– India Pale Ale / By John Clarke
India Pale Ale. Three short words and so much controversy. What’s all the fuss about? In a word, “authenticity”. From time to time the beer blogosphere, newsgroups and forums will be racked with argument about what makes an “authentic” IPA. So, what is an authentic IPA – and more to the point does it matter?
As a style, IPA has been around for over 200 years now. Books have been written about its origins but suffice it to say this was a beer originally designed to survive a six month sea voyage from the UK to the British colonies in India. It is one of this country’s greatest and enduring contributions to the world of beer and is now brewed across the globe in all manner of variations. Which brings us back to “authenticity”. (more…)
– Event / ‘Meet The Brewer’ with Flying Dog
‘Meet The Brewer’ with Flying Dog head brewer Matt Brophy
Wednesday 3rd August / 6pm – 8pm
£7 advance tickets (on sale NOW)
With just 50 tickets, this will be a great event with talks and tastings from head brewer Matt Brophy. The ticket includes first sample of ‘Centennial Single Hop Imperial IPA’ cask, one half of draught and two half bottles! Bargain!
Tickets are available from the bar or over the phone via card payment on 0161 237 9949
/ Flying Dog brewery info
In 1983, a series of events in the Himalayas involving under prepared hikers, an unfaithful Sherpa, a scared-shitless donkey, and quickly consumed contraband led to the creation of the Flying Dog philosophy.
That’s right, philosophy. It wasn’t until 1990 that beer came into the picture. From a brewpub in Aspen, Colorado to a full-fledged Denver brewery, and then to a state-of-the-art brewing facility in Frederick, Maryland, Flying Dog stands for not only extraordinary beer, but also for standing tall, doing great things, and not letting anyone make you eat shit.
For the past 20 years, they’ve done just that. they produce world-class craft beers and continue to push the envelope with experimental brews and limited-edition one-offs. All the while, we continuously pay homage to our Gonzo Godfathers – George Stranahan, Hunter S. Thompson, and Ralph Steadman. Most importantly, they have a lot of fun doing it. And we never take ourselves too seriously.
– Photos / Meet The Brewery with Summer Wine Brewery 25.07.11
Here a few photos from out first ‘Meet The Brewer’ event. Many thanks to Andy Baker and James Farran from Summer Wine Brewery plus special thanks to all who came. Plenty of new, exciting beers were sampled and lots of pork pie and parkin was scoffed. All in all, a truly splendid evening!
– Summer Wine Brewery visit / by Jonathan Heyes
Seeing as we’re having a little meet the brewer with our friends over at Summer Wine Brewery we thought we’d pop over and meet them on their own turf. Their own turf being the hills and valley of deepest, darkest Yorkshire, Holmfirth to be exact, ok so it wasn’t that dark but I’m a Lancashire lad so can’t pass up the opportunity to have a dig. So after a quick jaunt over snake pass and getting only slightly lost, we arrived as you so often do when visiting breweries at a slightly ramshackle industrial estate. (more…)