Craft Beers

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 5:23 pm

Is it only me who thinks craft beer and real ale are two different things?

Craft beer, I usually associate with american style beers which are usually hop heavy and in most cases are almost as gassy as a lager. Brewdog being a great example as almost all their beers are hoppy, regardless of being a pale ale, IPA or stout.

Real ale is traditional English style and is varies in taste and style regionally within the UK. Examples of these being Moorhouses, Bowland, Irwell works and Bank top in the near vicinity.

Tw@ · Post by **Tw@** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 5:32 pm

You are correct Darth, they most certainly are two different products!

Herts Clarets · Post by **Herts Clarets** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 6:04 pm

tim_noone wrote:Kentish ale £1.50 a bottle at sainsburys produced by the country's oldest brewer shepherd neame,1698.they must be doing something right south of Nottingham!

SN do some good stuff. 1698, Double Stout and my fave Is their India Pale Ale.

starting_11 · Post by **starting_11** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 7:40 pm

Yep, Craft beer has to be American (style) and carbonated I guess.

Real ale isn't carbonated.

It does confuse me when people call real ale craft.

But what a truly golden age we live in, one of my first favourites was Brooklyn Lager. Back about 5-6 years ago, I used to search the internet to find maybe one or two pubs in major cities stocked it, now I can nip down my local, supermarket or into any Wetherspoons or supermarket whenever I like.

Squarepusher · Post by **Squarepusher** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 7:47 pm

starting_11 wrote:Yep, Craft beer has to be American (style) and carbonated I guess.

I don't think that's strictly true. American style IPAs might be the most prevalent style in the craft beer scene, but I think it covers a whole range of different styles, from saisons and berlinerweisse to stouts and porters.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 8:01 pm

One thing is for sure, its a great time to be a fan of real ales, craft or otherwise.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 9:02 pm

starting_11 wrote:Yep, Craft beer has to be American (style) and carbonated I guess.

Real ale isn't carbonated.

It does confuse me when people call real ale craft.

But what a truly golden age we live in, one of my first favourites was Brooklyn Lager. Back about 5-6 years ago, I used to search the internet to find maybe one or two pubs in major cities stocked it, now I can nip down my local, supermarket or into any Wetherspoons or supermarket whenever I like.

I'm lucky enough to count the head brewer from Brooklyn brewery as a friend. I've known Garrett since the late 80's when he worked in some of the bars in the locality with my Dad, where he took his inspiration from UK real ales back to the states. One thing I'll say for Brooklyn is their happiness to stray from the standard beers in the USA and come up with different variants. Their Brown Ale particularly, if you can find it on draft, is exceptional.

If you ever get the chance to visit the brewery over there, it's well worth a visit!

starting_11 · Post by **starting_11** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 9:20 pm

I will do the next time I'm there. I believe you're even encouraged to do so on the bottles or the website.

I also note that James Clay of Elland is their UK distributor which may have accounted to the mass of pubs around the Halifax area selling a lot of this.

I love their Pennant Ale too. If you speak to him again, tell him thanks from me!

(Can't get me any freebies can you?)

Billyblah · Post by **Billyblah** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 10:03 pm

Tw@ wrote:Anybody who goes over to Manchester who likes decent beers needs to visit the Marble Arch pub just down the road from Shudehill area.
They have their own brewery and the IPA's are top notch, definitely needs trying out!

Some good beer on sale at the Marble Arch but be very careful with the pricing. I got stung, being charged about £13 for two pints at that place during the summer.

Tw@ · Post by **Tw@** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 10:07 pm

The stronger beers there cost more and are usually sold in 1/2's or 1/3rds.
This pricing keeps the carling fans away though, which is a good thing.

Tw@ · Post by **Tw@** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 10:14 pm

Just to add also, as they are craft beers they are not mass produced thus prices are going to be higher plus the quality is much higher and you do get what you pay for.
The place is always busy so they are doing something right.
You wouldn't be drinking there all day either as you would be leathered after a few pints.

