What Are You Drinking?

[Kikó]

https://i.imgur.com/5CvMJOf.jpg

Going for this. First impressions, spot on.

[Ian]

I've undoubtedly said this in here before at least once but I still find it odd that while Innis and Gunn absolutely seems like it should be my thing I can't get into their stuff at all. Weirdly their lager is what I like best of theirs.

[Giggles]

Never heard of them but anything to do with barrel or cask in the name is a no from me.

[Luca]

Josh, I forget if you're a brett guy or not, but that Rubus Rebus on their current pour list looks superb.

[Queenslander]

Draft lager comes into its own on hot days.

Better than water.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The optimum beer size is when you go to the Hofbräuhaus (or one of its fellow travellers) and you get a wheat beer in a glass the size of a V12 engine.

[Kikó]

I think that's the only time a huge beer is acceptable.

[Ian]

Well, that and "if you want one."

[Josh]

Josh, I forget if you're a brett guy or not, but that Rubus Rebus on their current pour list looks superb.

Yeah that's a great beer. Raspberry flavor is intense and so good.

[Spikey M]

That Scotch Barrel Innis & Gunn is great you sloots.

[Kikó]

Well, that and "if you want one."

I'll refer to the handbook on this.

[Giggles]

Sorachi Ace is such a brilliant hop. This is still the best red I’ve had.


https://i.imgur.com/vAbEPeL.jpg

[Ian]

Not being the first person in the thread to sing the praises of an individual hop. :drool:

I know it's pretty straightforward but I am quite partial to a Citra.

[Giggles]

Not being the first person in the thread to sing the praises of an individual hop. :drool:

I know it's pretty straightforward but I am quite partial to a Citra.

Citra is great in anything. I brewed a standard Citra the other day which was supposed to be single hop but added a small bit of Sabro which is lovely with it. Faintly coconut.

[Giggles]

They actually used to call that beer above Sorachi Red and had to rename it because of a load of feedback that people were thinking of the flavour of sriracha and wouldn’t try it.

[Baz]

I presume the 3 bean is the Lervig one I have here.Is it good? I've cross-referenced the menu with Untappd (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/142cHo52WEov23ls_4-lV0TyPgkXKmkta9MFNEXvlu0A/edit?usp=sharing) because I'm Baz and that's come out on top. Not sure a 12% beast like that will do me good though. :uhoh:


As Giggles says that menu is a pain in the tits but from the ones I recognise the Delirium's nice, both the Trappist ones, if the 3 Beanis lervig then yes, I assume the Millionaire is Wild Beer Co which is great. The Milkshake could be one of about twenty different dark beers. if it's Siren or Wiper and True then those are really good. Grand Cru is also bangin'. Everything else I'm either not sure what it is or is decent-to-good but you can get in loads of places and for less than what they're charging.

Like, I really like Lupoloid for example but that's a supermarket effort for me, at least.From comparing names and % on Untappd, all your assumptions seem correct - I'd guess the Miikshake is Wiper and True.

Definitely going to have Faith (7th) because my rating on that was actually my mate who had it at a beer festival and everyone was raving about it but he got the last glass and I never got to tried it. Looks proper murky but everyone was buzzing about it.

Will definitely try that Milkshake (4th) too, but daren't try the 3 rated higher than it due to me being an uber-lightweight these days.

Probably will get Lupoloid (5th) too cos I don't tend to buy much beer at the supermarket so mightn't get to try it otherwise. And I know once I've a few in me I'll be billy-big-bollocksing it and end up ordering the 8.2% Schneider Weisse Aventinus (6th) just cos I'm a sucker for wheat beers.

What's that, four? Should be done in there by then. Sorted. A worthwhile exercise.

[Dquincy]

I would like to drink pints of bucks fizz.

[Shindig]

We had bottles of that in the office once and one wreck of a woman went through most of them before 10am. It wasn't even alcoholic.

[Dquincy]

:D I think the ones you make yourself can be dangerous in terms of getting you pissed.

[Baz]

I’m starting to think stouts and dark ales just aren’t for me.i absolutely hate the taste of coffee and that’s all that wiper and true milkshake was giving me.

Hoppy>life

[Giggles]

Hoppy mostly for me too, just so long as they’re not too sweet. I’d say a well hopped session IPA would always be top of my list.

[Ian]

The problem with coffee if you don't like it (much like coconut for me) is that it sort of dominates everything else if there's more than a hint of it. You should give some dry stouts / porters a bash if you see 'em, Baz. I had Dark Web by Brass Castle yesterday and it was very hoppy. Or maybe Black IPAs could be your gateway drug to stouts.

Coffee's a weird one for me because I have zero interest in actual coffee but I like coffee flavour in things these days.

[Raoul Duke]

Had a fantastic watermelon wheat beer from here (https://lionsheadbrewing.com/#menu) the other day. Was amazing in the heat :drool:

They brew on site, deliver, and are about 5 mins walk from my new apartment :cool:

[Ian]

Ending the weekend with a Very Bad Kitty.

It's an excellent beer.

[Ian]

Had a fantastic watermelon wheat beer from here (https://lionsheadbrewing.com/#menu) the other day. Was amazing in the heat :drool:

They brew on site, deliver, and are about 5 mins walk from my new apartment :cool:

Forgot you're in Amsterdam now.

Get on Oedipus, everything I've had by them has been good.

[Raoul Duke]

Forgot you're in Amsterdam now.

Get on Oedipus, everything I've had by them has been good.

Oh absolutely - had some excellent stuff from them. Brouwerij T'Ij also good. Beer52 had their recent lot from there too: https://www.beer52.com/shop/edit

[Ian]

De Moersleutel are excellent as well. In Alkmaar rather than Amsterdam but the Maps tell me that's not far so you might see their stuff knocking about.

