Get Set For The Weekend...

Well, here we are again, inked quill in hand, hovering over the parchment, hoping to spew a paragraph or two out before my tip runs dry, as it forms new categories to the Rorschach test, spilling, drip by drip, away. Hang on. I am using Open Office. Where did this feather come from, and worse still, what are those stains, and who the bloody hell is Hermann Rorschach ?? You can tell I have had a quiet week or so, with very little to stimulate my grey matter. Even the Daily Mail and Daily Express did very little in their respective cryptic crosswords to tease me. Since my last rambling tome of beery expeditions, I have not had too many excursions of pleasure to report on, but The Hermitage is not yet ready for us.

I was back to the paid vocation on Monday (16th), (believe it or not, I do this serious reporting of liquor for free!!!) and after the following days toils, I had my 2 rest days to take off. What to do? Too cold and wet to go fishing or digging on my allotment, too warm to build snowmen in the garden, and so we, T'other 'arf and I, managed a spot of lunch in the local JDW's ( Yarborough Hotel) where we also sampled a couple of glasses of Real Ale. We started off with an offering from the Tring Brewery, by the name of “Redshank”. This medium dark bitter, of 4.2% ABV, is smooth and rounded, with the sweet maltiness giving way to the slight hop bitterness, with neither becoming too prominent. The complimenting of this is very pleasing with a long and satisfying finish. An extremely good brew, which went down well with our light lunch of Paninis. Whilst my Half Pint expert stayed on Redshank,

Watch your nuts !

I espied an Isle of Wight brew on the bar pump. Goddard's “Wight Squirrel”, to be precise. A very dark and quite bitter beer at first ,this leads to a caramel sweetness and malty taste towards the end.. This Best Bitter, of 4.3%, is quite moreish, but just a touch too sweet , in my humble opinion. With food and ale in our bellies, comforting feelings abounded as we left 'Spoons and wandered home. I was back to work on Thursday, working on late shifts, until my next rest day on Monday. Sounds OK, but (there is always a but) I was back to work on Tuesday morning at 04-30, so we decided, as usual, to forsake any liquid imbibing from our Licensees, until the coming weekend. I may have hinted that I was disciplined!!

Friday arrived. I cocked an eye at the offending alarm at our bedside. Yippee. 03-20, time to get up and get ready for work. Peeping out into the street, hiding behind the drawn curtains, frost was apparent. Oh well, a freezing awakening awaits, as I dangle in a cherry picker, de-icing our first aircraft out a little while from now. I did have a couple of beers waiting, expectantly, at home, for me, after finishing work, to help get the circulation going.

I have started that Twitter lark recently, but not having an all singing, all dancing phone, my tweets are more afterthoughts than hot off the press news items, as I have to wait until I can get on my laptop at home. I did find out, though, through this medium, a brewery from 30 odd miles down the road, Axholme Brewing Co, would be dropping off a barrel at The Nottingham, in Cleethorpes. Not having tasted their brews before, I had decided to give The Notts, and Axholme a coat of looking at.

But first, the bottles. I started on the lighter “Dr Thirsty's No 4 Blonde” 4.1% from Wychwood.

A lovely fresh tasting Ale, bordering, almost, into the realms of a Continental lager, but with a more bitter taste in the finish. I really enjoyed this, and would love to sample this again, especially in my shorts and flip-flops. The 2  ^nd offering was Morrison's Marston's brewed Stout, from their “Specially Selected “ range. A good, velvety Stout, at 4.5%. This is just a re-packaged Marston's “Oyster Stout”, but a good beer all the same. It is not too adventurous, or bland, just a bog standard Stout. The roasted taste gives way to a slight coffee/chocolate finish, with none of the flavours being too pronounced. It is just what you expect, really. No shocks or surprises. Bathed and ready to go, I jumped on the bus up to Cleethorpes, and The Nottingham. As I entered, the board proclaimed several ales, but not, unfortunately, the Axholme brew I had come in search of. Oh bugger ! Never mind. I ordered a brew I had recently reviewed Rudgate's “Snow Wonder” which was hoppy and fresh tasting on the palate, and was enjoyed just as much as my last experience of this Ale. I followed up with Theakston's “Old Peculiar”, an old favourite of many. 5.6% and having a rich, fruity but not too sweet a taste, a beer to be heralded. This is a true British brewing classic. Great beers served in an equally great pub. What more do you need to encourage you to enjoy the first afternoon of your weekend off. I jumped on the bus back to Grimsby, to meet T'other 'arf in The Hope and Anchor. On entering, Jane was in the company of Big Gaz, an acquaintance of ours since our quiz nights in the nearby Royal Oak, sadly now a solicitors office. We swapped stories of nonsense, cringed, but still laughed at Gaz's earthy humour (aided and abetted by Gaz's workmate, Alan, whose humour was almost as dry as mine !!),passed judgements on various news stories, but, strangely, we mostly discussed that sodding dress. Who cares (well obviously we did, for at least half an hour!) All this discussion was carried out with a pint of “Bomber County”, and a half of “Lincoln Gold” (or was it blue??) from the Tom Woods' Brewery.

I am sure it isn't Black and
White stripes, I think??

Both of these beers are well known, well liked and well reviewed, not only by myself, but many others as well. Suffice it to say, there were plenty enjoying both these brews in here today. We wandered on to our last port of call, The Yarborough, which was quite busy, as usual for Friday evenings. I opted for Elland “1872” a Porter of 6.5% and T'other 'arf fancied the “Welsh Dragons” from Milestones' Brewery, a Golden Ale of4%. The award winning “1872” was smooth, dark and very nice, with a wonderful aroma of aromatic fruits and the coffee and chocolate undertones ever tempting you further into the complexities of this beer, but still remaining balanced, all the way through to the bitter-sweet finish, it is no surprise that this carries a gong or two. The Golden Ale, on the other hand, was clear, extremely zesty, but not outstanding. It was pleasant, without being memorable and that is as poetic one could describe this average Ale. To finish, and to prepare ourselves for Good Ol' Grimsby Fish and Chips, open with scraps, of course, my beer was Warwickshire's Whale Ale Brewery's “Ruby Moby”, a 4% ruby coloured beer which imparted a strong caramel taste from the off, which gave way to a wonderful hop finish. A good old fashioned tasting beer, I thought. Great for a session, or just before Fish and Chips ! Jane decided on the 3.7% “Ruddles Best” , JDW's staple on the pumps. I used to quite like this beers years ago, when it was the only oasis in the desert of kegs and lagers, but tend to overlook it now. I don't know why ? Sweet, nutty and hints of toffee being cut through by a florality, make this Ale nice, not outstanding, but definitely nice. Along with it's Big Brother, the 4.3% “County” which is very similar with just a hint of refinement in the smoother finish, these brews seem stand strong and proud, where others, better beers, shall we say, often fade away when the next fad comes along. Now, where's that chippy?, I hope it's still open !

Saturday was very much taken up with other pursuits, with T'other 'arf and I rising early, (stop making your own sordid details up !) We decided on the suffrage of allotment digging and then baby-sitting. Let's just say it was a blessed relief flopping back onto our own sofa after a hard day tweaking forgotten muscles on our plot, and a rather noisy, hectic and tantrum tinged evening with 3 grandchildren. It was then decided that we may, after shopping and housey bits and bobs, wander out on Sunday for a couple. As the howling wind of the Sabbath greeted us, any lingering thoughts of outside work subsided, so Aldi's became our main focus. To gloss over the myriad of food bargains here, there are quite a few bottled treats here, most at a good price. We chose 4 bottles to share over dinner. It ain't SO bad shopping, is it ? On arriving home, we got on with a couple of little chores, before relaxing with a bit of “catch-up” TV and sharing a bottle of Aldi's “Sainte Eienne” lager (Yes, Lager! ) I found it quite refreshing, if I am honest. Sweet and malty with a hint of biscuit, this 4.8% golden coloured lager certainly surprised me. We followed that by sharing a bottle of Williams Bros. “Chieftain Pale Ale” along with “Bob Servant” on TV. The beer was medium sweet, quite hoppy with citrus flavours noticeable throughout. A very refreshing Ale. The TV? Extremely funny. I know people like Bob Servant, and, sadly, Frank too. I have only just started watching this Neil Forsyth comedy, starring Brian Cox, so I will be chasing up the first series ASAP. I wonder if Broughty Ferry has any Real Ales? “Stewpot !” We finished off at home with half each of Jennings Bitter, enjoyed along with our meal. Dark, nutty and a lovely malt taste greets you, encouraging you further down the glass. The finish is long and satisfying with a slight hoppiness tickling the taste buds towards the end.. What a way to waste an afternoon. After a laze in the bath, we decided on The Wheatsheaf, a good 15 minute walk away, to walk off our dinner, and to finish off the weekend. The “Sheaf” is a reasonable boozer, attracting a varied clientele. Part of the Ember Inns group, there are always a selection of guests' on offer, but not a huge array. This allows you to sample all the wares without falling on your back, gurgling! On offer this evening were, “Rivet Catcher” a 4% Golden Ale from Jarrow,which was fruity with citrus, almost grapefruit, flavours giving it a pleasing kick. Bitter, but not too sharp this beer was very nice and the dry finish, just long enough to enjoy and savour. Next on the list was the standard, it seems, of Ember Inns, Abbeydale's “Moonshine”, a Pale Ale of distinction. It is unashamedly citrus in the main, with a floral nose. A slight candy sweetness comes through towards the end. A damn good beer. We finished off the evening, and our weekend away from work, with Brakspear's Bitter

Reliable as ever.

