[allyouneed-isbeer]

BEER OF THE YEAR 2015

Rather than compile an all-encompassing ‘Golden Pints’ list as I did in 2014, this year I’m going to focus on one beer and brewery in particular. This blog just so happens to address a number of the categories that would otherwise be featured in said list, so without further ado I present to you my ‘Beer of the Year’.

I first sampled a fresh can of Holy Cowbell (5.6%) by Tottenham-Hale’s bastions of brewing, Beavertown in February of this year. The beer had already been commercially available in keg and bottle from summer 2014 but this was one of Beavertown’s first forays into canning outside of their core range.

To those who have tasted this ‘India Stout’ before will know that it rides a fine line between a Black IPA and Hopped-up Stout but in actual fact the category into which this beer falls is irrelevant. Styles criss-cross and mix and match as they please and although Cowbell wasn’t blazing any trails in originality, it made up for it in sheer perfection and balance.

For all the exotic, citrus notes, it’s combated with a dark, roasted grain, hinting at freshly brewed coffee and bitter, dark chocolate. That sounds a bit intense but any bitterness is subdued by the pillow-soft mouth feel and toffee and molasses sweetness from the malts. It finishes long and dry with a delicate refrain from the pulpy hops, echoing throughout.

It’s never tasted anything less than spectacular either, emphasising Beavertown’s uncompromising consistency across all their beers. And with that, it’s hard to pick a better brewery from the year. Of course others came close to that title: Wild Beer and Siren Craft continue to innovate and deliver quality beer after quality beer.

[ The Beavertown stall at the best beer festival of the year - Indy Man Beer Con ]

But I wouldn’t have given Beavertown such a title had they not pushed the boundaries of experimentation themselves. Sour Belgian Porter (6.8% - a collaboration with Left Handed Giant) effortlessly married contemporary and traditional ideas and birthed this decadent, rustic ale. Barrel Aged Moose Fang (9% - an Imperial Brown Ale aged in Armagnac barrels; a collaboration with Toronto’s Bellwoods Brewery) was pure madness with piney hops, earthy malts, vanilla, dark stone fruit and chocolate all lining up to say their piece, which they did with gusto. Blubus Maximus (5.5% - a spelt, buckwheat and bay leaf-infused blueberry wild ale brewed with Wild Beer) was light and delicate, with a sumptuous balance of sweet and sour. There’s also the ‘Phantom’ range of sours, with each beer starting out the same (a traditional kettle-soured Berliner Weisse) but every incarnation being brutalised with either hops (Space Phantom), lemon ice tea (Earl Phantom), yuzu and dried lime (Yuzilla Phantom), or just lemons (umm, Lemon Phantom) to name but a few.

Of course let’s not overlook those eye-melting designs, which adorn every pump clip, can and occasional bottle. Creative Director, Nick Dwyer, the man responsible for them is seemingly influenced by everything; from books to film, art and to the beer itself. Oh, and skulls. There’s a playful naivety that runs through the designs, echoing the visual styling of Keith Shore’s output for Mikkeller but more colourful, illustrative and seemingly LSD-driven. At any rate they leap off the shelves, which are becoming increasingly cluttered with beautifully clean yet sterile, graphic design labels.

SUMMARY

And so that about wraps it up. Beavertown aren’t even 4 years young and already they feel like leaders of the British pack. Never happy to just sit still but equally determined to ensure that every batch they produce is of the same high quality, if not better than its predecessor. That’s how you build an empire. Long live Beavertown!

[allyouneed-isbeer]

CLOUDWATER WINTER RANGE 2015 LAUNCH

It’s hard to believe that Cloudwater Brew Co. only served their first beers in March of this year. And like those tiny drops in that pint glass, they have rippled and spread to the farthest reaches of the United Kingdom, winning accolades and support whilst firmly putting their stamp on the British beer scene.

They’ve also developed a well-defined approach for introducing beer, through their focus on a “deep love for the changing seasons”.  Thus with the passing of every 3 months comes a fresh batch of beers and Piccadilly Tap were smart enough to host the launch of the Winter Range 2015.

Upon arrival I address the massive chalkboard, offering 6 new beers (3 cask, 4 keg) from the brewery and note the mix of traditional British styles (Brown Ale (keg & cask), Stout, E.S.B.) rubbing shoulders with a more European-inflected selection (Wheat, Dark Lager), something that Cloudwater have prided on since day one.

[ Beautiful artwork by Anna Beam – annabeam.bigcartel.com ]

Of course, there’s a wild card in the form of Custard Porter (8.5%); heavily hopped with Perle, Willamette and Sorachi Ace, plus some vanilla pods for good measure it does manage to successfully invoke the aroma of custard. The alcohol is well-hidden yet still offers a warming sensation, however the keg dispense method seemed to rob the beer of the depth of flavours promised on the nose.

Things pick up considerably with the Stout (4%) and Brown Ale (4.8%) but it’s the E.S.B. (6.5%) on cask, which perfectly represents the style in all its pride and glory. It was intensely bitter without any harsh astringency and the rich, dark fruits sung through, making me long for my smoking jacket and a warm fire to curl up by.

The best of the night however goes to the wondrous Winter Wheat (6%), which glows a brilliant orange and roars as vibrantly as any Bavarian Oom-pah band you’d hear at a seasonal market this time of year. It’s big, bold juiciness; smoky wispiness and clove-dappled flavours ensure that before I left I had to have another half.

Another season and another success for Manchester’s young upstarts, who have approached not just the Manchester beer scene but the national stage with an appreciation of both contemporary and traditional beer, as well as an ingenious marketing strategy, ensuring we’ll be seeing plenty of new and exciting brews throughout 2016 and beyond.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

A BEERY GUIDE TO BRUSSELS

The night before I left for Brussels I thought to prepare my palate accordingly with a Belgian staple, Chimay Blue (9%). As I logged the beer on Untappd I was dutifully awarded the “Belgian Holiday (Level 4)” badge. Now it's always pleasing to get accolades for ones drinking habits but Level 4 status struck me as being incredibly low. I'd been an Untappd devotee for 13 months and I'd only consumed 20 drinks from one of worlds finest beer renown countries!? Shameful, nay, unforgivable!! It's just as well that over the next five days, I would seek to right that wrong.

So here's a selection of the places I visited and what delights I managed to find. Join me on a wonderful journey through Brussels cafés, taverns, bars and beer houses.

A La Bécasse

Down a narrow alleyway and not too far from the Grand Place lies this unassuming treat. The bars of Brussels don't get much more traditional than this and at nearly 140 years old “In the Snipe” with it's beautiful wood paneling and terracotta tiled floors has aged gracefully. It seemed appropriate to order a beer “from the barrel”, served the way it was intended over 300 years ago. Timmermans' Zoete Lambic (5%) came presented in a ceramic jug with the café’s woodlark mascot emblazoned upon it and to accompany we ordered an entree of local appetisers – the gherkins pairing best with the sweet acidity of the beer. This establishment served us well and considering its proximity to the Grand Place it was incredibly quiet and reserved, though I have it on good authority that evenings promise more liveliness with dancing on the tables.

 A La Morte Subite

The first thing I notice within the 87 year old, smoke-stained walls of this lively central bar is the variety of people enjoying themselves. Families, businessmen and folk of a more elderly disposition all huddle around careful selections of artisanal delicacies as if sharing their most intimate stories. Huge mirrors which adorn the walls, displaying all A La Morte's beers and so I opt for their own Gueuze (4.5%), a crisp and tangy authentic Lambic, which makes me feel truly welcome in this fine city. This is a truly wonderful café-bar-hybrid and as we neared the end of our drinks the sun fell between the outside buildings bathing us in the warm glow by the window. We probably should have stayed for another...

Delirium Café

The sprawling pandemonium of the aptly named Delirium Café sets it apart from the quaint and cosy nature of the traditional Brussels bar. Located down a small alley (aren’t they all), Delirium was recognised in 2004 as the having the world’s greatest variety of commercially available beer (2,004 varieties at the time) and now currently stocks 3,162 beers; some on draught, most in bottles. It’s heart-breaking to think that I was only going to have a couple in here but what I did select made the journey worthwhile. 13ème Anniversaire by La Rulles (5.7%), tasting of rich caramel, warm bread and seasoned citrus was great but the apricot-dappled La Bella Merè (6.5%) by Brasserie Artisanale Millevertus stole the show. Due to the popularity of the place it's unlikely you'll find a quiet corner in which to share an intimate moment, however the charm of Delirium lies in it's bringing together of people. We ended up perched around a rustic cask barrel, which could tell many a tale of the visitors it's had here. To match the brassy environment I was also treated to some welcome banter with the bar staff who regarded my “very English” pronunciation of beers and local attractions “hilarious”.

Du Bon Vieux Temps

All the bars we visited in Brussels had a time-honoured quality and well-worn sophistication that echoed the past, perhaps none more so than Du Bon Vieux Temps, which efficiently translates as The Good Old Days. There is plenty to admire in this antiquated bar, with its stocky, oak church pews and stain-glass windows adding an air of spirituality to the atmosphere. The service wasn’t as welcoming as previous establishments (i.e. no banter here) but a relatively young Orval (6.2%) more than made up for that. If these were the “good old days” then I’d be grateful to travel back to somewhere just as unfussy and quiet to nurse a beer.