[Giggles]

Need.


1291695226235559936

[Baz]

Does sound good :nod:

[Giggles]

Does sound good :nod:

I’d say I haven’t a hope. Know a lad works there and while he got me a few of their last limited one, he said this is a far smaller batch. He can’t even get himself a few.

[niko_cee]

Why would they even bother publicising it then if that were the case? Other than attention seeking?

Having to get yourself onto some sort of dickhead shortlist a la the wankers who buy supercars to buy beer seems a bit daft.

Also, are good friends?

[Giggles]

Why would they even bother publicising it then if that were the case? Other than attention seeking?

Having to get yourself onto some sort of dickhead shortlist a la the wankers who buy supercars to buy beer seems a bit daft.

Also, are good friends?

Loads do it for that very wankery reason. The more people that want it and can’t get it the more publicity you get.

I know exactly who wrote that line in it too and needless to say he’s a nordie. They have an awful habit of saying ‘are’ for ‘our’ and things like ‘the day’ instead of ‘today’.

[Ian]

Plenty of Scots do "the day" as well. "The morra," etc.

[Giggles]

Same thing.

[Pepe]

The morra. :D

[Ian]

That one is probably closer to an actual thing people ever said, 'the morrow.'

'The day' is just weird, right? Is there something I'm not thinking of?

[niko_cee]

Just bought 5 litres of something (I think it's a mix of 1 litre bottles of their stuff) from Bison Beer (https://www.bisonbeer.co.uk/) on some sort of Friday deal. Should be here by tonight I believe.

[Giggles]

I bought another mini keg of ulster black. Not really the weather for it but still :drool:

[Josh]

Just bought 5 litres of something (I think it's a mix of 1 litre bottles of their stuff) from Bison Beer (https://www.bisonbeer.co.uk/) on some sort of Friday deal. Should be here by tonight I believe.

Is that the stuff in the plastic bottles? If so, you'll need to drink all 5 litres pretty quickly - the conditioning of the beer isn't meant to last more than 1 or 2 days in those bottles.

This isn't even me being a proper nerdy beer wanker - there is a real noticeable difference when stored like that. That's really shitty they don't mention on the website about it.

[niko_cee]

It probably won't last the weekend so no worries there. No idea what it's going to come in, but yeah, they look like plastic bottles to me. Not arrived yet.

[niko_cee]

Tried to post a pic of the list but it doesn't want to show for some reason.

Turning Point - Abandon All Reason DIPA 8.5%
North - Hollow Hills NEIPA 6.5%
Bison Beer - See Side APA 5%
Burnt Mill - Pintle PALE 4.3%
Bison Beer - Cosmic Bone Juice SIPA 4%

There's also a can of something I don't recall.

Arrived cold. :cool:

The Cosmic Bone Juice is good. I dunno if it's really £5 a pint at home good (I'm an oik) but whatever, it's nice to help mooks out from time to time. Might as well take advantage of the option to have random beer delivered whilst I can. Having just done the litre it really is decent. :s

[Giggles]

I bought a Grainfather the other day and am giving it a rattle tonight. It’s near like a nespresso machine.

[niko_cee]

The free can was something called Any Excuse (Pale Ale) by the Garage Beer Co, 5.5%.

Another good'un. As is the See Side APA.

[Giggles]

American or Amber?

[niko_cee]

American.

[Josh]

Garage make great hoppy beers. Visited their brewery in Barcelona on a stag do and it was brilliant.

Would always keep an eye out for their stuff.

[Dquincy]

My current favourite beer.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e6/84/91/e6849162e2c27e2ed2895b84dd2a32cb.jpg

[Lofty]

I bought a Grainfather the other day and am giving it a rattle tonight. It’s near like a nespresso machine.

Jammy bastard, review it when you have done a few brews please. I really want one but have to justify the outlay.

Got a load of giant bottles of Heineken in my possession tonight so leaving Red IPA I brewed to condition a little longer, pondering starting another kit off tomorrow.

[Baz]

^ had a mini keg of that at Christmas and it was delicious.

There’s talk of getting the same again this Christmas.

Edit: to dquincy, obv

[Giggles]

Mosaic is a class hop for a single hop beer. Going out of favour recently but I love it.

[Giggles]

Jammy bastard, review it when you have done a few brews please. I really want one but have to justify the outlay.

Got a load of giant bottles of Heineken in my possession tonight so leaving Red IPA I brewed to condition a little longer, pondering starting another kit off tomorrow.

Will do. Brewed a mates session ipa on it today. It's nearly too uninvolved but hopefully the beer is good which I suppose is the main bit.

[Dquincy]

^ had a mini keg of that at Christmas and it was delicious.

There's talk of getting the same again this Christmas.

Edit: to dquincy, obv
Noice, I'll be looking out for that.



Mosaic is a class hop for a single hop beer. Going out of favour recently but I love it.

Is that why I can't find it in a glass bottle anymore for love nor money? Cans only these days, sadly. Much nicer drinking from a bottle. Plus you have a weapon.

[Ian]

That's likely just that more and more places are going for canning now that they're better at doing it without affecting the flavour because bottles = light = more chance of knackered beer.

It's probably also cheaper and better for storage and delivery and all sorts. A fair few breweries are starting to bin bottles altogether.

[Dquincy]

Yeah, presumed it would be a £££ matter.

[Ian]

I think it's better for the beer too so it's a win-win.

[Giggles]

Cans = cheap = can call it environment = profit.

[Giggles]

For us it’s far easier get rid of cans though which is so much less hassle. The main issue is that (over here, not sure what way you are) is that the cans are 440ml and bottles were 500ml but prices haven’t changed.