. A comforting malty bitter, of medium sweetness and slight bitterness, this is just so typical of an old fashioned English style beer. Others have differing tastes and deep complexities, some are wrapped in fancy packs and are suggestive of hidden flavours and tinges, alien to some, but this pint, like the aforementioned Ruddle's, is a reliable beer in a, sometimes, confusing Ale marketplace.

I shall not be partaking again until JDW's International Real Ale Festival, later this month, so until then, as always,

Cheers and keep it “Real”

The Importance of Being Idle........( I wish!)

Well, my week of laziness, according to T'other 'arf, has drawn to an abrupt end. Week off ? Yeah, right. We have sanded, stripped and painted the bathroom door, sweated, with forks in hand, at the allotment as the frost thawed, and the weeds and couch grass became more apparent, switched the bedrooms round, juggling with beds, furniture, toys, and all the other collections of crap one finds in the corners of our upstairs living areas, helped out with grand-parental babysitting duties and a myriad of other “little favours” and projects we needed to get round to. On top of this, braving still frozen waters, I have had a couple of days fishing. “Not work !” I hear you cry. Well, let me tell you that lugging rods, tackle boxes, nets, and an assortment of other bits and bobs, downstairs and into the car, 200 yards from car to peg, then sitting 5 hours, awaiting the possibility of a stray piscatorial visitor to swim by and hungrily take a fancy to my bait, followed by a return from peg to car, car to house and up those bloody stairs, is not a picnic! The things we do for the love of our sport. During all this, we have hardly had time to collate any information for The Beermonster's Blog, but, doggedly, we did manage a couple, or so, excursions, of which I will divulge you with now.

Friday's Starter.

Ahh, Friday. Last Friday, to be exact. My last early before a week of presumed relaxation (we already know the outcome of that one). On the way home I was drawn into the vortex of the local Morrisons'. I was spinning and swirling, almost giddy with dizziness. I really ought to slow down around that roundabout! Here I picked up a 3 for £5 deal, consisting of Robinson's “Dizzy's Dark Side” and a couple of bottles of Marston's “New World”. Once home, I opened the wonderful malty 3.8% Robinson's brew. Described as a dark oak ale, it's lovely long dry finish is preceded by a satisfying coffee hit. Smooth and well balanced throughout, from first sip to last slurp. An excellent bottled beer. I followed this with one of the Marston's. This is a beer I have tasted before, and which has been richly reviewed by many of my peers recently. All I can say is, this brew is a willing accompaniment to most situations. It is refreshing,zesty, light and has a lovely citrus aroma and a long, long dry, bitter finish. The malt is present, but just as a hint in the background. After these, I decided to have a walk into town. With a bit of shopping in hand (I do love those pound shops!) I gave the Ice Barque another try. Hooray! Real ale was available, albeit in very small amounts. They did have on tap “Birra Armada” from Spanish brewer Alberto Pacheco, in conjunction with Adnams. 4.8% and with a nice dry, but fruity flavour which leads to a biscuity, long grapefruit finish, this speciality ale was quite moreish. After this I met T'other 'arf from work, and we proceeded to The Yarborough Hotel. A much better display of Ales, shining like beacons from the bar top, were evident in here. I decided upon a pint of “Monkey Wrench”, Daleside's 5.3% Premium Ale, whilst Jane tried “Welsh Pride”, a 4% Conwy's Brewery Bitter. My beer was dark, with a good balance of sweetness and bitter, and a spicy undertone throughout. The half-pint was slightly orange in taste, with a dry bitterness which followed through to the finish. To finish we opted for a pint of Wibbler's “Polar Beer” a straw coloured 4.2% Winter Ale, which was fresh, slightly malty and a punchy, dry finish. A nice start to the week off. As the last few weeks has been bent towards the Churchillian era, I flippantly, but with deep respect, would like to quote the great man by saying this was not the end, it was not even the beginning of the end, but perhaps it was the end of the beginning of my week off. Tomorrow, a long awaited meal with our friends, in Cleethorpes, was on the cards.

T'other 'arf's last day at work today. I merely slobbed around all morning, enjoying Soccer AM and then indulging in the North London derby. I have no real football allegiances after my beloved Grimsby Town, although, as a pup, I did support Ipswich Town in the 70's. Why? Well, the only football we would get as kids was Match of The Day, national coverage on a Saturday Night, followed by The Big Match on Sunday, featuring the local teams. As Yorkshire TV was also picked up in North Norfolk, after the local games had been shown, these Northern most of the Anglians were treated to a weekly fix of their local football teams. At this time Ipswich were really THE team. Good football, brilliant young manager in Bobby Robson, and great players like Kevin Beattie,Paul Cooper, Bryan Talbot, Dutchmen Thijssen and Muhren, Eric Gates, South African born Colin Viljoen and oh so many more. What a team. I was the only kid in James Meadows Junior School to follow this iconic group of sportsmen, and proud of it too, until they won the FA Cup in 1978. I was at Havelock Comp then, 14 years old and fed up with being told I only supported Ipswich because they had won the Cup. By now I was already a regular at Grimsby's games, so I just discarded may casual dalliance with those Blues from far(ish) away. I would struggle to name a single player in the present set up. Never mind. On with the main event. We had arranged to meet our friends for a drink and a meal. It was a belated celebration dinner for our closest friends. Steve had retired in January, whilst Dee, as young at heart as she is, celebrated her BIG birthday on Boxing Day. We met for a quick drink in The Yarborough, where I had a pint of the 4.9% Flack Manor “Hedge Hop”. I found it quite complex, with malt, citrus and a high hoppiness seemingly bombarding you in every mouthful. It wasn't unpleasant, just hard to discern what I was tasting at times. After this, we hopped on the train to Cleethorpes, alighting at, and entering the No2 Refreshment Room. As I have mentioned before, “Under the Clock”, as it is also called, is a good real ale pub, and holds several POTY titles from the local CAMRA branch. We enjoyed a a couple of beers in here, among a varied clientele, some of whom were former regulars of mine in my taxi-driving days.Tales were swapped and reminisced whilst I sampled 2 different ales in here,

A good beer, not just
in theory

York Brewery's “Eine Stein Bitte”, and “Snow Wonder” from Rudgate's. York brewery's brew was quite biscuity to begin with with the slight maltiness leading to a dry and long citrus finish. Very zesty and crisp tasting with a ABV of 5.5%. The “Snow Wonder”, at 3.6%, was very pale, and, although quite dry and initially refreshing,the citrus undertone pales away with a short lived bitterness to end. Not one of Rudgate's classic brews, but still drinkable. We decided to try The Coliseum Picture House (JDW's) next, and between us we tasted 4 different brews over two rounds. With the help of my fellow tasters, we reviewed them thus. West Berkshire's “Good Old Boy”, an amber toned Bitter of 4% was fruity, with hints of coffee and an underlying sweetness. We found the finish reasonably dry, but quite long and refreshing. The American based Sixpoint brewery, in conjunction with Adnams, had the 4% “Importer” on cask. We found this nice, with caramel coming to the fore, over an initial fruit taste, but a little thin. It wasn't like an Irish stout, more like a Mild. Rudgate were represented by the ever popular “Ruby Mild”, which is always lovely, smooth, easy drinking and rich, with caramel and a nutty flavour lasting right through to the medium bitter long finish. Something lighter now. Newby Wyke and the wonderful Golden Ale of 5%, “USS Winston S Churchill”. You get an enjoyable orange hint with this Ale. It was well liked by us all, with waves of spice giving way to citrus, and a bitter finish that leaves your palate refreshed and wanting more. A lovely relaxing afternoon was now turning into the gathering gloom of evening, and the cold in the sea air was highly evident. We moved on, through the old fishermen's alleyways, to Sea View Street and, quite aptly, The Fisherman's Arms. This is very much a locals pub, but, nonetheless, very welcoming. Here, again, I bumped into faces from my previous employ as a cabbie. The range of ales in here is usually 2 or three, and tonight was no exception. We all chose the “Golden Pippin” an excellent Golden Ale from Copper Dragon. This Blond Ale is light, refreshing and has an enjoyable citrus finish. I have cradled a few of these over recent years, and think it is a great session beer at 3.9%. We certainly agreed on that. Time had ticked by, as it does, and we headed off 20 yards down the road to the Nottingham House for our dinner reservation. I won't bore you too much about the food but, suffice to say the welcome was incredibly warming and genuine, all our meals were excellent, the staff incredibly attentive, and the company half-cut! The ladies enjoyed a bottle of wine with their meal, whilst Steve and I had the 4.3% Pale Ale, “Moonshine”, from Abbeydale Brewery. It was light, golden and hints of grapefruit gradually worked through with an almost floral finish. A really good beer to accompany any meal. To finish the night, we enjoyed one for the road, Steve choosing Timothy Taylor's “Landlord”, whilst I quaffed a Tetley's “Mild”. Both were poured as they should be, and certainly tasted absolutely perfect. As we waited for our taxi home, we chatted away, and our newly retired member reminded us of what we have got to look forward to come pension age (leaving the house to walk the dogs, only to find you have forgotten your key, returning and setting off again, then forgetting your wallet,back again, then out, and, finally,leaving the dogs!!) I think I will stay at work.....unfortunately so does the Government's Dept. of Work and Pensions.