CharlieinNewMexico · Post by **CharlieinNewMexico** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 9:10 am

Burt wrote:Great choices, I would add Lagunitas IPA ( standard or day time ), Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA ( my fav beer ) and maybe a Thornbridge Chiron

I find Asda have the best range at the moment, only place I can get Lagunitas other than Majestic which tends to be expensive without offers

M&S have a pretty good range too

Can you get Lagunitas Brown Shugga there? I would absolutely bathe in that stuff if I could...

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 11:50 am

Cheers for the recommendations guys,I will be trying them over the coming weeks .

Burt · Post by **Burt** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 12:15 pm

CharlieinNewMexico wrote:Can you get Lagunitas Brown Shugga there? I would absolutely bathe in that stuff if I could...

No just seen the standard IPA, daytime IPA and 12th of Never - all very good

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 12:19 pm

I've got to say that I'm starting to get a bit bored of a lot of the craft beers. The large number of overly hopped, overly strong, overly priced IPAs all taste pretty similar and become boring after a while.

There is still a lot of good stuff out there, Siren Brewery for instance has a lot of interesting stuff, but the race to add more hops to everything is a bit dull.

I was in the US last week and went to a few places with a wide range of beer. I picked out a dozen or so at random but the actual range of flavours was fairly small and a lot were excessively strong (generally 8%-12% and I fear this is what a lot of the UK producers are following).

There are still a fair number of the craft breweries producing decent, real ale. Redemption, Wandle, Richmond, Tiny Rebel, etc but a lot of these just aren't as novel (with the exception of Tiny Rebel maybe) so don't seize the attention.

THEWELLERNUT70 · Post by **THEWELLERNUT70** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 12:35 pm

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Hebden Bridge micro brewery Little Vally. Their entire range is pretty good fare . Their Moor Ale is mighty fine

BarstewardsEnquiry · Post by **BarstewardsEnquiry** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 1:48 pm

It's actually Cragg Vale which is Mytholmroyd to be pedantic

but yes they do some decent ales

Foshiznik · Post by **Foshiznik** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 2:11 pm

Sharp's Atlantic Pale Ale. Will not get a better beer. Guaranteed.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 3:05 pm

Foshiznik wrote:Sharp's Atlantic Pale Ale. Will not get a better beer. Guaranteed.

You are joking surely? Comes under Fizz pop in my experience and taste buds but there again it's all down to personal experience and taste.

UpTheBeehole · Post by **UpTheBeehole** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 3:06 pm

Foshiznik wrote:Sharp's Atlantic Pale Ale. Will not get a better beer. Guaranteed.

Shite

Foshiznik · Post by **Foshiznik** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 3:21 pm

I have only ever had it draught. It's lovely. My go to beer at home would be Tribute for ale or Pistonhead.

UpTheBeehole · Post by **UpTheBeehole** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 3:24 pm

Try Atlantic Pale in a bottle and then tell us we won't get a better beer.

It's so non-descript I'm surprised they even gave it a name.

It should have been called Sharp's Meh Ale or Sharp's Shouldn't Have Bothered, if anything

starting_11 · Post by **starting_11** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 5:34 pm

Just taken out a 2nd mortgage to buy some Brooklyn East IPA, at 6.9% it should be good.

Not sure about craft in cans tho, I don't find you can savour it as well as bottles... Although it's "supposed" to taste better although I can't help but think it's really down to shipping cost

AGENT_CLARET · Post by **AGENT_CLARET** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 9:33 pm

On draft in wetherspoons some times.

They sell it in Asda and Morrisons

Squarepusher · Post by **Squarepusher** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 9:33 pm

[quote="starting_11"
Not sure about craft in cans tho, I don't find you can savour it as well as bottles... Although it's "supposed" to taste better although I can't help but think it's really down to shipping cost[/quote]

Think it's more about the fact that beer keeps longer when stored in cans.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 9:36 pm

Undoubtedly SP but real ale fans are interested in the taste.

