tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25258014443505861692024-03-13T00:27:30.886+00:00pintsizedtickerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-9061636979556010912013-02-15T00:30:00.000+00:002013-02-15T00:30:00.050+00:00Ticking in 2012I'm not going to meet my target. 335 beers in 335 days. From the start of the blog to my wedding day. At the moment I have 151 beers left to try and less than 36 days in which to drink them. Wedding planning is reaching a whole new level, dwindling funds are being directed towards name cards and glass hire.<br />
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But, the target is no longer the important thing. It began as a focus for the blog, and a way in which to structure an education into beer. My journey isn't finished. It won't be finished at the end of the 335 days. It will never be finished. That said, my knowledge has increased tenfold. To those who aren't in the know, I can impart a little wisdom, and to those who are, I can at least keep up with the conversation, even occasionally contribute. Mr Ticker and I share yet another interest, and that's incredibly valuable to me. <br />
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This week I watched Jamie and Jimmy's Food Fight, and it was beer related, a battle between British and Belgian beers. During the show I got embarrassingly excited because I guessed beers that would come up before they mentioned them, and recognised bottles from a distance. All a bit sad pants, but I don't care, I had fun!<br />
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So, I may be on track to lose the challenge.... But winning comes in many different forms...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-40987077734039752182013-02-08T00:30:00.000+00:002013-02-08T00:30:02.276+00:00Norfolk Spoils 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our temporary scoring method (see previous post)<br /><br />180: Old Stoat Wobbler, Beeston Brewery, 6%<br />A dark stout, smells lovely, coffee, slightly burnt coffee. Taste didn't match up to it though. Tasted a bit of coffee, liquorice root and hazelnutty. Perfectly ok flavours, but not as rich as expected and let down on the whole by the strange, flat carbonation, which made it feel thin and really let it down. Perhaps a good beer for cooking with. A 4/10.<br /><br /><div>
181: Twisted Porter, Norfolk Squared Brewery, 6%<br />A porter described as having hints of cocoa nibs, chilli and coffee. The chilli was the flavour that made us pick it I think. Quite highly anticipated. Smelled really odd, like fresh chilli and liquorice root. To taste, a hint of chilli... a weird sweetness thing... creamy texture. Everyone agreed that it didn't do what it said on the tin. One tasting note included the description: "the vomit of the crow that picked the eyes out of a dead frog". We weren't keen. 1/10.<br /><br />182: Smokehouse Porter, Poppyland, 5.7%<br />We ended up with very few notes for this beer, it was a better carbonation, not particularly smokey but hints of it, smelled hoppy, definitely tasted hoppy for a porter. It turned out the hops are smoked, not the malt. We liked it. Mr Ticker liked it a lot. 8/10.<br /><br />183: Amber Ale, The Norfolk Brewhouse, 4%<br />Perhaps we served this too warm. A split opinion on this beer, half of us liked it, half of us thought it was only ok. It smelled very sweet and tasted a bit so too, more malt and yeast flavours than hops. A 5/10.<br /><br />184: Ruby Ale, The Norfolk Brewhouse, 4%<br />Tasted really similar to the Amber, we guessed the brewery uses the same yeast in both beers. A darker beer, looked like a sherry in colour. Smelled almost like a sherry too, slightly sweet and a bit woody. A couple of the group had tried this before and said this tasting wasn't as good as the previous time. But weren't sure if they were being influenced by other beers they had tried that evening or if the bottle wasn't as good. 6/10.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-87712739241124697702013-02-01T00:30:00.000+00:002013-02-01T00:30:02.267+00:00Norfolk Spoils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We managed to steal a 4 day trip to Norfolk and Cambridge with some very good friends. Not wanting the trip to be all consumed with beer notes and chasing round the county trying to find local beers we hadn't planned on blogging. But, when we passed a sign for a shop that our guests knew proclaiming 60 different Norfolk beers we could not pass the opportunity, and our hosts were keen to join in.<br /><br />We agreed on using a different format: scoring beers as a group unanimously out of 10, 0 being a beer so disgusting it moved you to tears, and 10 being a beer so amazing it moved you to tears. There were 5 of us so opinions sometimes varied, but will try and represent everyone!<br /><br />177: Citraville, Old Slewfoot, 3.9%<br />Chosen because of the name, and one of my favourite hops. Citrusy, peachy, fruity. A refreshing sessionable beer, really fine bubbles, almost champagne-like. Perhaps a slight metallic aftertaste. Some debate about the score, withh our guest contributors rating it lower than ourselves, but we settled on a crowd pleasing 7/10.<br /><br />178: Honey Ale, Norfolk, 5%<br />Hints of honey to smell, but not so much to taste. Not too sweet, acceptable, but certainly not punchy flavours. Rich, full, mouthfeel. General consensus was "alright". 5/10.<br /><br />179: On the Edge Saison, Poppyland, 6.3%<br />We'd already heard of this brewery before the trip via twitter, and were hoping to try some. A saison, notoriously not one of my favourite styles. To me it smelt like a muted version of a typical saison, banana and spicy. Others got apple and muscovado sugar, reminiscent of German weisbiers. To taste, it was not overpowering phenol, rather delicate but complex. It tasted as though it should have been sweeter but actually was verging towards a sour beer, hence the name. A strong 6/10.<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-83770647597290152262013-01-21T14:52:00.000+00:002013-01-21T15:26:20.188+00:00Merry Christmas Eve<br />
Mr Ticker was working Christmas Day, so we had a treat night together o Christmas Eve. Home made chicken liver pâté, a couple of steaks and Christmas pudding... Hohoho! Of course, such celebrating could not take place without a couple of beers to accompany the evening... So...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0aX8NFNz02kTKnKyKBxVt2itDUXMfC7P4K-OQz5iDiJDbyo_-qC4FFK9i_O9qMspqegp2FAkk0wu51xgf1NgQk3n2KunAc0Nx1Z0BezJQkA7xmzYVlpbNwkR5dEH8sq2T9OvKdfOMh4/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0aX8NFNz02kTKnKyKBxVt2itDUXMfC7P4K-OQz5iDiJDbyo_-qC4FFK9i_O9qMspqegp2FAkk0wu51xgf1NgQk3n2KunAc0Nx1Z0BezJQkA7xmzYVlpbNwkR5dEH8sq2T9OvKdfOMh4/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" width="320" /></a>171: White Stout, Durham Brewery, 7.2%<br />
Surprisingly sweet although Mr Ticker says stouts are supposed to be but are usually counteracted by a bitterness. Not much of a bitterness... More of a tang. A not sure if this is a different kind of bitterness or if it is from the carbonation. Mr Ticker wonders if this is because its an older bottle we have had in the cupboard for about six months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPllW1-jclO3WA-G5UiMn6xXpQkxQX9uVGjM8qbJDWRBxAwtdRyRKDgYaO37XR26P-37XEGkuBIKPDyvh-MPsfX4ylsbKuwavGyi6N_Gbs86IXf5vqrqsZ01bGtqjMtwq3uA5xt1s82Q/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPllW1-jclO3WA-G5UiMn6xXpQkxQX9uVGjM8qbJDWRBxAwtdRyRKDgYaO37XR26P-37XEGkuBIKPDyvh-MPsfX4ylsbKuwavGyi6N_Gbs86IXf5vqrqsZ01bGtqjMtwq3uA5xt1s82Q/s200/IMG_2132.JPG" width="200" /></a>172: Merry Xmoose, Purple Moose, 5%<br />
Dark colour but not stoutish. Expected colour from a Christmas beer, that of a Christmas pudding, but not opaque. Smells slightly sweet, portesque. Tastes full of flavour, sweet yet bitter, but not hoppy bitter... Really nice. I usually prefer my dark beers thick and cloyey, and this is not that, but having said that, it is a really good bottle!<br />
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Accompanied by Stilton and port flavour crisps! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaMhAZ_DSNSeSZUv6b-62mB-ON754kYP7ZU1DYYQkGJhptjhpUeJsCc4IPzk8WZ1wppo7yEqojRJ98L7bgI4OM80ikmsRvO9N2PjuSeKTDCnFmDeS066hPGyPXoA-eo9GOzgtd7X16Dc/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaMhAZ_DSNSeSZUv6b-62mB-ON754kYP7ZU1DYYQkGJhptjhpUeJsCc4IPzk8WZ1wppo7yEqojRJ98L7bgI4OM80ikmsRvO9N2PjuSeKTDCnFmDeS066hPGyPXoA-eo9GOzgtd7X16Dc/s320/IMG_2138.JPG" width="213" /></a>173: Hoppy Lovin' Christmas, Mikkeller, 7.8%<br />
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Smells sweet and spicy. Light in colour. Thick. So so thick. Despite the pale(ish) colour. Hint of spice. Orange. Just a hint mind. Heavy bitterness. As usual gorgeous beer from Mikkeller. <br />