We didn't do a lot on Sunday, besides walking down to the allotments, surveying the jobs ahead, sighing, audibly, and then continuing the leg stretching antics, eventually homeward bound. We did get stuck in, for a couple of hours, down the plot on Monday. This meant that come tea-time, both of us felt as if we had been through a mangle, with aching backs and limbs and slightly grubby looking from the mudbath. There was a cure, I insisted, a hot bath followed by a stroll into town. Yes! Hook, line and sinker. And so, Monday evening we were back in The Yarborough, I with a pint of 5.2% Titanic “Capt Smith” and T'other 'arf with a Salopian “Darwins Origin”. I found the Titanic dark, malty with a clinging head. It was very smooth, and had a hoppy finish that lasted well, whereas the “Darwin's Origin” at 4.3% was dry, almost tart with very little sweetness but a refreshing bitterness. My half-pinter wasn't overly keen but all our tastes differ. Next up were Mauldon's “Suffolk Pride”, a 4.8% Bitter, which we found very full bodied, with the malty flavour really cutting through, with a fruitiness evident in the long dry finish, and Rogue Brewery's “Brutal”. This was a typical American IPA, with punchy grapefruit and citrus taste through to the dry, fruity and bitter aftertaste. A nice beer, I believe it was 6% (I'd left my reading specs at home!).To finish off I ordered a half each of White Horse Brewery “10^th Anniversary Pale” which was very hoppy, with a slight biscuity hint. 4.4% and quite dry in the finish, along with Bateman's 4.5% “Hooker” (another light, hoppy citrus laced ale, very much the same as the 10^th Anniversary) and Caledonian's “Great Scot”. This 4.1% Speciality Ale was totally different to the other two. Dark, nutty and heavy on the malt gives it a creaminess and a bitter sweet experience. It was a pleasing change to the lighter beers that seem to be in favour at the moment.

After a day deep-freezing maggots at a local still water, in the name of sport, and finding my appendages as warm as an eskimo's outside toilet, a hot bath, glass of Glayva, and a walk into town was needed on Wednesday. Jane was visiting her daughter and the Grandchildren, they were in the midst of moving house, so we decided to meet up in town. I initially popped into The Ice Barque, and quickly popped back out again (only one cask on, and that was off!) so I met the bus, and we went back to The Yarborough. We only had a couple in here, with Jane opting for the safety of “Abbot Ale”, I started on a pint of Acorn Brewery's “Bullseye” a Red coloured Bitter of 4.5%. Caramel , with a slight nuttiness and medium carbonation made this extremely easy to drink. A wonderful Bitter from this Barnsley based brewery.This was followed by another delightful, and easy drinking beer, this time a Mild from Ilkley called “Ruby Jane”. 4% and full of flavour, this smooth, sweet mild has won many awards. There is slight biscuit hints to it and only a faint bitterness. It is incredibly smooth, with the head gripping the glass to the last.

Thursday. Curry & a Drink.

We stayed in on Thursday night, even though the pull of curry night at JDW's was quite strong. I cooked a Jalfrezi instead, supplementing it with a few bottles, and a wine for the Lady. It was nice just slobbing, watching rubbish on TV, with a full belly. The beers sampled were two from Portobello brewery, under the guise of Madness brewing, namely "Night Boat London Porter", and "Lovestruck", along with Saltaire's "Blonde". All were good bottled beers, with the Porter, at 5%, oozing with a coffee, chocolate, hazelnut and fruit flavours, whilst  "Lovestruck", an Amber Ale of 4.4% also offered a fruit and chocolate back taste, along with a floral hit from the hops. The 4% "Bonde" really accompanied the warmth of our curry excellently. With a dry bitterness throughout, and just a hint of malt and spiciness. I really enjoyed this trio of bottled beers. Compliments to the Chef too.

We did manage a quick couple of drinks on Saturday, after doing a bit of shopping, and a touch of bickering, but with yours truly back to the grindstone the next day, it was obviously going to be fleeting. We still managed to sample three beers on offer at the Yarborough which were Ringwood “Thumper”, Quantock “Plastered Pheasant” and Blindman's “Icarus”. The “Thumper” at 5.1%, was full of malty bitterness, with fruit delicately balanced throughout. The aroma was quite spicy but, again, a fruitiness was still noticeable. A good old fashioned beer. Quantock's Winter Warmer offering was dark, and rather like a Mild, with a bitter sweet taste of coffee and toffee smoothly caressing the palate. It was no lightweight though, with an ABV of 4.8%. To finish the session, and 8 wonderful, blissfull days away from work, Blindman's “Icarus” seemed the right brew to sign off on. A rich, Ruby Ale of 4.5%, it was warming, medium bodied and had a smooth, but slightly bitter, biscuit taste. An extremely well balanced ale. One to enjoy and savour, not to glug down. A beer that, with empathy, bades you farewell, but will welcome you back soon, with the same warmth and intensity. Sentimental old sod at times, aren't I, especially when it comes to beer!!

Cheers and keep it “Real”

Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon.

NOT the usual suspects,

A run of later than usual lates at work,due to the weather, and a week of dieting, including the avoidance of alcoholic dalliances, meant that come Sunday, the first of my scheduled 2 rest days, I was ready for a little beery taster. We popped out to the local Aldi (other supermarkets are available), to reap any bargains, and, as usual, we were not disappointed. Besides the food savings, the drinks aisle always throws up a few good deals, as do the Lidl shops. Rummaging through, I came across two Innis & Gunn brews, as well as a German beer, all at “sale” price. Whoo-hoo ! Sunday afternoon was now sorted. I must hasten to add that there were a few more good bottled ales, all at the lower price ranges, also available, which was pleasing to see. Anyway, back to our chosen ones. First on the menu was Schwaben Brau “Das Helle”, a lager of 5% ABV. With it's straw colour, medium carbonation and thin veneered head, it certainly looked nice. The taste was very refreshing, with a grassy hint accompanying the initial maltiness and slight fruit flavouring to follow. The finish was long, crisp and dry. Not being a lager drinker, unless holidaying abroad, I was quite surprised at my overall enjoyment of this Germanic tipple. I thought it much better than the many “English” lagers I have tried to embrace. The second beer we sampled was the Innis & Gunn “Canadian Cherrywood Finish Oak Aged Beer”, weighing in at 7.4%. Presented in a 330ml bottle, and gift boxed, the anxiety abounded. The colour was definitely red-hued, and the head, although present on pouring, disappeared quicker than an opening batsman on an England overseas Cricket tour, and was no more than a memory by the time we came to tasting . The taste itself, we agreed, was rich, with caramel, malt and a sweet, almost sugary, punch. There was a hint of fruitcake in it, and, although not unpleasant, we both thought one glass was plenty. With me not having a "sweet tooth" didn't help, I suppose. To finish off this little tasting session, we tried the “Treacle Porter”, another from the I & G brewery. Dark, but not black in colour, this looked more like a Premium Bitter, or a Winter Warmer, rather than a porter, and, with a seemingly thin body and very little head, it came across, visually, as a little disappointing.. The taste was OK, but not outstanding, and, again, was very sweet. The treacle taste was apparent, but not in big way. Again, not unpleasant, but, certainly, an acquired taste. I would like to taste both of the Innis and Gunn beers in cask form, as I believe the bottled versions lacked that “something” which the packaging hinted at.

The bottled beers will take a back seat next weekend, as we are out for a few cask beers, and a meal, in Cleethorpes, a much anticipated sojourn in the company of friends of ours. Until then, it's back to the diet, self administered alcohol ban and those cold and snowy early morning expeditions to work, followed by lengthy attempts of thawing out those appendages caught out by the icy fingers of Winter. Never mind, it'll soon be Summertime, I hope!

Cheers and keep it “Real”.

Since you been gone

Since the turn of 2015, it seems that I have been in a hermitage, if you look at my blog, and my Google+ postings, which, is not strictly true. I have been kicking of my work boots, when opportunity arises, and helping to clear some space in the kitchen by removing those bottles of home brewed Bitter and Stout that T'other 'arf keeps tripping over and tut-tutting at.

Never mind the bloody juniper bush,
 there's a new bar open in Cleethorpes!!

Dedicated to the cause, I have also made space where the Whisky, Vodka and Port live. I am sure the Glayva and Gin are in the way and soon to be tidied up too ! (At this point I would like to stress that I, angelic and almost salvationist, am not the only one in the Ancestral home who has partaken in, and removed us of the Spirits lurking in the dark cupboard, I suppose, like an exorcism.) I have managed to escape the immediate environs of The Homestead, making it to the relaxed atmosphere of those debauched bars one frequents, on occasion, which I will review now.

Two weeks ago, on a cold,bright Wednesday, T'other 'arf and I, jumped on the train for the short journey to Cleethorpes. With a brisk, biting wind swallowing us , we huddled up, and bent over, like penguins, strode, or waddled, down the seafront. A delightful walk was taken, as bracing as it was, and after ending up at the far end of the resort, behind Pleasure Island, an unimpressive 2 miles had been completed. Invigorated, I suggested, whilst in the immediate area, we pop into the new Premier Inn's Brewer's Fayre. This agreed upon, we entered and were greeted by a spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated bar. The staff were friendly and attentive, with an air of confidence in their newly taken positions.Beer choice was the usual keg varieties, with the addition of “Black Sheep” Bitter and, if memory serves me right, Fuller's “London Pride”. We opted for the 3.8% “Black Sheep” which was expertly dispensed, even with the polite enquiry if a top-up on the pint was needed. Now, the only criticism. Our beer was too cold. It was served at a temperature more suited to those “special” lagers, and real penguins. This had the effect of tainting the flavours slightly, before the warmth of the room, and our cupped, gloved hands came to a partial rescue. Shame really, maybe it was the outside air temperature which knocked the cellars' temperature down too far, but I will visit when the weather warms up, just to clarify that. Drinks finished, we headed off for the return to our point of departure. I had it in mind to visit another new Cleethorpes bar, The Bobbin, situated on the High St. Billed as a venue for “craft” beers, I wondered what it would offer. Approaching, the place was open but empty, so we decided to try it another time, when we could also sample some atmosphere, as well as those quoted “craft beers”. You are also slightly more noticeable if you decide on leaving, should the “craft” beer not be as one expects, or hideously priced. We will give it a look in the near future, though, so watch this space, but for now, diplomacy reigns. We opted for a couple in The Coliseum Picture House instead. I went for the locally brewed 3.4% “Mild Midlander” from The Black Horse Brewery, whilst my half pinter chose “Thanks PA” a very floral, dry finished 6% IPA from the same stable (I'm sure I have used that as a witticism before, but we all recycle now!). Jane didn't go a bundle on her beer, so later switched to an “Abbot Ale”. I found my brew a touch bland. The rich creaminess and slight coffee undertones promised to excite the palate but, sadly disappeared quite quickly. I followed this with a pint of the “Thanks PA” myself. This is beer with a punch.It is full of flavour from the US hops used, and has a dry bitterness that never ends! The citrus taste prevails throughout with hints of grapefruit apparent. I thought it a very good IPA. After these, we popped into The Number 2 (Under The Clock) back at the station, to await our mode of transport home. We both chose the Cottage Brewery “ Somerset and Dorset Ale”, a traditional Bitter, which, at 4.4%, was rich, malty and carried a lovely red hue. It was also served at the correct temperature, allowing the beer to give off all it's deep flavour and hop aroma.

Look what's blown in.

The following week, I met Jane in town after a trip the Ice Barque, giving it a trial after recent disappointments. I tried a couple of US beers in here I had not tasted before. First was “Full Sail Wassail” brewed by Wadworth, in conjunction with the Full Sail Brewing Co. I found this Winter Ale full of malt flavours with a wonderful fresh hopped aftertaste. Very moreish, but at 6%, one to respect. I also tried the Sixpoint/Adnams “Xporter” another  6% Ale full of chocolate and roasted coffee flavours, with a citrus kick to it. An excellent tasting beer of this style. Now in company, we made our way to the The Yarborough, where we sampled a couple each of the Oakham “JHB”. A classic Golden/Blonde Ale with plenty of fruitiness in the hoppy flavour, mixing amicably with malt, this 4.2% beer is always a welcome sight. We could have stayed for more, but we had other plans, so, content with our lot, we sloped home.

I have decided that 2015 may not be so much quantity driven, more quality. I intend to try more places, new and old, home and away, many either never visited, or last enjoyed a few years ago, to give my blog a little more “depth”. With a friend of ours, Steve, recently taking retirement, it seems we may have another taster to bounce opinions and views off. We, Jane and I with Steve and his partner, Dee are already planning a meal out, back in Cleethorpes,which will also be enjoyed with a few drop-offs on the way, soon, followed by an idea of mine to try a few local pubs by public transport at a later date. Anyway, as always, Cheers and keep it “Real”

Everyone's A Winner, Baby

After a dose of flu' suffered over New Year, (which drove me to the solace of my bed by 8pm New Year's Eve, and, after stupidly dragging myself to work the next day, I spent most of the next three days back there, cocooned in a sweat dampened duvet), I curtailed my socialising just a tad. Whilst laying in my pit, awaiting a resurrection of sorts, and facing my return to work on lates, my mind was drawn to what I would put down as the personal highlights of my year of imbibing. T'other 'arf and I, as you may be already aware, have had a few sessions, home and away, during the last 12 months, but, because I have only been blogging since May 2014, I decided to only include those locations, beers and events which have appeared on my blog. So, what to call these inaugural awards? We have Oscars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes and a host of others for cinema and TV, and in literature we have The Pulitzer and Booker awards. Being boring, I decided on The Firkin. If anyone out there already has or issues these awards, I apologies. I googled all the Firkin awards and didn't find a Firkin winner anywhere. So here we go

The Firkin Best Local Pub (N E Lincs) 2014

As has been evident in my blog, whilst on “home” territory, I have kept to a select few pubs. Over the next 12 months, I shall be trying to poke my nose in some of those I have, either, never visited or haven't visited in years. That said, I have a choice to make. In Grimsby, my regular haunts of The Yarborough Hotel & The Ice Barque, both JDW's run establishments, although at times present an excellent pint at a good price, with a huge selection of “new”, untried beers and ales to sample, can, also, be lacking in personality and atmosphere. They are what they are. You can pay more and get less at other places, and vice versa, albeit very rarely though. The International Beer Festivals must be mentioned, which has introduced me to some wonderful US, Antipodean and European beer styles and brands, not always available in cask form in this country. The Parity, is a good “sports” pub that can rival and, sometimes, beat JDW's on price. Beer is quite good, and with 3 regularly changing real ales, a good place to visit. Big matches do make it a touch boisterous at times, although not threatening. The Friary, I'm afraid, does lack beer quality from time to time, as does The Duke of Wellington, even though the latter has a quite unique atmosphere about it!. I do enjoy The ambience, well served ales, excellent meals, and heavy metal music, on The Barge, whilst The Wheatsheaf offers a fair selection of ever changing Ales and a good menu. The County consistently serves up great live music at weekends, if not always accompanied by cask beers, and The Hope and Anchor is also worth mentioning. Millfields. I feel, is gearing itself more towards the food trade, but, as with all the rest, I will be able to determine more on my next visit.

In neighbouring Cleethorpes, The Coliseum Picture House seems to be holding its own, offering a good selection of local beers alongside the usual national JDW selections, and it is rare to find The No2 (Under the Clock) with a glut of empty seats, such is it's reputation for good beer. The No1 also offers up some excellent brews. Moving down the resort, Sea View Street, and the surrounding area, offers the discerning drinker some good hostelries, Willy's (with it's own brewery) with the Marston's run Smuggler's Arms,just a peanut's throw away. The Fisherman's Arms shares the same footfall as The Nottingham Hotel but seems to attract totally different clientele. The Fish' is more a “locals” pub, brash and loud, but somewhat engaging, and funny, whereas The Notts' has a more warming, old fashioned charm about it. It also has a great selection of beers, all served expertly by extremely efficient staff.

I think in Grimsby, my top 3, in no particular order, would have to be The Parity, The Wheatsheaf and The Barge, although I will still, probably, spend most of my time in The Yarborough! In Meggies, my treble would be The No2, The Coliseum Picture House and The Notts. There can only be one winner though, and that boozer to get the Firkin Accolade is :-

THE NOTTINGHAM HOTEL, CLEETHORPES.

The Firkin Best Pub (Lincolnshire)

My excursions around my home county have been a little short this year, with 2 exceptions, my (more correctly, our) Barton trip, and Louth. Both very different places, but also very similar. Barton, a market town which is bustling and busy, with the facade of industrialisation, yet still, somewhat, sleepy. There are quite a few Real Ale pubs here, and to pick the best is a hard choice. We enjoyed the olde worlde feel of The Sloop, as well as the welcome in the very modernly decorated White Swan, but I decided that The George Hotel and The Wheatsheaf, close neighbours, need special mention. Both have excellent beer, and, in each of them, food is reasonably priced and eagerly devoured. I would, though, just edge towards The Wheatsheaf purely for the bigger range of beers.

Louth is also busy and bustling, offering a good range of Real Ale, but with it's agricultural roots ever evident. The pubs choice is certainly varied, but on our visit, which I reviewed back in December, it would come down to two. The Gas Lamp Lounge, basic, welcoming and the brewery tap of a Louth based brewer or The Woolpack, a pub at the heart of the community, with great food and beer. T'other' arf and I have discussed this a few times since our visit, and we both eventually decided on The Gas Lamp, by a fag papers thickness!! Who will get a Firkin Award for Lincolnshire's best pub though? Well, that will go to :-

Louth's GAS LAMP LOUNGE

The Firkin Best Pub Nationally.

Again, my travels have not been extensive in 2014, but I still managed visits to The Isle of Thanet, Canterbury and The Norfolk Broads during my stewardship of the beermonsters blog. My favourite place to visit was The Broads, but, having the Grandchildren certainly restricted my research, although I frequented some lovely public houses whilst here. Canterbury is always a great place to explore, whilst Margate surprised me immensely, with the micro-pubs springing up all over. The pubs in all these localities were friendly, embracing of Ales and knowledgable of their craft. I would put the following on my shortlist, but that is not to dismiss the others. The Lion Inn at Thurne, Horning's Ferry Inn are definitely good mooring places to any Broads visitor, and The Foundry, and The City Arms, both Canterbury Brewery run establishments, always demand a visit, when in Kent's Cathedral City, along with the brilliantly run George and Dragon, in nearby Fordwich. The Lifeboat, Harbour Arms, 39 Steps and The Chapel represent Thanet, and the Micro-pub revolution. Beers straight from the barrel are a wonderful way to experience the Brewers' craft, and this has swayed my decision. The Foundry almost stole the award, and would have been a worthy winner, but there is just “something” about those micro-pubs which fulfils me. Tradition, maybe, alchemy, possibly, enjoyment definitely. Of the 4 I drank in, my favourite, and winner of Firkin Best Pub Nationally is:-

THE LIFEBOAT, MARGATE & THE 39 STEPS, BROADSTAIRS.

I honestly could not split them. Firkin prizes everywhere!

The Firkin Best Beers Tasted 2014.

Everyone's tastes are different, so to pick “champion” beers must be a thankless task. I, on the other hand, am only picking beers I have enjoyed, and are memorable to me. I don't want to start cataloguing every beer I taste on every night out, for a start, I haven't the time. In essence, that is why I blog, so I can look back on my outings myself, as well as sharing my experiences. That said, maybe I should keep a little list of scores in a secret dossier. A beermonsters Bible (or Imbibe Ale, yeah, I like that.) with which I could cross reference. Hmm. Right. On with the show.

The Firkin Best Beers Tasted 2014 have been grouped into their relative styles, although I admit, some styles may overlap and some may not be distinctive enough to stand alone. I have tried to pick 3 in each group.

MILD

I have tasted a few this year, a style that seems on the up, but my pick of the most satisfying milds are as follows

BATEMAN'S COLONELS WHISKERS

MOORHOUSE'S BLACK CAT

FULSTOW MARSH MILD

BITTER/BEST BITTER

Well, this is where it gets difficult, with so many breweries producing bitter, best bitter, and a myriad of others under the same umbrella of styles. Unfortunately, a superfluous amount of ales in this style doesn't mean quality throughout. With this in mind, I have chosen 3, to carry the flag, all good session beers, and all extremely consistant wherever they are enjoyed.

WOODFORDE'S WHERRY

OLDERSHAW'S OLD BOY

ADNAMS SOUTHWOLD BITTER

GOLDEN ALES

A style, sitting between Bitters and Pale Ales, which offers so much for the summer drinkers. It can, though, be quite confusing as to which group some Ales belong. My choices in this category are:-

LONG MAN GOLDEN TIPPLE

WANTSUM DYNAMO

DARK STAR HOPHEAD

PALE ALE

A good Pale Ale is getting easier to find, an outstanding one, though, is another matter. I hope I have chosen correctly here, I think I have. My Firkin treble are:-

SHEPHERD NEAME/FAVERSHAM STEAM BREWERY WHITSTABLE BAY PALE ALE

INNIS AND GUNN EDINGBURGH PALE ALE

ROOSTER'S YANKEE

IPA

There seems to be more styles within the IPA range every time I go drinking. English IPA, American IPA, Black IPA et al. The ones I was particularly drawn to, and enthused about are:-

KELHAM ISLAND MIND CONTROL

BARLEY BROWN'S BLACK IPA

ST AUSTELL PROPER JOB

STOUT AND PORTER

Good when they are good, but quite insipid when poorly produced, I have a passion for this style. I like to assure myself that not all stouts have to come across the Irish Sea, to be served almost sub-zero in temperature, with the addition of a silly hat proclaiming another Country's Patron Saint's festivities. Since starting my blog, I have been lucky to have tasted some really excellent beers in this style, but the three outstanding brews chosen are:-

FLIPSIDE RUSSIAN ROUBLE

BOX STEAM BREWERY FUNNEL BLOWER

MILESTONE'S BLACK PEARL

OTHERS

4 beers that don't sit in the above groups, but definitely need a mention are:-

LAGUNITAS IPA (Bottled beer)

GUINNESS WEST INDIES PORTER (Also bottled)

DEVIL'S BACKBONE AMERICAN IPA (Keg)

UPSTAIRS BREWING HAZY HOEDOWN (Wheat Beer)

My favourite overall? I think I would have to say, either the HAZY HOEDOWN, or RUSSIAN ROUBLE would be the winner of The Firkin Best Beer of 2014.

Remember, this is only my opinion on the places I have visited, and the beers sampled since May 2014. If you agree, OK, if not, do your own Firkin list !!!

Cheers and keep it “Real”

My Way

With Saturday's little trip to Louth over, I experienced the rarity of a quiet couple of days off, if you exclude the ritual of present buying, wrapping and hiding. Besides a couple of bottles of my home brew (“St-out in the Cold”, from the Wilko's velvet stout kit, and a Tom Caxton's Real Ale I played with and bottled as “Bitter This, That & T'other”), I resisted the temptation of nights out with the throngs. It helped that I was on lates during the run up to the Big day.

Pre-Xmas drink selection.

We were only working until 6pm on Christmas Eve though, so we had planned a couple of hours out with friends later in the evening. Unfortunately, illness struck in their camp, so that was that. We had a couple of beers at home, notably the Shepherd Neame brew, “Rudolph's Reward”, the Kent brewery's 3.8% bottled beer, which I found in Lidl for only 99p ! To be honest, it isn't packed with Christmas flavours, in fact I found it very much like any bog standard bottled bitter of the same strength. A slight caramel taste tries to come through the sweet maltiness, and the finish, although quite short, is dry and refreshing, but it is what it is. A cheap bottle of beer. I won't be pouring the rest down the sink as a protest to blandness, I will just enjoy them for what they are.

Christmas morning came, and we loaded the car up for the short journey across town to see the three youngest Grandchildren. It was lovely to see their faces light up as we arrived. After explaining why Santa had left some of their pressies at our house, the cacophony of excited noises continued. We stayed a couple of hours, and then popped home, to get our own dinner on, before popping back out to The Yarborough for a couple of beers. Before my current employment, I was 20 years a Private Hire Driver (taxi) and worked every Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I could never work out why the Christmas Day in the pub tradition was so strongly adhered to, but having experienced it for the first time last year, with everyone in a festive mood, it certainly leaves one with a warmness, and not just from the alcohol. I started off with Caledonian “Knee Deep”, a beer already reviewed here (http://fozzy21.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/the-pub-with-no-beeralmost.html) This pint, though, was clearly struggling to reach the heights of the previous tasting. Very much bottom of the barrel, I would say. After that I chose the same as T'other' arf was drinking, Wickwar “Christmas Cracker”. With a plum pudding and nutty taste, which leads you from the sweet malt through to the long hopped finish, this 4.2% Ale certainly lives up to it's name.