Tavern Manneken Pis

No prizes for guessing which iconic statue this bar faces and upon entering the dimly lit establishment beer paraphernalia is unabashedly thrust into your peripheral vision and of course plenty of reminders of our pissing cherub friend. The atmosphere is far less brazen than the battered interior would suggest, with a roaring fire at the back of the room, to which I was drawn like a (beer)moth. The selection leaned on the commercial side with Vedett and La Chouffe dominating the draught lines but Troubadour Magma (9%) by Brouwerij De Musketiers stood out from the crowd and made a glorified statement with bold American citrus hops and a subtle Belgian yeast to mellow the palate. Although I had a fondness towards the extensive furnishings, the overall vibe seemed conflicted between the traditional Belgian bar and something more hedonistic.

Brasserie Cantillon Brouwerij

Regardless of whether you're into “sour beer” this historic brewery is certainly worth a couple of hours of your time. Highlighted as a ‘Gueuze Museum’ in most tourist guides, the visit is a self-guided meander around one of Belgium's oldest makers of the traditional Gueuze and Lambic beers. On arrival you're provided with a brief spiel and leaflet of the brewing process and then set forth to find your own adventure. Of course the place was filled with charm and spider webs (whom are our “friends”) as we clambered up rickety wooden stairs and peered through holes in walls and floors to glimpse at the breweries celebrated process of open-air fermentation. The most spectacular sight however is the myriad of oak barrels inhabiting a number of floors, recalling the closing shot from Raiders of the Lost Ark but with face-puckering beer inside instead of face-melting angels of death. Once the circuit was complete we got to sample the fruits of their labour including the super-tangy and un-carbonated Single Barrel 1-Year Lambic (5%). This “young beer” provides the foundation for the their pièce de résistance the Gueuze 100% Lambic Bio (5%), which was tasting “fresh”, oaky and vinous. The open-air fermentation means windows and doors are left open to maintain a constant temperature for the process during the cooler months, resulting in the few patrons gathering around the wood-fired stove, adding to the bare-bones charm of the establishment.

Chez Moeder Lambic

Brussels boasts two Houses of Mother Lambic, both insisting that “beer is the answer”, regardless of the question – of course I'm not one to argue. The original is hidden in a complex labyrinth of entwining roads in the Saint-Gilles district, which are well worth navigating to find this gem. Smaller than its city centre successor this homely dwelling delights with large windows and school benches, as well as each draught beer having it's own A4-sized chalkboard, painstakingly scribed by the laid-back barman. Stouterik “The Brussels Stout” (4.5%) by Brasserie de la Senne did a solid job representing the cities take on the dry, roasted style but I had to go for the next beer based on name alone – plus it looked like the barman spent hours designing the board. Moeder Fucker VII (6.5%) was a pitch black IPA brewed by staff from Moeder Lambic and Brasserie Le Paradis. It was offensively good with plenty of rich, roasted grain and zippy, citrus hops.

Moeder Lambic Fountainas

What do you do when you have a popular bar residing 3km outside of one of Europe's most vibrant city centres? Well Moeder Lambic Fountainas answered that call in 2009, accommodating city centre occupants and bar tourists alike. Boasting 46 beers on tap, 6 cask lines dedicated to Lambics and Krieks and plenty of bottle offerings, again I was spoilt for choice. It doesn't possess the charm of the Saint-Gilles original; the exposed brickwork here is more shabby chic than original decor but it’s a nice twist on the contemporary tap house and the metal seating contrasts surprisingly well with the low-lit atmosphere and hop vine encircling the bar structure. Our barman was eager to make sure we weren't without beer for long and after deciphering the extensive selection, which adorns the massive chalkboards above my head I opt for Loverbeer's D'uvabeer (8%). Unlike most Brussels bars the focus is not entirely on the local, offering a well-travelled view through some truly special exhibits. And when you see a Loverbeer, well, you don't look for anything else. Plenty of rich red berries and sour citrus reassure my choice and the sharp, astringent peaks and musty oak confirms this Italian stallion to be a world-beater.

Nuetnigenough

Most of the venues visited on this “tour” offered appetisers, snacks and small cheese and meat boards, which is fine when quaffing your way through an extensive beer selection. However finding a restaurant that matched exquisite food with exceptional beer proved a trickier task, so it's no wonder that it took over an hour for us to be seated in 'The Greedy Gluten'. Sampling a very fresh Saison Dupont (6.5%) by Brasserie Dupont felt like the right move as we sat patiently at the bar. Although sparse the art nouveau artefacts hung with modest pride in the cosy room but it's the rarities on the beer list that lit up my eyes. Most dishes are prepared with a Belgian ale but it's the Sausages in Leek sauce with Vegetable purée that appealed to me, which I paired with Saison Dupont Cuvée Dry Hopping 2014 (6.5%). The 2014 gives you an indication that it wasn't as fresh as the previous offering but the Challenger hops subdued the overall bitterness and an earthier character emerged, tinted with a citrus zing which sang in harmony with those hearty sausages. Overall the food wasn't worth the wait (it was roughly 2 hours from walking in the door to tucking in) and the beer list although superb was a touch pricey – I can see the appeal of getting away from the more hedonistic eateries and settling in for a drawn-out dining experience but after a day of walking everywhere, I needed sustenance.

Le Bier Circus

Despite having a near debilitating fear of clowns, the Beer Circus faired much better for my tastes in having a food menu which did its comprehensive beer list proud. We arrived as it opened at 5pm so had to provide our own atmosphere, which wasn't really a problem. Noir de Dottignies (9%) by Brouwerij De Ranke helped break the silence with its strong and dark, rich and malty assault. Probably not the best beer to start with but a perfect balance between sweet and bitter prepared my belly for the forthcoming feast. From the small yet appetite-whetting menu the Apple, Raisin and Orval Cheese Meatloaf just begged to be ordered – and so it was – and it was as good as it sounded. No, even better. It was soft, sweet, kind of creamy and completely luxurious, so I'm not sure why I opted to accompany it with Hop Verdomme (7%), a Belgian IPA by Brouwerij Kerkom. It's not that it didn't work. The bitter citrus hops and bready yeast contrasted with the sweet and melt in the mouth textures of the meatloaf but really I was a clown for not going with the smart and enhancing option of Orval.

Poechenellekelder

Don't ask me how to pronounce the name of this bar, just take my word for it being one of the best that the city has to offer. Located within stumbling distance of Tavern Manneken Pis, this is more ramshackle than Worzel Gummidge's wardrobe yet comfortable in it's rickety demeanour. You name it and it's probably hanging from the wall or ceiling in this jaunty and instantly charming spot. There are also marionettes galore including some life-sized, which we faced for a while before being totally creeped out. The beer selection was excellent and I think I found the drink I want to be buried with... Duchesse de Bourgogne (6.2%) by Brouwerij Verhaeghe is a traditional Flemish Red Ale that you could never sell to a non-beer devotee – well, my wife hated it. It's smooth, musty, rich, full-bodied, dry, chocolate-sweet, acidic, vinous and essentially reminded me of Fentimans Cola mixed with balsamic vinegar and lemon sherbet. Sadly the Cave-Aged Orval (exactly what it sounds like) although listed on the menu had long since gone. Our waiter chuckling as he exclaimed that when in-stock it would only ever be for a day (if that long), as people would queue outside just to get a taste of that sweet, sweet cave. To comfort my disappointment I had the fantastically rich and roasty Hercule Stout (9%) by Brasserie Ellezelloise, whilst being continually captivated by the antiquated surroundings.

Théâtre Royal De Toone

If all that talk (and imagery) of marionettes didn’t leave you feeling like a hapless extra from the Bride of Chucky, then prepare to be shaken to your very core by the puppets on show at De Toone. This central location dates back to 1696 and has been occupied as a puppet theatre since 1969, with a full-schedule of productions aimed at the whole family. Sadly / thankfully (depending on your disposition towards puppets) we didn’t get to take in a performance, however the appeal of the creaky interior more than swayed us for a drink. I settled for an equally creaky Gueuze (5.2%) by Belle-Vue; a tangy Lambic which doesn’t quite reach the musty heights of it’s more renowned brethren but is perfectly serviceable as a reminder of this countries rich, traditional brewing heritage.

I hope I've proved to be a worthwhile guide on this small tour through Brussels. It is a wonderful city, steeped in history, and hides its best-kept secrets down cobbled back alleys. If you ever visit I hope this review can be your chaperone ultimately it's just a fun city to get lost in and discover your own hidden gems.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

MOOR THAN A FEELING

It hasn't always been smooth sailing for Moor. Established in 1996, success came quickly for them and why wouldn't it? Old Freddy Walker (7.3%), Revival (3.8%) and Hoppiness (6.5%) all made a big impression winning a multitude of awards at festivals and flying the flag from the highest tor of the Somerset-Levels area. However they became a victim of their own success, outsourcing production resulted in a dip of quality and by the mid-00s they needed shaking up to return to their celebrated past. Enter ex-US Army officer Justin Hawke who drilled the brewery hard, restoring it beyond former glories and eventually expanding to a 20-barrel brew length and bottling line, putting Moor front and centre of a revolution.

Tonight they've infiltrated Port Street Beer House with a regimented line up of 4 keg and 7 cask, all looking formal and all very inviting. **Justin Rivett **from the brewery gives a succinct introduction, reinforcing Moor's stance on unfined and naturally hazy brews, a process in which they take great pride. He's also delighted to have brought the 2015 incarnation of Fusion; their old ale aged in Somerset Cider Brandy barrels. They had me at “aged” but sitting at 8%, I'll be saving that for the end of the night.

