Showing posts with label Speciality Beers.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Speciality Beers.. Show all posts

Friday, 1 April 2016

NEW BEER REVEALED TODAY

It can exclusively be revealed that a Scottish Brewer is planning to launch a tartan beer. Not to be confused with Youngers Tartan beer, this will be actual tartan coloured.

Kengormlees Brewery are behind this dramatic news. Head Brewer Joe King said " We have been experimenting with this for some time. There are beers of many colours ; green, red,  black and yellow. If punters can be persuaded to drink Black Indian Pale Ale, I am convinced we are onto a winner here.

King, a qualified biochemist, refuses to reveal the secret recipe, but will say that the molecules of the liquor are engineered during the fermentation process into the tartan colours, which are retained when racked and then served from a cask. The beer is an impressive 10% so hardly a session beer. However, in a clever marketing ploy, the brewery recommend drinking it in pints, so you can see the full tartan ; as having only a half you only see half the tartan       (obviously).

First impressions are a strong peaty aroma, with a noticeable haggis flavour that fills the mouth with an intense aftertaste. 

The brewer confesses this is not his first foray into experimental beers. Last year saw the introduction of Silver Whiskers ( pictured) which he freely admits was a commercial disaster.  

 " Part of the problem" he confessed  "was that landlords didnt let it settle enough in the cellar so grey hairs and dandruff would often be found floating in someones pint...all perfectly harmless of course"

It is hoped the new beer will be showcased at the Glasgow Beer Festival in June, and if well received , the Great British Beer Festival in London in August.

Having tried the beer , I have no hesitation in naming this new ale, First of April my beer of the month for March.

Monday, 20 July 2015

CONCERNING THE SMELL AND TASTE OF CHOCOLATE - AN APPRECIATION OF SPECIALITY BEERS




Having just consumed and enjoyed  a bottle of Saltaire Triple Chocoholic my thoughts meandered to some of the specialty beers out there. I always like to try these when I can, but I have drinking mates who decry these types of ales.

“Beer should be just beer, no putting in coffee, fruit, seeds or bats droppings!  Harumph!”

I disagree. As a regular beer festival goer, I frequently notice that it’s nearly always the speciality beers that go first. So what type am I talking about? Well, here are some examples which I have enjoyed.
Fraoch Heather Ale
Wells Banana Bread Beer
Batemans Mocha
Titanic Plum Porter.
Darkstar Espresso
The list goes on.
.
Usually someone will know I’m drinking one of these,  as my eyes tend to glaze over after the first sniff and then comes “Oh, that’s gorgeous” after the first sip.This performance is invariably met with a shake of the head from some fellow drinkers.
I DON’T CARE GUYS. 

These beers usually sell out quick so drinkers must enjoy them.

I’m heading for the Great British Beer Festival again this August so rest assured I will be seeking more like these – except perhaps the bat droppings.