[Raoul Duke]

I've got some more of this watermelon wheat beer from my local brewery and it's amazing. Tastes like Lilt/a hitherto undiscovered variant of Fanta

[Giggles]

Had a couple this evening , wasn’t mad about it. Different brewery but it would be hard to get a watermelon flavour into a beer.

[niko_cee]

Accidentally cracked open the 8.5% DIPA thinking it was the 4.3% Pintle.

It's good. Bit strong for my tastes. Especially as an early afternoon beer.

[Baz]

A few times a year i go on a bike ride with my dad, Mike and The Reid. We used to go to a weird little pub full of war memorabilia that always had 3 ales on and where always good. It closed. Once in a blue moon we used to cycle to a pub MILES beyond it that was too far away to be considered enjoyable. There were concerns the faraway pub would have to become the bike ride pub.

Thankfully my dad went on a few missions to scout for a suitable pub that a) we could cycle to along the canal (no roads) and b) wasn’t stupidly far away but also not too close. Oh and of course c) sold good beer.

He came up trumps with a pub 7 miles away that sells Beavertown Neck Oil. :drool: Went yesterday and going again next Monday. :drink:

Also claims to do cask ales but none on at the moment cos pubs are seemingly all on their arses.

Plus it’s right near my mates house so he can join us too. Although he just had a pint of John Smiths.

[Ian]

I assume given no casks you're talking about John Smiths Smooth Flow? :sick:

[Giggles]

Got a few stouts to try last night and two had to go down the sink. White Hag chocolate coconut pastry and Siren rum and maple wood broken dream. Absolutely vile.

[Ian]

That Siren one sounds right up my alley.

Vile as in you just really didn't like them or were they gubbed? Can't remember the last one I had that was so bad I just tipped it.

[niko_cee]

I got a few imperials off beer52 I think it was the other day, the offer doesn't seem to be on there any more but I think they were one called cake (too marzipany for me), a baltic porter and a WRCLW Imperial Stout Nitro or something, both of which are very nice.

[Giggles]

That Siren one sounds right up my alley.

Vile as in you just really didn't like them or were they gubbed? Can't remember the last one I had that was so bad I just tipped it.

The rum and coconuts in both were about 5x too strong.

[niko_cee]

I've also had a small consignment of Northern Monk Striding Edge cans (2.8% SIPA) which is decent, although probably a bit too light and fruity.

[Giggles]

If it’s decent at all at 2.8% then it’s a triumph.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, I think high 3s is a better/minimum threshold on the abv front.

[Giggles]

Yeah definitely. I’ve had one really good 3.3 session that’s more of an NE style so the haze gives it good body, but my favourite sessions tend to be closer to 4%.

[John]

I've had a mate telling me to try the Life & Death IPA from Vocation for a long time now. Bought a load yesterday and I really don't see the appeal. It's somehow both too fruity and too hoppy.

[Raoul Duke]

I cycled down to Brouwerij Troost (https://brouwerijtroost.nl/en/) the other day and picked up some takeaway booze. I've got some Honingblond, the IPA and the Club Tropicana. All very decent, especially the latter which balances the fruit and slight sourness well.

[Giggles]

Is Hoop one you see much there Raoul Duke?

[Raoul Duke]

Is Hoop one you see much there Raoul Duke?

I've not seen it (although haven't really been out all that much) but from a quick search they sell it in Albert Heijn which is one of the main supermarkets. Recommended?

[Giggles]

I've not seen it (although haven't really been out all that much) but from a quick search they sell it in Albert Heijn which is one of the main supermarkets. Recommended?

Never had it but they have a sister brewery here called Hope that would be very high up my list. If I ever see it I’ll pick it up myself too to try.

Does Hoop mean Hope in Dutch? Just with the logos being so similar.

https://hopebeer.ie/our-beers/

[Raoul Duke]

Yeah hope = hoop. https://www.ah.nl/producten/bier-sterke-drank-aperitieven/speciaalbier?merk=Hoop%20Bier

[Giggles]

Yeah hope = hoop. https://www.ah.nl/producten/bier-sterke-drank-aperitieven/speciaalbier?merk=Hoop%20Bier

They must be closely enough knit. The label on the summer seasonal is the very same as the one on Hopes (different beer though).

[niko_cee]

On the 11th out of 12 cans of Stedge (see above) I've finally managed to pour one into a glass in it's entirety without having to wait for tons of head/foam to settle.

[Giggles]

Anyone ever try anything from Browar Stu Mostów?

[Lofty]

My own 6 week old Red IPA from a Mangrove Jacks kit, decent enough.

[Giggles]

I was going to go on to bed but fuck it I'm going to open an Otterbank So it Begins. I have absolutely no idea what to expect.

1300092791809347585

[niko_cee]

Anyone ever try anything from Browar Stu Mostów?

I had an imperial stout off them recently (Coffee and Carasco or something?) and it was nice.

[Ian]

I've only had a collab they did with Northern Monk but it was pretty decent.

Most interesting thing I had tonight (the remains of my most recent order) was Pilot's Lime and Pepper Gose. It was pretty damn tasty.

[Giggles]

Just connected up my new reverse osmosis system and was intending brewing a dark saison tomorrow but I'll be lucky to be brewing this day next week at the rate it's filling.

[Giggles]

Just checked. 20 litres per 12 hours with my pressure :face:

[Ian]

Ooft.

My beers for the weekend are a couple of leftovers from Pohjala and a new order today from a shop called Trembling Madess who not only have the best selection I've seen anywhere in ages but also have some really good shit at pretty low prices.

£2.25 for a Sam Smith's Imperial stout. :drool:

[niko_cee]

That shop looks amazing.

No chance they'll deliver anything to me. :(

[Ian]

I spent about £50 and didn't even get everything I wanted just from the darks, didn't even get to the other bits.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, the dark section slightly blew my mind.

