What beer are we drinking this week ?

Seaneh · 22-11-2011 10:59pm

Oh and Harvieston's are calling Old Engine Oil a Porter thesedays but they have, in the past, labled it both "Dark Beer" and "Black Ale" so I guess whatever they are calling it doesn't really matter.

Seaneh · 22-11-2011 11:11pm

And just to add, this week I haven't been drink much at all so went down stairs to get a Leann Follain from my larder but the last bottle was already in the fridge, must have put it there and forgot it.

I took it out and left it for about 20 minutes but it's still fecking ice cold, I was too greedy and popped it anyway and am currently sipping it.

Still tastes good but I wish I'd had more patience and let it come up to about 10c!

Have a bottle of O'Hara's IPA which is also in the fridge, might run down and get it and let it come to a reasonable temp while I'm sipping this bottle.

BeerNut · 22-11-2011 11:18pm

Seaneh wrote: »

I'd think much the same really but I do feel that there tends to be a difference now in what is labled a stout and a porter.

In the US, sure. That's the BJCP style guidelines for you. They decided there had to be a technical difference between porter and stout and they invented one. It's not the same as the historical difference that used to exist here (which was just based on strength) and it's certainly not the case with porters and stouts in Britain and Ireland now.

Seaneh wrote: »

Oh and Harvieston's are calling Old Engine Oil a Porter thesedays but they have, in the past, labled it both "Dark Beer" and "Black Ale" so I guess whatever they are calling it doesn't really matter.

Indeed. Jumping from "Dark Ale" to "Porter" cuts across the old distinction that used to exist between ale and beer and which is still somewhat observed by UK and Irish brewers who never seem to refer to porters and stouts as ales, even though they technically fit the modern definition of ale.

BaZmO* · 22-11-2011 11:22pm

I always tend to find them fairly interchangeable, with the Porter tending to lean towards a slightly sweeter taste.

Seaneh · 22-11-2011 11:53pm

BaZmO* wrote: »

I always tend to find them fairly interchangeable, with the Porter tending to lean towards a slightly sweeter taste.

That would be one of the main differences for me alright.

Ruben Remus · 23-11-2011 11:46am

the beer revolu wrote: »

Last night....

...was a good night.
Thanks, Ronan.

Can only think of one more Trappist to discover - Westmalle Extra!

Colour me jealous! I've only had the 12. I thought it was absolutely fantastic - probably the best beer I've ever tasted. What did you make of the others?

the beer revolu · 23-11-2011 12:02pm

Ruben Remus wrote: »

Colour me jealous! I've only had the 12. I thought it was absolutely fantastic - probably the best beer I've ever tasted. What did you make of the others?

All fantastic beers with, for me, the 8 being the least remarkable.
The unexpected star of the three was, imo, the blond - an amazingly fragrant, fruity, almost creamy blond with an incredibly long finish.
And, yes, the 12 is amazingly complex and yummy.

I heard a rumour that there is going to be a shipment of 6 packs of Westvleteren (2 of each in pack) coming to these shores.
This, if it happens, will be a once off thing.

BeerNut · 23-11-2011 12:17pm

At the same time, they seem to be bringing their distribution methods kicking and screaming into the 20th century at the moment. There was this limited release in Belgian supermarkets last month, which apparently was a total disaster, but at least showed willing. Now the Shelton Brothers have signed a deal for US distribution next year, so there's a fair to middling chance someone who imports beer here will get a piece of that too.

builttospill · 23-11-2011 8:25pm

Can you buy westvleteren beers in Ireland? I've never seen them here.

BeerNut · 23-11-2011 8:39pm

No, you can't, AFAIK. They can't come through the normal wholesale channels.

the beer revolu · 24-11-2011 2:07pm

builttospill wrote: »

Can you buy westvleteren beers in Ireland? I've never seen them here.

Not to date but I'd keep an eye out on this forum and here.
As I said, I'm told that some is on the way - I'm sure these forums will tell all if/when it happens.

ciaran76 · 24-11-2011 2:31pm

Just picked up 3 new beers for me.

Was walking by the off-licence there and the guy ran out to tell me he had some new beers so picked up Harringtons Classy Red a Harringtons Clydesdale Stout and a Saltaire Triple Chocoholic stout.

VW 1 · 24-11-2011 3:08pm

ciaran76 wrote: »

Just picked up 3 new beers for me.

Was walking by the off-licence there and the guy ran out to tell me he had some new beers so picked up Harringtons Classy Red a Harringtons Clydesdale Stout and a Saltaire Triple Chocoholic stout.

Quite a coincidence, I picked up two bottles each of Harringtons Classy red and Harringtons rogue hop I think was the second one. Also got an O'Hara's Irish red and O'Hara's pale ale.

The Harringtons red wasn't as nice as the O'Hara's red imo, but the rogue hop was lovely and smooth on the palet with a nice hop bite, preferred this one to the O'Hara's.