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174: Viven Ale, Brouwerij van Viven, 5%<br />
Smells delicate. Pale. Tastes more malty and less hoppy by a long shot from the Mikkeller although its meant to be hoppy for the tourists, or so we were told. Nice. Spicy. Belgian. Still unsold on Belgian on the whole. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpG2XeF5L785ngpKbDE2Ce6mOylX36L5i1srhxa3VfdZSCBfyTEfySjWudfy8JQckS7mboYmyyNC-Lzo_P_gY9p9BztA_6zPI5Q5aioFZH1Ehufd-h0Rl6IZmDBWTz1Ndo2VDVaOB3m8/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpG2XeF5L785ngpKbDE2Ce6mOylX36L5i1srhxa3VfdZSCBfyTEfySjWudfy8JQckS7mboYmyyNC-Lzo_P_gY9p9BztA_6zPI5Q5aioFZH1Ehufd-h0Rl6IZmDBWTz1Ndo2VDVaOB3m8/s200/IMG_2139.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
175: Viven Blonde, Brouwerij van Viven, 6.8%<br />
Not a Wheat beer. Tastes it and smells it however... Maybe the choice of yeast. Nice enough but not my fave.<br />
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176: Taras Boulba, Brasserie de la Senne, 4.5%<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIVwzi_UItfQOHXYx3vkFagbZ0pR6euzAWuDTGLLXMxKcvYt430L-XScjbvjei0j079OaTH_NuPJpJrkL0ghebT-YRee4y64vWdFUQXXZhsfWIGz4hS4vwPUTLLkT6TYgh9hr3rEbRt0/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIVwzi_UItfQOHXYx3vkFagbZ0pR6euzAWuDTGLLXMxKcvYt430L-XScjbvjei0j079OaTH_NuPJpJrkL0ghebT-YRee4y64vWdFUQXXZhsfWIGz4hS4vwPUTLLkT6TYgh9hr3rEbRt0/s200/IMG_2141.JPG" width="200" /></a>So I've had a starter. And I'm full up. And there's still two courses of Christmas Eve spectacular food to go. And I'm a bit sloshed. As is the usual for me on Christmas Eve. But with that ever familiar voice over my shoulder reminding me not to overdo it and spoil the day tomorrow...<br />
So this smells exactly like the Viven blonde. And tastes almost identical. Except perhaps a tidge more bitter. Please, those of you who have infinite more beery expertise than me, bear in mind my inebriated state... But that's it really. Almost identical.<br />
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Happy (über belated) Christmas!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-79106620870845655812012-12-27T16:38:00.001+00:002012-12-27T16:38:07.093+00:00Golden Pint 2012<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /><a href="http://www.markdredge.co.uk/">Mark Dredge</a> and beer reviews <a href="http://www.beerreviews.co.uk/">Andy</a> are again organising the golden pint awards. I am new to the whole<a href="http://pintsizedticker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/wish-me-luck.html"> beer thing</a> so this is going to be spectacularly hard because most of the beers I have drunk and the experiences I have had have been new and exciting, and picking the best is going to be hard. Next year......that'll be easy I'll be a hardened drinker cynical of my likes and dislikes. Right?<br />Mr Ticker will also be giving his opinions.<br /><br /><u>Best UK draught beer</u><br />PT The Kernel double S.C.C.A.N.S IIPA<br />MT Magic Rock bourbon barrelled bearded lady<br /><br /><u>Best UK bottled or canned beer</u><br />PT The Kernel India pale ale Stella<br />MT The Kernel India pale ale citra<br /><br /><u>Best overseas draught beer</u><br />PT De Garre triple<br />MT De Garre triple<br /><br /><u>Best overseas bottled or canned beer</u><br />PT Einstock toasted porter<br />MT Mikkeller Nelson Sauvin single hop<br /><br /><u>Best overall beer</u><br />PT Hawkshead brewery Windermere pale<br />MT Thornbridge Jaipur<br /><br /><u>Best pumpclip or label</u><br />PT Mikkeller single hop series/10 hop/19 hop. I liked the single colour for the single hops and then the rainbow esque labels for the other two.<br />MT Anything by Redwillow.<br /><br /><u>Best UK brewery</u><br />PT So so so many but, partly due to the beer hall and experiences within and an always dependable and never bad beer Hawkshead brewery<br />MT Magic Rock<br /><br /><u>Best overseas brewery</u><br />PT Westvleteren<br />MT Mikkeller<br /><br /><u>Pub/Bar of the year</u><br />PT De Garre, Bruges<br />MT The Sparrow, Bradford<br /><br /><u>Beer festival of the year</u><br />PT Coopers beer festival<br />MT Coopers beer festival<br /><br /><u>Supermarket of the year</u><br />PT Booths<br />MT Booths<br /><br /><u>Independent retailer of the year</u><br />PT Beer ritz<br />MT Beer ritz<br /><br /><u>Online retailer of the year</u><br />Our Independent retailer of the year is so good and so close it negated the need for an online beer order this year.<br /><br /><u>Best beer book or magazine</u><br />Haven't read any, hopefully in 2013!<br /><br /><u>Best beer blog or website</u><br />PT The session in general<br />MT <a href="http://totalales.blogspot.co.uk/">TOTAL ALES </a>Matt Curtis<br /><br /><u>Best beer twitterer</u><br />PT @Bradfordbeer<br />MT @brouwervanklomp although he probably doesn't want the accolade!<br /><br /><u>Best online brewery presence</u><br />PT The Kernel for<a href="http://pintsizedticker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-kernel.html"> this piece</a> of brilliance, using the internet for entirely benevolent purposes!<br />MT Brewdog<br /><br /><u>Food and beer pairing of the year</u><br />PT Brewdog evening at Coopers Guiseley. A bit before the blog started but only just and it was this year!<br />MT De Garre triple and those tiny chunks of cheese they serve it with.<br /><br /><u>In 2013 I'd most like to...</u><br />PT complete my beer ticking challenge.<br />MT carry on encouraging pintsizedticker to buy and drink great beer.<br /><br /><u>Best beer drinking companion (and beneficiary)</u><br />Mr Ticker Snr, for buying a few eye wateringly expensive bottles of beer, sharing our journey with us and taking us to France, giving us an excuse to take him to WestvleterenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-2920216068081517902012-12-14T20:22:00.002+00:002012-12-14T20:22:37.902+00:00Street food + beer=happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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December 14th, a rare night off for both of us, at a time where everything seems very busy and cram packed with Christmas plans. We don't often get out on an evening, preferring a few beers in the afternoon, or evening beer drinking at home instead.... Old fogies in our late twenties, doesn't bode well for twenty years time!<br /><br />We visited the Sparrow, I've blogged before how much I like it <a href="http://pintsizedticker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/hello-sparrow.html" target="_blank">there</a>. It's the first time I've been there on a Friday night, and it was a lot busier than it usually is when I go, prompting me and Mr Ticker to find a quiet corner to hibernate in.<br /><br />The Sparrow have begun street food Friday where different foodie vans park up outside and serve up their grub. Tonight was El Topo (@ElTopoUK) which served burritos, tamales and quesadillas. We piped for a couple of burritos and a tamale to share, and were treated to a beautifully cooked, deliciously flavoured tea. Perfect with beer, perfect for an evening at the pub.<br /><br /> 169: Earl Grey IPA, Marble Brewery, 6%<br />Smells delicate, but full of flavour. Tastes sweet, with a hint of bitterness after the first mouthful. It tastes pretty. I think that is the best phrase to use. Not brash and in your face, but pleasant, with depth and easy to drink. A lovely treat after some recent abstention from beer.<br /><br />170: Winter Ale, De Koninck, 6.5%<br />I ordered this via Mr Ticker based purely on the name. I have to admit I was hoping for a stout, a rich heavy dark beer for a freezing winters night. Wasn't as I was hoping, but was still nice. My now familiar "red" flavour was predominant, and it was a nice enough beer. Perhaps a recent cold had squished my taste buds a bit, because Mr Ticker thought this tasted peppery... Couldn't taste this myself though.<br /><br />Sorry for the poor photographs I'm not going to take the big camera out on a Friday night. A shortish quiet evening, but a lovely venture out on a Friday night, thanks again Sparrow!<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-91509986587016156662012-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:002012-11-23T00:00:03.590+00:00USA: Beer Advice!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyE2PNcxoEzE1UwYSj5C8RAaYyX3QOP7LIJo5jWADlkDtS-gRU4Rm6gCwIAQFy_6N-Vx1w6hHsC8rjCcIXtB6jGuR4-MA_89A4LXVtFbB61hdudELd3qWBcRA4woAiF_Yre9cRgUhFNI/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyE2PNcxoEzE1UwYSj5C8RAaYyX3QOP7LIJo5jWADlkDtS-gRU4Rm6gCwIAQFy_6N-Vx1w6hHsC8rjCcIXtB6jGuR4-MA_89A4LXVtFbB61hdudELd3qWBcRA4woAiF_Yre9cRgUhFNI/s320/IMG_1215.JPG" width="213" /></a>Next year, Mr Ticker and myself are travelling to the US of A. Not until March, you understand, but being excited planner types, we want to get an itinerary set up! We would really like some advice and ideas about what beers to look for, and bars/pubs/breweries to visit whilst we are there. Flights are booked, but hotels, accommodation, and excursions are all open to suggestion, and we want to make the most of the time to explore beery goodness. It will be our honeymoon, so we are open to a little bit of extravagance. Please help!<br />
