand classe crues which in England are easily £30 a bottle. I used to buy Margaux at £35 but now I can't do that. I got my tax credits recently and decided to buy a mixed crate when I can still get these beers.
I am pretty convinced there will be a trend away from wine and other beverages to beer. Beer is high quality, beer has its health benefits with moderation and there is a massive social element to beer drinking. I believe that craft beer will ride the recession as it is a cheaper option and more reliable option than the Bordaux circuit for instance. Champagne sales have plumbeted recently. There are a lot of reserves UNTAPED and beer is selling through the roof. Craft brewers are popping up like there is no tomorrow. Not too long ago Mikkeller wasn't even a brewery. Now it is setting trends for microbeers in Denmark like nothing else. They have an amazing array of beers.
Domestic ale sales are on the increase. Ale has a small tax benefit in the UK so people are realising this and trying out ale for the first time due to their economic worries. Ale is benefiting from this and due to this there are a lot of new craft ale brewers in the country. There is a graet growth at the moment for the industry. Here is an article from Roger Protz on the current state.
You can save a fantastic amount of cash if you are smart and use the right resources. I shop at Beermerchants. They are rated very highly by the Rate Beer community. This site is an awesome guide to find out the best beers from the consumer perspective and ratings are fair and sometimes conducted during blind tastings. There is no corporate side to rate beer. It is not owned by a brewery but run by a great guy called Joe Tucker.
Do yourself a favour. If you want to get into beer and you want to do it properly and to learn about the hops and the funk and the brett and the intensity of the lambics then log in, try a few beers, write on them and buy them. There are links to shops and resources on the places' page.
A recession comes accross as markets contract globally. People lose jobs. Business die. Business become taken over by new chairmans. Businesses collapse.
It's a worrying time but there is always good and cheap beer. Instead of getting smashed on champagne show some true class and buy some beer. Beer is a fraction of the cost and the taste is something you will come back to again and again. If you don't like it just try a different beer. That beer could be shot or just bland and awful. Have another. Wait for something else. Stay away from the macro big business and stick to the micros. There are some great cases options at Beermerchants so start there. £35 a mixed crate or a bottle of Margaux Grand Classe Cru????
Enjoy, sit back and have your mates in envy at your ever increasing cellar. I have one, although pretty primitive. I will write up about that later. Cheers.
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