Thursday 23 August 2012

Pay the Toll

High Street Bitter - 5.2%
I have a confession to make.  I have a membership with the National Trust.  I know, I know.  It's sandals and Thermos flasks from here on out and downhill from there.  The one benefit is that I get to go to the little shop at the end and look at the local beers they often sell there.

This is from Tollgate Brewery and I picked it on a whim.  They have been going for about 7 years in South Derbyshire.

I've been on record before saying I'm not a big bitter fan.  Go look at my comments from my home towns beer.

This is nothing like that.  It's a bitter but right at the opposite end of the scale.  A dark and rich bitter without overpowering hops and a wonderful selection of malt.  The head is surprisingly light considering the fullness of the taste.

Hunt this one down and try it for yourself.


Thursday 2 August 2012

Guarding the underworld

Cerberus - 4.5%
Tonight's tipple comes from Norfolk and a company called Fox Brewery.  I got given a boxed set of their beers in a nice little package to enjoy and review.

This is Cerberus, three headed guardian dog of the underworld.  It's also probably one of the least fizzy beers I've ever had.  Seriously I opened the bottle and there was hardly a noise.

It's not stale just very flat and look at that nice dark colour.  The flavour is nutty and initially very pleasant.

Sadly about halfway down things took a turn for the worse.

If you are familiar with athletes foot powder, this beer eventually tastes almost exactly as that smells.

It's a real shame as to start is was delicious and I'll always look forward to a good dark beer to topple the crown of Old Engine Oil