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First stop is San Francisco and Oakland.</div>
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Next, Vegas.</div>
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Finally New Orleans.</div>
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Any suggestions will be most gratefully received!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-71293485434565228662012-11-16T00:00:00.000+00:002012-11-16T00:00:00.457+00:00Something Something Something Something Dark Side<br />
I have a sweet tooth, I love chocolate, and biscuits. I like things that are full of malts and caramel. I drink far too much coffee. I like deep flavours and intensity. I used to be scared of dark beers. Their blackness intimidated me. That was until I realised that many of my favourite flavours can be packed into a stout. I can't say I prefer them over heavily hopped pale beers, because they aren't really comparable. But I certainly like to end an evening with a dark beer. Venturing into four dark beers in succession is a new experience for me, and an opportunity to compare and contrast some flavours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNZGe5ZaZlWTw7l2-WE6y-sb0Ud0vJlOq8PRLw57N3k27DWMCZL-P_kCHDX0X9Yb3JWDgH9KlW-3LmPunLwJw6hLWSzcx50mUPmRjUkcKRBWOzNuW1rfOhat4no41evT0R9qmSBgdwLo/s1600/IMG_1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNZGe5ZaZlWTw7l2-WE6y-sb0Ud0vJlOq8PRLw57N3k27DWMCZL-P_kCHDX0X9Yb3JWDgH9KlW-3LmPunLwJw6hLWSzcx50mUPmRjUkcKRBWOzNuW1rfOhat4no41evT0R9qmSBgdwLo/s400/IMG_1325.JPG" width="400" /></a>166: Barista, Summer Wine Brewery, 4.8%<br />
Not an especially strong abv for a dark beer, an espresso stout. Boy does it do what it says on the tin. Deeply flavoured with heavily roasted coffee, and hints of caramel. Absolutely delicious. I do enjoy when a beer is thicker than this (not sure if this is the right terminology), but I suppose that is down to the 4.8%.<br />
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166: Dark Arts, Magic Rock, 6%<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNa7C7Emb92DYF6U-dPcg2btowOewSK1difNb-vqBJML-J6EIDYMhlHh96tI4uJ2eGrEDyFGNhzDg6mH2coEYy7448CffJFHjssSHDPv-AtPvzv7nPJgVOYDi2CafsEi8UjsgRIexjhc/s1600/IMG_1330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNa7C7Emb92DYF6U-dPcg2btowOewSK1difNb-vqBJML-J6EIDYMhlHh96tI4uJ2eGrEDyFGNhzDg6mH2coEYy7448CffJFHjssSHDPv-AtPvzv7nPJgVOYDi2CafsEi8UjsgRIexjhc/s200/IMG_1330.JPG" width="200" /></a>Doesn't give off heavy aroma, slight burnt caramel. Tastes of hazlenut and buerre noisette. Ridiculously delicious. Not sure I agree with the tasting notes on the bottle of liquorice, blackberries and figs, but perhaps that is my taste buds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVqFWfi3O55kx0j8RotQKU_wiwrevukzlLXHMXP7SKoS-gq79SZB6AzSsvKcs86fZrhe6XZ5fPpyAvZBuOr3eU77ORmymu5AmRH_9C5hW7ZP-XzVgBUCQS_hMdIzedM9Y5hnm0RIQYhE/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVqFWfi3O55kx0j8RotQKU_wiwrevukzlLXHMXP7SKoS-gq79SZB6AzSsvKcs86fZrhe6XZ5fPpyAvZBuOr3eU77ORmymu5AmRH_9C5hW7ZP-XzVgBUCQS_hMdIzedM9Y5hnm0RIQYhE/s320/IMG_1329.JPG" width="320" /></a>167: Milk Stout, Left Hand Brewing Company, 6%<br />
My first milk stout. Brewed with lactose I believe. Chocolately smells. Sweeter tasting than the previous two beers, perhaps that is the lactose. Smooth, and not particularly bitter. Would have been nice to eat with icecream I think, the smoothness would have worked well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyE5R8hCfDK4W2kwwlLV2GL11nkiO8BlbgUF7Ls6mGvxFg6OOPBHbcQrn7lIO4c6vypAVxf_fWgOz6TI3whSFEaW-gJ-fP8Gfk2tvenYsvDcKMo65FsfNODwRZ6sc4riJqKqCg2YkU4c/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyE5R8hCfDK4W2kwwlLV2GL11nkiO8BlbgUF7Ls6mGvxFg6OOPBHbcQrn7lIO4c6vypAVxf_fWgOz6TI3whSFEaW-gJ-fP8Gfk2tvenYsvDcKMo65FsfNODwRZ6sc4riJqKqCg2YkU4c/s200/IMG_1332.JPG" width="200" /></a>168: Saint Petersburg, Thornbridge, 7.7%<br />
A Russian Imperial Stout. Not sure what imperial infers... with IPAs it seems to lead to a stronger more complex beer. Seemingly the same is true for this stout, as has a whole additional dimension. It still is sweetish, with notes of coffee, but also has a slight tang to it, and it richness adds to the intensity. The more you drink, the better it gets.<br />
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I think comparisons between light and dark beers should not be drawn because they are two totally different entities. I also think think it is hard to pick a favourite dark beer, when they display such robust flavours, and great variation. Barista was all about the coffee, Dart Arts had totally different predominant flavours. I would buy all of these beers again and again and again.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-85234878087368349982012-11-09T00:00:00.000+00:002012-11-09T00:00:03.368+00:00Beer Drinking Diet Style<br />
So, a brief return to beer with a vengeance. A long walk from our house all the way to The Sparrow justified a couple of beers (well three) and they certainly felt well deserved. As was out with friends, please excuse the brief descriptions!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaaCZXBSoMl19tOHTGaOIirstzFJ-_J1F8pXv3yleZI24LaQLz48ad9xMnwoGto1VNlaMg-RBTnnlZ1tecCyUf8p-zLayiT7KqYFhuiUiLWbkwxL0qcQyekcmCgDYjeNeCgKFyGIZZg8/s1600/diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaaCZXBSoMl19tOHTGaOIirstzFJ-_J1F8pXv3yleZI24LaQLz48ad9xMnwoGto1VNlaMg-RBTnnlZ1tecCyUf8p-zLayiT7KqYFhuiUiLWbkwxL0qcQyekcmCgDYjeNeCgKFyGIZZg8/s200/diet.jpg" width="149" /></a>162: Drink in the Sun, Mikkeller, 3.9%<br />
Pale in colour. Bitter. Very bitter for low strength beer. Smells a bit fruity. Nicely and carbonated. Grapefruit bitterness. Lovely. Much better than yesterday's.<br />
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163: High Wire NZ, Magic Rock, 5.5%<br />
Smells slightly floraly sweet. On cask not carbonated. Smooth. Slight bitterness. Can really smell the hops. Ever so slight farmyard hint.<br />
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164: Pearl Necklace, Flying Dog, 5.5%<br />
Very dark colour. Slight smokey rich coffee bitterness. Delicious. My perfect kind of beer. Something I've been missing for ages!!<br />
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I have missed having beer, which just goes to show how much of a beer geek I've become. At approx 394 calories for three halfs... the walk into Bradford didn't even come close to burning that off, and meant an early morning trip to Bolton Abbey the next day! Am glad I managed to have a few beers, and that I managed to compensate for them so I didn't spoil my hard work... just wish beer was less sinful!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-51746074412257949572012-11-02T00:00:00.000+00:002012-11-02T00:00:01.875+00:00Tasting The Booty... Belgian and French StyleHave continued to be quiet on the beer front over the last few weeks... dieting for wedding dress fittings has taken priority (not done too badly if I might say so myself!). A couple of the bottles, however, have been sampled over the past few weeks.<br />
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160: Motuecha, Struise, 5%<br />
Have had this hop before (spelt differently however!) and found it very punchy. This was a single hopped Belgian pale ale. I'm guessing that in this style, the hop was used in a very different way, or in different quantities to other styles I've tried this hop in as it certainly wasn't punchy. Smooth to drink, lightly carbonated. Flavour-wise I found that the hops were hard to distinguish. Mr Ticker suggested this might be due to the yeast flavours. It wasn't what I expected from a single hop beer, but I think I was making assumptions about IPA rather than thinking about Belgian style beers. My verdict, OK, but not awesome, but that is probably my own fault.<br />
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161: Faro Lambic, Foudroyante, 4.5%<br />
Smells sours, like I'm not going to enjoy it. Shouldn't prejudge, and trying to sample it with an open mind. Tastes slightly appley, caramelly, cinnamony. Slightly sour taste, tastes ok. Not my favourite, but ok.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-88658857002193470772012-10-30T19:37:00.001+00:002012-10-30T19:37:33.776+00:00Westvleteren<div>
