tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91503386457057434672024-03-13T18:39:49.004+00:00Real Ale Brewer At HomeAn account of successes and failures in attempts to reproduce some of the finest ales found in the UK and tastings of some of the many real ales and beers available commercially. <br>
YOU MAY NOT LIKE ALL OF THE ALES ON OFFER BUT YOU CAN'T DENY THAT REAL ALE IS TASTY. <br>
DEMAND A FULL PINT. WRITE/EMAIL YOUR MP FOR LINED GLASSES TO BE MANDATED. <br>
JOIN CAMRA. DRINK MORE BEER. DON'T SPILL BEER. <br> PLEASE CLICK ON THE ADVERTS. MONIES EARNED WILL BE GIVEN TO THE ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETYUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-23662561795777249142011-04-05T08:25:00.001+01:002011-04-05T08:25:44.442+01:00Monday - Brew dayTo be able to cope with the thirst of the Old Gits, when the 2nd orchard Road Beer festival is held, I have had to ramp up beer production. I am making clones of well loved commercial beers that are available today or have been available in the past. However, I am not going to publish their names. That will be something for the festival. <br />
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I dissolved 3250 grams of dried malt extract in 10 litres of water at 40C then topped up with a further 10 litres of water. When this mixture started to boil I added 51 grams of challenger hops. After a further 80 minutes of boil I added 17 grams of styrian golding hops and 3 grams of Irish moss. The wort was then allowed to continue boiling for a further 10 minutes. The boiler was then turned and the wort allowed to cool for 30 minutes when a further 10 grams of styrian hops was added. After a further hour the wort was run off into a sterilised fermentation vessel which contained 4 litres of fridge cold bottled water. The wort was then topped up to 20 litres of cold water and the gravity checked. This turned out to be a little higher than desired so I added a further 1 litre of water. This then gave an Original Gravity of about 1.046 and all was well with the world. The yeast was then pitched. This latest brew was mostly free from the influence of goblins. A check this morning revealed that the brew was bubbling away quite vigorously. So I declare another successful brew is on the way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-83490613938103847412011-04-03T08:48:00.002+01:002011-04-03T08:51:33.565+01:00Thursday - Curry NightThe Old Gits returned to the Staple Hill Oak after an absence of one week to partake in the weekly curry night. Started the evening with a <a href="http://www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk/beers/beer.aspx?cat=sea&bid=26">Cocky Blonde</a> 4%. As the name implied the beer was blonde to golden. Slightly sweet with a fruit overtone but full bodied. As is our custom we then ordered our curries. I had the chilli con carne due to the fact that I have gone off Wetherspoons currys. The meal was reasonable especially as it was washed down with a pint of <a href="http://www.wolfbrewery.com/Wolf_Cask_Ales.html">Prairie Gold</a> 5%. Another pleasant golden beer with a slight citrus finish. Of course we were now beginning to put the world to rights and begin our weekly rants. Amidst all this we had another pint of Cocky Blonde. I must admit I quite like a cocky blonde now and then. It was then onto a <a href="http://www.jdwrealale.co.uk/ales/highgate-foxs-nob-premium-167">Fox's Nob</a> 5%. A strong bitter with a mid brown colour. I liked this one. The next on the list was <a href="http://www.jdwrealale.co.uk/ales/thwaites-bloomin-smoky-165">Bloomin Smoky</a> 5%. This is a dark wheat beer. Now I usually like wheat beer but this one was to me undrinkable. There was nothing wrong with it except my own personal taste but I couldn't drink it. A sad thing to admit but perhaps my tasting buds are changing with the onset of old age.<br />
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Due to other commitments I will not be publishing a blog next Wednesday or Thursday. However, Monday will be another brew day. I am ramping up for the 2nd Orchard Road Beer Festival to be held sometime in June, July, August or September.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-438333575783965482011-03-31T13:43:00.001+01:002011-03-31T13:45:07.355+01:00Wednesday - Pub Strolling DayCaught the usual number 42 bus to the Centre and from thence to the <a href="http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-berkeley">Berkeley </a>to meet Pete and joy of joys the Wetherspoons Real Ale Festival was on. £1.95 per pint and a chance to taste some beer that would not normally come my way. <a href="http://www.jdwrealale.co.uk/ales/zeunerts-ale-177">Zeunerts Ale</a> 4.5%. I can't remember if I have ever tried Swedish beer before. However, I was pleasantly surprised. A very nice pint that I could have carried on drinking. However, we put on our walking shoes and legged it for our next venue <a href="http://www.britishpubguide.com/cgi-bin/pubsearch.cgi?results:Bristol:271">The Hope and Anchor</a>. One of my favourite pubs. We both had a pint of Cheddar Ales <a href="http://www.cheddarales.co.uk/potholer.php">Pothole</a>r 4.3%. Another one of my favourite beers. Putting half the world to rights we moved on in search of another pub and another decent pint. However, the Fleur de Leys appeared to be closed. Whether just for the the lunch hour or permanently I couldn't make out. A little disappointed we made our way to the <a href="http://www.britishpubguide.com/cgi-bin/pubsearch.cgi?results:Bristol:280">Three Tuns</a> an Arbor Ales Pub. We had a couple of pints of<span style="font-size: small;"> Single Hop - Tettnang 4.0%. A light gold bitter. Extremely tasty and moorish. Which we did. Had some more that is. However, as is the way of the world time was not on our side. Sadly we made our way back to the Centre to catch our respective buses. I managed to get on a number 42 that left just as soon as I sat down. So it was home to a nice bowl of home made lamb stew. A nice pleasant way to end a nice pleasant day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The 2011 <a href="http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/events/raf.html">Bitton Beer Festival</a> is being held on the 3 & 4 July. More about that as the great day approaches</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-80473742177696532632011-03-28T16:32:00.004+01:002011-03-28T16:34:43.354+01:00Monday - Brew DayMade another brew today. The usual routine was followed. 