Another ale question

[norrahe]

Two contracts ago I regularly hit the pub on a friday with other contractors. They were mainly drinking stella and peroni and accused me of drinking an old mans drink. This is when I realised that Britain really was brainwashed by the large brewery co's into thinking that they need to drink inexpensive to manufacture lager, and ale was something of the past that only your granddad drinks.

I'm not a CAMRA member, but back in the 80s and 90s CAMRA did a good job at reversing some of that image and fighting the breweries, leading to changes in the law for the pub trade. I think their work is largely done now, and hence their transition to the trainspotter reputation of today (like in that cartoon strip ).

I do get funny looks as I drink ale, if I go out and it's not available then I stick to spirits.

There is a rapid dearth of pubs that look after their ales and nothing worse than a bad pint or a badly poured pint.

Though oddly no one has ever said I'm drinking an old mans drink.

[hyperD]

My local microbrewery, Surrey Hills, does a lovely drop - often go direct to the brewery itself. Lovely flavours, very fresh.

Agree with most comments here - drink what you like and certainly explore. It's good to find a good pub that knows how to look after its beer.

I was chatting to the guy who runs the SH brewery and he used to work in IT before setting this business up. Something to aim for when making my home brews - Ah me hearties, Nelson's Revenge!

[norrahe]

My local microbrewery, Surrey Hills, does a lovely drop - often go direct to the brewery itself. Lovely flavours, very fresh.

Agree with most comments here - drink what you like and certainly explore. It's good to find a good pub that knows how to look after its beer.

I was chatting to the guy who runs the SH brewery and he used to work in IT before setting this business up. Something to aim for when making my home brews - Ah me hearties, Nelson's Revenge!

Any recommendations for home brew kit?

[RichardCranium]

Any recommendations for home brew kit?

You can't go far wrong with anything from Woodforde's.

In fact, most any kit that comes with 2 cans, or a can and a bag of spray malt, should be fine. You'll be spending £20 to £25.

Do not be tempted to save a tenner and buy a kit that comes in one can that needs sugar adding; you will be so disappointed you will probably never make another kit.

[RichardCranium]

Brands of beer kit I have used with success:

Woodforde's Norfolk Ales
Brupaks Beers of the World
Brupaks Pride of Yorkshire, Microbrewery Series
Muntons Premium Gold
York Brewery
Brewmaker
Milestone's

I think some have them have been taken over by others.

As for which kits ... that depends on what you like to drink. Don;t bother making kits for beers you would not want to drink 2 to 5 gallons of.

[norrahe]

Brands of beer kit I have used with success:

Woodforde's Norfolk Ales
Brupaks Beers of the World
Brupaks Pride of Yorkshire, Microbrewery Series
Muntons Premium Gold
York Brewery
Brewmaker
Milestone's

I think some have them have been taken over by others.

As for which kits ... that depends on what you like to drink. Don;t bother making kits for beers you would not want to drink 2 to 5 gallons of.

Ta!

Will give me summat to do other than bench polishing.

[hyperD]

Sorry norrahe, was late to this - agree with RC - Woodforde's kits are excellent - Woodforde's Wherry Beer Kit is a nice one to start with. I've just brewed some Nelson's Revenge (5%) and waiting for the conditioning - so far tasters are showing this keg's contents will have the shortest half life ever - absolutely delicious.

Was disappointed with the Brewferm Tarwebier wheat beer one - takes so long to condition (~6 weeks) but tasted quite ordinary and not of that rich, orangepeel, refreshing wheat beer.

Not at the stage of mixing my own wort yet - Richard, you done that yet?

[SupremeSpod]

I do get funny looks as I drink ale, if I go out and it's not available then I stick to spirits.

There is a rapid dearth of pubs that look after their ales and nothing worse than a bad pint or a badly poured pint.

Though oddly no one has ever said I'm drinking an old mans drink.

Steal mine and I'll bloody tell ya!

[norrahe]

Sorry norrahe, was late to this - agree with RC - Woodforde's kits are excellent - Woodforde's Wherry Beer Kit is a nice one to start with. I've just brewed some Nelson's Revenge (5%) and waiting for the conditioning - so far tasters are showing this keg's contents will have the shortest half life ever - absolutely delicious.

Was disappointed with the Brewferm Tarwebier wheat beer one - takes so long to condition (~6 weeks) but tasted quite ordinary and not of that rich, orangepeel, refreshing wheat beer.

Not at the stage of mixing my own wort yet - Richard, you done that yet?

Am looking for summat similar in style to tribute or directors, tend to prefer the hoppier ales.

[hyperD]

Am looking for summat similar in style to tribute or directors, tend to prefer the hoppier ales.

Probably the Brupaks Colne Valley may suit you - I've brewed this one, very nice.

An all malt kit no sugar to add, thid may be one of the best kits around. Colne Valley Bitter is a true classic in the tradition of full flavoured English Bitters. With the emphasis on hop flavour rather than bitterness, and its perfect blend of malts, this beer with satisfy the most discerning of real ale enthusiasts. Makes 40 UK pints / 23 litres.