[Giggles]

Sam Smiths is amazing. Luckily the owner of the offie I normally use thinks likewise and stocks 5 or 6 of their range. One of the best lagers on the market and the oatmeal stout is savage.

[Giggles]

Any of our shit in it?

[niko_cee]

Without wanting to seem overly ignorant is that the same Sam Smiths of the ridiculously cheap (for London) semi-chain pub?

Like this legendary place (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ye_Olde_Cheshire_Cheese)

[Giggles]

Without wanting to seem overly ignorant is that the same Sam Smiths of the ridiculously cheap (for London) semi-chain pub?

Like this legendary place (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ye_Olde_Cheshire_Cheese)

Not sure. I know he's been over in their Yorkshire pub a few times.

This is the brewery https://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/

That India ale too :drool:

[Lofty]

Yes the brewery owns the pubs and they are dirt cheap.

[Pepe]

Sam Smiths is amazing.

Taddy porter. :drool:

[Ian]

I've never been to a Sam Smiths pub which is a shame because everybody always talks about the prices and they are a superb brewery. I also got the Taddy Porter in my order because I've not had that one but have heard about it.


Yeah, the dark section slightly blew my mind.

I've spent a long time happily spending a fiver on a third of some imperial stuff in nerd pubs but even knowing that's worse value than spending £7 to £10 on a 440ml can not pulled the trigger. Then I saw the Amundsen 13.5% cherry fudge thing and realised I needed it in my life.

[Raoul Duke]

Without wanting to seem overly ignorant is that the same Sam Smiths of the ridiculously cheap (for London) semi-chain pub?

Like this legendary place (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ye_Olde_Cheshire_Cheese)

Correct. There was a cracking place down a side road off Oxford Street that was one. Used to go there #backintheday

[Baz]

In some Irish bar drinking Shindigger. Shindig TTH represent.

Forgot my stickers though.

[Shindig]

Should I ask the brewery for a glass with my name on?

[Giggles]

Never heard of it.

[igor_balis]

cynical fouls like that gotta be a red

[igor_balis]

regardless of the thread!

[Ian]

It's not an Irish brewer I don't think

[Lofty]

Crumbled and took the free box from Beer 52 to reactivate my sub.

[Giggles]

My homebrew brown ale is fucking unreal.

[Lofty]

From the grainfather? Your own recipe? I have one more kit left and then toying with the idea of doing an all grain sticky toffee concoction for Christmas.

[Giggles]

I had a recipe and then a lad I know in my favourite brewery told me to add chateau cafe into the mix. Biggest change I’ve found is water, get an RO filter.

[Lofty]

Interesting. I have heard that about the water, seen some facebook groups going csi with their tap water :D

[Giggles]

It’s handy enough once you’re using something like Brewfather for recipes. You can’t trust the water in my area even if you knew the numbers so the RO gives a great base.

[Ian]

Had a couple of crackers last night, the best being a Pohjala cognac barrel-aged imperial porter. Glorious stuff.

[Lofty]

Popped into a local brewery after a walk, had a nice El Dorado IPA. Another idea for brewing there.

[Raoul Duke]

Visited my local brewery and picked up some more of that god-level watermelon IPA, another IPA of theirs and a Kolsch-style lager

[Giggles]

Love a Kolsch. I’ve one of these (https://www.9whitedeer.ie/product/5ltr-mini-keg/) ordered that should land Monday or Tuesday.

[Ian]

I've spent a long time happily spending a fiver on a third of some imperial stuff in nerd pubs but even knowing that's worse value than spending £7 to £10 on a 440ml can not pulled the trigger. Then I saw the Amundsen 13.5% cherry fudge thing and realised I needed it in my life.

Just opened this. Absolutely worth the money. Fucking hell, what a thing.

[Giggles]

I’ve a load of imperial and barrel aged yokes in my beer press at the minute and I’m never going to touch them. If I was anywhere near you Ian you could have the lot.

[Ian]

What've you got? And how much would shipping cost?

[Giggles]

Normally can’t ship alcohol in or out of here. I’ve had Belgian ones destroyed (ie robbed and drank by customs) before.

[niko_cee]

What's a beer press?

And posting beer is generally prohibitively difficult/costly due to weight, size, and the fact it's booze, in my experience.

[Ian]

Oh, well that sucks.

[Giggles]

I’ve 5 cans of pointy shoes (one 2019 and 4 2020), a Heaney bourbon aged, a brehon creann beatha imperial, some barrel aged brown ale, an apex imperial oatmeal, and some of those Norwegian 3 bean ones. I just find these days I can’t stand anything that touches whiskey.

[Giggles]

What's a beer press?

And posting beer is generally prohibitively difficult/costly due to weight, size, and the fact it's booze, in my experience.


We call a cupboard a press. I have no idea why :D

[Ian]

I’ve 5 cans of pointy shoes (one 2019 and 4 2020), a Heaney bourbon aged, a brehon creann beatha imperial, some barrel aged brown ale, an apex imperial oatmeal, and some of those Norwegian 3 bean ones. I just find these days I can’t stand anything that touches whiskey.

Well I've thought for a while I should correct the fact that I've never been to Ireland. :rosebud:

[Giggles]

I’m half intrigued by the brown ale but I know I’d end up tipping it.

[Ian]

Well anyway, while I'm nursing the fuck out of it because it's 13.5% and I'm on-call for work this Amundsen one is fucking spectacular.