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I saw a debate on twitter regarding Westvleteren 12 and whether or not the beer was worth the hype (<a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/westvleteren-12/4934/">http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/westvleteren-12/4934/</a>). I have tried all three of the brewery's offerings, paying, as many have before, the frankly astronomical price of €12 for the '12 (funny that) €10 for the '10 and €8 for the blond. I paid the price because I was aware of the hype, and wanted to make my own informed decision. A Birmingham pub currently offers the '12 for a whopping £25 so is the beer worth this much money? No.<br />
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The quality of the beer is not in question, @Filrd recently undertook an experiment involving the Westy '12 (<a href="http://beersay.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/trappists-laid-bare/">http://beersay.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/trappists-laid-bare/</a>) and surprised himself with the result! I have some Westvleteren bottles in my garage, not the kind I was talking about above no, mine is much more special. I got mine direct from the Abbey de Sint Sixtus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FCYjkyP5yVXdv5jhqLL3F4m_Ldtc84u8UrCkENQoSDh2bJTBMNA1KZuNXHmcey_rHOtN67KjOwhFA6zaLdm_-UGtWB9VsE9ou7CASpqD5RTxLy5rHcGgHbFRDxeq3dPIwd5PM2uotv0/s1600/westy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FCYjkyP5yVXdv5jhqLL3F4m_Ldtc84u8UrCkENQoSDh2bJTBMNA1KZuNXHmcey_rHOtN67KjOwhFA6zaLdm_-UGtWB9VsE9ou7CASpqD5RTxLy5rHcGgHbFRDxeq3dPIwd5PM2uotv0/s320/westy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My dad had taken pintsizedticker and I on a holiday to France and to thank him for the holiday we arranged a night in Bruges. A week before departure, at the allotted time, I rang Abbey de Sint Sixtus to place an order. I really fancied the '12, however, the beer on offer was the blond, but I still gratefully put the order through. </div>
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We timed the visit to coincide with the journey to Bruges, I was due to pick the beer up at 14:15 which was immediately after the monks lunch, and I did the British thing and waited politely until a queue started to form and dutifully joined it. There was an exciting atmosphere. Being third in a line of twenty or so cars full of beer lovers from lots of different nations all in this tiny hamlet for one thing was amazing. There were the Belgians who were nonchalantly reading papers, presumably this would have been a more regular experience for them, the cars full of young blokes on a boozy trip, the dads dragging families along with them and us, the tourists having lots of pictures taken! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdDwQuoCmN7_tXNFacAuNfa-5oYu50eKn9imQJFm9SVhPhwyZg3BTClOkVdKfhGUxS93i92dz7_sS_48HONasGYos5Ah91rebN9sc5dLlNjstiK7xUpcPRdnGV4r8tJhWA0DxRHsBSM/s1600/westy+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdDwQuoCmN7_tXNFacAuNfa-5oYu50eKn9imQJFm9SVhPhwyZg3BTClOkVdKfhGUxS93i92dz7_sS_48HONasGYos5Ah91rebN9sc5dLlNjstiK7xUpcPRdnGV4r8tJhWA0DxRHsBSM/s400/westy+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a>This is where the value for money argument is moot. Direct from the brewery a 24 crate of '12 will set you back €39 plus €9.60 for the crate and €0.10 per bottle a grand total of €51. At today's rate of exchange that's £41.20 divided by 24 = approx £1.70 a bottle (£1.40 for the blond and £1.55 for the '10) Can anyone argue that is not value for money?!<br />
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Part of the enjoyment I get from the beer is remembering that special day, I have enjoyed sharing it with fellow beer drinkers. The shops shouldn't sell the beer, then everyone who wants some will have to make the pilgrimage that will make the beer taste even better! The shameful mark up of bottles to £25.00 each is disgraceful. But that is not the fault of the brewery.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-45723562217765771492012-10-21T09:12:00.002+01:002012-10-21T09:12:41.709+01:00Sup SaisonBetter late than never!<br />
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@leedsbrew kindly hosted a lovely evening for #supsaison, where a variety of home brews and bottles beers were sampled. There were a few sours in the pipeline, which I hadn't chosen, but willing to give it a go again!</div>
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154: Saison de Dottignies, Brouwerij De Ranke, 5.5%</div>
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It smells bitter, initial taste of hazelnut in the bitterness. Nice, really nice, not what I would think to be saison-y.</div>
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155: Fantome Saison, Brasserie Fantome, 8%</div>
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Another sour beer, a sour saison, so approached with intrepidation. Smells sweet, sweet like some fruity sweeties I used to get as a kid. Smells like dried apples, but moist, (@leedsbrew says this is acetealdehyde!) and led to more positive feelings about it! Tastes like bum to be frank. Grows a bit better as drank it, but pretty awful. I was definitely outnumbered, as for others it was one of the highlights of the evening.</div>
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156: Avec les Bons Voeux, Brasserie Dupont, 9.5%</div>
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Smells sour, very pale for 9.5%, I didn't think it tasted sour and that it held well for 9.5%. Surprisingly nice.</div>
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157: Saison Special 2011, Marble, 9%</div>
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There was a bit of controversy around this beer, having seen several twitter comments under #supsaison, opinion was divided and some people thought there was a problem with the beer. It was a pricey bottle of beer, so we hoped for good things but were wary of popular thought. Opinion around the table was also divided. I liked it. Not the best beer I've ever had but I enjoyed it. Others actively found it unpleasant.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxLAmXX2uflJovoLJiB8wZEEsjLqrXrMc2vic_0G4NSN_o_ZnptFSgojj4jvK5iCgM-UHKX1rMD5VlzlYKp47fEcP-a1Yd1pbIeUZeESNGB6IN67hVoNx3SdANlez6QTkcPAXFiYCDyM/s1600/photo+(35).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxLAmXX2uflJovoLJiB8wZEEsjLqrXrMc2vic_0G4NSN_o_ZnptFSgojj4jvK5iCgM-UHKX1rMD5VlzlYKp47fEcP-a1Yd1pbIeUZeESNGB6IN67hVoNx3SdANlez6QTkcPAXFiYCDyM/s320/photo+(35).jpg" width="320" /></a>158: Saison de la Maison, The Willow Shed (Homebrewed by @leedsbrew), 6.1%</div>
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We drunk this side by side with Saison Dupont (which I have previously ticked), and it was fantastic. There were some differences, but there were a lot of similarities too. Thanks for sharing your delicious homebrew!</div>
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159: Pacific Saison Thyme, The Willow Shed (Homebrewed by @leedsbrew and me!!), 6.3%</div>
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Following <a href="http://pintsizedticker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/brew-day.html" target="_blank">brewday</a> a few weeks prior, we got to sample the results. A really delicious flavoursome saison. We could really taste the wild Thyme flower honey that was added into the mix, but without it being overpowering. It accented the beer/herbyness. Was really yum, and another favourite of the night. Fantastic to try a beer that I was able to help make!</div>
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I think my palate may be lacking in sophistication... but I'm quite happy liking what I like, and will keep trying incase things grow on me.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-66060883751544794052012-09-22T00:00:00.000+01:002012-09-22T00:00:04.248+01:00La France Part 2: Je n'aime pas...151: Biere Artisanale Triple sur Lie Silviacus, Brassee a Samer, 7.5%<br />
Still got that bananaish tinge but a little less artificial than other ones we have bought of the region. Not my thing, again, but palatable.<br />
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152: Biere Artisanale Ambree sur Lie Dilvacus, Brassee a Samer, 7.3%<br />