Focalbhach · 24-11-2011 10:58pm

BeerNut wrote: »

No, you can't, AFAIK. They can't come through the normal wholesale channels.

Why's that? Can't say I know too much about the distribution/legal niceties of these things.

Chriscl1 · 24-11-2011 11:03pm

Few bottles of Santa's butt here and London pride with half English half French writing on them, Quebec 20c consignee etc.

BeerNut · 24-11-2011 11:05pm

Focalbhach wrote:

Why's that?

The brewery only sells direct to the public, and in limited quantities. You have to register your car reg in advance for when you go to collect at the monastery. The monks specifically ask people not to sell it on.

People do though, so where you see it in shops in Belgium it has been bought on this grey market of individuals buying direct and then selling on. Or the shop is getting it straight from the monastery, case by case.

An exporter won't be able to get regular supply from Westvleteren in the way they usually do from the breweries they deal with.

But, as I say, the way the brothers do business may be changing.

BeardySi · 24-11-2011 11:28pm

Having a Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout atm, nice enough though it's got a rather bitter aftertaste... Wouldn't be my favourite

Have a Marston's Oyster Stout and a Hook Norton Double Stout lined up to follow...

ciaran76 · 25-11-2011 10:56pm

Wold Top's Falling Stone is a strange tasting beer I thought metalish and malty.

I thought it may be too cold but after letting it warm up hasn't made it more appealing.

Looked at BeerNuts blog to see if he tasted similar notes and noticed he said it was "off-putting sulphurous tang".
Think I will leave this off my to get list in future.

BaZmO* · 25-11-2011 11:02pm

Thornbridge Kipling. Loving this beer. The Nelson Sauvin hops hit you right up front with tropical fruitiness and sweet malts balanced with a bitter finish.

ciaran76 · 25-11-2011 11:07pm

BaZmO* wrote: »

Thornbridge Kipling. Loving this beer. The Nelson Sauvin hops hit you right up front with tropical fruitiness and sweet malts balanced with a bitter finish.

Love that beer too.

ciaran76 · 26-11-2011 9:56am

Augustiner Edelstoff ok ish bit middle of the road for me.

Slightly sweet taste and Hint of hops. Would have liked a better kick but still not the worst beer.

Zymurgist · 26-11-2011 6:33pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

All fantastic beers with, for me, the 8 being the least remarkable.
The unexpected star of the three was, imo, the blond - an amazingly fragrant, fruity, almost creamy blond with an incredibly long finish.

Same as that for me had all three in Bar Cambrinus (I think thats what it was called) in Brugges and the blonde was by far and a way one of the best beers i have ever had.

Technocentral · 26-11-2011 7:05pm

To misquote that ahole Cliff Richard "It Was Only a Winter's (T)ale" but I like it. Slightly spicy and fruity with a bit of a hoppy aftertaste, worth a try.

Sarky · 26-11-2011 7:06pm

I'm off to London for a week. Tasty ales in every pub for dirt cheap a-go-go!

I'm relaxing in the airport bar now with a glass of Powers, as the only exotic beer there is Paulaner and I'm just not in the mood for weissbier. And also because Powers is surprisingly smooth and drinkable.

the beer revolu · 26-11-2011 7:13pm

Technocentral wrote: »

To misquote that ahole Cliff Richard "It Was Only a Winter's (T)ale" but I like it. Slightly spicy and fruity with a bit of a hoppy aftertaste, worth a try.

Planning on trying 8Degrees' A Winter's Ale tonight.
Will report back.
I gotta say that the eventual name was a bit of an anticlimax

Sarky · 26-11-2011 7:20pm

Why should the world take notice, of one more brew that failed?

the beer revolu · 26-11-2011 7:22pm

Sarky wrote: »

Why should the world take notice, of one more brew that failed?

Hu?

trackguy · 26-11-2011 7:27pm

Trouble Brewing Or Ale and Headless Dog. Found them in the Wine Cellar in Maynooth which is just down the road from me. Don't know whether it's a good thing to have these beers at such close hand!:D

Sarky · 26-11-2011 7:32pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

Hu?

Words to A Winter's Tale?

Bah, my lyrical genius is wasted here.

Technocentral · 26-11-2011 7:48pm

Sarky wrote: »

Words to A Winter's Tale?

Bah, my lyrical genius is wasted here.

Hah, I never got past the title so didnt know the lyrics, anyway turns out its David Essex not Cliff! I can't make a reference to Fullers ales from any of cliff's tunes.

syklops · 26-11-2011 8:00pm

Had a few pints of Klášter the other night. I really recommend it if you can find it.

Website here: http://www.pivovarklaster.cz/en/

Krusty_Clown · 26-11-2011 8:20pm

Dropped into the Magpie Inn, in Dalkey last night, and they had a decent selection of craft beers, including Hooker, 5am Saint, Sierra Nevada, Dark Arts, Blue Moon* and more. A decent selection, though the tone is a little stuffy.