Squarepusher · Post by **Squarepusher** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:10 pm

South West Claret. wrote:Undoubtedly SP but real ale fans are interested in the taste.

I've personally never noticed a canned beer tasting worse than a bottled equivalent, but to each their own.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:12 pm

I was comparing real ale from the pump as opposed to from a can.

Squarepusher · Post by **Squarepusher** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:19 pm

Do you see a lot of real ale in cans? I don't think I've ever had one.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:27 pm

No you don't, have noticed that The Milk Street Brewery down here do one though, surprised as they do a really good Real Ale that I like.

In my view no drink weather Ale or the soft fizzy stuff is any good out of a can.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Wed Sep 06, 2017 2:03 pm

Fine selection in Aldi,all at £1.29...I tried "The Rev James & Ripsaw which are both lovely,no more bud for me Bin Ont Turf, I've been converted.

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Wed Sep 06, 2017 2:34 pm

Real ale has only recently started cropping up in cans as it's only recently that it's been worked out how to make "bottle-conditioned" (i.e. cans/bottles with a small amount of yeast in the bottle/can that provides additional fermentation and maturation whilst in the bottle) cans cost effective.

As well as being easier and cheaper to ship the theory is that it also keeps the beer in better condition as it's protected from sunlight.

Given that you're going to pour it into a glass anyway, you'll be drinking the sediment otherwise, then it doesn't really matter what it comes in regarding taste.

Mala591 · Post by **Mala591** » Wed Sep 06, 2017 3:23 pm

Billyblah wrote:Some good beer on sale at the Marble Arch but be very careful with the pricing. I got stung, being charged about £13 for two pints at that place during the summer.

Their standard bitter is called 'Pint'. About 4% and £3.20. A dry blond beer with citrus after taste. One of my favourites. Recommended.

AliceDevine · Post by **AliceDevine** » Wed Sep 06, 2017 6:45 pm

BarstewardsEnquiry wrote:My general rule of thumb is on tap only, nothing in a can or bottle. Nothing from a supermarket. Nothing brewed south of Nottingham

^^ This!

I lived in Manchester and Marble was within stumbling distance of my house, well, when I'd had a few it was a minimum fare taxi at the very least!

Certainly the on tap applies to real ales, craft beers and lager you can find some really nice ones in bottles, but not many gluten free ones, I'm so glad gluten is slowly being reintroduced to my diet, gluten free ale, beer and lager are stupidly expensive and in general suck, my only acceptable choice was at Weatherspoons

CharlieinNewMexico · Post by **CharlieinNewMexico** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 8:31 am

It's a fair point about American IPAs and that ilk dominating the craft beer scene. But like anything else there are those that are just going to produce a popular, safe, mainstream product ( just like music, or cars) and others that will step outside the box. I had a Tomatillo Sour the other day from Odell Brewery in Colorado which was only 5% but absolutely glorious, despite me choking on the $5 for a 12oz bottle price. I'm really starting to like sours, wilds and goses, something I've not really explored before.

The other craze is the "mature everything in a used barrel" thing. I had a terrible imperial stout aged in a whiskey barrel recently. Absolute shite, 12% abv of cleaning fluid basically. But also have had a Pils aged in margarita kegs. 11% on draft at a local store. Filled a 64oz jug from the tap, maybe cost me $15. Drank it by continually topping up a 6oz glass... Beautiful

Indecisive · Post by **Indecisive** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 8:59 am

Brewdog seems to come in for a bit of stick now. Despite their so called 'punk' roots, they are just turning into a bit corporate juggernaut.

However .. I can't get enough of their 'elvis juice'. Strong but incredibly refreshing and easy drinking.

Tickety brew from Manchester way are making some really interesting beers, from easy drinking cask ales, to some more 'out there' keg stuff. Their marmalade pale ale is a beaut.