And so I begin with keg offerings Ready Made 2 (5%) and their flagship IPA, Hoppiness (6.5%). The former glows in the glass with a prickly sense of Autumn on the nose and a chorus of hops, singing in tune with the toffee stickiness. It’s insanely quaffable and gone in an instant. I actually preferred RM2 to Hoppiness, which presented an ocean spray of tropical hops and is still of course a class act but didn't quite have the punch of the “fruity porridge” for me.

My next samples meander down a mellow path with Half & Half (4.1%), a traditional cask mild combined with their no nonsense Bitter, Raw. My mind is cast back to Partizan's 'Mild' and the gorgeously nutty and rounded mouthfeel proves that Moor are entirely competent with contemporary beers as well as archaic styles. A zip of citrus and a veneer of dark chocolate confirm that I could have stayed with this one for more than just the third I ordered. Confidence (4.6%) continues down the road less brazen but satisfies in its earthy and rustic debonair.

It's then a trip to the dark side with Sloe Walker (7.4%), which takes their “liquid Christmas pudding” Old Freddy Walker and combines in cask with foraged sloe berries. It's dark, rich, roasted and silky smooth. The berries offer a sour acidity which threads through the old ale, with no hint to the alcohol – this was probably drink of the night.

Return of the Empire (5.7%) is a clean and zippy IPA which wears it's distinct Britishness like a proud soldier coming back from war, as opposed to a particular Greene King swilling idiot. The modern British hop Jester is front and centre showcasing its tropical credentials, something not often associated with English hops. I enjoy this so much I can almost hear the haunting refrain from “Land of Hop and Glory” resonate through the building, bringing a tear to me eye.

Those tears however were vanquished with my next beer Fusion (8%), which blends their old ale with Somerset Cider Brandy. This mature beer is a complex delight when it reaches my lips: funky, punchy, roasty, oaky and smooth as a mountain goat with the sweet acidity of apples lingering long on the palate. Fusion illustrates Moor's innovation and passion in one superbly melded beer.

With it getting on a bit and having talked at length about Game of Thrones with a couple of nurses I sneak in a couple of solid cask offerings in the form of Brit Hop (4.1%) and Revival (3.8%) before closing the proceedings with the sparky Ready Made 2 again.

Moor has long been on my radar and I was only familiar with a handful of what was on offer tonight. With ease they won me over with their patrol of first class artillery, seamlessly integrating modern and traditional, innovation and passion, evident in every sip. When can I have some Moor?

[allyouneed-isbeer]

NAKED BEER CO

It's estimated that 3 new craft breweries open every week in the UK. It's easy to see why some people take the cynical road, claiming we're at saturation point. Forever the optimist, I'll always take the “punch the air, slap on the butt” road and revel in the excitement of a new house showing their colours. It proves that even with such a wide and diverse market brewers still want to contribute their unique voice to the craft choir.

Brighton (UK) based Naked Beer Co. certainly make a good first impression with clever branding, a simple graphic layout and consistency across their labels. Since I consider myself a bit of a “font geek” I'll overlook the reliance on 'Gill Sans' (though it is a classic) but everything else is in place, including a manifesto encouraging one to “break the rules, challenge the status quo and let your basic instincts rule”.

I start with Streaker (4%), a session pale ale. A rich, dusty amber coloured by Caragold malt whilst Cascade hops offer a floral bouquet with an underpinning of woodiness and herbal essence. Then for bittering there's Magnum. And boy is it bitter... With it being 4% it lacks the sweet, caramel body associated with the “craft” IPA and I sure found myself longing for the sticky toffee reprise. My father-in-law on the other hand praised it for being doggedly bitter with a pinch of spice, so perhaps it's more suited to a more traditional ale appreciative crowd.

Indecent Exposure (4.5%) on the other hand I would say should be drunk by anyone with a passing interest in dark beers. Pouring an opaque ebony with aromas of chocolate fudge cake, there's even a flash of earthy and spicy hops plus a quiver of vanilla. This porter wants to hug your tongue and the soft-as-marshmallow mouth-feel is instantly gratifying. Then loads of rich, dark espresso beans detonate with a flurry of black forest gateaux and dark cherries with their bitter skins still in tact. The finish is full of earthy debonair, soft vanilla and chocolate mousse, pure utopia.

Special and Extra Strong Beers are generally not styles you'd associate with the craft beer scene. They're reserved for the dusty old pumps in the backs of dusty old pubs, so it's certainly refreshing to see Naked take on the ol' beast with Freudian Slip (6.5%). The somber mahogany strides in with aromas of oak, cinnamon, dates, plums and figs, along with a soft wisp of port. The first taste and all those flavours overwhelm the palate, I need to sit with this for a while. Slowly the full body allows the sharpness of the plums and dates to sing, with that port haunting in the sweet finish. Walnuts, raisins and boozy fruit cake all collide in a frenzy to offer a warm hug as it curls up on a rug by the fire.

SUMMARY

As a core range, Naked Beer Co. have offered something better than solid and if Indecent Exposure ever happens to make it's way up to the chilly north then I'll be sure to put a jacket over it's shoulders and  sit it down by a nice open fire.

I was sent these beers for free but I don't think it influenced my opinion. Thanks to Daniel of the Naked Beer Co. for posting them up.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

CHORLTON BREWING

I'm always late to “the party”. It takes me ages to get into bands who've been lauded by critics for years. I didn't pick up on The National until High Violet – even though I prefer Boxer. Films too, since I ignored the universal praise for The Lego Movie only to watch it on a plane then proceed to laugh hysterically from start to finish; a delight not shared with my sleeping co-passengers.

I've followed Chorlton Brewing Co.'s Twitter account since last summer and when they launched their two inaugural beers mid-January 2015 I was cordially late out of the starting blocks, left only to sit and watch my Untappd chums celebrate them with high reverence.

Having rectified the situation as soon as possible I cleared my schedule and made a date with Manchester's latest brewhouse, whose "devotion to sour beers" is clearly evident in Calibration Sour (5.5%). Its description “a thirst quencher based on the brewing tradition of North-eastern Germany but given a contemporary [Amarillo] hop treatment”, couldn't be more apt... The hazy orange amber offers an abundance of hoppy aromas; pulpy mango and pineapple with a dusting of pine. The thin and slick mouthfeel gives way to squelchy mango and grapefruit juice, matched with an astringent sourness that bites hard but never forces a pout! The finish eschews bitterness in favour of sweet cooking apples, sharp gooseberries and lemon sherbet. The balance between American Pale and Berliner Weisse is honestly as perfect as I've ever tasted and Calibration Sour has staked its claim for my beer of the year very early on.

Dark Matter (6.8%) - an Imperial Black Gose - never quite reaches the same dizzying heights but is certainly an original and magnificent twist on a near extinct style. The byzantium black presents dates, sea salt, chocolate thins, a veneer of port and sharp acidic grapes, which confounds and delights in equal measure. The dates and plums make an initial sharp attack but are swiftly pursued by a mellowing almond butter sensation. An umbrella of sweet, red wine opens up and manages to fuse a mouthfeel which is both thin and soft. Towards the end, the faintest dusting of coriander evolves and concludes our erratic tour of this homage to the Leipzig Wheat Beer style via South Manchester.

SUMMARY

Overall the sharp, tropical fruit jam of Calibration Sour wins but that's not to do any disservice to the gloriously odd Dark Matter. Chorlton Brewing Co. may have caught my attention with contemporary twists on archaic styles but the proof is in the pudding; just don't wait too long to get one.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

DOUBLE DUTCH

Over the years I've somehow convinced myself that Port Street Beer House was established solely for my benefit. I moved to Manchester in late October 2010 and my melancholy for departing Leeds must have been so widely reported that a couple of beer lovers felt to rectify my situation. By the end of January 2011 Port Street was born. A simple case of demand and supply and not a hint of delusion...

I'm happy to be along for their 4th birthday party and to mark the occasion they invited a bunch of beer-brewing buddies to help ring in the festivities. PSBH have long supported their esteemed guests, both of whom have travelled from the Netherlands to host a bottle tasting and tap takeover.

I arrive 30 minutes ahead of the bottle event so I can sample some of the keg offerings from Utrecht's Rooie Dop and Amsterdam's Oedipus Brewing. I start with the latter, opting for their malty Bock Luchtfietser (7%). It's a marvellous example of the style with sweet, chewy caramel leading the charge, backed up with an abundance of fruit and pine from the Polaris, Chinook and Simcoe dry-hopping. Add to that a subtle wisp of smoke from the smoked malts that shimmies through the bitter finish and we're off to a great start.

Rooie Dop's 24/7 Session India Ale (4.9%) sold out in 45 minutes! Gutted to have missed that but I keep things in a similar ball park with Oedipus' APA Mama (5%), who introduces her citrus hops with a punch in the face rather than a polite handshake. Centennial and Motueka offer plenty of grassy and citrusy wham, bam, thank you mama but it's all a bit pedestrian in taste. A bigger body would help take this up a level or two.