Mr Ticker and Mr Ticker Snr finished their previous beer before me, and moved onto this beer. Their faces said it all. With intrepidation, I took a sip. It was pretty minging to be honest. And not in a way that is just because it isn't to my tastes, it just tasted wrong, like the sugars hadn't fermented out properly. Just bluergh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9l_ls3zeJIu4iPdr89eapDQEUZMbv4jZTRxFx3WWQZGrHYOg2c1OK-875doutalKVL1kgzKYr-fbxY3eO4U_EZi2AAW-IHJ0BkIwcHVLCv0qYZPrbQ2WnP9e_v19dGLB9T6wxvYZkRKE/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9l_ls3zeJIu4iPdr89eapDQEUZMbv4jZTRxFx3WWQZGrHYOg2c1OK-875doutalKVL1kgzKYr-fbxY3eO4U_EZi2AAW-IHJ0BkIwcHVLCv0qYZPrbQ2WnP9e_v19dGLB9T6wxvYZkRKE/s320/IMG_1570.JPG" width="320" /></a>153: Leffe Royale, Abbaye de Leffe, 7.5%<br />
A posh Leffe. Not as posh as might have hoped for, but a nice easy drinking beer. Good with some dins too... a bit of a veg stew, with all veggies from the field just across the way... delish.<br />
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Bier de Garde is the beer style of the region and over the course of the holiday I sampled quite a few, although I'm not ticking any more than these as I only had sips here and there. Really not my thing, the over sweet, almost artificially banana flavours. Instead, I opted for the odd glass of vin rouge... something I've missed having since beerticking started, and I really enjoyed! Not very conducive to writing a beer blog though...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-83085806149237185172012-09-21T00:00:00.000+01:002012-09-21T00:00:05.381+01:00La France Part 1<br />
Tea on the first day of family hols, a warm, but not too hot day, filled with a little fraughtness and lots of excitement, ferry rides, sea dips and new village finding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohhtzEtKjV3BL2gHC1WKs0CA_VwqVLQK1EoQcSj_MHN1mMRyEAgQWTs_Ti5kV2AiJHhYHIM0P56ul56pM-kD-nfS_ul4Bm9q_EWRgZBxbO_UsClS-MW6rGJ9rZKFjKSeghZ3VBGWAfKI/s1600/photo+(32).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohhtzEtKjV3BL2gHC1WKs0CA_VwqVLQK1EoQcSj_MHN1mMRyEAgQWTs_Ti5kV2AiJHhYHIM0P56ul56pM-kD-nfS_ul4Bm9q_EWRgZBxbO_UsClS-MW6rGJ9rZKFjKSeghZ3VBGWAfKI/s320/photo+(32).jpg" width="320" /></a>Tea, pasta, French saussison, tomato sauce and Gouda along with some crusty baguette and that awesome salt crystal butter. A pretty rare treat for the house of dietism, as ours has been latley. With it, the first beer of the trip. A pretty cheap and cheerful supermarket mass produced:<br />
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149: "33" export, Mare et Terre, 4.5%,<br />
A light refreshing lager-y small stubby. A perfect refreshing drink.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZyDDazQGMbB4Z2GteRgTIEFMmCdreY15_ZXmPIGh_qM_z__I4rSQR8WwKhmC8gFiruZol9t5mN0lyWHtYxR2kgBK1-ntbOJDa01mHHQD3vALftc6RwyFzAEbAv51ZBRQv_5mxHDEpIc/s1600/photo+(33).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZyDDazQGMbB4Z2GteRgTIEFMmCdreY15_ZXmPIGh_qM_z__I4rSQR8WwKhmC8gFiruZol9t5mN0lyWHtYxR2kgBK1-ntbOJDa01mHHQD3vALftc6RwyFzAEbAv51ZBRQv_5mxHDEpIc/s320/photo+(33).jpg" width="239" /></a>150: La Goudale, Biere de Garde, Gebrouwen door, 7.2% (€4 approx for 3 75cl bottles) was a farmhouse style beer, and a much more local offering. Not really to my tastes to be perfectly honest. I've found wheat beery/banana-y type beers growing on me, but this one was too sweet I think. Maybe would have been better colder...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-58631636154957813452012-09-15T00:00:00.000+01:002012-09-15T00:00:03.070+01:00Brew Day<br />
Had a lovely invite from <a href="http://leedsbrew.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">@leedsbrew</a> (of twitter fame) to join him on my first proper brewing experience (with greater involvement than making cup of tea for the intrepid brewers). I haven't found an interest in brewing yet.... I find my self switching off a bit during conversations about brewing, mostly due to a lack of understanding about the topic. @leedsbrew has made some really yummy beers, which I've had the pleasure of trying. For a real understanding of the beers he brews, check out his <a href="http://leedsbrew.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, it has a lot more sciencey clever stuff on it than mine!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb6OytWdOdF3aV1bQR0roUPnoJ__RQpFqPQcIsfTTURDQWawZiW8u9gQ8V8KRul0bYOBgGgzHsxg_unDl7XwMENdBczq4pGNNgVAQqJs2ll0I-mKOCaO9mfcgFRgN1pLo3bkNXWwo1T0/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb6OytWdOdF3aV1bQR0roUPnoJ__RQpFqPQcIsfTTURDQWawZiW8u9gQ8V8KRul0bYOBgGgzHsxg_unDl7XwMENdBczq4pGNNgVAQqJs2ll0I-mKOCaO9mfcgFRgN1pLo3bkNXWwo1T0/s320/IMG_1429.JPG" width="320" /></a>I'm keeping this post short as most of you will know far more than I, but this is the story from my eyes.<br />
We missed the inception of the beer, the recipe was concocted, thought through and researched before we arrived.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF8mai0nhJ-z7u1S7OQexXXIk8WyRol0qyxcTWgK6JCfC9oJq989HbcNH_i_i5RwChUV_ufDClKcbudJ0V7yt8tfo2EK-pWgWk8JEChkrEp7fqXUONEGRwl3xdak2UuwcmIwoOaKVQpk/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigReD4o38m-75ieXV9l_T2OLVsST_Lrrpx9fOXEnCuFJ-Dazka2GeKdiphrNoSfeqKJDYYxcRCpPhho_IFwLNfvlQbDxkQu_K80QUWWKdK3kqdgOiW6qI2tkp8_wtt0Ncv6Dp5XpuIPLU/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigReD4o38m-75ieXV9l_T2OLVsST_Lrrpx9fOXEnCuFJ-Dazka2GeKdiphrNoSfeqKJDYYxcRCpPhho_IFwLNfvlQbDxkQu_K80QUWWKdK3kqdgOiW6qI2tkp8_wtt0Ncv6Dp5XpuIPLU/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="212" /></a><br />
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When we got there, job one was measuring out the ingredients.<br />
Then we put the malts in a big cool box (mash tun?!) with some pretty hot water and left it for an hour whilst we had a speedy impromptue visit to Saltaire Brewery where @SaltaireBrewAde gave us a quick tour, and I got to see what @leedsbrew has set up in his brewing shed, on a much much much larger scale.<br />
Then we drove back to brewing HQ and put the malty water stuff (wort I think) in a big Burko boiler where it set to boil for a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF8mai0nhJ-z7u1S7OQexXXIk8WyRol0qyxcTWgK6JCfC9oJq989HbcNH_i_i5RwChUV_ufDClKcbudJ0V7yt8tfo2EK-pWgWk8JEChkrEp7fqXUONEGRwl3xdak2UuwcmIwoOaKVQpk/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF8mai0nhJ-z7u1S7OQexXXIk8WyRol0qyxcTWgK6JCfC9oJq989HbcNH_i_i5RwChUV_ufDClKcbudJ0V7yt8tfo2EK-pWgWk8JEChkrEp7fqXUONEGRwl3xdak2UuwcmIwoOaKVQpk/s200/IMG_1443.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3-CJEfML6HdaMD80CzGSz-qoymVc7OU9lTqvLYHrnUgY92UlatbVniHE5jdwssg1ohLBHZkp97fBLVUkL-IwlOkGFPswONjArhNq4E3h5HOX1KOhPvSPLAD5z2fiLpzrjviUw_lM_4g/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3-CJEfML6HdaMD80CzGSz-qoymVc7OU9lTqvLYHrnUgY92UlatbVniHE5jdwssg1ohLBHZkp97fBLVUkL-IwlOkGFPswONjArhNq4E3h5HOX1KOhPvSPLAD5z2fiLpzrjviUw_lM_4g/s200/IMG_1440.JPG" width="200" /></a>At certain times different hops were added in as per the recipe, as well as some fancy New Zealand thyme flower honey. After the boil was over, it was cooled really quickly using some contraption device thingamajig.<br />
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We weren't able to stay for the next step, putting the special yeast in, although were able to sample a bit of an earlier brew, which although wasn't quite ready yet, was pretty delicious!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAs2jvhEQpm_f2rqT5aNRbt7aWhyphenhyphenzXcde8fOhCRJzAA6OIDqxr-zL2fxsPU7UkKpReyOzfBkzSwfTKq6__4gFRh_tuaDipwG_Ewe-p6NJNF1hSvK3hTJ-Y4bSpKlSvMs6ICqQ9dWyEzk/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAs2jvhEQpm_f2rqT5aNRbt7aWhyphenhyphenzXcde8fOhCRJzAA6OIDqxr-zL2fxsPU7UkKpReyOzfBkzSwfTKq6__4gFRh_tuaDipwG_Ewe-p6NJNF1hSvK3hTJ-Y4bSpKlSvMs6ICqQ9dWyEzk/s200/IMG_1477.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzKms7hI6gy6qveGSoB1af4Fz8N7PJ_bLhui2M5VmSnu0HmLSlonGnGoUx9_Zra3lfSUGxN8RwixDm-M-ctnZ5jYHxuHX5NIlOAKTHbjTyFSSMcp7kP9jr-ksaHKPGJghGwWBZYRZ3qQ/s1600/IMG_1470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzKms7hI6gy6qveGSoB1af4Fz8N7PJ_bLhui2M5VmSnu0HmLSlonGnGoUx9_Zra3lfSUGxN8RwixDm-M-ctnZ5jYHxuHX5NIlOAKTHbjTyFSSMcp7kP9jr-ksaHKPGJghGwWBZYRZ3qQ/s200/IMG_1470.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvQECfIhxfVjPlin8LNFtw7ZphlSh9Kz0EjOJWcnhoF7BC0_b87684fkPbuL9dn9LSImBwmVjnWLBQ8enfnGTWBPd2njKIZBdhdghvQRsghbuHReqF4B_m9WthCFi09rWZWh3gdzXrlU/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvQECfIhxfVjPlin8LNFtw7ZphlSh9Kz0EjOJWcnhoF7BC0_b87684fkPbuL9dn9LSImBwmVjnWLBQ8enfnGTWBPd2njKIZBdhdghvQRsghbuHReqF4B_m9WthCFi09rWZWh3gdzXrlU/s200/IMG_1478.JPG" width="200" /></a>I found it interesting, it has helped me learn a lot more about the process, and really appreciate the science behind it. My understanding is still pretty limited as I'm sure you can tell, but it has increased. I'm not sure I'm set to become a master brewer, it still isn't a natural thing for me to get into (for example it was only after we had finished that I thought to ask what type of beer we were making.. a New Zealand hopped honeyed Saison). I would like to be involved with another brew, from the perspective of having a little more understanding and maybe to be find out more about the conception of a beer and the ideas that come together to make it happen. Thanks very much @leedsbrew for letting me help, I hope that I didn't infect it!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-72093142538269347252012-09-14T10:45:00.001+01:002012-09-14T10:45:29.829+01:00Old Worthy<br />