3000 grams of Dried Malt Extract dissolved in 10 litres of water at 40C and put in the boiler. Topped up with another 8 litres of water and 220 grams of crystal malt added to the mix. When this mix came started to the boil I added 42 grams of Whitbread Golding Hops. After 45 minutes I added 150 grams of caster sugar and after 80 minutes I added 14 grams of fuggle hops and 3 grams of Irish moss. This was allowed to boil for a further 10 minutes and then the boiler was switched off. The wort was then left for 90 minutes to cool and settle. At this stage I realised that a goblin had got through my defences and made me forget to refit the hop strainer. To overcome this I got two stainless steel sieves (the kind you would find in almost any kitchen). I placed each sieve into a muslin bag and ran the wort off through this. To a sterilised fermentation vessel I added 4 litres of fridge cold bottled mineral water and ran the wort off into this. The sieves in their muslin bags seemed to to the trick very well and I may well adopt this method for future brews. I topped the fermentation vessel up to a total volume of 20 litres and pitched the yeast and placed in the fermentation cupboard. I will check later tonight to ensure that the brew is fermenting as planned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-45061488948722960812011-03-24T15:12:00.001+00:002011-03-24T15:13:01.579+00:00Wednesday - Pub Strolling DayAfter travelling to St Nichols farmers market and picking up my pie I travelled even further and met Pete at the <a href="http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz_photos/3QRIYJy221EoVauFEvNQHA?select=9iBekdss0hjBePix7Qdogw">Jersey Lily</a> in Clifton. Pete was already present and correct so I ordered a pint of London's Pride. Unfortunately this pint was off so I settled for a <a href="http://www.wellsandyoungs.co.uk/home/our-beers/ales/wells-bombardier-bitter">Bombardier</a> 4.3%. Although this tasted alright I noticed that there were 'bits' on the bottom of the glass but a nice beer nonetheless. On then to find another pub. We couldn't remember where the pub we wanted to visit was exactly but we bumped into the <a href="http://www.britishpubguide.com/cgi-bin/pubsearch.cgi?results:Bristol:158">Coach and Horses</a>. After finding another pub <a href="http://www.britishpubguide.com/cgi-bin/pubsearch.cgi?results:Bristol:2110">The Red Lion</a> which looked promising but was in fact closed. It may well be worth a visit the summer. The beer was better presented here but only a small selection. We both had a pint of <a href="http://www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk/our-beers/doombar/">Doombar </a>4%. I couldn't taste any difference in the beer as I had half expected since the brewery was taken over. On then and down the road to the <a href="http://www.britishpubguide.com/cgi-bin/pubsearch.cgi?results:Bristol:180">Penny Farthing</a>. This is a Wadworths pub and we started with the <a href="http://www.wadworth.co.uk/ourbeers.html">St George</a> 4.5%. A nice pleasant ale with hints of fruits and a tangy aftertaste. The Budget was on the TV. There was no sound but the headlines were constantly being scrolled under the picture. This being budget day Pete and I had a few good rants. Mainly about the Treasury were paying for the military action in Lybia. Excuse my ignorance but doesn't the Treasury pay for everything the Government decides to do. Anyway the rants were good and honest. We finished with a pint of <a href="http://www.wadworth.co.uk/ourbeers.html">Horizon </a>4%. This beer has a good head and is a nice light gold in colour. Just the job for the hottest day of the year, so far<br />
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Beryl has invited all the Old Gits to celebratory curry tonight. Good old Beryl, she is *!"£$%^&* Old. <br />
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There will probably be a brew day next Monday 28 March 11.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-81942147024595560202011-03-22T18:04:00.000+00:002011-03-22T18:04:33.524+00:00Monday - Brew DayI wasn't very satisfied with my efforts last Monday so I thought I would try the same brew again with some slight modifications. I dissolved 3000 grams of dried malt extract in 10 litres of water at 40C and placed in the boiler. To this I added a further 8 litres of water and 240 grams of crystal malt and 22 grams of chocolate malt. I brought this to the boil and added 33 grams of Challenger hops. A further 80 minutes of boiling and I added 3 grams of Irish moss and allowed to boil for a further 10 minutes. I left the wort in the boiler to cool down for 90 minutes. Then I ran the wort off into a fermenting vessel containing 4 litres of cold bottled water. I then topped up to 20 litres (I usually top up to about 24-25 litres) and pitched the yeast. After about 4 hours the brew was bubbling away very nicely in my fermenting cupboard. No goblins were to be seen so I pronounce another successful brew. Next brew day will probably be Monday 28 March 11.<br />