If you're looking for a craft beer that's closer to a lager, you can't beat an ice cold kona big wave (Hawaiian beer) to accompany a burger.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 2:44 pm

Brewdog avoid.

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 2:55 pm

Billyblah wrote:Some good beer on sale at the Marble Arch but be very careful with the pricing. I got stung, being charged about £13 for two pints at that place during the summer.

Recently moved to Manchester and Marble Arch is my local. Lovely grapefruit ipa on atm called high wire. Pricey mind at £5.30 a pop!

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 2:57 pm

A few others that have popped into my head - Goose island and sierra nevada IPA are superb.

CharlieinNewMexico · Post by **CharlieinNewMexico** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:08 pm

Claretmatt4 wrote:A few others that have popped into my head - Goose island and sierra nevada IPA are superb.

There's a bar here in Las Cruces where Goose Island IPA is permanently $1.99 a pint. You'll see me in there on Thursdays, which is also $1 Green Chile hot dog night

starting_11 · Post by **starting_11** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:10 pm

Further proof of being screwed in the UK. It's normally a fiver a pint and it's nearly £2 a bottle in the supermarket.

Mind you, I do recall paying $13 or so for one in JFK but I think that was 20oz

CharlieinNewMexico · Post by **CharlieinNewMexico** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:17 pm

Ps Anheiser Busch / InBev owns Goose Island and a third of Kona Brewing. Not really "craft" anymore

starting_11 · Post by **starting_11** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:36 pm

I don't mind that but I guess it'll only be a matter of time until corporate ideas come down and start ruining the beer as with all the UK stuff

They brew Boston Lager over here now, watered down to avoid the 5% tax and in 330ml bottles

Squarepusher · Post by **Squarepusher** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:52 pm

Had a Northern Monk neapolitan pale ale last night. Lovely stuff. Easily one of my favourite beers.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 6:33 pm

The price of Ale is and has been outrageously well over the top for more years then I care to remember.

CAMRA has been a real force for pressure against Corporate Employers in the industry over many years but I think it's overdue that we concentrate more on reasonable pricing nationally.

Indecisive · Post by **Indecisive** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 8:55 pm

South West Claret. wrote:The price of Ale is and has been outrageously well over the top for more years then I care to remember.

CAMRA has been a real force for pressure against Corporate Employers in the industry over many years but I think it's overdue that we concentrate more on reasonable pricing nationally.

I think the price of real ale is in line with all alcohol to be fair.

It's more expensive in places where the rent and rates are going to be higher (e.g. cities), but that's to be expected.

Out of interest would you consider Wetherspoons a corporate employer?

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 9:27 pm

Indecisive wrote:I think the price of real ale is in line with all alcohol to be fair.

It's more expensive in places where the rent and rates are going to be higher (e.g. cities), but that's to be expected.

Out of interest would you consider Wetherspoons a corporate employer?

"I think the price of real ale is in line with all alcohol to be fair. " of course but to clarify I was talking from the CAMRA point of view in that CAMRA have clout, furthermore the rest of the alcohol consumers don't in practise because they are not united or a robust pressure group.

Wetherspoons a corporate employer? yes but they are a pub owner with a national coverage so different in as much as some of the other pub chains which are regional.

Wetherspoons price structure is cheaper on a narrow list of ales, they were an absolute breath of fresh air in London in the 80's when Fullers and Youngs apart the pubs were pretty dreadful places and poor food if any.

I repeat I think CAMRA should be more aggressive on the price of Real Ale in this Country.

Pstotto · Post by **Pstotto** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 9:54 pm

Hand-crafted beer. It can´t be right, can it?

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 10:15 pm

Pstotto wrote:Hand-crafted beer. It can´t be right, can it?

The term is open to interpretation.. and please don't ask me to interpret

Pstotto · Post by **Pstotto** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 11:28 pm

Well whatever you don´t want to interpret, how about canning it and selling to Rovers´fans as Berg´s and Karl´s.