A few weeks ago I was asked by <a href="http://oldworthybeer.co.uk/">Old Worthy</a> if I wanted to try a sample of one of their beers. I readily agreed, as am willing to try all things new in my beer ticking quest. They sent me a bottle of their:<br />
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148: Pale Ale, Old Worthy, 5%<br />
Will keep my assessment short and sweet, it smells and tastes like the smell of whiskey, also tastes malty rich and quite strong booze-wise. Different from anything I've drunk before. Not being a whiskey fan, I was pleasantly surprised as I quite enjoyed this beer, and would like to try it again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-23913981595354110402012-08-27T16:31:00.001+01:002012-08-27T16:31:22.103+01:00Return to Beer, Belgian style!Last night was a reintroduction to beer, after a few weeks off as explained in a short post <a href="http://pintsizedticker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/diet-dilemma.html">yesterday</a>. And also an intense introduction to Belgian beer, in preparation for a visit to Bruges in a few days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qValUCYMiSQcvPszwP7V6sssW-LYa0U8I_7BqD3_YGzc5EED45566rjz6snlcr1EaNR2yO1XUOb5kf7GJGq9vk_5GTJ5E1FSbZBBxsKYrW2sERvThPwATFogg2M8QHvh4vxkTLzrYfI/s1600/IMG_1413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qValUCYMiSQcvPszwP7V6sssW-LYa0U8I_7BqD3_YGzc5EED45566rjz6snlcr1EaNR2yO1XUOb5kf7GJGq9vk_5GTJ5E1FSbZBBxsKYrW2sERvThPwATFogg2M8QHvh4vxkTLzrYfI/s320/IMG_1413.JPG" width="320" /></a>Started the evening off away from Belgium, with a new beer from BrewDog. Thought it would be good to refamiliarise myself with:<br />
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145: Dead Pony Club, BrewDog, 3.8%<br />
Strong hoppy, lemony smells. A slightly amber colour. Tastes gorgeous. Been a while since having a beer, but what a cracker to come back on. Full of hoppy flavour. A light bitterness. Not strong. Really nice reintroduction. Tastes hoppy lemon, grassy and with malty flavours coming through too.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdkDMAI7hD0E85KdzbEoMx1TpXkMXjKESaafBmTYFDQXYEQzaj_WEfJgq-qnoYJ-meXWgc71t5a8ZaZ0dAiTphKCaTgXZyiugLGJjeV7cpb0x51DPggju7JqFV9F7WdQjgpZflHR7Gzc/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdkDMAI7hD0E85KdzbEoMx1TpXkMXjKESaafBmTYFDQXYEQzaj_WEfJgq-qnoYJ-meXWgc71t5a8ZaZ0dAiTphKCaTgXZyiugLGJjeV7cpb0x51DPggju7JqFV9F7WdQjgpZflHR7Gzc/s320/IMG_1414.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Next up, start of the Belgian lesson.<br />
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146: Blue (2012), Chimay, 9%<br />
Smells herby and spicy. Dark amber colour. Apparently you can age this beer. Tastes a bit rum-y, and there is a slightly sweet caramel taste. Not especially bitter nor hoppy. Raisiny boozy. Because we served it chilled from the fridge, Mr Ticker advised me to drink it slow and let it warm up. As it did I felt that the spice mellowed and the raisiny flavours became more prominent. A really nice start, a new sort of beer for me but with lots of familiar overtones. Looking forward to more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZs2DJ7hrJCoz_h7FqX287McbA1GgkOIFMZEAz1gd_8ib_bRFUWh6-inY8Sd5UdiSNWwKahNEK7r2mwYFPMjfW53bgW4xCcyDRb067knecAjKfTqNsae_GEqUd-1TkmpDSScWOI1p40A/s1600/IMG_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZs2DJ7hrJCoz_h7FqX287McbA1GgkOIFMZEAz1gd_8ib_bRFUWh6-inY8Sd5UdiSNWwKahNEK7r2mwYFPMjfW53bgW4xCcyDRb067knecAjKfTqNsae_GEqUd-1TkmpDSScWOI1p40A/s200/IMG_1417.JPG" width="200" /></a>147: Gueuze 100% Lambic Bio (2011), Cantillon, 5%<br />
Clear, flat looking. Smells cider like and slightly vinegary. Not looking forward to this. I had been prewarned that this was a sour beer, and took the first sip with a feeling of uncertain trepidation. Tastes sour. Vile, to be perfectly honest. I'm not a fan of sour anyway. Grapefruits and tangy sweets, well, I can perfectly happily swanny through life avoiding these. With the Gueuze, I just couldn't get past the sour to begin thinking about flavours. Just made my face crinkle into a small puckered wrinklefest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWba7Bjd-JTJ0n4R1Fu01Jf_9pbyhb83RXE9RLaA7_Vz3Qo0CDhRvz9qzBnYUg6o2LVh_cyLPqxPtWczr0Hw7iDVy3OjTdYwWkoNP33WczoIYP98XJLsQkgq9_S2XUF6AsMk7Mn_7f1xM/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWba7Bjd-JTJ0n4R1Fu01Jf_9pbyhb83RXE9RLaA7_Vz3Qo0CDhRvz9qzBnYUg6o2LVh_cyLPqxPtWczr0Hw7iDVy3OjTdYwWkoNP33WczoIYP98XJLsQkgq9_S2XUF6AsMk7Mn_7f1xM/s320/IMG_1419.JPG" width="320" /></a>So, should I try other lambics and not let myself be put off or just accept that it is not a style for me and save my pennies for beers I'm going to enjoy? Simon James @Gueuzel via twitter has given some advice to lambic/gueuze newbies, and I think that I will have to have another go, persist, and maybe, just maybe, I might come around to the idea.<br />
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A short beery evening for a change, but an enjoyable one at that. Looking forward to delving deeper into Belgium over the next few weeks.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-76542332034696181452012-08-26T19:13:00.000+01:002012-08-26T19:13:07.220+01:00Diet dilemmaBeer drinking has been fairly thin on the ground recently... hence a sad neglect of pintsizedticker blog. My blog was started with a challenge to drink one beer a day (on average) between it's inception and my wedding day. An opportunity to embrace one of my hubby to be's passions and a source of fun as well as distraction from impending nuptuals.<div>
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Unfortunately this is not conducive with a seemingly never ending quest to lose a few pounds to fit nicely into my wedding dress (a deadline of October has been introduced recently for dieting... Argh!). So beer has had to go on the back burner.<br /><div>
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I'm still ahead of target beerwise, although not as comfortably as a few weeks ago. Next week we go to France for 10 days, and will be spending a night in Bruges as well, so in order to prepare, bank holiday seems like a good opportunity to put the diet on hold for one night and sample some Belgian beer. Have had a pre night off weigh in, will assess the damage in the morning!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-47069179031506290422012-08-05T12:00:00.000+01:002012-08-05T12:00:03.403+01:00Can vs. Bottle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHcK_kf6zV6TuNXB2oXcSr5M1Leqdkg2HqpsDlkBuykYzA2lcx2eflV8HVaRbUPjCNECkDKQXh9LTLW03AJnXSHdAaJ3odgF3KpLOAq_dMV7YfC8h48WIU4PbWXzc8VeE6BR-CYEqnlQ/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHcK_kf6zV6TuNXB2oXcSr5M1Leqdkg2HqpsDlkBuykYzA2lcx2eflV8HVaRbUPjCNECkDKQXh9LTLW03AJnXSHdAaJ3odgF3KpLOAq_dMV7YfC8h48WIU4PbWXzc8VeE6BR-CYEqnlQ/s400/IMG_1399.JPG" width="266" /></a>Unwittingly, my choice of beer this week has led me into a world of debate about storage methods. Three beers from Maui Brewing Co. were sat on the shelf in my local beer shop, looking pretty and exotic, drawing me to them.<br />
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142: Mana Wheat, Maui Brewing Co., 5.5%<br />
Mr Ticker picked out pineapple, which according to the <a href="http://www.mauibrewingco.com/mbc/MBCCannedBeer.html">website</a> this beer is flavoured with. For me, banana stood out. This may be due to my uncertainty about wheatbeers. There is a flavour, which is the banana ester-y component of wheatbeers which dominates for me when I taste them. Often I find this too intense, but for this beer it was muted somewhat, and actually I really liked it. It had a totally different type of fizzyness to any beers I've had before, full large bubbles. No idea if this has anything to do with the can, but certainly was different.<br />
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143: Big Swell IPA, Maui Brewing Co., 6.8%<br />
Typical IPA aroma, florally, fruity. Different carbonation, more muted. Perhaps this isn't a can- thing then. More bitter than Mana Wheat, considerably so, but not overpowering which sometimes I've experienced in an IPA. Delicious beer. (Drank this with a burger and wedges- managed to match beer with food successfully for once!!)<br />