[niko_cee]

The Co-op seemed to be having some sort of £1 a can promotion on White Hag and Buxton stuff today, so I went a bit mad. They seemed to have it by the slab as well so I might try to get some tasting done and return for a bigger hit on anything good.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2qspclg3wwJVUUaqlSwMqxA9iXnWo83SB4nw96Un-vTQR251DEDxrqNKsWwGaQRmqhxMDOXsJYlHpy8aXfHTdprI6tx YJXjl1RDIuNTGm4pduqC3Gn5uKmg_jAl0uFGG-o8Tf6VHZBJtIqQznEBRg_OuRjTsJuIKloNsB8zeaeTAFaUmfkv CnRzZlLeNuUWEjhV_9hCnGMupU7T8vpiKSyAabVogo2ttU-P8aXAHiszRDFvNrCUXKQclCmr7LzQZUGFvF-kDfxbh0ADCs1aRSNm-vIuxmG1tscLWFT-z_sa6mG64wqk4jLJ_B8rInroaY5LBYOdXPik7aZmfoIjgO0DzR F5Yw3-gAceb8FmHyvbU6wUiK5VRKXV7b2ek4WMXWrdXNxnV-V3MgWE-Q-zz_x3-8aqGE9xvqLzac5kQExSQ-gTxX9caL48pHywPHTOgeZR2GQM9bzO0I_w-QqskQZC598QZDPFr4OiLesVo6vUMDh4FEoFI2fpF3GnCyuW_Jr Jn4MGad-PGCXcPODfQFlN_CaERRt89DssvbAHAilyWhi_HnJTKwOgKqSRS 5xepxIOvp4AUMAsd7cqxsUZm9Qc2-YpAfbZ9EypengzAIjNYFio_Lfbpf09_Ge-hqDWSsmP2qU26eUx0rgq1slDPFyxqEUU4fbVcTPiy7mhN9LmHp kSh6hMKyFMJlOfkKg=w678-h903-no?authuser=0

[Baz]

I bet the walk back to the car was fun, carrier bag ready to snap.

[Ian]

Buxton and White Hag are both ace so that's a steal you've got yourself there, Niko.

I've got a new Trembling Madness order coming today.

[niko_cee]

I bet the walk back to the car was fun, carrier bag ready to snap.

Insulated bag for life type thing, it was satisfyingly full. Also I pushed them back to the car in the trolley.

[Giggles]

Didn’t know White Hag were known much outside of here. Fucking love some Púca.

[Ian]

Most of the stuff I've had from them is via online shops from Beerhawk and the like but I've picked a few up in actual shops.

[niko_cee]

I noticed them the last time I was in the shop as I'd come back from the UK with a bit of a chip on my shoulder about the lack of any decent beers in the shops over here, but both the co-op and waitrose seemed to have upped their game quite a lot recently. Those White Hag cans are usually £2.50 a pop though, which I baulked at slightly. £24-£30 a case could be clear the shelf territory.

[Giggles]

Those 330ml cans are what puts me off buying their stuff most of the time. Also, the last beer of theirs I had was a coconut version of that pastry stout called the Dark Druid in a blind tasting and it was fucking woeful.

[Ian]

There aren't many things that as a strong flavour are a definite nope from me in a beer but coconut is one of them.

That's my order arrived. Forgot that one of them was a rum and maple wood variant of Broken Dream. :drool:

[Giggles]

This one was like eating 5 bounty’s at once.

[Baz]

Sounds incred. :drool:

[niko_cee]

From that haul the Moor Top and the Irish Red Ale are quality, although I think I've had the Moor Top before. Tried the Hibiscus Puca sour thing and I'm still not really sure about sour beers. I don't really get them. It's a bit like drinking a traditional sour, but without any of the alcohol kick that the 'hard liquor' gives so it ends up being a bit like something between an intense (in flavour) Americano (cocktail) and a non-alcoholic drink. I dunno. Even a 330ml seems too much of it to me. Fortunately the wife seemed to quite like it so I'll probably fob those off on her.

Gonna try the Buxton Porter and the pastry stout thing later.

[Baz]

You think you’ve had it before? Get on Untappd, man! We can be friends.

Or ratemybeer or whatever that old janky website losers like webly still use, is called.

[niko_cee]

Too much beer under the bridge to start something like that, this thread will have to serve as a historical record.

I definitely recall the finish of the can (sort of matt) although it may have been the skyline I've had previously.

[Giggles]

Same as that for me. All untappd ever had to to was allow you to enter a history when you signed up and they wouldn’t so I couldn’t be bothered.

[Baz]

Gotta start one day though. Like in 10 years you’ll be saying the same, but could have 10 years worth of beers in your history.

[Giggles]

Gotta start one day though. Like in 10 years you’ll be saying the same, but could have 10 years worth of beers in your history.

I’ll never be starting one because I can’t put in a history.

[Ian]

Ratebeer is objectively shitter than Untappd but I've too many ratings to change now.

[Josh]

TTH Untappd crew. Gotta get involved.

[niko_cee]

The Buxton porter (Gatekeeper) and the Salted Caramel Pastry Stout thing are both good.

I particularly liked the porter.

[Giggles]

The latest Wicklow Wolf special that they base on Apex (their oatmeal stout) is a tiramisu :drool:

The last couple of them (S’mores and 4 Bean) were class.


1311630422175035393

[Giggles]

And a tiramisu imperial floating about.


1312105867576180737

[Ian]

That sounds awesome.

[Giggles]

Picked up some Ballykilcavan this morning. The Wicklow Wolf one wasn't in yet but I seen some of the S'mores so got a couple.

[Spikey M]

Tiramisu Stout :drool:

[niko_cee]

The White Hag New England Pale (Atlantean?) is one of the best examples I think I've had, really really good.

The Little Fawn session ale is nice as well.

[Giggles]

I think Atlantean was the first NE I ever had and it’s still class compared to the over hazy sickly messes that get called that now.

[niko_cee]

I'm definitely going to get a box (or two) of it if I can. Like you say, it's not a style I have had a particular fondness for previously as there's always been something not quite right with the ones I've had.