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Out with Pete tomorrow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-31715640710746313702011-03-18T18:42:00.000+00:002011-03-18T18:42:15.194+00:00Thursday Night and a CurryJoined a good crowd of the Old Gits at the Staple Hill Oak for the traditional curry. Started off with a pint of <a href="http://www.boxsteambrewery.com/funnel.html">Funnel Blower</a> 4.5%. A dark almost black beer. It had a slightly aniseed taste and a stoutish feel in the mouth. A pleasant enough ale but I would only drink one per session. After ordering a Thai Noodle with Chicken Breast I had a pint of Butcombe 4%. Somehow it did not taste as good as the Butcombe I consumed in the Scotchman And His Pack. This could have been due to the previous pint of Funnel Blower. A good discussion followed on the poor Japanese situation. Quickly followed by a three way discussion on the experiments carried out by.... (missed the name) into the <a href="http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=50">early attempts</a> to create nuclear fission. I don't know if the link has any bearing on the discussions but if you are interested just hunt around on the internet for a while. I am sure that you will <strike>stumble</strike> find what some of the Old Gits were on about. However, I made up for a lack of understanding by having a pint of Western Glory 4.7%. I couldn't find this beer on the Cottage Brewing website. However, I enjoyed it. Quite a bit lighter than Funnel Blower but still a darkish brown.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-89616435834033083282011-03-18T18:27:00.000+00:002011-03-18T18:27:36.908+00:00Wednesday - Pub Strolling DayMet Pete at the Commercial Rooms after my usual visit to the pie staff and via the number 42 bus. Started the day with a pint of<a href="http://siba.co.uk/2011/03/the-pub-and-brewery-industry-get-together-to-help-the-heroes/"> Ale For Real Heroes</a> 4.4% A donation of 50p per pint goes to the Help For Heroes charity so a very worthy pint. I felt quite good drinking it. A rather pleasant beer but with little head, no lacing and a little watery for my taste. However, I would have had another if we had stayed. Instead with walked for what seemed like a very long time to the <a href="http://www.bathales.com/pubs/hare-on-the-hill.html">Hare On The Hill</a> situated in Kingsdown. We nearly overlooked this pub as the two other pubs we intended to visit were closed. Anyway we had a pint of <a href="http://www.bankesarms.com/micro.html">Studland Bay Wreck</a> 4.5% from a real micro brewery Isle of Purbeck Brewery. It a red beer with a light head and is malty and hoppy with spicy overtones which gives a full bodied feel in the mouth. Pete and I were the only customers in the pub which detracted from its appeal a little. However, I suspect that it will be more populated in the summer months and we will have another visit then. On then back towards the Centre to the Colston Arms and a pint of Brains <a href="http://www.sabrain.com/beers/draught/speciality/bread-of-heaven">Bread Of Heaven</a> 4%. Another red beer with good lacing but no head to speak of. A nice fruity finish after a malty and hoppy taste. After this we decided to go next door and visit the <a href="http://www.thescotchman.co.uk/23.html">Scotchman And His Pack</a>. Not a bad pub but my senses were overwhelmed with a very strong smell of disinfectant on entering. The only real ale on offer here was Butcombe 4%. Not a bad pint. The highlight was a good chat with the landlord. We discussed the ups and downs of running a pub and how to deal with rowdy or otherwise annoying customers. This was bit really a rant. More like a gentle discussion. Then it was time for home and rigors of the number 42 bus which delivered me close to my home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-87159226924935218562011-03-15T18:47:00.001+00:002011-03-15T18:47:46.180+00:00Monday - Brew DayStarted the brew as usual with 10 litres of warm water at 40C into which I dissolved 3000 grams of light dried malt extract. This was placed into the boiler and topped up with a further 8 litres of water. Into this I placed 240 grams of crystal malt. This was brought to the boil and 33 grams of Challenger hops added. This mixture was boiled for a further 80 minutes when I added 3 grams of Irish Moss. A further boil of ten minutes and the boiler was switched off and allowed to cool. After 90 minutes I added 4 litres of bottled water to the fermentation vessel. The wort from the boiler was then ran off into this water. The FV was then topped up to about 22 litres with bottled water and the rehydrated yeast pitched. After a good stir the top was secured and the FV placed into my temperature controlled cupboard and left. <br />
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This morning the brew was bubbling away nicely. I can definitely say that the goblins have been banished, at least for this brew. Although the original gravity of 1.036 was below the expected 1.043. However, I think that I have figured it all out. There is not enough wort getting into the FV from the boiler and then I am added to much water. I shall rectify this situation next Monday. I will make the same brew but be more careful with the wort and the added water.<br />
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Tomorrow is pub strolling day with Pete. I am looking forward to this very much.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-77346640026683134212011-03-13T09:55:00.003+00:002011-03-13T09:58:02.064+00:00Thursday - Curry Night With The Old GitsHad a good turnout for the curry night at The Staple Hill Oak. Jim, Pete, John, and another John, Michelle, Geoff, Alannis, Duncan and Mary. As usual the night was started off with a pint of beer. In this case a pint of <a href="http://www.yourround.co.uk/Brewer/Lovington/Cottage-Brewing-Company/BA7-7PS.aspx">Viscount </a>4.7% from the Cottage Brewing Company. An amber bitter with nice lacing and a good hoppy taste. One pint down and time to order the nosh for the evening. I had a Chilli Con Carne. I am still not keen on Wetherspoons curry's. However, the chilli was quite good for the price and it was helped down with a pint of <a href="http://www.milkstreetbrewery.co.uk/">Sea of </a><a href="http://www.milkstreetbrewery.co.uk/">Tranquility </a>4.2%. A blond beer with good lacing. A light refreshing pint with citrus flavours and a malty aftertaste. The rants were coming thick and fast at this point. John was in particular good form. However, Jim pointed out that John was peeking to early and should save himself for the Sunday outing. A further pint of Great Western Brewery <a href="http://www.greatwesternbrewingcompany.co.uk/OurBeers.htm">Classic Gold</a> 4.6%. As it names suggest a golden beer with a good head and a hint of flowers. A good refreshing beer. At this point we had tried most of the real ales on offer and started again with the Viscount. A very pleasant evening with lots of bullocks talked and a few good rants. The Old Gits were in good form. Michelle handed out a few jars of pickled eggs to some of the Old Gits to cries of good one and I shall enjoy them. <br />