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144: CoCoNut PorTeR, Maui Brewing Co., 6.0%<br />
I love porters, I loved this. More hazlenut than coconut in my opinion, but certainly different from any porter I've had. Smooth, bittersweet, delicious. <br />
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There was a compelling argument on the side of the can, about why they were packaged in cans. This being a can will keep the light out, will recycle easily, will be cheaper to export. Their website goes into more depth about the sustainability of cans, and the fact that they are safer than glass when on the beach/pool etc (not that this is a particular concern of mine in sunny Bradford...). Also, they say that metallic taste in the beer is not an issue because the inside of the can has a special coating to prevent this happening.<br />
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For me, I drank the beers being a bit ignorant about the debate on Cans vs Bottles, and only discovered this after the fact. So, my opinion from a truly unbiased stance, was that I drank three lovely beers, there was nothing metallic about the taste, they tasted fresh and I will look forward to trying more of their range. I also feel a little bit less guilty about the packaging and carbon footprint due to shipping half way round the globe. <br />
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Nothing but success in my eyes. Feel free to argue with me!</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-55099211934369047232012-08-04T12:00:00.001+01:002012-08-04T12:00:04.326+01:00Summer BeersWhat does "Summer Beer" mean? Is it a style or just subjective opinions of what different breweries think is a good tipple for a hot summers day? My thoughts were hoping for light and refreshing but also maybe lemon/herb flavours and not too strong.<br />
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Three beers, specially denoting "Summer" on their label...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ0Ddz5XkH5phhNzaS24JQdsuC5OWYVuiWJySVN4CJpbntSc8sE9iC7CwtRRJRtztuMQccc8vSXPdYDNyZDAwmymXwC8w6MxtUFYK3b-hE5XJ1Hznuv8FG8QPvfTVMbs8s73iuImgSZE/s1600/IMG_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ0Ddz5XkH5phhNzaS24JQdsuC5OWYVuiWJySVN4CJpbntSc8sE9iC7CwtRRJRtztuMQccc8vSXPdYDNyZDAwmymXwC8w6MxtUFYK3b-hE5XJ1Hznuv8FG8QPvfTVMbs8s73iuImgSZE/s320/IMG_1298.JPG" width="320" /></a>To set the scene, a few weeks were spent waiting for a perfect summer day to crack these open. After being in the fridge for about a month, however, the wait seemed futile. So, a typical British summer evening, when we'd had the hottest weather for a few weeks, but conversely had torrential downpours and that muggy pre thunderstorm atmosphere, ended up being the scene for the experiment. Typically missing the actually good weather that's has been happening this week.<br />
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139: Anchor Summer Beer, Anchor Brewing Company, 4.5%<br />
Smell malty. Slight sweetness. Pale colour. Tastes malty. Lager like. Dry. Does what it says on the tin. Quite carbonated. Meets my brief. Perfect BBQ beer. Not a deep thinker but fits requirement. Lightish. Refreshing yes.<br />
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140: Summertime Kölsch, Goose Island Beer Company, 4.7%<br />
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Smells slightly sweet but not particularly of much. Slight cloudiness. It wasn't served it in the correct glass (according to the bottle, but I have no idea what a Kölsch glass is). Tastes slightly wheat beery and lagery. Not a load of flavour, and not robust. Refreshing still though. Light.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-nKvDGsCbkXuHi4DSiuyQF8Bv6gbqUUy9dtHbu6LQimABbSxB5UX_CJVZMNrRW29-TM7VdMYPH3szJsn7_Bmy37qJTS2smBM3NjbEHP8bssD2KgujRT98AO3SDP6iGBmQKiW9zz69NE/s1600/IMG_1296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-nKvDGsCbkXuHi4DSiuyQF8Bv6gbqUUy9dtHbu6LQimABbSxB5UX_CJVZMNrRW29-TM7VdMYPH3szJsn7_Bmy37qJTS2smBM3NjbEHP8bssD2KgujRT98AO3SDP6iGBmQKiW9zz69NE/s320/IMG_1296.JPG" width="212" /></a>141: Summer Ale, Brooklyn Brewery, 5%<br />
Smells more malty. More golden in colour. Tastes more hoppy. Overall has more flavour than the other summer beers Very very refreshing. Despite this, initially my impression was that it is not really for me. Although I enjoyed it more the more I drank. Just my taste though I think. Slight salty bacon flavour. Fits the bill. Is summery but I prefer the Anchor.<br />
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None quite met my expectations (perhaps unfounded and presumptuous)... i.e lemony herby flavours.... But all were certainly refreshing and very drinkable on a hot summers day with a BBQ. Sort of like lagers with a hint of something special. Just need to wait for a hot summers day to come around and will buy some more!<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-49089060120548038902012-08-03T00:30:00.000+01:002012-08-03T00:30:00.660+01:00The Session 66: The One Beer to Rule Them All<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhnJL_qDzNg_lbjSv8AybPNL0IU0Yxc3rpLza7lF4KWZ1iMR955UZ9GJ0uQPrmLmUn1jKY6UYCKdd6d7goDKLKv4iARflB_4UFju8gCU7JXEVw4pUYPAUfKOtWOg-KlMaXfKSuf14o6E/s1600/session_logo_all_text_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhnJL_qDzNg_lbjSv8AybPNL0IU0Yxc3rpLza7lF4KWZ1iMR955UZ9GJ0uQPrmLmUn1jKY6UYCKdd6d7goDKLKv4iARflB_4UFju8gCU7JXEVw4pUYPAUfKOtWOg-KlMaXfKSuf14o6E/s320/session_logo_all_text_300.jpg" width="263" /></a>A difficult topic from <a href="http://drinkdrank1.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/announcing-session-66-one-beer-to-rule.html">drinkdrank</a> for a non brewer let alone a newbie beer drinker. My brewing experience (pouring a tub of hops into the big silver boily thing) probably doesn't qualify... Also, I've tried relatively few beers (not doing bad for a few months, but still, haven't even begun to scratch the surface) so my favourites have been borne of a small sample. So far on my beerticking journey, my favourite types of beer are IPAs and porters or stouts. Anyhow, I've thought about the subject... My perfect dream beer:<br />
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Imagine a screwball ice cream. Or a everlasting gobstopper. Or half and half pizza. Or sweet and sour chicken. Or chocolate covered pretzels.<br />
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All of the above combine two scrummy things in one. My idea is that of the impossible. A Willywonka-style beer creation. Beers have such vastly different characteristics that makes comparisons impossible and unfair between styles.<br />
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So to, my genius idea. A two tone beer. IPA on the top. Porter on the bottom. Defined layers, like a traffic light lolly or an old school cornish pasty. Two things in one. To satisfy both my favourite types of beer and tastes. A bitter flavoursome fruity top, followed by a dessert of rich, coffee smoothness.<br />
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Alchemy impossible, perhaps, entering the realms of fantasy, definitely but it'd be pretty ace. And the name... Doubale Troubale.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-50619102886155995872012-07-29T15:17:00.000+01:002012-07-29T15:17:12.390+01:00Fathomlessday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0c4H0TehDbPabW-Z7P2D898F-8cxNKKtnFnSZKmjUEulXGQbtxdR8BLCGz0FyHVIPtO_oLgKlYnAHQo_iEg7j0Oh18GELQ_rJWgwprc-GpqN6-ua_SatllDpYx87LMowM4cTyb6O7N0/s1600/photo+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0c4H0TehDbPabW-Z7P2D898F-8cxNKKtnFnSZKmjUEulXGQbtxdR8BLCGz0FyHVIPtO_oLgKlYnAHQo_iEg7j0Oh18GELQ_rJWgwprc-GpqN6-ua_SatllDpYx87LMowM4cTyb6O7N0/s320/photo+(31).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Last weekend Mr Ticker and I ventured out for #FathomlessDay, at the lovely <a href="http://pintsizedticker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/i-heart-coopers.html">Coopers</a>. We had a great day, sampling lots of new (to me) beers by some fantastic breweries, and meeting a few beery-folk. Was perhaps a tad (erm... if I'm honest, monstrously) over enthusiastic, and have to apologise because this post is set to be a terrible reflection due to struggling to remember what I'd drunk, let alone what the beers were like!<br />
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Needless to say, the following beers were definitely ticked, although I think a couple have been missed!<br />
131: Cannonball, Magic Rock, 7.4%<br />
132: Fathomless, Red Willow, 5.2% (The beer of the day, an Oyster stout, and lovely)<br />
133: Glaslyn Ale, Purple Moose Brewery, 4.2%<br />
134: Accomplice, Roosters, 5.7%<br />
