February 2009 Ales
Interesting times for the third pump as members carried their thirsty seasonal habits into the New Year and cleared the January ale offers so quickly that emergency orders were necessary. When Skinners BB failed to turn up we ordered Newmans Red Stag and Sheffield Crucible as replacements and an additional order for Wadworth’s Henry’s IPA and Loddon Hoppit was also made. Details of the Newmans and Sheffield ales are provided immediately below.
Newmans Red Stag (3.6)
A well balanced, amber red coloured dry bitter with fruity, slightly spicy citrus notes.
This bitter has a unique and interesting aroma. Red Stag’s excellent flavour and body qualities reward the session and travelling drinker with a perfect choice to keep those taste buds watering. You all seem to have agreed that this was a very good session ale as the firkin became available on Wednesday January 28th and was gone by the evening of Friday 30th! For those who missed it we will get it in again later in the year.
Sheffield Crucible (3.8)
Available from Friday 30th January. This is a complex bitter brewed from a blend of crystal and black malts. A mixture of two bittering hops provides a perfect balance. There is a taste of slightly burnt malt on the palate that makes this an interesting and satisfying pint. It’s good to be able to get an ale from a north of England micro. Check the brewery out at www.sheffieldbrewery.com
Wadworth Henry’s IPA (3.6)
An old favourite in the club. This gentle, malty and slightly hoppy beer has a well balanced maltiness which gradually dominates the palate. Refreshing, crisp and sessionable with a long lasting finish that becomes biscuity. Available from early February. Be quick as there is only one firkin ordered!
Fullers/ Gales Swing Low (3.8)
With the Six Nations Rugby in mind we have ordered two firkins of this popular ale formerly brewer by Gales but now produced by Fullers as one of their seasonal ales. A classic English beer brewed with pale and Crystal malts, this ale is light amber in colour and has a light floral aroma and a refreshing taste. It will be on for the rugby on the w/e starting Friday February 13th at £2.20 a pint. Enjoy!
Butcombe Bitter (4.0)
As a reward for your excellent drinking performances we have a treat for you – this old favourite returns and we have three firkins of it. This should go down well, as usual, at £2.20 a pint. Will be on from c. Monday February 16th.
Skinners Splendid Tackle (4.2)
Another rugby – inspired beer from Cornwall. This is a beautifully balanced golden ale with a wonderfully hoppy finish, brewed with Cornish barley. This ale should be available for the w/e commencing Friday 27th February and will sell at £2.10 a pint.
York Constantine (3.9)
A smooth deep copper-coloured session beer with a full malt character. A pleasant mild aroma and flavour lingers throughout.
Sharps Doombar (4.0)
Another Club favourite returns at the end of the month. The distinctive aroma and fine balance sets this ale apart from other beers, and takes unsuspecting first time drinkers by surprise with its moreish appeal. Not that many of you will be surprised ! Two firkins available so enjoy at £2.20 a pint.
Keith Grant