Tonight, enjoying a bottle of Old Toad that a buddy gave me. I was expecting the worst, but it's actually a damn fine pilsner. Crisp, dry, tasty. Must get over to Nuremberg at some point.

* I know, not a craft beer...

RonMexico · 26-11-2011 8:57pm

Just trying a bottle of Curim. Not making much of an impact to be honest.

Walter Sobchak III · 27-11-2011 11:56am

Tried a bottle of Admiral's Ale last night. Very very nice.

the beer revolu · 27-11-2011 1:46pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

Planning on trying 8Degrees' A Winter's Ale tonight.
Will report back.
I gotta say that the eventual name was a bit of an anticlimax

Can't say I was in love with this beer but I did finish the bottle! I just wasn't crazy about the spices used even though they were reasonably subtly used.
Anyone else try this beer?

I did like it much more than Fran Well's Phuca which to me has tasted of far too much poor quality spice.
However, I was drinking Fran Well's Friar Weiss last night and I have to say that it was better than ever. What ever they're doing with it at the moment, I hope they keep doing it!!

Seaneh · 27-11-2011 4:17pm

Been drinking Stormy Port in The Salthouse a lot lately, I just find it a nice middle of the road every day drink and it's extremely competitively priced so when I'm in a "I can't decide what to have" kinda mood I'll just go with it.

They (TSH) have O'Hara's Driud Brew on cask at the minute, might try one before I get my train this evening!

triseke · 27-11-2011 11:29pm

Was at the taste of Christmas last night, and tried an Irish lager called 'Tom crean'. Really nice taste, very clean.

Brian CivilEng · 28-11-2011 12:46am

Gave Brew Dog's Christmas Porter another try, on tap this time. If I brewed it myself I'd be satisfied, expect more from Brew Dog though. Not up to their usual standard.

ciaran76 · 28-11-2011 10:11am

Harringtons Classy Red - Really liked this beer nice sweet caramel taste then a nice hit of hops and a slightly dry bitter aftertaste.

BeerNut · 28-11-2011 10:44am

the beer revolu wrote: »

What ever they're doing with it at the moment, I hope they keep doing it!!

Getting someone else to brew it for them

the beer revolu · 28-11-2011 11:36am

BeerNut wrote: »

Getting someone else to brew it for them

Really?
Who's that?

BeerNut · 28-11-2011 12:25pm

It's been brewed at White Gypsy for the last while, I'm told.

the beer revolu · 28-11-2011 12:37pm

BeerNut wrote: »

It's been brewed at White Gypsy for the last while, I'm told.

I've always liked Friar Weiss (always different but always nice) but it just seemed particularly good on Saturday.
WJ contract brew another cracker!

trackguy · 28-11-2011 12:45pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

Can't say I was in love with this beer but I did finish the bottle! I just wasn't crazy about the spices used even though they were reasonably subtly used.
Anyone else try this beer?

I had a few small samples yesterday at the Food & Wine Christmas Show. I thought it was lovely, although I haven't tried a full bottle.

As you say the spice flavour was subtle. I much prefer a gentle spice in such a beer.

I got a 6 pack from Eight Degrees at the show - 2 Sunburnt Irish Red, 2 Howling Gales and 2 Winters Ales. I'll try and keep most of them for Xmas.

Sephiroth_dude · 28-11-2011 6:42pm

Got a bottle of spaten munich in super value today,they has a deal on 5 for 9 but I said I'd just get the one and see If I like it or not.hope I do,there out of kombacher kristal all they have is the dark one which is rank ;'(

Sephiroth_dude · 29-11-2011 12:48am

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

Got a bottle of spaten munich in super value today,they has a deal on 5 for 9 but I said I'd just get the one and see If I like it or not.hope I do,there out of kombacher kristal all they have is the dark one which is rank ;'(

Not a bad beer but the head seems to go flat very fast

Frankie Lee · 30-11-2011 2:46pm

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

Not a bad beer but the head seems to go flat very fast

What type glass did you use? The occasional bottle pouring flat is the only complaint I have with Spaten.

the beer revolu · 30-11-2011 7:10pm

Sink The Bismark!
Dave in The Bierhaus, Cork is selling it by the shot!

I really, really liked this 'beer'. Actually tastes like an IPA only much more so:D

Frankie Lee · 30-11-2011 9:36pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

Sink The Bismark!
Dave in The Bierhaus, Cork is selling it by the shot!

I really, really liked this 'beer'. Actually tastes like an IPA only much more so:D

I wonder did any bottles of "The End of History" ever reach these shores?

Beau · 30-11-2011 11:16pm

Black Hawk Stout.

Now, this is my favorite beer ever! I absolutely love it. I did a search for reviews and beer advocate just gives it a B and many reviews say its just average. If this stuff is just average whats the good stuff!?

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2516/1520

What beer are we drinking this week ?

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