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Monday is brew day. I will not say which beer I am attempting to clone as this will be one of the beers on offer for the 2nd Annual Orchard Beer festival. Attendees will be asked to 'Name That Beer' on the day. More about that later in the year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-31785791601474677742011-03-10T14:04:00.001+00:002011-03-10T14:08:41.345+00:00Wednesday - Pub Strolling DayCaught my usual bus and made my way to the St Nicholas Farmers Market. I tracked down the pieman, I am sure that his name must be Simon! Bought my usual PM pie and entered the Commercial Rooms. Here I got served straight away, thank goodness for small mercies. Started the pub stroll with a pint of <a href="http://www.yourround.co.uk/Brewer/Newark/Springhead/NG23-6QS.aspx">Maid Marion</a> 4.5% from Springhead Brewery. A blonde type beer with nice citrus overtones. Slightly sweet to start but a nice bitter finish. Very light in the mouth. Hardly any head and just a little lacing. A very nice start to the afternoon. We then made our way through the market to The <a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=195&task=View">Old Fish Market</a> a Fullers pub for a pint of <a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=382">Front Row</a> 3.7%. A brown bitter with a small head and good lacing in the glass. Sweet to start but a nice bitter follow through. As with nearly all of Fullers bitters there is always that faintly but nice taste of London Pride. The Fish Market is a very nice pub where the food looked very good and the beer even better. A definate candidate for a return visit. It was then on down across the river and into the V Shed a Weatherspoons No 1 Lloyds pub. The surroundings are pleasant but not really my cup of tea. For a Weatherspoons there is very little choice of beer. Just Ruddles, Abbot and Butcombe Gold. Of course there was a huge selection of lagers, ciders, and bottled beers. Shame really. However, we had a pint of <a href="http://www.butcombe.com/shop/butcombe_gold.shtml">Butcombe Gold</a> 4.4%. A rather surprisingly good tasting beer. So we decided to stay. Pete treated us to a bowl of chips very tasty and then we had a final pint of Butcombe. Slightly sweet but with a lingering bitterness. We also sorted our Lybia, Gaddaffi, NATO, the USA and a host of other problems that seem to be plaguing the world at the present time. I still believe that the Bristish Government could do far worse that emply Pete and I as advisors on the world political and military scene. We wouldn't charge much as long as the contract stated that beer, of our choice, would be supplied whilst we were deliberating and formulating our advice. Anyway, the day came to an end so I caught my usual bus home, the number 42. Which by a quirk of fate did not change into a number 43. So I had the minimum distance to walk to my home and a plate of liver and onions with a selection of veg. Yummy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-85594373772510411742011-03-04T14:09:00.003+00:002011-03-04T14:13:05.342+00:00Thursday - Curry NightAlong with Michelle, Tina, Alannis, Geoff, Pete and Jim we descended on the Staple Hill Oak for the traditional Thursday night curry. I started off with a Three Castles <a href="http://www.threecastlesbrewery.co.uk/beers.html">Heritage</a> 4.2%. An amber ale with a thin head and likewise the lacing. But tasty. After ordering and devouring a bowl of Thai Noodles with chicken breast I tried a pint of <a href="http://www.theceltexperience.co.uk/ales.html">Celt Golden</a> 4.2%. Another amber beer with a medium head and good lacing. Tasty and enjoyable. Next to grace our palates was a pint of <a href="http://www.boxsteambrewery.com/tunnel.html">Tunnel Vision</a> 4.2% from the Box Steam Brewery. A beer with a thin head, good lacing and a slight bitter taste. Yummy. It was noted, among the Old Gits, that no one had had a good rant. This started Michelle off with a belting rant about rude bus drivers. Several tales were related concerning the nationality, rudeness and general ignorance of some of Bristol's bus drivers. This led to a few other rants and the evening ended on a high note. Home and to bed with a silly grin on my face and a head full of pleasant memories.<br />
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Friday evening will see us at the <a href="http://www.sugarvine.com/bristol/reviews/review_detail.asp?restaurantid=17211&name=Jade%20Palace">Jade Palace</a> to help Old Git Duncan celebrate his 53rd birthday. <br />
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It seems that there may be gathering of the Old Gits at the <a href="http://whatshotinbristol.com/love-food-spring-festival-bristol-templemeads-26th-27th-march/">Love Food Spring Festival</a>. I am looking forward to this as there are a few good pubs around that area.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-72928831659142415302011-03-04T13:48:00.004+00:002011-03-04T13:51:05.869+00:00Wednesday - A Fun Day With PeteI made my way down to the Farmers Market. Simon the Pie Man was there with his pies. I bought two. One for Thursday's lunch and one for the freezer. On then to the Commercial Rooms and a pint of <a href="http://www.rhymneybreweryltd.com/our_ales/rhymney_export.php">Rhymey Export</a> 5%. A dark brown bitter with an initially sweet and malty taste with a strong hoppy and bitter aftertaste. It was a bit gassy in the mouth but a pleasant and refreshing beer. We decided over our pint to visit the <a href="http://www.britishpubguide.com/cgi-bin/pubsearch.cgi?results:Bristol:373">Portwall Tavern</a> which has been refurbished since this photo. We ordered a <a href="http://www.cheddarales.co.uk/potholer.php">Potholer</a> 4.3% from Cheddar Ales. However, this was served cloudy and bitty obviously from the bottom of the barrel. We swapped this for <a href="http://www.abbeyales.co.uk/abbey-ales-products.asp">Bellringer </a>4.2%. However, this also was slightly cloudy but tasted OK. Pete and I liked the Portwall Tavern and will return in the future but if the beer is still served in the same condition the Portwall will be struck off our list. After a slight disappointment with the beer we struck out for one of our favourite pubs. The Severn Stars. They always have a good selection of real ales. We started with a <a href="http://www.valebrewery.co.uk/beers/beer.php?id=9">Wychert</a> 3.9%. A amber beer with a med head and good lacing. I enjoyed that one. Next we tried a pint of <a href="http://www.cotswoldbrewery.co.uk/index_files/Page436.htm">Mad March Hare </a>4.6%. This is a very hoppy beer with a medium head and medium lacing. Enjoyable to say the least. We didn't have too many rants and all of those were very mild affairs and not worth reporting. So it was homeward bound. I caught a number 42 bus which somewhere along the line managed to turn itself into the number 43. This meant that I had to walk from Kingswood. Not too bad but annoying nonetheless.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-46765961924765226732011-02-28T18:42:00.001+00:002011-02-28T18:43:29.819+00:00Monday - Brew DayToday I attempted to brew a clone of <a href="http://www.cameronsbrewery.com/brands/brand.php?type=draught">Cameron's Strongarm</a>. Started the process by dissolving 2250 grams of light dried spray malt in 10 litres of water at 40C. Followed by topping up the boiler with 8 litres of water. Into this I placed 210 grams of crystal malt and 93 grams of black malt. This was brought to the boil and 37 grams of Challenger Hops were added. The boil continued for 45 minutes when 420 grams of white caster sugar was stirred in. After 80 minutes 12 grams of Target Hops were added along with 3 grams of Irish moss. After a further 10 minutes the boiler was switched off and the trub allowed to settle. A further 1 hour passed until I poured 4 litres of bottled mineral water into the sterilised fermenting vessel. The wort from the boiler was then run off into the fv and stirred. To this was added a further 6 litres of bottled water and the yeast pitched. <br />
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Once again the goblins were not present. The brew is beginning to ferment and starting to bubble. So I declare another successful brew. It is likely that this brew will not make it to the 2nd Annual Orchard Road Beer Festival as it would be about 5 months old by then. However, at least 6 other beers will. Hooray!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-82722550262696229512011-02-25T15:50:00.001+00:002011-02-25T15:51:38.598+00:00Thursday - Curry NightI travelled with Jim, Pete and Duncan to the Staple Hill Oak for our traditional curry night. I started off with a pint of <a href="http://www.cotleighbrewery.com/brand.php?&dx=1&ob=3&rpn=index&id=32&frompage=index&sid=14479c5d3d4bbf653b48fbe5af917b3f">Old Hooker</a> 4.4%. A light amber bitter with nice fruity tones. Seeing I have forsaken the Weatherspoons currys I ordered a Chili Con Carne. It was quite tasty and was not too spicy. I also had a pint of <a href="http://www.jdwrealale.co.uk/ales/box-steam-chuffin-ale-82">Chuffin Ale</a> 4%. This dark amber ale had a light head but not much lacing. However, it made up for that with a good malty finish. After finishing our meal the Old Gits went into full ranting mode. Ranging from Gadaffi to bankers and back to the middle east. A more sobering and quiet discussion then took place concerning the terrible earthquake in New Zealand. Another drink came up. This time a pint of <a href="http://www.cottagebrewing.co.uk/">Great Western</a> 4% from Cottage Brewing Company. A dark amber beer with a medium head and light lacing. This was quickly followed by a pint of <a href="http://www.grainstorebrewery.com/product-nonbeers.asp?id=1612&cat_id=177">Silly Billy Bitter</a> 4.3%. A light golden bitter and very drinkable. This ended our evening and we made our happy way home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-63687681274527542022011-02-25T15:20:00.002+00:002011-02-25T15:32:46.145+00:00Thursday - Barrelling DayI ran off the wort from the <a href="http://www.burtonbridgebrewery.co.uk/Bridge/Beers/Bridge.shtml">Burton Bridge Bitter</a> into a sterilised pressure barrel that contained 65 grams of dried sprayed malt and 6 grams of white sugar. I took a sample of the beer. It tasted nice and bitter, just how I like it and will be in the barrel for about 3 months. It should then be very drinkable. The final gravity was about 1.009 and this should give an ABV of about 3.8%. So the goblins were not present this time and I therefore pronounce another successful beer has been made.<br />
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Monday should be another brew day. This time I will be attempting a clone of <a href="http://www.cameronsbrewery.com/brands/brand.php?type=draught">Camerons Strongarm</a>. This beer should have an ABV of 4.4%. I have to ramp up the beer brewing a little to ensure that there are a sufficient number of different beers available for the 2nd Annual Orchard Road Beer Festival.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-72556719980038325602011-02-24T11:15:00.007+00:002011-02-24T11:24:52.332+00:00Wednesday - Out With PeteKeynsham was in our sights for this Wednesday's pub stroll. I caught the number 318 bus. Good job that I checked the time table as this service now runs about 10 earlier than the last time I visited Keynsham. Thinking that I would have some spare time before going to the pub I decided that I would exchange two gas cylinders and buy some faggots. Before I could get to the <a href="http://www.homebrewcentre.co.uk/">brew shop</a> I bumped into Pete. I scurried off to the brew shop while Pete strolled majestically to the butchers for to buy some faggots. I purchased a float for one of my King Keg barrels that does not have one. A special treat because it has been sitting patiently in my brewing shed without any complaint or moaning. I also exchanged my CO2 cylinders. Scurrying out of the brew shop I made my way to the <a href="http://www.banables.com/">butchers</a> where Pete was still waiting in the queue. Pete volunteered to get me my faggots as well as his own. We got our faggots and proceeded in a northernly direction and then a easternly direction and then a westernly direction straight into the <a href="http://www.britishpubguide.com/cgi-bin/pubsearch.cgi?results:Somerset:737">Old Bank</a> pub. Here we studied the beers on offer and settled for a <a href="http://www.bathales.com/ales/barnstormer.html">Barnstormer</a> 4.5%. A dark bitter with a medium head and good lacing down to the last drop. It was then onto the <a href="http://bristolpubs.co.uk/v/album03/K_Shipinn01.jpg.html">Ship Inn</a> a nice pub with friendly staff and good selection of real ale. The Ship had about 5 real ales on offer. We zoomed in on the <a href="http://www.marstonsbeercompany.co.uk/our_brands/bankss/guestales.asp">Lions Roar</a> 3.8% a Banks Brewery creation. This amber bitter was served with a light head but had good lacing. A pleasant pint that went down well. We decided to stay put for the next pint which was a Wychwood <a href="http://www.wychwood.co.uk/hobgoblin/beers?fbpage=7#noload">Dirty Tackle</a> 4.0%. A dark amber bitter with a hoppy somewhat spicy aroma and hoppy taste. It recalled the taste of Hobgoblin and so was very enjoyable. On then to the <a href="http://www.radiant-power.co.uk/trout/trout.html">Trout Tavern </a>another pleasant pub but not a lot of choice. Only Marstons Pedigree or Marstons Bitter. We settled on the <a href="http://www.marstonsbeercompany.co.uk/our_brands/marstons/burtonbitter.asp">Bitter </a>3.8%. A nice amber bitter without that Pedigree sulphur aftertaste that I don't like very much. It had a small head and very little lacing. A decent enough beer but would only drink it if nothing else was available. However, we were getting towards the end of our beer and my bus was at least 40 minutes away. So we decided to have a half each of the Bitter. Oh well, needs must and all that jazz.<br />
<br />
And so the pub stroll came to an end without too much ranting. Caught the next 318 bus to Kingswood just in time for moussaka and chips with mushy peas. Lovely.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-67597676261373894282011-02-18T10:18:00.001+00:002011-02-18T10:20:21.625+00:00Thursday - Curry NightThere was a surfeit of Old Gits last night for the traditional curry. We all met up at the Staple Hill Oak. I started the night off with a pint of <a href="http://www.threecastlesbrewery.co.uk/">Heritage </a>4.2% from Three Castles Brewery. This is an amber beer with a thin head but with good lacing. A nice fresh aroma. I liked this beer very much. I ordered a Lamb Rogan Josh from the curry night menu. Wetherspoons currys have definitely gone down hill in my opinion. The portions are smaller. My poppadoms were covered in pools of oil. Although the lamb was tasty and tender the whole taste of the curry was disappointing. This curry was a stark reminder of why I have not had one for the past 5 weeks. I shall not be having one again. Anyway, I would have stayed on the Heritage had it not been for the <a href="http://www.bathales.com/ales/golden_hare.html">Golden Hare</a> 4.4%. Although it the beer had a very slight haze about it was just as I remembered it. A light yellow to slight golden in colour. Very good lacing with a medium head. All in all a very good beer. I had three altogether but managed once again to stay off the wine. Who's a good boy then? Apart from the curry it was a very enjoyable night talking bullocks with good friends and drinking good beer.<br />
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MY BID TO RAISE SOME MONEY FOR THE <span>ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY HAS ONCE AGAIN STALLED. PLEASE, PLEASE CLICK ON THE ADVERTS. CLICK ON AS MANY DIFFERENT ONES AS IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. TA!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-40261378011460771272011-02-18T10:03:00.000+00:002011-02-18T10:03:23.842+00:00Wednesday - A non pub dayPete had to cancel todays pub stroll and as there were not any other old gits available I stayed at home and completed some odd jobs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-71627340043636586682011-02-15T10:30:00.002+00:002011-02-15T10:39:47.383+00:00Monday - Brew DayThis Monday I started off my first attempt to brew a clone of <a href="http://www.burtonbridgebrewery.co.uk/Bridge/Beers/Bridge.shtml">Burton Bridge Bitter</a>. Because I was having trouble with the original gravity of my latest brews I upped the dried malt extract (DME) from 2610 grams to 2700 grams and the sugar from 170 grams to 180 grams. I went the usual route and dissolved the DME in 10 litres of water at 40C and then topped up with 8 litres of water. Added 22 grams of Challenger and 15 grams of Target hops when the wort came to the boil and added the white sugar after 45 minutes of boiling. After a further 40 minutes I added the Irish moss and boiled for a further 10 minutes. I allowed the wort to cool to 80C and added 7 grams Styrian Golding hops. After another hour or thereabouts I added 10 litres of bottled mineral water to the sterilised fermenting vessel and ran the wort off into this. I then topped up to about 22 litres with bottled mineral water and pitched the rehydrated yeast. I took an hydrometer reading which came out at 1041. This should give an ABV of about 4.2%. The FV was then placed in my fermenting cupboard and the lid and air trap screwed on.<br />
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The brew was bubbling away very nicely this morning so I claim a success with the brew. Goblins were noticeable by their absence. I will test the gravity in about 1 week when I will also taste it. A rotten job but someone has to do it. I will probably put the brew into a pressure barrel next Thursday. <br />
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Next brew day will more than likely be next Monday 21 February 2011. Watch this space.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-81149009569517240702011-02-11T09:55:00.002+00:002011-02-11T09:59:07.800+00:00Thursday Once AgainThursday once again and Wetherspoons curry night. Met some of the old gits and Tina at the Staple Hill Oak. Started off with a <a href="http://ramsburybrewery.myshopify.com/collections/core-beers/products/ramsbury-bitter-3-6-abv">Ramsbury</a> 4.1%. A golden beer with a thin head and a little lacing with a nice bitter bite in the aftertaste and smooth in the mouth. After eating my Moroccan meat balls with cous cous I tried a Corn Dolly 4.7% of which there is no reference on the <a href="http://www.threecastlesbrewery.co.uk/">Three Castles Brewery</a> site. Another golden bitter with a medium head, nice fruity taste but a bit gassy in the mouth. Once again bottles of wine appeared and once again I saw sense (damn this sense thing) and stuck with the beer. Another pint of Corn Dolly and a bit of unofficial, unregistered ranting and it was time for home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-39144928581259378522011-02-10T13:26:00.000+00:002011-02-10T13:26:21.883+00:00Wednesday - Pie and Pub DayThe pieman was missing yet again when I visited St Nicholas farmers market. So I tracked another stall that is a permanent feature of the St Nicholas market and bought my pie from them. It was here that I spotted the pieman making himself a cup of tea. Nothing wrong with that but what is wrong with taking a flask and selling a few more pies and more important keeping your customers happy. Oh well, service is one of the biggest selling areas and you just don't get it in this country.<br />
<br />
Anyway met Pete in the Commercial Rooms and had a pint of <a href="http://www.wolfbrewery.com/Wolf_Cask_Ales.html">Coyote </a>4.3% from Wolf Brewery. A nice bitter with a good head, golden yellow in colour with good lacing. The aroma was not there but it was slightly sweet with a good bitter aftertaste. It felt a little gassy and smooth in the mouth. Pete and I talked for a while mainly about his ceiling which I was glad to hear Pete had sorted out. Onward then to the <a href="http://www.banktavern.com/">Bank Tavern</a>. Here we tried a pint of <a href="http://www.stgeorgebrewingco.com/home.php">St Georges</a> Worcester Sauce 4.3%. An amber beer with a light head and light lacing. There was a slight hoppy aroma. It was slightly gassy in the mouth and the first couple of mouthfuls were definitely but very slightly taste of Worcester sauce. In our endeavour to find as many pubs as possible that sell good real ales we entered the <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=ehr&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&revid=2093282113&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=drawbridge+pub+bristol&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=drawbridge+pub&hnear=Bristol,+City+of+Bristol&cid=2146872149629025495">Drawbridge</a>. This pub only had two real ales, Greene King IPA and Brains SA. There also about 25 other taps serving lager and smooth beers. The IPA and the SA were probably keg as opposed to cask beers. So we decided to leave without sampling anything. Next stop then was the 3 Sugar Loaves. A decent pub at the bottom of the Christmas Steps which looked as if it had recently had a refit. We tried a pint of <a href="http://www.cornishlinks.co.uk/history-betty-stogs.htm">Betty Stogs</a>. I don't know what the ABV is supposed to be but it felt like a 4% to me. It is an amber beer with a small head but good lacing but a bit heavy in the mouth. With one more pub left we opted for the White Lion which was near to our bus stops. Here we had a pint of Wickwar <a href="http://www.wickwarbrewing.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42:rite-flanker-43&catid=2:our-beers&Itemid=40">Rite Flanker</a> 4.3%. A ruby beer with a nice head. However, I still think that the beer is served too warm. <br />
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I finished my beer and waited until I could see my bus approaching and ran out to get it. However, I heard a voice behind me calling my name. It was Pete holding my bag of goodies which contained my pie. Which was eagerly devoured for lunch. I had a little nap on the bus and got home in time for an excellent cottage pie and fresh peas. Tasty!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-86711165879013891002011-02-10T10:47:00.000+00:002011-02-10T10:47:12.299+00:00Monday - Checking the Latest BrewChecked the gravity of the brew for Brakspear Special and it was 1.008. Also checked the taste. I expected a somewhat bland taste seeing that the goblins had struck during the brewing process. However, much to my surprise it tasted quite good. Nothing else to do to this brew until Thursday which will be barrelling day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-12890724002184962772011-02-04T10:41:00.006+00:002011-02-04T10:57:45.008+00:00Curry Night Once AgainI travelled with Tina, Alannis, Michelle, Geoff and Jim to the Royal Oak in Staple Hill where we met Pete, for our traditional Thursday curry night. Ordered a pint of Brewsters <a href="http://www.brewsters.co.uk/beers.html">Hop A Doodle Doo</a> 4.3% an unusual name even for a real ale but extremely enjoyable and true to its name very hoppy in taste. Whilst ordering the beer Jim spied a notice offering Haggis, Neeps and tatties for just £3.99. This was probably a left over from the Burn's night week held in most Wetherspoons to celebrate the great mans work and life and just possibly to generate sales of haggis and whisky. Jim and I ordered the Haggis. When it arrived it looked a bit dry and I felt a slight pang of disappointment. However, my fears were unfounded and the whole thing was delicious, tasty, moist and very, very nice. And so onto our second beer of the evening. This time I had a <a href="http://www.cottagebrewing.co.uk/specials.html">Between The Posts Whippet Special Ale</a> 4.6% from Cottage Brewing. We were just getting stuck into this when Jim began the evenings rant with having to pay compensation to prisoners who are refused voting rights. Under a new indexing system this rant was given the number: 001P (001 being a serial number and P indicating that the rant was politically motivated). Most of us joined in the rant and expressed our points of view. Generally agreeing that the PM must do something and prevent prisoners being allowed to vote and not being able to gain any financial benefits, in the form of compensation, from the hard pressed tax payer. The most sensible comment came from Jim who said that part of the sentencing of criminals should include the phrase 'voting rights withdrawn'. Anyway the ranting died down long enough for a pint of Slaters <a href="http://www.slatersales.co.uk/ourbeers.html">Premium Bitter</a> 4.4% to be purchased. This time it was Pete who started a new rant about MPs expenses. I allocated a serial number of 002P. Ranters must remember their rant index number or voice a new one before being allowed a full bodied rant. The rants were coming thick and fast at this point. Pete chipped in with one about GCHQ 003R (can't remember what the R stood for). On how it is bigger and employs more people than in the days of the cold war. Quickly followed by one on credit cards 004C (C for credit). Although a couple of bottles of wine appeared on our table I stood my ground and stayed with the beer. A pint of <a href="http://www.slatersales.co.uk/ourbeers.html">Cains </a>FA 5% was next on the agenda. The evening was going well. Everybody was becoming very intelligent with their arguments and with their physical looks improving all the time we ended with a rant about Combi Boilers 005T (T for technology). With no more beer in the offing and the time speeding on we made our way home.<br />
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An index, which will expand with time, of official Old Gits rants, will be published <a href="http://home-brew-boy.blogspot.com/p/rant-indexing-index.html">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150338645705743467.post-86944278945982455612011-02-03T14:01:00.002+00:002011-02-03T14:04:07.863+00:00Wednesday - A Trip Around Bristol PubsMet Pete in the Commercial Rooms and opted for a Bullmastiff <a href="http://www.yourround.co.uk/Brewer/Cardiff/Bullmastiff-Brewery/CF11-8DL.aspx">Welsh Pride</a> 4.6%. This is a nice golden coloured beer with a quite pronounced bitter taste. Which I like. We talked awhile about aeroplanes and things to do with repairing them, whether they were broke or not. We then went on to the <a href="http://www.britishpubguide.com/cgi-bin/pubsearch.cgi?results:Bristol:95">Bay Horse</a>. Although this pub boasts a large sign attached to the entrance saying Traditional Ales and also has a <a href="http://cask-marque.co.uk/">Cask Marque</a> the pint of <a href="http://www.sabrain.com/beers/draught/cask-beers/sa">Brains </a>4.2% we were served could only have been Brains SA. However, it not bear much resemblance to real ale. Although drinkable I would not have wanted to have another. The Bay Horse is obviously a food pub where you can get a good belly full of reasonable quality food at a low price. The beer on offer Brains and the one we didn't try here, Green King IPA. After a brief discussion about the unrest in the Arab world we left and crossed the road to the <a href="http://www.thewhitehartbristol.co.uk/">White Hart</a>. A lovely pub and friendly staff. Tried a pint of <a href="http://www.greenekingipa.co.uk/the-beer.php">Greene King IPA</a>. Always a decent pint, if kept and served correctly, but on this occasion it was served a little too cold. A minor point and it soon warmed up a bit. After a very generous bowl of chips and a semi-rant we drank up and wandered down to the <a href="http://www.wickwarbrewing.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=9">White Lion</a>. This is a very small pub but a proper pub nonetheless. We noticed a new (to us anyway) Wickwar Brewery beer, <a href="http://www.wickwarbrewing.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=27">Long John Silver</a> 4.2%. A darkish beer. My pint was fine, Pete's pint was warm, too warm for my liking. However, after brief discussions with the barman, who offered a replacement, Pete decided to keep his as it was. The barman stated that the beer was served at 18C and he took the temperature of Pete's pint and declared it at the right temperature. However, I believe that real ale should be served at 12C. Whether this is the barman's interpretation or instructions from the brewery I know not. A nice winter ale but not really to my liking. I would have it again but only one pint at a time. Another successful Wednesday I think. Pete wasn't so sure but unless we try different pubs and different beers we could get stuck in a rut. A nice easy going furlined rut but a rut noneless.<br />
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Tonight is Thursday and Curry night. My how time flies. It only seems a week ago that I was looking forward to Thursday night curry!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0