135: Katalyst, Hardknott, 3.8%<br />
136: Wild Swan, Thornbridge, 3.5%<br />
137: Curious, Magic Rock, 3.9%<br />
138: Independence, Bristol Beer Factory, 4.6%<br />
Looking forward to some other events Coopers has up their sleeves (though will be more restrained next time)!<br />
Coopers has it's own new blog, check it out <a href="http://coopersbeerblog.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/redwillow-fathomless/">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-24717957330169085022012-07-29T14:37:00.002+01:002012-07-29T15:08:59.054+01:00Food Pairing Disaster #2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfVjI3HPz7dvyqx0-yolAaIGVrsdwrpl5ilE_DWqliObmsbCWVKkw8HP6WHTyK-_THJEG2WeVMMk0D6vp0LUfaDB8t89Cn6pltQfxKVlJ1J_qD4nVJ7DZVHNYXEYaDK9RLa3f8qnTQOU/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfVjI3HPz7dvyqx0-yolAaIGVrsdwrpl5ilE_DWqliObmsbCWVKkw8HP6WHTyK-_THJEG2WeVMMk0D6vp0LUfaDB8t89Cn6pltQfxKVlJ1J_qD4nVJ7DZVHNYXEYaDK9RLa3f8qnTQOU/s200/IMG_1346.JPG" width="200" /></a>So, another attempt at food pairing. Steak and chips. Fairly easy you might think to pick a beer than goes well. Well. We picked a nice beer from Sierra Nevada. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciwXakFxsh9QpU7snCpnUwrJkSQIUejhKWHZQc0ViVNpHA1PxfazeBjQK6c_ipXGPiHhSU3muJj5N-TGgsqTCP0XDEMhszMJFPyAhXqEaT2_XnoZuCRV_myJmQbBqm64uJZja9jWgx0c/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciwXakFxsh9QpU7snCpnUwrJkSQIUejhKWHZQc0ViVNpHA1PxfazeBjQK6c_ipXGPiHhSU3muJj5N-TGgsqTCP0XDEMhszMJFPyAhXqEaT2_XnoZuCRV_myJmQbBqm64uJZja9jWgx0c/s200/IMG_1345.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
129: Kellerweis Hefeweizen, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 4.8%<br />
However, it was banana-y. Lovely, but banana-y. And steak and chips with a banana on top isnt my idea of a wonderful match. Drank it though, and enjoyed it in a round about fashion. Next up we had a lager. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnhNQXP1eirb8bqIyW61C7KBlC6Xbn5XJJk5gVWOjMi3pek84wUWNWsEPbvLK5k6GUzXuPilJoCjS6K5XpPLZl70HsNj6iU5aQXzf9LsTU5xLSv_EZn1dFYcIoG25uHXRFgK8M6IUPcM/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnhNQXP1eirb8bqIyW61C7KBlC6Xbn5XJJk5gVWOjMi3pek84wUWNWsEPbvLK5k6GUzXuPilJoCjS6K5XpPLZl70HsNj6iU5aQXzf9LsTU5xLSv_EZn1dFYcIoG25uHXRFgK8M6IUPcM/s400/IMG_1343.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>130: St Mungo, WEST Brewery, 4.9%<br />
This was loads better and complimented it well. Wouldnt say it was an intelligent choice, but it worked nicely. I think ticking and matching has problems- if you havent tried a beer before, how are you going to know what it tastes like.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-29855016175136252202012-07-26T20:38:00.000+01:002012-07-26T20:37:59.995+01:00CornwallHaving read a few tweets about Cornish beers, and never having sampled them, I picked up four bottles for £5.50 (in keeping with the current goal of thriftyness) from the local supermarket. In hindsight, the "theme" for the beer tonight was a bit weak... clutching at straws perhaps to tie some beers together. In future, a location based theme will involve more variety of style, and perhaps indeed a visit to the place!<br />
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</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xrWuWIdQscJC3EtePTjTht9WwVCW6OJmFixUZYHlwFUzoOgtAqRp3LQatRGBhfZzhL_4H4M_wW2iBCcjdfhFtnsQoi1LxFuykDZ6sDXCpoHsGNZz1TOwLFSh-cwx2RZPDqZoMw2beSo/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xrWuWIdQscJC3EtePTjTht9WwVCW6OJmFixUZYHlwFUzoOgtAqRp3LQatRGBhfZzhL_4H4M_wW2iBCcjdfhFtnsQoi1LxFuykDZ6sDXCpoHsGNZz1TOwLFSh-cwx2RZPDqZoMw2beSo/s400/IMG_1342.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>125: Cornish Knocker Ale, Skinners Brewing Co., 4.5%</div><div>Light, refreshing, slight citrusy smell. Tastes refreshing, and slightly malty. Not huge flavours, but very drinkable.<br />
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</div><div>126: Tribute Premium Cornish Ale, St. Austell Brewery, 4.2%<br />
Hints of caramel. Tastes of Red. Quite a few beers I've had taste of Red. Describing a taste as a colour is vastly unhelpful when trying to explain to others, but that is what I tasted Red. Perhaps this could be broken down into describing it as malty sweet bready and yeasty. But that's probably not too helpful either. An OK beer.</div><div><br />
</div><div>127: Doom Bar, Sharp's Brewery, 4%</div><div>Smells darker, slightly caramelly again. Tastes ever so slightly like toffee, but watered down, and a hint of banana too. Banoffee! Not bitter, a bit weak really in my opinion.<br />
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</div><div>128: Proper Job, St. Austell Brewery, 5.5%<br />
Very very slight smell, difficult to pick anything out. Much more flavoursome to taste, although I struggled to discern individual flavours, there was bitterness, hops and a nice carbonation. Very drinkable and much more character than the other beers of the evening. A clear winner!<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2525801444350586169.post-7192282330549039192012-07-20T17:54:00.004+01:002012-07-20T17:54:58.478+01:00The Kernel<br />
A few weeks ago I blogged about some <a href="http://pintsizedticker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/hops-hops-and-more-hops.html">lovely beers from The Kernel</a>. One of the beers we had, although delicious, was a bit too lively on opening and some beer was lost as it spilled over the rim of the bottle. Following this, Evin from <a href="http://thekernelbrewery.com/">The Kernel</a> contacted me to explain why this had happened and then sent a few complementary beers. Not necessary, but much appreciated. I recently read Bob Arnott's <a href="http://beer.bobarnott.com/2012/06/26/dedications-what-you-need/">blogpost</a> after a similar experience from The Kernel. My feeling is that The Kernel's passion for their products shines through as they clearly want to ensure their customers get the best experience from their products, and will lead me to buy their beer again and again. A couple of bottles were drunk late one night following <a href="http://pintsizedticker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/baildon-beer-festival-and-beyond.html">Baildon Beer Festival</a>, some of the others we had this evening.<br />
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121: CSCS, The Kernel, 5.1%<br />
Smells sweet like pineapple, overripe mango, with a slight tartness. A bitter beer, it tastes as it smells, although slightly more subtle. Very lightly carbonated. Delicious. The hops, I believe are Citra Simcoe Cascade and Stella. There is clearly a great art to mixing hops and making a recipe that blends as well as this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo8QRRrRb7TlB9umdjpiEpi07hezrgMNwICy0eFV5UoKTBV0uRcQ02g32QSYCyC2qXFlZ4__TTTRxm273W5iNKnfs_3leqgakVsQLWVbjZ0-EL-3kb3EUUnI4mUYaXOSCG-bu03a-lsY/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo8QRRrRb7TlB9umdjpiEpi07hezrgMNwICy0eFV5UoKTBV0uRcQ02g32QSYCyC2qXFlZ4__TTTRxm273W5iNKnfs_3leqgakVsQLWVbjZ0-EL-3kb3EUUnI4mUYaXOSCG-bu03a-lsY/s320/IMG_1309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJeffHqavlp-7MdEbJ9fnfCxkdUcHAAHIQahY6TiCJ9fs_iSBuzpHpoWFfBQKTNaV2R-JoML4YqG8EFeDfv-ZZqXRtouQes0txSc09OZ3_T5Xc3i6q9ftnJEMBftQciCnEgjKStZSkGs/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJeffHqavlp-7MdEbJ9fnfCxkdUcHAAHIQahY6TiCJ9fs_iSBuzpHpoWFfBQKTNaV2R-JoML4YqG8EFeDfv-ZZqXRtouQes0txSc09OZ3_T5Xc3i6q9ftnJEMBftQciCnEgjKStZSkGs/s320/IMG_1314.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
122: Chinook, The Kernel, 5.4%<br />
Smell is more subtle, fruity and sweet. Also some sharpness in the smell. Tastes of malt, with fruity hops coming through as well. Again very lightly carbonated. Slightly nutty taste... walnut maybe, complimenting the bitterness. <br />
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123: Galaxy India Pale Ale, The Kernel, 7.2%<br />
Fruity smell, but mixed fruit not clearly tropical. All three of these beers are so different from each other, but also share some qualities. This is much stronger, but more rounded in flavour. A hint of nuttiness in there too.<br />
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124: India Pale Ale Black V, The Kernel, 7.2%<br />
My first black IPA. A hoppy, fruity, delicious mix, with slightly more malt than other IPAs. Definitely darker in colour, but the taste is very similar.<br />
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My conclusion? Beer from The Kernel is awesome. That, I'd decided weeks ago. These beers, and their quest for delivering a high quality product has cemented my opinion. Try some.<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069583980053669805noreply@blogger.com3