[Giggles]

I’ve gotten really fed up of all these new style IPA’s, NE or otherwise, that look like beaten eggs. Too much focus on sweetness and hop overload and no balance. That one has a nice malt base to it.

[niko_cee]

Of that sampling haul I went deep into the Atlantean (2 cases) and the Gatekeeper (1 case).

The Buxton Far Skyline isn't really my cup of tea, bit too sharp, but that's probably the style of it (Berliner Weisse). Both the White Hag Helles and the Buxton Kellerbier are decent, but aren't the sort of things I'd pay over the odds for. Perfectly drinkable but not that far removed from more commercially available pilsners/lagers.

[Ian]

Yeah those sorts (pils, kellerbiers, etc.) are at the point where I'd actually be happy with something more mass-produced because that stuff you want cold enough you can barely taste it anyway.

I've only got a few decent things still in today so I'm starting the proceedings with a Staropramen.

[Giggles]

Apart from a dark lager and a kolsch I stay away from most of the style.

[Giggles]

Always liked these single hop ones that other breweries have brought out in the past and this is the first galaxy one I’ve seen.

1314302564205240355

[Baz]

Gonna order myself the three alcohol free (AF) beers from Brewdog, I think. Can get 48 cans for £36.51 and since I’m just drinking at home, I don’t particularly want to get tipsy. I just like the taste.

Probably will stay off the ale until the worlds back to normal, I reckon. Well, besides Christmas Day.

[Ian]

I'm getting a beer advent calendar for the first time this year. I've plumped for the Brewdog one. If we'd have got an annual bonus this year I'd have considered the £130-odd one that includes barrel aged things and imperials and shit.

Also in a rare example of me showing some beer-related restraint I've got Pilot's new Speyside-aged double mocha stout in my cupboard that's still un-drunk after being in there for a week.

[Ian]

Also in a rare example of me showing some beer-related restraint I've got Pilot's new Speyside-aged double mocha stout in my cupboard that's still un-drunk after being in there for a week.

Well, I've just learned it's International Stout Day...

[Giggles]

I’ve a couple of cans of Morrigan for later :drool:

[Spikey M]

Well, I've just learned it's International Stout Day...

Happy Birthday mate.

[Ian]

Happy Birthday mate.

Pfft, Stout Day is way better than some stupid birthday.

It's a limp excuse to drink wanker beer but without people pretending to make a fuss of me.

[Giggles]

Did untappd ever fix it so you can add past beers or do they still insist you started using the app the day you started drinking?

[Giggles]

1326467324594036741

[Giggles]

1329018287544557569

[Ian]

My interest in that depends how much they've gone in on the chilli.

[Giggles]

They’re serious for the special editions, could barely keep up. There was a peanut butter stout collaboration one as well.

Of all the chillies to pick for a stout it’s about the best one. Fairly dark and chocolatey in cooking.

[Ian]

Brewdog advent calendar has arrived so I'm prepared for the festive descent into functional alcoholism.

[SvN]

One can a day? Those are rookie numbers.

[Ian]

I mean yes if you're believing that's the only beer I'm going to be buying in December.

[Giggles]

I did a count the other day and I’ve 105 bottles/cans not including my own in stock. A drinking problem would be cheaper than a buying one.

[Giggles]

I doubt anyone imported it there but on the off chance you see Wicklow Wolf/Dot Brewing Guardians of the Galaxy, buy it all.

[Raoul Duke]

Can't remember if I've posted about it before in here (went back a couple of pages and couldn't see it) but if you like more tropical/adventurous IPAs then check out Lowlander. Some immense flavours in there - https://www.lowlander-beer.com - currently working my way through their range

[Giggles]

I just bought another 24 cans :face:

[Giggles]

Can't remember if I've posted about it before in here (went back a couple of pages and couldn't see it) but if you like more tropical/adventurous IPAs then check out Lowlander. Some immense flavours in there - https://www.lowlander-beer.com - currently working my way through their range

Are they eggy looking? Got so tired of those, though they’re fierce popular.

[Ian]

I’ve 105 bottles/cans

:cab:

[Giggles]

:cab:

Fucking limited editions, only they’re not really. I’d say I’ve about 20 really worth buying originally.

[Giggles]

And to make it worse, my own stuff is as good at this stage.

[Raoul Duke]

Are they eggy looking? Got so tired of those, though they’re fierce popular.

Nah - more floral looking.

[Baz]

My dad does a 'finger test' for his beers, which isn't as fun as it sounds. Basically if he can see his finger through the glass of beer, he'll drink it.

I'm not on board with it cos I like "wheat beers" and that, but it's served him well.

[Spikey M]

Giggles, if I got a load of beer brewing stuff in now would I be able to knock a brew out by Christmas? If yes, any advice gratefully received.

[Giggles]

Giggles, if I got a load of beer brewing stuff in now would I be able to knock a brew out by Christmas? If yes, any advice gratefully received.

Just about. 10 day fermentation + 2 weeks conditioning.

If you’ve not done it before then go for brewing a kit and go for something darker as the gap between all-grain and kit for IPA’s and lagers is bigger than for dark ales and stouts.

[Spikey M]

Cheers. I'll have a scout around tonight.

[Giggles]

Don’t bother with a kit that has a can of concentrate and a bag of dry malt or sugar, go for the two can kit. They’re a better job.

Something like Muntons are a good brand.

[Giggles]

I’ve made a few of their hand crafted range and they’re good kits.

https://www.muntons.com/brewkit_type/hand-crafted-range/

[Giggles]

Cheers. I'll have a scout around tonight.

Have you the equipment or ever did one before?

[Spikey M]

Have you the equipment or ever did one before?

No completely from scratch. Looking at something like this (https://www.brewstore.co.uk/home-brew-equipment-starter-kit-23-litre)?