We met up with T'other' arf's son, and his girlfriend, enjoyed the afternoon, and then we went back for our Christmas Dinner. Now, I don't like to blow my own trumpet, but my cooking skills were greatly appreciated, and the offerings, eagerly scoffed. Smoked Salmon Pate with Capers, followed by Stuffed Turkey Breast, served with Roasted Veg, Brussels Sprouts with peanut butter, bacon and Chestnuts, Red Cabbage in balsamic vinegar and Buttered Leeks, with one or two little ingredients added. We had no room left for the Home-made Xmas Pudding or the Home-made Christmas cake! Our Grandson also came round a little later, and we had a lovely evening, just relaxing and watching a Norman Wisdom DVD. The simple things in life are sometimes the best. T'other' arf and I were both back at work Boxing Day, so the excesses in the drinks department were curtailed early. We were on opposite shifts too, so as Jane was entering the house, I was just leaving. We are rather like the figures on one of those old weather houses, at the moment, and I don't mean just gathering dust on a mantel-piece.

On Saturday, I was off, so, I met my half-pinter from work, as we had arranged, and had ourselves a bit of an afternoon session. I am not off again until after New Year, so this was to be our little treat, although, with Jane on earlies tomorrow, we would not be making a night of it as well. We started out in the Ice Barque (I know, glutton for punishment), and, after waiting an age, we eventually got served. I fancied a Sixpoint beer, displayed on the pumps, “Xporter”. After several unsuccessful pulls, it was announced that “It's gone” . The only other choice I fancied was Milestone's “Donner & Blitzed” a 5.4% Ale which was reasonable, but lost it's head far too quickly. Quite a heavily malted beer,I thought,with occasional spice and nuts coming through to a quite rounded finish. I would have liked to try this beer a bit fresher, as I think it wasn't done any justice by being served, shall we presume, near the end of the barrel. T'other 'arf tried the “Devil's Backbone”, which she enjoyed. Another beer I had tasted and reviewed before, this American Craft Ale is excellent, for a keg beer. The rain, by the time we left, was slinging it down, making for a miserable outlook, so our next port of call needed to be a short distance away, which we decided would be The Hope and Anchor, just around the corner. This one-roomed pub, with a central bar, used to be a regular haunt of ours. We used to have our quiz nights in here back in the Noughties. The pumps displayed 3 Real Ales, and we decided on Tom Woods “Christmas Cheers”, a 4.5% seasonal offering, which, so I am reliably informed, is “Bomber County” with a splash of Whisky flavour added. The taste was, undeniably, “Bomber County” but the Whisky was very subtle. Very well balanced and not too overpowering in taste or aroma, a pleasurable drink indeed. The pub staff, and clientele, were all very amiable and welcoming at this boozer,which is just away from the main shopping centre, and the beer was served as it should be. We stayed for another before setting sail for The Duke of Wellington, just a stones throw away. “The Duke” is another friendly “locals” pub, but with a bit more grit and character. The “Bombardier” we were served here wasn't the best, but still quite passable. We warmed ourselves by the raging fire, surveyed the many old Hewitt's bits and bobs, before making our way back towards town.

Hewitt's Bottle Labels.

Before leaving, Jane pointed out a couple of acts, appearing in the coming weeks, at this venue. “Someone called “Steve” is here at New Year. Strange time, though, 5pm?” I said nothing. “What do you think “Robbieshop is?” I had to point out that “Stevie S” was appearing at 9 and later that week, a local DJ called “Rob Bishop” was also booked. Should have gone to Specsavers!! It was time for some food, I realised. We wandered back to The Barge, had the best pint and a half of “Bombardier”, I believe, in the area, and Jane ordered a Cajun Chicken Baguette. When it turned up, it was HUGE. Easily enough for us both to share, and very well prepared and tasty. We could have stayed a little longer, but as the shopping centre was still open, we thought we would make our way across, and pass through it, rather than get a soaking walking round to The Yarborough via the main road later. I took advantage of a “bargain” watch, from one of those barrows one glimpses in every shopping centre, whilst walking through. £3-00 it cost, ( I could have had a box with it for an extra 2 quid, I declined!) The young lady even set the correct time on it for me. What service, eh? When we eventually reached The Yarborough, the Christmas Ales were still evident in their numbers. We tried to steer clear of any we had already tasted, but that was getting harder. In the end, after a pint of the Moorhouse's “Ice Witch”, a 4.3% Ale already quaffed and enjoyed on a previous visit, we settled on a pint of J.W.Lee's 4.8% “Plum Pudding”, which was rich, dark and filled with fruit flavours. The finish was quite dry, and very satisfying,along with a half of Cotleigh's “Red Nose Reinbeer”, a regular Christmas offering. This 4.3% seasonal Ale, with it's toffee and nutty undertones in the long hoppy finish, preceded by a rich maltiness, is an excellent session beer for the Winter. I glanced up at the TV news showing on one of the screens, dotted around in here. 17-02 said the little box in the corner, looking down at my new, bargain watch, it was displaying 16-40. “Have you been messing about with the telly?” I exclaimed to T'other'arf.

Time was ticking, or not, as the case may be, so we decided to stroll on home, picking up the Lotto on the way. During our amble, which took us past The Parity, I couldn't resist another glass of Tom Wood's “Christmas Cheers”, also on sale here. Sitting there, I realised that, with 2014 soon coming to an end, I should, maybe, sing us out with a little ditty. I will offer you this. Apologies to Mr Sinatra, but I have always attempted to do it this way

  "My Way"

And now, the ale is clear
I'm served a drink from the final firkin
My friend, I'll have my beer
Half a case of which I'm certain
I've drank many a glass that's full
With T'other'arf on our away days
One more, and a half this, we drank it our way

Bad beer, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
We sipped a good ale or two and saw it through less late bar extension
I planned each charted round, each careful brew along the barway
One more, and a half of this, we quaffed them our way

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
Faced with Ale you could almost chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I'd review, not spit it out
I shared it all and I told it all, and blogged it my way

I've sipped, I've quaffed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of boozing
And now, as beers subside, I find it all so amusing
To think I tasted all that
Gargled all, not in a shy way,

Nitro keg?, oh, no, “Real Ale” for me, I'll drink it my way"

For what is a man, what beer's he got?
If not Cask Ale, then he has naught
To drink the beers, those lovely Ales, Browns, Milds Stouts, and the Pales
The record shows we lapped up the brews and supped them our way!

Cheers, A Very Happy New Year to you all, and, remember, keep it “Real” 

It was Only A Winter's Ale.....

Louth, the Lincolnshire Wolds market town just 16 miles down the A16, was to be our pre- Christmas day out on Saturday. The previous evening, I had spent a couple of hours in town, watching the World go by (which at this time of the year is usually made up by the once-a-year boozers, hell bent on destroying either their reputation, or everybody else's peace and quiet.) with them stopping, frequently, to gorge on the many and varied alcoholic offerings available in every bar, annoyingly upping the volume of inane works chatter, staggering, queue jumping and, basically, just being obnoxious, flirtatious and loud. Works Parties are like chicken at a barbecue. Served up right, enjoyment ensues. Get it wrong and you will end up with your head in a bucket, wishing you hadn't bothered !!

Back to the main subject of this posting. Louth. Quaintly old fashioned, definitely middle classed, and, undeniably, a bloody good place to have a pint or two. We, eventually, jumped on the 09-45 bus, after a determined route march to the Bus Station because of hidden scarves, lost gloves and decisions to be made over dresses before we left our abode (not mine, I hasten to add. I chose trousers on such a cold day!!!). The chatter on the No 51 was of all things festive, and most of it still to be done. One aside was a little conversation concerning the military and the Officer class. T'other 'arf confidently spoke of the training they do “...at Sandringham”, been on the telly, apparently, “Yes, They do so many weeks there.” I resisted for a full 30 seconds before adding “ Must be a Bootifull Acadmee” Quizzically, it was enquired if Sandringham was not the place she was waxing lyrically about. “No, Jane. Sandringham is in North Norfolk, where HRH has a holiday home. Just near Hunstanton, where we caravanned, twice, in the past. I believe you meant Sandhurst !!” I almost never heard the cussing, but I know there must have been some.

We alighted our charabanc, adjacent to the market, perused the stalls, avoiding the 6 quid Xmas sweaters but failing not to buy a couple of bacon butties. I cannot visit Louth without thinking of those TV shows that depict life out in the “sticks” in those bygone ages of the 60's and 70's. Time does seem to have stood still here, and I like that. I like that very much indeed. It gives a warmth to your visit, whatever the weather. Green waterproof country jackets, with check shirts, matching flat-caps and, either, brown brogues, or stout outdoor boots are much in evidence, with tweed also popular. The agricultural roots of Lincolnshire are very conspicuous in this neck of the woods. So, on to the purpose of our trip. After a quick coffee, I turned the beer radar on, and we headed off towards our first port of call. This was to be The Gas Lamp Lounge, near the Riverhead area of Louth, in

The easily missed Gas Lamp Lounge,Louth

Thames Street. As we turned into the street, although I was confident of my bearings, T'other 'arf was a bit more, well, unsure. This bye-way is slightly residential, but also quite industrial, with several little companies dotted about down its path. The pub can be easily overlooked, based in the old offices, adjacent to the home of the recently re-homed Fulstow Brewery, but is a must for any Real Ale fans. The welcome was very convivial, even as the place was initially occupied by a single patron and the Barmaid. This warmth seems to linger all around the bar. The offerings where all very tempting on the pumps and I eventually plumped for the “Marsh Mild” at 3.8% whilst Jane's tipple was the 4.2% “Northway IPA. We were also invited to try the Christmas Ale,a rum and raisin infused beer, pump clip and details not yet available, which we duly did. I thought it was quite smooth, if slightly sweet, but both the rum and raisin were clearly evident, whatever it was called! We took our wares and sat next to the log burner, admiring the assorted local brewing artefacts of Brewers long gone, and the collection of Matchbox and Corgi toy trucks, which tastefully adorned the walls, all bearing breweries or malsters lodged in memories of yesteryear. Why is it called The Gas Lamp Lounge?, you may ask. Simple. Just gaze upwards and you will be able to see the gas piping which feeds the gas lamps. Yes, real gas powered lighting, quite a novelty. Our beers were absolutely perfect. The Mild, dark and caramel tasting, with a wonderful, but not overdone, bitterness in the finish was soon devoured, and the IPA, with its fully hopped punch, which leads to a long dry finish, was also greatly received. I followed this up with another of the Brewery's staple beers, “ Pride of Fulstow” a copper coloured Bitter at 4.5%. This was an excellent malty beer, with a nice, balanced hoppiness leading to a blackcurrant noted finish. Drinks finished, we bade farewell, with a promise of a swift return, and headed back to the Riverhead, and to The Woolpack. This is a busy, bustling pub, one of the many Bateman's pubs in this part of Lincolnshire, and is, clearly, as reliant on it's good food as much as it's excellent beers. Again, we received a honest warmth in our welcome, as we chose our beers. Jane went for the “Yellabelly” a Golden Ale of 3.9%, which was served to perfection, enhancing the dryness and refreshing citrus flavours of this lovely brew, whilst I couldn't resist the old Christmas favourite of “Rosey Nosey” coming in at 4.9%. I love this beer at Christmas, with the big malty punch, which combines so well with the spicy fruitiness. A lot of flavours unfold in your mouth, but, somehow, with a subtlety in the balance. I know it is the Season to be jolly when I am caressing a glass of this classic Ale, with the aroma, gently drifting up to my nasal passages,

A Seasonal Favourite.

making the moment magical, and comforting. I dream of roaring open fires, glittering fairy lights on pine trees, which, to a Scrooge like me, is quite amazing! We were meeting my Aunt in here for a meal, and a good natter, which will be one of the highlights this Christmas, besides seeing Jane's Daughter and Son, and, of course, our 4 Grandchildren. Food ordered, and a repeat round, plus a J2O, the three of us chatted, reminisced, and, generally, just enjoyed each others company. Our food was excellent, and the service attentive. I finished off this session with St Austell's “Proper Job” the cask version of this supermarket bottle beer. I found this 4.5% Ale very refreshing, with a crisp hop bitterness overcoming an initial citrus taste, and finished with a grapefruit dryness. A good beer, which helps cleanse the taste buds after a hearty meal. Even Auntie Pauline weighed in with the great session beer Bateman's “XB”, although, because she was driving, her session was restricted to, sensibly, just a half of the 3.7% Bitter. We exchanged fond festive wishes, promised to “..do this again very soon” and went our separate ways. We, Jane and I, decided to venture back to The Gas Lamp Just as the pub loomed into sight, I realised I had left my hat, bought for £1 last Winter, back at The Woolpack. Pride, or embarrassment, stopped me going back to search for it, after it was only a quid!. On entering the pub, we came upon the local dog walkers' Xmas Party, with Golden retrievers, terriers and the odd Heinz 57, all mingling together, quite agreeably, the same as their Owners. A nice sight to behold, we thought, and a nice touch on by the proprietors for looking after their regulars. We both had our relevant measures of “Northway IPA” before I had my final pint, in this absolute gem of a pub, of “Fulstow Common” a 3.8% Ale which is medium bodied, but strong in it's hopped character. The place was filling quite quickly as we left, with all ages anxious to taste those well brewed beers on offer, but we had a bus to catch, so getting a little closer to the town centre seemed a better idea. Off we set, into the cooling wind, which had plagued us most of the day. It was at this point I noticed my head had started to get a touch colder. I did miss my pound shop hat after all. The original idea was to try either The Boar's Head, which, unfortunately, was closed as we passed, or The Brown Cow, a little stroll further on. A quick glance at our watches deemed a change of plan. We had The Irish Lotto to put on at the bookies, so found ourselves wandering towards the local J.D.Wetherspoons immediately after parting with our cash, in vain. The aforementioned 2 pubs would have to wait for another day. The Joseph Morton, Louth's JDW, is a clean, well kept bar, which carried a good selection of their Xmas Ales, along with a couple of local ones. I opted for one of the locally brewed Black Horse Ales, which I cannot remember the name of,as I had to visit the “smallest room”, leaving the bar duty to T'other'arf. I found it quite fruity and dry, but quiet moreish, the total opposite to the Mulled Cider enjoyed by my beloved. One for the road was decided on as we scurried down to where the Market stalls were being tidied away. Would it be The Queens, The Masons, or Ye Olde Whyte Swan? With it's roaring fire, Olde Worlde charm, and the thoughts of previous visitations, and of characters we had experienced before, Ye Olde Whyte Swan it had to be. The selection of beers was not fantastic, but the pint and a half of Greene King's Morland “Old Golden Hen”, which is a lovely Golden beer at 4.1%, full of Tropical Fruitiness, and a very dry finish, were well worth it. With our faces as sweaty as a busy Blacksmith's, and redder than a Rhesus Monkey's bottom, after a long bicycle ride, due to the kiln like temerature being given out by the coal fire, we left the pub, drew in some oxygen and, luckily, jumped straight onto our bus for the jouney back home to Grimsby.

To finish the day, once back in our own Borough, we alighted from our transport outside The Wheatsheaf, rather than travelling on to the Bus Station. Although less than a week away from the Big Day, The 'Sheaf was very quiet, but I sometimes prefer that. We went for the McEwan's “Signature” a 4.8% chestnut brown Bitter, which was full bodied, quite rich and fruity, but pleasantly balanced. The creamy head lasted all the way down to the bottom of the glass. Another swiftly followed, and then the lights of our own Christmas Tree beckoned. Setting off home, surrounded by all the twinkling lights and festive scenes, I felt quite content with my little lot in life, and this leads me to thank anyone who is still following me, and this meandering blog. Thank you, Happy Yuletide, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Zarathosht Diso (I hope I have not missed anyone's celebration out ) and may you all enjoy this time of the year as much as is possible.

Cheers and keep it “Real”

The Pub with No Beer..........almost.

Friday 28^th November

We, T'other arf and I, started this run up to Christmas with a few goals in mind. Most entailed the idea of cutting back on luxuries and frugality, so we could splash the cash over the holidays (although we will only get Christmas Day off together, as I work at the local airport, and Jane is in Retailing). We were to keep out the Church of Licensed Insobriety, not because I was coming home Apostled, no, it was more an attempt to keep the pennies in the pocket longer so the big season of economic wastage could be entered into in the right frame of mind. I am not a religious man, far from it, but I do believe that, whatever Deity one may wish to follow, religions can give us all the ethical building blocks to be a good, honest and integral person. If you do believe, good for you, but all these celebrations for Christmas baffle me somewhat. Unless I miss the point, Christmas is a Religious Festival, to celebrate the birth of Christ. Right, I'm on the money there, but how do we celebrate this coming of the Son of God ? By buying little Johnny a bike !! Anyway, we were also going to cut back on the day to day luxuries, and only have the central heating on when necessary. So, it came to pass that the following day, in a bid to keep the heating bill down, I nipped into town NOT for a crafty beer, but merely in an attempt to keep my core temperature up, and for research reasons ! Wandering through Town, passing the Christmas decorations, festively bedecked store windows, and the miserable souls who had been searching for that perfect pressie for their beloved, or, in some cases, their begrudged partners, you know the score, my mood was quite upbeat. I scurried past the charity sellers, who were homing in in anyone who made eye contact with them, side stepped a beggar wanting “tea” money and, almost like Indiana Jones, slid through the doors of The Yarborough Hotel and up to the bar. Checking that no large, rolling, boulders were trundling towards me, I carefully inspected the wares on offer and decided on Arundel “Old Scrooge”, a 5% offering, mid brown in colour with a rather thin head. It was slightly malty, a little fruity and a big disappointment. It was more like a weak mild than a big, punchy Xmas Ale. Undeterred, I chose another from the Christmas selection, the popular Thwaites “Yule Love It”.