[ Left to right: Mark, Paul and Sander ]

We're beckoned upstairs and find Oedipus' Sander Nederveen and Paul Brouwer and Rooie Dop's Mark “the dude” Strooker looking so at ease they're already part of the furniture. Immediately they create a casual atmosphere as Paul addresses the room with a childish glee that's positively infectious. The hosts demand that the formal layout of chairs is disrupted in favour of chaos and intimacy. It's going to be one of those nights...

[ Paul speaks of his "Man Love" brew ]

To accompany Paul's introduction we're presented with a third of Oedipus' Mannenliefde (6%); a cheeky farmhouse ale brewed with Szechuan Peppers and Lemongrass and by their own confession, not enough Sorachi Ace hops this time 'round. This sparks Sander's justification that they're always changing the recipes; the last batch being way too hoppy. It's a philosophy that reflects their wide-eyed wonder as they discuss how their palates are constantly evolving and ultimately, they just get “a bit bored brewing the same beers all the time”. At any rate this is a top tier Saison, with plenty of peppery spice ricocheting off the fragrant lemon bite.

Next up and it's another Oedipus; this time a smoked Porter by the name of Rubberen Robbie (6.7%), brewed with one of my Dutch favourites Brouwerij de Prael. Named after a frankly dreadful comedy folk band from Leiden (Flight of the Conchords they ain't) there sure is plenty of smoky, woody malts plus lashings of coffee and black treacle character. It's pretty dry too and again Paul and Sander are quick to note that this batch was too dry but hey, there's enough chewy tobacco and antique leather chair to make up for that.

Finally I get round to trying a Rooie Dop drop, Back To Black (8.6%); an Imperial Stout brewed in conjunction with Tupiniquim Coffee from Brazil. It's quite the first impression with it's obsidian-black tar eruptiing aromas of raw coffee beans. There's earthy hops, a pinch of peat and a soft, chocolate mousse finish. Mark can finally give us his spiel about his feelings towards collaboration. He bloody loves it! He stresses that these alliances are essential; an expression of fun, where through talking with like-minded enthusiasts spawns ideas to “make something different, something extreme and something truly special”. And they've certainly accomplished that with Back To Black.

We press on with Oedipus' homage to the big West Coast IPA, Gaia (7%). A swamp-load of US hops make for a dizzying glass of citrus pulp that in some way must contribute to your 5-a-day. There's a sweet marzipan finish that compliments that infinite bitterness. Paul and Sander again prove to be their own harshest critics, noting that this could be more aromatic but it had been sat in the bottle a while...

Back to Rooie Dop and to support Mark's collaboration cause he presents a 7-way orgy of Dutch breweries in the form of Betty Wang (7.7%). There's a rich honey and grassy hop profile heightened with the addition of Saffron and soft, yeasty spice but it it just doesn't gel for me; too many cooks, broth, etc.

Luckily their Utrecht Strong Ale (9.1%) is a big-ass, superbly executed US Barleywine, which totally annihilates any preceding notions of over-indulgence. There's a deluge of tropical aromas, however those hops turn out to be shrinking violets as this is all backbone baby, with a fog horn of sweet malt and dolly mixture and a body that just won't quit.

[ Rooie Dop's Chica Americana IPA could teach some US breweries a thing or two ]

It's a blockbusting way to bring the proceedings to a close and on leaving I catch Mark and Paul, where they prove to be every bit as charming in intimate conversation as when performing to a packed room with their boyish antics. I return to the bar to sample a few more from the tap takeover; Rooie Dop's Double Oatmeal Stout (9.6%) is chock-full of smooth chocolate and dark, stone fruit. However the Dop seem at their strongest when they scale things back, as Chica Americana IPA (7.1%) proves. A myriad of Chinook and Cascade give you every drop of mango and pine you'd want in the style and at 7.1%, it's positively sessionable compared to any of the aforementioned Rooie Dop reps.

[ The aftermath and I'd do it all again in an instant ]

When you start thinking that 7.1% is sessionable it's time to go home, so I did; with a smile on my face and boyish glee coursing through my veins. Happy birthday Port Street, let's do it again next year.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

WHERE I DRANK IN SAN FRANCISCO

If you’re familiar with American geography you’ll know that the distance between Sacramento and San Francisco is miniscule; it’s less than 100 miles and by car should take about an hour and a half. This of course, was not the case when we attempted the gauntlet on a sunny August afternoon… We’d already doubled that time as we reached the Oakland Bay bridge and I still had to navigate the steep inclines and drops that define the city’s dramatic street grids – which I accomplished with none of Steve McQueen’s panache nor grace.

Having nearly collided head-on with a taxi coming off a one-way street I concluded that beer was the answer to settle my rattling nerves. Fortunately our closest watering hole was the Mikkeller Bar SF, located on the edge of Tenderloin district. It’s as cool as you’d imagine, with low lighting and exposed brickwork giving the space a rustic yet contemporary Scandinavian-kitsch. I opt for Footpath Pale (3.9%) by Berryessa Brewing, which considering the sessionable abv it had a solid caramel digestive biscuit base to support the piney and pithy bitterness. Consider me impressed…

[ Plenty of gorgeous Keith Shore screen-prints on display ]

It would be rude not to sample something by Mikkeller and I keep things on the light and refreshing side with Keeper (5%), which is as crisp and flavoursome as I’ve come to expect from Mikkeller Pilsners. I’m always floored by the balance of their more hop-forward lager-centric beers; biting lemon rind and crystal clear clarity in the malty finish; they’re one of the best at this modern style in the business.

Based on a wealth of recommendations our next destination is Zeitgeist; a dingy, crusty-punk bar just a short walk away. Upon arrival we admire the grungy decor and order some local reps from the extensive tap list. As I take my phone from my pocket to snap the ramshackle pub-paraphernalia the glass collector thrusts a pointed hand into my face and screams “NO PHOTOS!!” Hmm, not sure if that’s quite the way to go about complete customer satisfaction.

[ “Be nice or get out” - does this apply to bar staff? ]

My Evil Cousin (8%) by Heretic Brewing was now tasting even more bitter than it’s 100 promised IBUs and after having a few stern words with the most senior person there (the door man was the only person who looked over 25) we leave, seeking somewhere friendlier… However we were thwarted again as City Beer Store had just closed up for the night.

The next day is predominantly filled with an epic jaunt from Nob Hill to Haight-Ashbury, then through Golden Gate Park and across the GG Bridge. We covered a total of about 15 miles and suffice to say we were knackered. Our next lodging took us out of the roller-coaster ride that is the San Francisco grid system and to Berkeley, where we welcomed a quieter pace of life and more comely bars and restaurants. Still exhausted from the day we found the nearby Triple Rock Brewery and Alehouse. I’ll confess that what drew me to this establishment was the fact that I’d never heard of Triple Rock before and as it turned out, it was exactly what we were both looking for…

Their beers will never be world beaters but Bug Juice (5.4%) is as solid a pale ale as you’re likely to find on the sunny/foggy shores of the California coast – especially after walking nearly 25km. It’s not exactly a bitter assault but it’s crisp, clean and mega-refreshing!

It’s gone in a flash and so I line up IPAX (6.7%) to give a foothold to my pulled pork burger. This one’s got a bit more bite with plenty of bitter grapefruit and tangerine, it offsets the sticky, sweet glaze on the pulled pork with ease. I sit back and admire the simple wooden charms of the pub. 80’s radio rock on the jukebox, The Breakfast Club on the TV – it’s a world away from the rush of the City by the Bay and I think I fell a little bit in love that night.

I’d been anticipating the next day for about 9 years – that being the last time I visited San Francisco where all Alcatraz tours were fully booked for 8 weeks! Pre-booked and ready to ship out we set sail for the Rock and to properly embrace all that The City had to offer, I ordered the world famous California Common Anchor's Steam Beer (4.9%), first brewed in the gold rush era of 1896. And it was tasting pretty damned good! Much creamier than I remember but plenty of rich, earthy hops on show with a hearty and clean malt base. Oh, and Alcatraz was totally worth the wait!

Back on terra firma and with a bit of improvised orienteering we figured we could swing by the City Beer Store before heading back to our abode in Berkeley. And so we did, and I ordered myself a pint of Unapologetic IPA (8.8%) by a trio of masters Stone, Beechwood and Heretic Brewing. It’s pretty much as you’d imagine, which is why I was slightly underwhelmed as in truth, I wanted my head blown clean off my shoulders! Everything’s there of course; gargantuan levels of pine, a tsunami of tropical pulp and a formidable toffee and caramel spine – it was great! Alas, my head stayed affixed to my body…

If I’m being honest with you (which I always am) then San Francisco didn’t bedazzle in the way that Seattle or Portland had – both of which left us wanting more. As far as tourist attractions go, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are nigh-on unbeatable but bar-wise I just didn’t find my spot. Maybe when I return in another 9 years I’ll be able to leave my heart somewhere…

[allyouneed-isbeer]

GOLDEN PINT AWARDS 2014

And so I (and thankfully my liver) reach the end of our first full year of beer blogging, even though posts have become slightly more sporadic of late – but hey, that's the life of a full-time teacher! Highlights have included having my appendix taken out (wait, that wasn't fun at all); getting married and honeymooning down the Pacific Coast of America, all along the way sampling some of the best brews to have ever crossed my lips. What better way to conclude such a year than with my first ever Golden Pints post. So without further ado...