[Giggles]

That’s the most of it anyway. You’ll also need a bottling stick, bottles, and some sugar. I’d have a thermometer (glass or digital) and a spray bottle as necessary too.

[Ian]

Some new Imperial Stay Pufts and Caribbean Chocolate Cake variants on Trembling Madness so that's my next beer order sorted.

[Spikey M]

That’s the most of it anyway. You’ll also need a bottling stick, bottles, and some sugar. I’d have a thermometer (glass or digital) and a spray bottle as necessary too.

Why is my kit telling me I want a hydrometer to calculate the cunts gravity?

[Giggles]

Why is my kit telling me I want a hydrometer to calculate the cunts gravity?

Yep you'll definitely need one, I should have said but just assumed one would be in a kit.

A formula with the gravity at the start (just before yeast goes in) and at the end of fermentation will tell you your ABV. More importantly it'll tell you when fermentation is finished (same gravity 2 days in a row) so you don't get exploding bottles.

[Baz]

Plus you get the drink the little bit you put in the tube to use it, and it gradually gets better each time.

[Spikey M]

Yep you'll definitely need one, I should have said but just assumed one would be in a kit.

A formula with the gravity at the start (just before yeast goes in) and at the end of fermentation will tell you your ABV. More importantly it'll tell you when fermentation is finished (same gravity 2 days in a row) so you don't get exploding bottles.

Cheers. Err, how likely am I to blow up the house exactly?

[Giggles]

Cheers. Err, how likely am I to blow up the house exactly?

Once you calculate the sugar properly and don't bottle until fermentation is complete then you're laughing.

[Spikey M]

Am I right in thinking that if I get a Keg I would have to nail 32 pints within 3-4 days of opening it? If so, is there a problem I'm not foreseeing in pouring half the keg into bottles and capping them?

[Giggles]

I’ve only experience of a Cornelius type keg which uses CO2 so I’m not 100% sure. Anything else would basically be a big bottle so it would be like pouring a bottle into a glass and then putting it back in the bottle and recapping it. You’d probably need a closed pressurised system.

[Giggles]

Buy 750ml bottles and it will cut the bottling way down.

[Ian]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/deal/18761f45/ref=gbps_tit___18761f45?smid=A3QLOTR8HHFC7X

Decent value for what sound like decent beers based on reviews. Think I'll get some of the stouts and barley wines as £37 for 20 each of those at 9.2% and 10.1% is a good deal.

[Spikey M]

Giggs, the set I got makes a 4.8% Ale. If I wanted to amp that up a bit (6% or so) how would I go about doing that? Do you just give fermentation an extra day or so?

Also, the instructions chop and change between whether I need to add sugar or not. What foes the sugar actually do? I'm assuming it has a job other than making it taste sweet.

[niko_cee]

Isn't the sugar the thing the yeast turns into alcohol?

[Giggles]

The sugar makes alcohol.

A lot of kits you add sugar to the liquid malt extract mix and others have two LME mixes. What’s the kit?

[Spikey M]

The sugar makes alcohol.

A lot of kits you add sugar to the liquid malt extract mix and others have two LME mixes. What’s the kit?

https://i.ibb.co/gWp6rV3/20201128-090002.jpg

This is the back of the box

[Spikey M]

The leaflet it came with is a fucking mess. First it says "With this all-malt beer kit you do not need to add any sugar" but it lists "brewing sugar and or spraymalt" in the "Equipment required" section and says to use "a little spraymalt to condition the beer. If using wilco brewing sugar use half a teaspoon per pint".

:moop:

[Giggles]

If it’s a two can kit then you won’t need anything else to make it as intended at the 4.8%. If you throw in around 400-500g of dark dry malt extract when making it then you’ll bump up the ABV. Dry malt extract is a fucker to dissolve so stir like a mad thing.

You’ll need sugar or spray malt (dry malt extract) to carbonate the beer when bottling but you could also buy a bag of muntons or mangrove jacks carbonation drops and put one in each bottle, though it’s not that accurate (I presume a beer like that you’ll want a fairly low fizz).
If you have a bottling bucket and a syphon then the best way is batch priming to carbonate.

What are the instructions? They’re nearly always rubbish.

[Spikey M]

It's tiny, so I don't think I'll be able to get a photo (post-it size that unfolds sideways 4 times. I think I'll leave the strength and play safe as it's my first go. It is a 2 can job, so should be alright without sugar then. Cheers. Here we go!

[Giggles]

One thing I would do before starting is get a measuring jug and make sure the increments on the bucket are right. I’ve only ever got one that wasn’t off by at least 1.5 litres.

[Giggles]

Also, sit the cans in hot water to loosen the extract a bit after opening. And don’t forget to sanitise the cans (and everything else).

[Spikey M]

One thing I would do before starting is get a measuring jug and make sure the increments on the bucket are right. I’ve only ever got one that wasn’t off by at least 1.5 litres.

Just sterilised it and it seems pretty accurate. Maybe 100ml off at the 15 litre line and that could very easily be me poring slightly less than a litre in at a time.

[Giggles]

Happy days. I remember diluting the first goof few of mine too much as the 23 litre mark was around 25 actual litres.

Actually a good way for a little bit more flavour and ABV is to just make 21 litres with a 23 kit too.

[Spikey M]

OK, I have an airlock and apparently I need to put some sanitising solution in it? I don't have any. Unless hand sanitiser would to the trick? Is there a work around here?

[Giggles]

Vodka.

[Giggles]

Though, what did you sanitise everything with then? Or have you already poured it out? It’s mainly because if you lift the bucked with the top still on, it can suck the contents of the airlock inside and vodka or starsan won’t matter.

[Spikey M]

Vodka is shit, will whisky do? :D

[Giggles]

Couldn’t hurt. What was your gravity after?