A Good Winter Warmer.

This cask version of a beer readily available in most supermarkets, was offered with a good head, a slight smoky aroma was detectable and a warming fruity sweetness gave way to an almost grapefruit bitterness in the long finish. A good Winter Warmer of 4.5%. I should have stayed here, amongst good beers, but, as Jane was working, and meeting me for one on the way home, I decided on seeing what was on offer at The Ice Barque. As I entered, on this, a “pay-day” Friday, it seemed quite quiet. Approaching the bar, the most noticeable thing was the lack of variety offered. No noticeable Xmas ales, just “Doom Bar”, “Ruddles” and “Abbot” and a guest ale on. Greene King are supplying “Abbot Reserve” for JDW's during December and so I assumed that the offering on the bar may be this.. I went for the Greene King “Abbot Ale”, thinking positively, and, as it was being pulled, the guy next to me said “I wouldn't bother, mate. Look” He showed me the pint of mud-like beer he had been drinking. At the same time the bar maid interjected with “ 'It's off” “I know, so's this one” I said pointing to the glass of questionable beer being held by the gentleman next. He put his head down, embarrassed, almost. He was going to wade on regardless, despite his rights, as a consumer, being trampled upon. “Don't want to cause a fuss” he mumbled. After a little while, it was asked of me if I required “..summats else?” I thought of giving the Adnam's “Broadside” a bash, but as it splashed apologetically into the glass, that acetate, vinegar smell, the tell tale sign off bad beer, leapt from the glass. I quickly declined the offering. “What do you want now ?” came the request from the busy bar maid, who, spared me a seconds attention, by serving me, whilst in deep conversation with one of the lads waiting for his shots. “ To Leave.” I said, turning round and waving. Now, I am not one to be scathing for the sake of it, but in the space of a few weeks this pub has gone hurtling down in my estimation. I have entered and, hurriedly, left, a few times this last few weeks. The service has become atrocious, the real ale selection minimal and predictable, beer quality is very questionable. I have now decided not to re-enter this boozer for a few weeks until things, hopefully, improve. I returned to the Yarborough, awaiting the imminent arrival of the Worker, ordering a Caledonian “Knee Deep”, as I settled down for the wait. This seasonal 4.5% brew was dark, sweet and orange tinted with nutmeg on the nose. Rather like a Xmas pudding in taste, with a long dryness in the finish, this was a very good beer, but not a session beer. On arrival, T'other arf fancied a cider, which was easily chosen, a bottle of the excellent Orchard “Pig Truffler”. The promise of “just one” stood on the window ledge, wavering, swaying with trepidation, and finally, went out the window as workmates Dave the Rave and Big Ads (what else to call a 6ft plus Adam? Originality isn't a strong point in some sectors of my life!) entered. Also ensconced further towards the back bar was another of my acquaintances from work, Rachel, who had been enjoying a quiet glass of vino with her friend. The non-session “Knee Deep” became a mini-session beer, and conviviality along with banter and stupid conversation ensued for a while longer than expected. Oh, well, I was not at work until the following afternoon, so my pity would be for anyone who was to start, possibly with a hangover, at, for arguments sake, 7am. Poor T'other 'arf!

Wednesday 3^rd December

On Wednesday, the airport paid host to the annual “When You Wish Upon A Star “ flight. A charity that grants wishes to children with life-shortening, or terminal conditions. This yearly jaunt to see Santa in Lapland always fills me with a glimmer of sadness, but also an overwhelming inner warmth. This year we had stars from “Emmerdale”, who always back this charity, along with Denise Welch and Chris Kamara. The terminal had children's entertainers, magicians and also a Scots Piper. A lovely way to spend a rather chilly morning.

Later, once home after a bit of shopping, I again attempted to avert the various hostelries in Top Town (Grimsby's colloquialism for the main shopping area) whilst doing my bit to prove I ain't a Scrooge as some people think (Bah ! Humbug). I do revel in the, almost, pantomime characterisation I take on at this time of the year. I'm sure my loathing is not taken too seriously, but my thoughts on this annoyance of a period are well known to most of my acquaintances. Window shopping complete, I thought I would just window shop The Ice Barque, hoping something miraculous may have occurred since Friday Evening.

My Favourite Sweet.

No sooner had I entered, tut-tutted at the lack of variety, waited far too long for the service of a pint of “Devil's Backbone” which was not forthcoming, and left, I, again found myself in The Yarborough, this time sampling a half each of Milestone's “Dasher the Flasher”, and “Prancer the Dancer”. Both were quite similar. The Dasher, a 4.5% Ruby Ale, was dark, smooth and malty, with a slight bitter and dry finish, whereas the Prancer at 4.9%, tasted, in my opinion, somewhat “thinner” although the same flavours abounded. Always a prolific brewer, especially the “reindeer” beers at Christmas , Milestone's wares are always welcoming, but some are hard to differentiate in flavours to others of the same range. I did enjoy them though. I finished my liquid lunch with a pint of Moorhouse's “Ice Witch”. At 4.3%, this refreshing Golden Ale has a wonderful mix of fruity aromas and flavours. Tropical fruit, mango, pineapple on the nose and a malty biscuit back taste greets you. The zesty and dry finish seems never-ending, without being too long. A truly great seasonal brew, certainly one to track down. Drinks finished, once more I trudged out into the throng of the hat and scarf wearing populace, all looking for what I already had. An inner warmth, not created by gifts, but from those tiny things which are precious to me. The only thing lacking was the company of my half-pinter. Now, where can I buy those humbugs from?

Tuesday 9^th December

After Monday's double shift at work, the overtime is very welcome this at this time of year, and the weather not promising to do much more than “piddle” down for the duration, Tuesday, it was decided, would involve the annual game of crate balancing, as the participant, me, has to juggle with badly packed boxes of Christmas decorations down the rickety loft ladder, whilst avoiding the clutter on the floor from the previous round. After this fun packed interlude, I engaged in a touch of domesticity, as ordered by T'other 'arf's little note (kiss, kiss) Washing up done, laundry in and slow cooker primed with a wonderful spicy, and aromatic sausage cassoulette (posh, eh!) I finally settled down to the Daily Mail cryptic crossword, last Thursday's at that, before the onslaught of telephone calls started. “No, I am not due any PPI”, “Yes, the bolier is fine, and I don't need insuring”, “Actually, I do not want to change service provider...”. This constitutes a day off, apparantly. I glanced at my escape plan, or rather a list of supplies needed from the supermarket. If I nipped out now, I could text T'other 'arf, meet her in town and we could wander to the supermarket together. Only thing is I would have a void of time, about 45 minutes, to fill between arriving in town and Jane's finishing time. Hmmm. The Oldershaw's “Old Boy” went down very well in the Parity, and I also managed to read the local paper in peace, before trudging across town, in good company, to do our bit.

After stocking up with Christmas cheeses, breadsticks, mince pie ingredients, and the like, the return jouney would bring us past The Yarborough, with inevitable consequences. Soon, my glass was full to the brim with the with the dark and malty Adnam's” Yuletide”, 4.5%. A good Winter Warmer, slightly sweet but a deep citrus bitterness in the long and dry finish, I found this a good beer to help lighten my stress loads.Jane opted for, and stayed on, JDW's Mulled Cider. A lovely and warming drink, spiced to perfection, and served hot and steaming. I like a taste of these Mulled offerings, but find them a little too sweet for my taste, and tend to steer clear of a full measure. “Clootie Dumpling” from the Orkney Brewery was my next choice, a 4.3% Seasonal Ale. A cascade of flavours hit me, with spiciness leading to a fruity roundness in the mouth. The finish is very dry and bitter with a good pinch of nutmeg throughout. I found that I had to get past the first gulp before finding the enjoyment of the inner depths of this brew, but once there, it is certainly a nice place! The next tasting was “Rudolph's Ruin”, Rudgate Brewery's 4.6% Christmas Ale. Chestnut in colour, with a full malty flavour which is expertly balanced by seasonal fruitiness and spice, the finish of this ale is long, dry and bitter, with, I thought, a hint of chocolate?. Overall, I would say it was extremely satisfying.

A well balanced Seasonal  Ale

Last on the list, today, was Burton Bridge “Santi-Freeze”, an Amber coloured Ale, which could be enjoyed anytime of year, is smooth, well balanced and offers the drinker plenty of spicy fruitiness which, thankfully, does not mask the overall malted taste. The aroma of this 4.5% brew hints at Winter fruit. Simply put, a good, well brewed and balanced beer.

Well, besides a taster or two of my Home Brew, work means I shall not be in the boozer until the weekend before Christmas when, hopefully, we will be jumping on the bus and having a few beers in the lovely market town of Louth. I can't wait.

Cheers, and keep it “Real”