Best UK Cask Beer: Wild Beer, Fresh (5.5%)

This has got to be the year in which I have consumed the least amount of cask dispensed beer in my entire beer swilling life. My tastes simply shifted to favour something colder, something a bit “different” and draught keg just ticks these boxes. Honourable mentions go to Thornbridge's Otter's Tears (6%) and Magic Rock's Vienna IPA Villainous (6.5%) but it was Wild Beer's Fresh that I managed to sample super fresh and demanded I kept reordering on numerous trips to the bar.

Best UK Keg Beer: Weird Beard, Fade to Black Coconut Edition (6.1%)

As previously mentioned, my dispense method of choice this year has been keg and the UK has proved they can do this as good as anyone in the world. I love those London-based fuzzy-faced Weird Beard crew and their Coconut Edition of Fade to Black was simply magical when I sampled at Port Street Beer House. Hoppy, tingly, soft, citrusy, chocolatey and coffee-ey; everything just worked perfectly.

Best UK Bottled or Canned Beer: Buxton, Imperial Black (7.5%) and Beavertown, Black Betty (7.4%)

Do I get to pick two for this? One bottle, one can? Yes? OK then... Since you've allowed me that, let me pick two of the finest Black IPAs in the business. Buxton's effort was as good if not better than Bear Republic's Black Racer IPA. Pure indulgence...

Beavertown's Black Betty (my fave of their core range) made a seamless transition from bottle to can. In fact, I should put the two side by side and have a Black Betty Boop-off... Though I don't know what that would actually entail.

Best Overseas Draught Beer: Black Butte Porter XXVI Anniversary Ale (10.8%)

When I finally got around to ordering this at the end of the night in the Deschutes Pub in Portland, not even my wildest expectations prepared me for what I was about to experience. Chocolate, pomegranate, caramelised brown sugar, musty oak, peaty Bourbon, rustic tannins, sharp cranberries, oh lordy loo... I still wake up in the middle of the night, feverishly sweating, thinking I can taste it... Fortunately I brought a bottle home and it's currently hibernating in a darkened corner under my stairs.

Best Overseas Bottled or Canned Beer: Founders, Centennial IPA (7.2%)

Founders really took off big in the UK this year with All Day IPA (4.7%) leading the “session” IPA charge, but for me Centennial IPA was the real star of their core range. To match it's huge, dank citrus pulp there is the sweetest marzipan and toffee backbone I've yet to witness in another India Pale. Always stunning and from my local beer emporium (The Epicurean) it's less than £3. Banging!!

Best Collaboration Brew: Siren Craft & Cigar City, Caribbean Chocolate Cake (7.4%)

Easily goes to Siren Craft's 2nd collaboration with Cigar City Brewing this year and their wonderfully soft-as-a-marshmallow dunked in a mocha Caribbean Chocolate Cake. A match made in heaven...

Best Overall Beer: Black Butte Porter XXVI Anniversary Ale (10.8%)

Like I said before, I still wake up thinking I can taste this beer. Although it's gonna be a struggle, my bottle advises it's best after August 2015. Can't hardly wait...

Best Branding, Pumpclip or Label: Wild Beer

Minimal, concept-led graphic design when done right can be amazing and the pure simplicity of Wild Beer's 'deer' identity leads to an overall cohesion of the brand. Effortless...

Best UK Brewery: Wild Beer

This is an odd way to introduce my favourite UK brewery but Raconteur by Wild Beer was one of the worst beers I tried this year. A 9.9% barley wine aged in Marc de Bourgogne casks was pure wild abandon with way too many contrasting flavours that for me, just didn't work. That's not to say that I didn't admire the effort which had gone into producing such a complex beer. On the upside Ninkasi (9%), Amelie (5%), Madness IPA (6.8%), Put It In Your Pipe (5.1%), Comus (5.9%), Shnoodlepip (6.5%) and Yankee Sandwich (4.7%) – along with Fresh (5.5%) – were all distinctly original and truly memorable. They are pretty much flying the flag for innovative and sour beer in the UK and for that, I salute them.

Best Overseas Brewery: Sierra Nevada

We've all long been acquainted with Ken Grossman's hit list; Pale Ale, Torpedo, Bigfoot... but getting to tour the brewery this summer was something really special indeed. I was a huge fan of most of their “Beer Camp Across America” collaboration series, which saw some stunning brews with Ninkasi's Double Latte (7.6%), Ballast Point's Electric Ray (8.5%) and 3 Floyds' Chico King (6.5%). However the pièce de résistance was a one-off Porter (5.6%) exclusively on at the bar when we visited. Amassed with vanilla pods and cherries and aged in oak cask, three words. Oh. My. God.

Best New Brewery Opening 2014: Runaway Brewery

Much to my shame I haven't actually had that many beers by Manchester-based Runaway but their American Brown (5.7%) and IPA (5.5%) have both seriously impressed me. Definitely looking forward to trying more of their stuff in the new year.

Pub/Bar of the Year: Deschutes Public House, Portland

For atmosphere alone this place would win, hands down. Some of the friendliest strangers I've ever met and we only shared a table for 10 minutes. The bar staff were never pushy but always there when we needed them, providing the best table service of our entire honeymoon. They never missed a beat... But best of all, the one night we went was a Monday, and the place was electric!

Best New Pub/Bar Opening 2014: ?

I'm not sure if I've been to a new bar this year... I'm finally getting to go to Junkyard Pour House in Nottingham soon though, for which I can't wait. So let's go with that.

Beer Festival of the Year: Indy Man Beer Con

Celebrating its third year, Indy Man cemented itself as the most reliable and friendly beer convention I've ever attended. As expected the beer was fantastic, with Loverbeer's musty amber Madamin (5.7%) taking best in show but the food quality was superb too, and I found the staff were even more helpful and knowledgeable than previous years. An all-inclusive craft beer festival. Loved it.

[ Loverbeer's Madamin came pretty damn close to beer of the year ]

Supermarket of the Year: Booths

Although there are Waitrose branches much closer, Booths just happens to be on a delightful 20km cycle loop that I've found and so on those quiet and dry Sunday afternoons it's likely you'll find me ambling along the Manchester canal with a rucksack full of amazing beers. Plus, this summer they started stocking Thornbridge's Wild Raven (6.6%). Hats off to whoever made that decision.

Independent Retailer of the Year: The Epicurean, West Didsbury

An exceptional little bottle shop in South Manchester, stocking over 200 beers. There's a strong focus on local with plenty of Manchester-based beers representing but they sit side by side with a whole host of Belgian, American and other European delights. Add to that they just started stocking Pizza Port beers, so they're gonna be seeing a whole lot more of me. As will my bank manager when he realises where all my money's going...

Online Retailer of the Year: Ales by Mail

I only ordered once from an online retailer this year and all the beers came in tact. Huge selection too – check them out!

Best Beer Book or Magazine: Beer and Food by Mark Dredge

A wonderful book about, um, beer and food. Plus loads of great illustrations by Nicolas John Frith.

Best Beer Blog or Website: Bottle-O-Rama aka StormySkiesAhead.tumblr.com

I love this guy but probably not as much as he loves beer. One amusing analogy has stuck with me all year, where he described the taste of Wild Beer's Ninkasi (9%) akin to wringing out ferrets who have been doused in apple juice and white wine. Bonkers...

Best Beer App: Untappd

If you read my Sacramento post, you'll know why I love this app.

Simon Johnson Award for Best Beer Twitterer: Matthew Curtis (@totalcurtis)

Always entertaining with his quick fire twitticisms, Matt remains an intimately personable chap with wonderful wit and diction. Plus he has excellent jumpers!

Best Brewery Website/Social media: Wild Beer (WildBeerCo.com)

Y'know what I said earlier about great graphic design being cohesive? Well Wild Beer's site is informative, beautiful to look at and simple to navigate. Again, making it all look effortless...

Food and Beer Pairing of the Year: Deschutes Black Butte Porter and Schwartz Brothers Molasses Cookie

Yep. Beer and biscuits. And it was on a train from Vancouver to Seattle. Perfecto-mundo!

Album of the Year: It's Album Time by Todd Terje

Not strictly having any beer-connections (though those cocktails on the cover look appealing) I threw this in at the end for the simple reason that Delorean Dynamite was "my jam" of the year. This whole album is living proof (yes, it's definitely alive) that dance music can be grown up whilst still being a helluva lot of fun, and Delorean Dynamite is a roller-coaster ride of pure synthesiser sex - oh and that mid-point guitar lick... heaven!

[allyouneed-isbeer]

CHRISTMAS BEERS 2014

Christmas comes but once a year and in tow come Christmas beers. Festive spices are used to enhance, but mostly the results are quite simply pants...

It pains me to say this (since I BLOODY LOVE CHRISTMAS - ahem) but festive beers really help me to flex my cynical muscles; with visions of last years disappointing ales still dancing in my head. Perhaps it was down to “cynical brewing”; brands knowing that they could churn out a sub-standard product, slap some snowflake clipart on and watch it fly off the shelves.

This year I cautiously approached the aisles lined with festive ales. However as soon as I saw a breweries regular mascot keeping his bald head warm with a Santa hat (how cute does he look?) I couldn't resist filling my boots (shopping basket)! And so here you have it, a selection of Christmas beers for 2014. Bah humbug!

First up is Saltaire Brewery's White Christmas (5.8%), a “pale and refreshing beer” who’s golden appearance glows as bright as Bethlehem's star. The Vienna malts offer aromas of European hedgerows and there's a faint dusting of the coriander seeds from the final boil. Those light, tingly spice notes surface with the playful hoppiness and the citrus character is scattered with a light dusting of nutmeg too but it just doesn't come together. The malt base keeps the experimentation rooted in decent if unremarkable golden ale territory – which is not to say that it's bad, just unremarkable.

My hopes for Baubleless (6%) are higher. For one it's brewed by local heros Red Willow and secondly it's a marriage of their imperial and chocolate stouts, aged in Rioja barrels. Santa baby! From the off it presents itself as something more sour than sweet, with aromas of old, wet oak and a delicate wisp of smoke. Initially thin then rich, vinous tannins are unwrapped with a hint of granddad’s smoking jacket wavering in the background. The chocolate briefly appears at the window only to be greeted by a sour Scrooge-character – warming himself by the fire with a glass of vintage port. Lovely...

Next up is Brewdog's terribly named Hoppy Christmas (7.2%) – a “festive pale ale”, hopped to the teeth with Simcoe. Aroma wise you certainly get plenty of that evergreen woodland and resinous pine billowing from the rich, hazy golden-amber, followed by a faint hint of sweet marzipan and madeira cake. The pine translates into the taste pretty well with wood chips and some burnt toast tingling the tongue. Mango, peach and apricot notes soar across the palate, like hordes of shoppers on Christmas eve; scrambling for that last Buzz Lightyear – assuming he's still as popular as he was in 1995. The finish is delicately sweet with marzipan and toffee and much to my delight star anise and liquorice too. Maybe Christmas beers aren't so bad after all...

To finish we have a sweet little Quad; St Bernardus' Christmas Ale (10%), whose rich mahogany gifts aromas of bread and white pepper spice, along with plums stewed in a musty oak cask, dappled with fresh mint. At first it's the advancing carbonation that grabbed my attention only for it to eventually give way to a sackful of herbs, lemon zest, fresh coriander and cardamon pods. Sweet brandy-soaked fruit cake then slinks into the frame, mildly hinting at the 10% which was otherwise barely noticeable. There's a veneer of chocolate and smooth caramel in the finish, rounding off this stunning slow-sipper.

It's as if the ghosts of Christmas past had visited me all in one night to illustrate what life would be like without Christmas beers – I am a changed man! I now see that we need these festive ales, for they bring merriment to the season, and to the ale drinkers who celebrate beer and flavour, not capitalist realism. Cheers.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

WHERE I DRANK IN SACRAMENTO

Untappd is often a source of much hilarity and eye-rolling when my wife sees my face illuminated with the glow of my smart phone, “logging” whatever beer I've just ordered. However in Sacramento she resigned to the fact that this little app was our essential orienteering tool for navigating our new unchartered city. Within a 1 mile radius of our hotel it had found a beer from my wish list. Scratch that, the number 1 from my wish list... And so we set forth to get schooled, at the University of Beer.

Laid out like a college bar I half expected to be given a wedgie and surrender my dinner money upon entering the sleek and shiny venue. It was of course filled with people like myself, interested in furthering their education in brews. On the digital board before me shone the words I'd longed to see since my inauguration into the loyal order of the craft; Russian River's Pliny the Elder (8%). It didn't disappoint...

Fresh, aromatic, aggressively hoppy, but never to it's detriment, Pliny was a faultless Imperial IPA experience. Tingling carbonation and crystal clear clarity – it reminded me of Thornbridge's Jaipur; only on steroids!! Yet there is a softness that caresses the palate, complementing that long bitter finish. I felt like I'd just graduated. With honours!

In an attempt to order a scoop of Ballast Point's legendary Sculpin IPA (7%) I was presented with a glass of metallic-inflected fish guts. Not literally of course but whatever had been poured into my glass was not the anticipated explosion of tropical, sticky wonder I'd hoped for. Much to my frustration exchanging the beer proved somewhat trickier than a simple swap, with bar staff and management tying themselves in knots as to their policy on returning drinks. Madness – I know...

After 10 frankly daft minutes of Benny Hill-esque incompetency the matter was finally resolved and by means of apology I was offered any beer from the expansive list. I chose Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA (9%). Now, if I'd have had 90 Mins 30 mins earlier, I would have crowned this the world's greatest DIPA; however it falls just shy of that Pliny bar – but dear lord that bar is high... Again, a wealth of tropical hops and gargantuan waves of citrus slaps me about like the Tango man. The 9% is pretty well hidden too and doesn't reveal itself until we decide it's time to get some food and my legs go a bit wobbly.

[ My wife having the wurst time at Lowbrau ]

Our trusty Untappd locates the perfect spot with a fantastic array of beer and food – which is probably more vital than the suds right now, since I need to soak up those DIPAs slushing around my empty stomach. We arrive at Lowbrau; an incredibly trendy and lively Bierhall specialising in the finest, gourmet and exotic sausages from the region. We secure a bench and lead with our stomachs. I order the Polish sausage; beef, pork, Pilsner and spices, topped with Bier Cheese and pickled jalapeños. If you think that sounds like heaven, well it was. At first first the acidic and peppery spices dominate; all is then softened with the creamy and garlic cheese in the finish. I matched it with The Bruery's Hottenroth (3.1%); a sharp and acerbic traditional Berliner Weisse that pierced the Polish spice notes like a sour stake through a vampyre's sausage heart! Earthy notes and bread soften the initial tart slap and the finish was dry and unforgiving.

By the time we finish scoffing our food the hall was pulsating with bodies and the music dialled up a notch or 4 - we decide it's time for something less hedonistic... Which brings us to the Tank House BBQ and Bar into which we duck for a "swift" night cap. After chatting with the barman who once lived in Coventry (about 100 miles from Manchester, which in US terms is just down the road) he gifts us drinks on the house – top lad. My selection of 21st Amendment's Hell or High Watermelon (4.9%) acts as the perfect cleansing beer for what I think is the end of the night. It's soft, dry and the semi-sweet watermelon is definitely present, complementing the wheat and bread notes. I could drink this all night long... And to a certain extent, so do the party adjacent to our table. Within seconds of finishing Hell or High... a can of Hamms Lager (4.7%) is thrust into my hand to accompany the colossal piece of meaty bone I've just retrieved from a bucket of sticky ribs. I gotta say, I could get used to this Sacramento hospitality – though my head the following morning would be less inclined to make this a habit.

And so to this city and it's people (despite the minor hiccup at UoB) thank you, but it is Untappd to whom I salute; our Christopher Columbus. Steering our ship through waters unknown to pleasures by the bucketful.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

WHERE I DRANK IN PORTLAND - PART 2

A new day brings a sense of adventure and with no predetermined destination we head downtown and across the Willamette River. The sun is blaring by the time we stumble across another of Portland's historical treasures, the exotic Bagdad Movie Theatre. This middle Eastern-inspired cinema is part of the McMenamins chain, who inhabit over 65 premises in Oregon and Washington (over 25 of which are in the Portland area). I order a light sandwich and grab a pint of Purple Haze (4%), which is all in my brain and down the gullet just as quickly. Made with puréed Boysenberries this mildly sweet and dry fruit beer is perfect refreshment. Not too tart, nor too fruity; a perfect thirst quencher for the summer.

After a gentle stroll around the low-key Laurelhurst Park we start our return voyage, which just so happens to take us past Cascade Brewing's Barrel House. Well, it would've been rude not to wet our beaks... Cascade consider themselves the frontline of the US sour movement and their Barrel House is a bastion for 750 barrels used to age all manner of beers.

Goji Berry (6.5%) is a sour blond ale finished on the aforementioned fruit and is served “live from the barrel”; which although reeks of gimmick, is the exact reason I ordered it! Despite a tart start it's not as face-scrunchingly sharp as expected; rather soft and fruity with a bready tone that runs throughout. Apricot Ale (8.5%) is an even slower ale. Initially a Belgian Tripel which is then aged for about 18 months in white wine barrels it's got plenty of oaky tannins present. The apricot plume is dappled with hints of melon and a tart acidity. At 8.5% abv. it's also worryingly quaffable...

Before we decide to re-cross the Willamette I remember that Hair of the Dog is this side of the river. Google maps locates the venue far easier than my orientation skills and as we reach the doors my heart begins to sink. In Britain “Closed on Mondays” usually only applies to museums and galleries but rarely bars and after the amount of praise Dog received I am gutted... You can't keep a beer drinker down for long though – after all Portland is currently celebrating it's own Craft Beer Week.

The night starts with Old Town Pizza (Old Town Brewing's taproom) but we find ourselves leaving underwhelmed by what we sampled. A shame since the venue was full of creaky old west charm – and apparently its own ghost. Never dejected we head to the Deschutes Brewpub; the name alone offering a seal of approval that would turn out to be but a mere hint of the brilliance awaiting.

Upon entering the building the electric atmosphere is arresting and completely contagious. I turn to my wife and grin as far as my cheeks will let my mouth - we've arrived. As we make our way to the only two seats in the bar area it's like I've just walked into Cheers and everybody knows my name. We chat jovially to a couple of business men (cum-home brewers) who “popped in” for a swift pint three hours ago. Behind us a fellow Brit detects our un-American accents and politely interrupts to shake our hands and recommends we buy the breweries own beer-infused mustard. All in good time my friend, first a beer...

Leading the charge is Freshly Squeezed IPA (6.4%) and hands down one of the best examples of the style I've ever tried. The name is more than apt as bitter, pulpy citrus cascades over my palate, followed by gargantuan toffee and caramel notes that coat my vocal bands, leaving me sticky, speechless and grinning like a fool.

Table service in beer houses is not considered the norm in the UK but I'm more than happy to be waited on by our young maître d, and his chatty demeanour results in Chainbreaker (5.6%) - a White IPA and a perfect contrast to the hoppy predecessor. Although sharp and exotic with an orange and lemon zing at the front, the Belgian yeast offers a comforting softness and crafts a well-rounded character. Our waiter also decided to accompany Chainbreaker with a small sample of the Farmhouse Ale, Setbreak (5.8%) because he "thought I'd like it". He's judged me right. For one thing, I love free beer and secondly this Saison is yeasty, peachy and floral, with a hint of bubblegum and a dry as a desert finish.

I'm looking down on cloud nine at this point but the alcohol slumps me into my seat and I begin to take heed of this sanctuary. The beautiful wooden carvings of nature and landscapes are barely illuminated by the venues intimate ambience but the whole space exudes a charm of eras gone by.

I decide it's time to order the beer I'd been eying up all night. The Black Butte XXVI (10.8%) is Deschutes' 26th Anniversary Ale. Fresh Black Butte Porter is blended with a 6-month Bourbon barrel-aged version and systematically muddled with Theo chocolate cocoa nibs, pomegranate molasses and cranberries – this is as much a treat to read as it is to experience. The chocolate is overwhelming with thick plumes surging from the snifter. The taste is bitter-sweet with the sharpness of the cranberries battling the rich chocolate and caramelised brown sugar. The oaky tannins and peaty Bourbon add a musty, vinous character that ebbs with the swells of soft chocolate, making for a stupefying experience.

And what a note to finish on. We settle the bill (grabbing two bottles of mustard and a bomber of the Black Butte XXVI along the way) and head home; the kaleidoscopic luxury of the last drink still lingering in my gills. Even at that point I knew it would be a hard beer to beat. Not just for the holiday but the entire year... Portland, you have served us well.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

WHERE I DRANK IN PORTLAND - PART 1

Having set off from Seattle early morning and via a small detour to Snoqualmie Falls (yes, we are Twin Peaks nerds) we crossed the I-5 Bridge into Portland. My anxieties of driving in America had all but dissipated and now pure unbridled excitement took hold; for some prior research revealed that tonight in downtown Portland, Sierra Nevada's huge Beer Camp project was launching at Bailey's Tap Room.

The casual and friendly space is inviting; boasting high ceilings, hanging baskets of plants, lots of wood panelling and massive windows, allowing the late-afternoon sun to pour into and illuminate the room. We secure ourselves a corner and with Sierra Nevada as our tour guide, start our journey “Across America” through beer.

[2014: A Maillard's Odyssey]

I start with Yvan the Great (6.3%) a Belgian Blonde brewed in cahoots with Russian River and the hops start on me! A rush of bitter citrus is at once noticeable before the Belgian yeast character strides in, offering a complimentary massage with coriander and European spices. Next up is the Bell's Brewery collaboration Maillard's Odyssey (8.5%), a dark ale with the shady past... Maillard is roasty and rich with an abundance of stone fruit, plus dangerously drinkable for it's ABV. Our stomach's demand sustenance but not before a swift sample of CANfusion (7.2%). Oskar Blues' effort demands attention with an abundance of flavours in this “dry hop rye bock”. Spice notes dominate, enforced by the inclusion of fragrant hop Ella. The bock element is present in the sticky, caramel malt, which just about holds it altogether.

After refuelling with street cart Egyptian Gyros we find the cool and contemporary Clyde Common. The sophisticated atmosphere seems to drive my decision to order a cocktail. “Whoa now” I hear you cry, “this is a blog about beer” and yeah, I hear ya' but Broken Bike is something truly special... Created and bottled in house, BB has a distinctly bitter bite. The lemon oil added gives it a smooth roundedness and the carbonation is soft which compliments the gasp of dry white wine. I could get into this cocktail business...

Although Sunday night, a city with the nickname Beervana shouldn't be this eerily quiet. We head back at our beautiful historic dwelling (the Stratton Cornelius House), where our hosts greet us with wine, beer and snacks. We gratefully accept and pop open a bottle of New Belgium's Ranger (6.5%). At once a pulpy, exotic and wonderful example of the West Coast IPA, I could imagine sinking a whole six-pack of these quite easily. O.G. Wheat IPA (6.5%) by 10 Barrel Brewing serves as a nice counterpoint to Ranger. It's softer, sweeter, breadier and just a hint of spice to keep the palate tingling.

Going by the warm hospitality of our landlords-cum-innkeepers we'd quite happily spend the rest of our time in their gorgeous property. However the next day promises a 15-mile trek around the city, along with which I anticipate a couple of beer-themed refreshment stops.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

INDY MAN BEER CON 2014

Now in it's third year the Independent Manchester Beer (and stuff) Convention (Indy Man or IMBC for short) has come of age. It feels at ease in the beautiful grade II listed Victoria Baths; at first a stark shock to the traditional beer festival venue, now a familiar friend. Self-described as “a world class showcase for the most progressive, hop-forward breweries” and to me it redefines what a beer festival is all about.

It's an exclusive club too, since the convention only features 40 breweries. Some of my fave UK houses are present (Beavertown, Thornbridge, Magic Rock, Weird Beard) along with a few overseas guests including Stateside reps Stillwater Artisinal and a handful of Euro-hoppers like To Øl and Brewfist. Special one-off beers are brewed for the event, some in collaboration with the Indy Man crew themselves. Then there's live music, guest talks, food and beer pairings, secret tastings and basically a whole lot of fun.

Just before the doors open for the Saturday evening session we participate in a Mexican wave that ripples through the 100 eager folk queuing up outside. The excitement is palpable; it's like Christmas Day for beer nerds. Upon entry we grab our glasses and ascend to the balcony area of the main room; it's a tried and tested operation and guarantees us a great hub for the proceedings.

I kick the night off with Evil Twin's Nomader Weisse (4% abv) and what a start it is. Tangy, sharp and unforgiving with face-scrunching sherbet lemons and big acidic white wine. The bar is set so high that Beavertown's collaboration with Kona that yielded Passion Phantom (3.5%) seems quite timid in comparison. The passion fruit sings on the first sip but the sourness doesn't bite, leaving the finish a bit flat.

Buxton have developed a coalition with US's Arizona Wilderness for Dragon Tips (8.3%); a big ol' Imperial Stout brewed with Maple, Chipotle and Bacon but to be honest not much chilli pepper nor pig come through. It's certainly rich but not quite robust enough to balance the sweetness of the Maple. Right, I need something amazing and I'm directed to a beer whose description simply reads “Too exciting for words”. Loverbeer's Madamin (5.7%) weighs in at 5 tokens (roughly £5) a third; I approach with trepidation but as soon as the dusty amber courses over my palate it's all over. This is beer of the festival! Vinous, oaky, rich, musty, malty, tart, earthy, oh it goes on...

I'm on a high and don't wanna come down so head back to Evil Twin for their Imperial Doughnut Break (11.5%) and I'm looking down on cloud nine. Thick milk chocolate, gooey roasted marshmallows and rich freshly ground coffee beans just leaves me breathless. The palate is subsequently cleansed by Beavertown's The Earl Phantom (3.6%) which fares better than the previous passion incarnation. It's like San Pellegrino lemonade with a twist of earl grey tea and it's wonderfully quaffable.

Six beers in and it's time for food. Below our balcony base camp lie a host of street food vendors which have been tantalising my taste-buds for some time now. I opt for Margo and Rita's Fish Tacos and head back to the bar, food in hand pleading for a pairing beer. My barman perfectly headhunts Evil Twin's Femme Fatale Kabosu (6%). Big hops lead the charge in this IPA, slicing through the deep-fried fish like a highly skilled Poissonnier. Then unexpectedly the Brett emerges, carving out a funky space in this dining experience. It ricochets off the salsa and fresh veg and caresses the soft bread, leaving me confoundedly satisfied.

Nth Cloud (8.2%) by Buxton is a decent if slightly ordinary DIPA, post-heavenly dining experience. I bring the proceedings to a close with the Siren and De Molen collaboration Empress (8.5%), which is a royal Russian Impy Stout boasting huge roasted coffee and chocolate notes with added black pepper spice in the finish.

Much like Christmas day it's been an epically, bloated blow-out of an event, speeding by in a rush of artisinal ale affection in an amazing atmospheric arena. However, just like Christmas I know that if I'm good all year, I'll be dutifully rewarded come 2015.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

WHERE I DRANK IN SEATTLE - PART 2

Day 2 in the Emerald City we decide to retire our tourist tendencies (to a degree) and instead go for a wander. Both being intrigued by the way in which American colleges and Universities are portrayed in television and film we embark on a 3 mile journey to the University of Washington. En route we stop off at Smith, a rustic neighbourhood bar and restaurant to grab brunch. I pair their Seasonal Scramble with a cheeky pint of Laughing Dog's Pure Bred Citra IPA (6.2%) and proceed to give myself a pat of the back. Tasting fresh as you like them bitter citrus hops bounce buoyantly off the spicy jalapeños, peppery scrambled eggs and thyme-scattered roast potatoes. The sharp acidity cuts through the mushrooms and the big malt backbone rounds everything off perfectly.

We proceed to the University campus in the sweltering late-July heat to be welcomed with an array of beautiful historic stone buildings. Modern sculptures litter the grounds and the ornate fountain provides a gorgeous focal point for the area. To quench our thirst we head underground to the College Inn Pub, which at 3pm and outside of term time isn't exactly heaving – though the 10-strong crowd in the back room are making quite a ruckus and providing a decent atmosphere to compliment the pub's low-lit charms. Green Flash's shower of tropical fruits and mega-malty West Coast IPA (8.1%) plus free pool is how I'd love to spend every day of my life. Sarah opts for Sierra Nevada's Kellerweiss (4.8%) and proceeds to kick my ass at pool. Contrary to it's normal effects, the higher percentage beer doesn't seem to have made my hustlin' any better...

A gentle stroll takes us back to the Capitol Hill district and to the Elysian Brewing Public House. Serving as the original location to Elysian's powerhouse of pales, ambers and their flagship Dragonstooth Stout, it's fair to say I'm excited to try the latter. Unfortunately the patrons of the day have already slain this dragon dry and a rushed recalculation leaves me with Witticism (5.4%), which turns out to be a damn fine alternative.

Resembling a pint of mango frozen yogurt and smelling like an orangery dappled with coriander and spice it's a fantastic pairing for the Salmon Burger I pick from the day's specials. The citrus spark brings out the freshness of the salad and delicate fish, whilst the black pepper bite goes head to head with the deep-fried batter. Marvellous.

The evening sun is streaming through the colossal windows, illuminating the brew pub and begging me to stay for a post-meal flight. Since I'm not one to displease the spiritual forces of neither beer nor sunshine I order the florally fine but uninspiring Avatar Jasmine IPA (6.3%), the slightly rye-ish yet immensely refreshing pale ale Capitol Hill (6.1%) and crisp collaboration with Central City Brewing for I-5 Amarillo Ale (5%).

DePeche Mode (4%) although sour, the dry-hopped citrus spike of peaches, apricots and grapefruit punches through. I literally “just can't get enough” and the dry finish actually makes my lips smack. Something I don't often get with modern sours. The pièce de résistance however is Dayglow IPA (6.5%) from the seasonal Manic India Pale series. Dripping with tropical hops Dayglow is a twinkling marvel of the citrus-heavy style. A subtle touch of wheat adds a soft haze to the palate and perfectly imbues the positive atmosphere of this amazing city. If ever there was a beer to eloquently define Seattle's melding of European culture and North-West positivity, then this is it!

And so our time in Seattle is up and of course it's sad to leave a city where you can totally imagine living but our next stop promises so much it even has it's own craft beer week badge on Untappd. Get in!

[allyouneed-isbeer]

WHERE I DRANK IN SEATTLE - PART 1

As we depart from Vancouver station I can't help but get a little misty eyed, however our next stop being Seattle helps cheer me up but even more so does the crackly intercom announcement where our Amtrak conductor proudly lists today's selection of American craft beers on board. My ears prick up and I begin licking my lips in anticipation of what's on offer...

In the UK, you're lucky to get a luke warm can of Stella Artois on trolley service, so Pyramid Brewing's Thunderhead IPA (6.7%) is something of a god send. It's a solid India Pale, which doesn't quite possess the aggressive attitude of other West Coast examples. However its floral bouquet and rounded bitterness eased me into what was going to be a longed than anticipated journey... Next up and after what can only be described as the most flaccid burger I'd ever eaten (I was on a train, what did I expect?) was Deschutes' Black Butte Porter (5.2%) and what a stunning example of the style it is. I'd also grabbed a Molasses Cookie by Shwartz Brothers Bakery and together... oh, dear lord! The sugary brittle crunch of the biscuit combined with the vigorous roast and semi-sweet chocolate of the porter to create a melt in the mouth sensation. Biscuits and beer? Sometimes the simplest pairings are the best.

The next day we're purely programmed in tourist mode; the monorail, Olympic sculpture park and Seattle's most iconic landmark, the Space Needle. Upon reaching the observation deck some 520 feet up I'm gripped with a mild case of acrophobia. Luckily there's a bar on hand to provide some Dutch courage and so I grab a bottle of Scuttlebutt Brewing Co.'s Amber Ale (5.1%), which stakes its claim as a soft, malty amber. On any other day this would be just pleasant but today it's the equivalent of an hour on the couch with Frasier Crane for my fear of heights.

Back on terra firma and a short stroll to Pike Brewing whose subterranean bar and restaurant resembles a pirates mighty haul from a sunken English pub. All manner of trinkets and knick-knacks hang from any available wall and ceiling space creating an inviting atmosphere, rich in conversation points.

Ne'er a truer word spoken by ol' Billy Shakespeare

Since I'd just conquered my fear of heights a pint of Space Needle Golden IPA (6.5%) seems a fitting reward. And it's superb! A perfectly balanced India Pale with an orange-fronted hop taste, followed by a sweet and crisp malt. Their Double Hopulus (8%) doesn't quite reach the same heights but is a great DIPA none the less.

Later that night we're staying at a friend's house who directs me to a nearby corner shop and when I reach the fridge at the back my jaw practically hits the floor. I'd never seen such a selection of stunning craft beer. Half of the range are on my wishlist and after much deliberation I end up grabbing a six-pack of Elysian Brewing's Superfuzz (5.4%). In all honesty, this is more an IPA than a west coast pale but what a beer this is. Straight up is that blood orange; rich, sweet and succulent. Lip smackingly so... I could have drunk all six but I'm a good house guest and was happy (not happy) to share my bounty.

Wow! So we managed to squeeze quite a bit into one day. Day two post is waiting in the wings and will feature more phenomenal beer plus a visit to the Elysian Brewpub, which was as blissful and delightful as it's name.

[allyouneed-isbeer]

WHERE I DRANK IN VANCOUVER

Despite arriving at our Best Western in the Yaletown District of Vancouver exhausted and perplexed by the number of time zones we'd just flown across, we knew sleep was not an option – our honeymoon had just stepped up a gear. It was 5pm Pacific Coast time and the Downtown was calling us, so we headed into the cool of the evening light seeking food and most importantly, beer!

Whilst searching for the historical steam clock located in Gastown it seems fitting that we were drawn into Steam Works Brewing Co. Impressed as I was in their vibrant brew pub I also noted that they are the only brewery in Canada to utilise steam power to brew their beers and have done since 1995.

Decor and history admired, now for the truest test... What's their IPA like? Empress (5% abv) is a fine low strength example and brewed with UK East Kent Golding and US Hood Mount hops, giving it a crisp, tropical twang matched with earthy debonair.

Their Pilsner (5%) and Wheat Ale (7%) outshine the slightly shy Heroica Red Ale (5.6%) but my pick of the bunch is their seasonal Frambozen (7%), which crashes over my palate with youthful exuberance matched by a super dry finish. Pure refreshment!

The following day was welcomed a little too prematurely after about 5 hours sleep (yeah, thanks jet jag) but was shaken off with a monumental sea wall walk around the picturesque Stanley Park. After walking about 12km of the total 22km we disembarked and headed towards Granville Island for a liquid trophy, or two.

The charming peninsula boasts a University, an abundance of craft boutiques and art galleries plus its own glassblowing studio. After a peek around the tourist-swelled but captivating Public Market we proceed to the bright and airy Granville Island Brewing and order a 6 taster flight. Plenty of great beer on show here too... The deliciously hop-forward Amber Swing Span (5.6%) and Kitsilano Maple Cream Ale (5%) – which like it's name is syrupy sweet and lusciously soft – both gain a nod of approval but it's their Thirsty Famer Saison (6.2%) that has the wow factor! It just wants to lay you down in the tall grass and let it do it's stuff. Spicy, citrus sharp and palate cleansing.

Driven by our stomachs we're lured into Tony's Fish and Oyster Cafe where we order the Seafood Platter for two. Deep fried calamari rings, battered baby octopus and king size prawns provide a salty and hearty feast – oh and their tartar sauce was superb too. The beer list is small but supplies Granville Island's Lager and English Bay Pale Pale (5%) and to cut through the saltiness I opt for the latter. The fruitiness hits the batter between the eyes and the caramel malt weighs in perfectly with the chewy disposition of our deep sea friends.

We then go next door (literally) to Whet, a dimly lit but intimate bar and kitchen who pride themselves on having a superb beer list to match their seafood-forward menu. No need for grub after our previous haul so we order a flight of 4, each, and sampling from one another's pallets there are some notable eyebrow-raisers. Driftwood Brewery's Fat Tug IPA (7%) docks with a huge 80 IBUs of exotic pulp and Howe Sound's Rail Ale Nut Brown (5%) offers a soft nutty aroma which gives way to a subtle roasted slump in your favourite liquorice recliner. However the victor of the night goes to the small but mighty Sasquatch Stout (5%) by Old Yale Brewing. Having been awarded Canada's Beer of the Year just a month prior, it's not hard to see why. For such a low ABV it leaves a big foot stomp on the palate. Robust body with a sensuous mouthfeel, offset by the deep roast and coffee bitterness. The chocolate creeps in at the end offering a warm hug along with that firm handshake.

So Vancouver treated us so well we were sad to be leaving the next day. However the spiritual home of grunge, coffee and Fraiser Crane beckoned – so we weren't sad for too long...