[Spikey M]

Though, what did you sanitise everything with then? Or have you already poured it out? It’s mainly because if you lift the bucked with the top still on, it can suck the contents of the airlock inside and vodka or starsan won’t matter.

Got you. It's 'VinClasse Cleaner Steriliser'

[Spikey M]

Couldn’t hurt. What was your gravity after?

Not got there yet. Just been watching the video you sent me and he set up the airlock which I wasn't expecting.

[Giggles]

It’s mainly just to keep oxygen and other shit out of the beer while it ferments. It’ll bubble as carbon dioxide is created too.

[Spikey M]

I've got this type and this fella is saying he just uses water. Is there an issue with that?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O9XFlY_GRdQ

[Giggles]

Just put the bucket in its resting place first, then put the airlock in and it’ll be fine.

[Spikey M]

Done. Cheers. Starting gravity 1.052. Is that alright?

[Giggles]

Should have a calculated one in the instructions but seems pretty good. Finishing around 1.015 will give you the 4.8% but the final gravity getting to its calculated finals gravity will depend on temperature, etc. It’s a good time of year for it though as your room temp should sit around 18-21 degrees which is prefect for most ale yeasts.

[Baz]

I hope you're gonna send Giggles a bottle.

[Spikey M]

I rate the chances of Giggles being willing to give me his name and address at roughly 1 in a trillion, but yes, if you want a few bottles I am happy to sent them over Giggs.

[Giggles]

Even if you lived next door, the day I drink a pint that’s ‘spiced’ would be even remoter than that. I can’t do mulled wine or cinnamon or anything like that.

[Spikey M]

:D where's your Christmas Spirit man?

[Giggles]

Currently in a crate bottle conditioning. Coffee Chocolate Oatmeal Stout :drool: Christmas day in a bottle.

[Spikey M]

:drool:

[Ian]

I'm on this year's version of the barrel aged Death By Caribbean Chocolate Cake from Siren. Glorious stuff every year.

[niko_cee]

Yer Man Giggles (insert real name if you can recall it)
The Miserable One
Co Kildare
Bottom Ireland

[Giggles]

I’ll just do the cinnamon challenge instead.

[Spikey M]

The airlock is bubbling and the lid is bulging this morning, which seems premature...

[Giggles]

That’s all good. A sign of health.

[Giggles]

Just forget about it now for at least 10 days apart from making sure it’s not gone too hot or cold. Is there a stick-on thermometer on the bucket?

[Lofty]

That is about right for bubbling. They make a fucking racket sometimes, my mrs moans about it :D it might be worth getting a bit of tubing for future brews instead of the standard airlock, I run one off the fermenting barrel into a glass with whiskey in it. I started doing that after a Mangrove Jack's kit I made blew the airlock :D

[Spikey M]

Currently sitting at 23c. I might move it to the bedroom which sits a bit cooler than the kitchen.

[Giggles]

Did it give a temperature in the instructions? 23 won’t kill a regular ale yeast but closer to 20 is normally better for off-flavours.

[Spikey M]

I'm sure it said 18-22c, but I'll check properly later. The bodroom is probably around 20c so I'll give it a go.

[Baz]

Just remembered my mate did me some cinnamon and fig mead for my birthday in June. There’s like 99% chance he’ll have drank my bottle by now. :(

[Spikey M]

Did it give a temperature in the instructions? 23 won’t kill a regular ale yeast but closer to 20 is normally better for off-flavours.

So, since moving it, it's been at a steady 20c according to the temperature strip on the bucket, but all the foam on top of the beer has disappeared and the airlock is no longer bubbling. Should I be putting it back where it was?

[Giggles]

So, since moving it, it's been at a steady 20c according to the temperature strip on the bucket, but all the foam on top of the beer has disappeared and the airlock is no longer bubbling. Should I be putting it back where it was?

I near would. They're not mad accurate so in case it's dropped slightly below operating range it will have just gone dormant. Should kick off again in the slightly warmer spot.

[niko_cee]

Just had a Buxton Axe Edge IPA. Coming in a 6.7% it's pretty solid and my first impression was hell yeah this is good. The hops started to wear me down a bit though as I got through it. Nice, but I'm not sure I could handle too many. Following it up with their Wyoming Sheep Ranch 9% Double IPA, not really sure what I'm thinking but first few sips are encouraging.

[Ian]

I like Buxton a lot and I like both of those.

First beer of the advent calendar was... Punk. It's their signature so I expected it to be in there and it's a very decent IPA but I thought they'd have something a bit more interesting for day 1.

[Giggles]

The one I normally order from started with a bang but I don’t expect it to keep to those levels.


1333740567050792961

[Ian]

Well I want that.

Trembling Madness also have a Pohjala / Basqueland collab I need to get my hands on.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, this Wyoming thing is really good.

A very sneaky 9%er.

[Baz]

First beer of the advent calendar was... Punk.:lol:

Meanwhile the Beerwulf day 1er was Brewdog Duopolis. (I saw on Reddit. I'm still not drinking and have a teabag advent calendar.)

[Ian]

There's a lot more of that now I find. I dunno if it's my tastebuds dying, brewers getting better or both but it's a while since I've had a properly strong beer that's really tastes it.

On that note I dunno if I posted here that I'm trying a Tactical Nuclear Penguin. I've had a sip of it years ago but this year I'm buying one.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, I think you mentioned that when I had some Brewdog/collaboration thing that was mega strength but instead of being a Duvel/Delirium you can taste the alcohol experience it was just smooth as anything.

Feels like it's gone the way of the still ciders to an extent, where the real fuck you up ones just taste like juice.

I liked that Tactical Nuclear Penguin/The End of History era of brewing.

[Raoul Duke]

Ordered a load of Brouwerij t'Ij and Lowlander stuff for the run-up to Xmas. Plus some mixers for the Anejo rum I have knocking around :drool: