Beer?

[rich p]

Pffft.

further research required?

 

[threebikesmcginty]

 

[Crackle]

I was about to open this bottle of Old Growler when the absence of a tin of black beans forced me to change my dinner plans and open some wine. So white wine instead. The old growler will have to wait.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I was about to open this bottle of Old Growler when the absence of a tin of black beans forced me to change my dinner plans and open some wine. So white wine instead. The old growler will have to wait.

Ponce.

 

[Maverick Goose]

further research required?

Beer always demands further research!

 

[Crackle]

Ponce.

It's only an Aussie white though.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

It's only an Aussie white though.

For Sheilas surely!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Shep Neame Brilliant ale, slim pickings at the shop, they'd sold out of the IPA so I settled for this, it's a rehash of an old recipe now brewed with cascade hops. S'alright I guess.

 

[rich p]

It's only an Aussie white though.

Good God.

 

[smutchin]

further research required?

Well, the thing about Orval is its secondary fermentation in the bottle, which means it can vary a lot depending on the age of the bottle and how well it's been looked after. So yes, definitely try another one - it may be that you've had a duff bottle.

The other thing about Orval is that it's a supremely well balanced beer. Malt, yeast and hops in perfect harmony. It's not one of your edgy, experimental, break-all-the-rules Mikkellers or overblown, mouthy, all-fur-coat-and-no-knickers American Hop Monsters, it's just a well made, complex but well-rounded Belgian ale. If you're expecting something "out there", you may well end up disappointed.

Of all the world's supposed "classic" beers I've tried, only two have truly lived up to their reputation and my expectations - Orval and Rodenbach Grand Cru. Orval would be my Desert Island Beer.

 

[rich p]

That's a helluva testimonial!! I'll give it another trial Smutch!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Even a pleb like me knows it's good stuff rich.

 

[rich p]

Even a pleb like me knows it's good stuff rich.

...but you're a refined, bon viveur 3BM!

 

[Crackle]

...but you're a refined, bon viveur 3BM!

Is that pisshead in French?

 

[User169]

Black Malt and Body Salts from To Ol. A "Black IIPA", for heavens sake. Tasty, but served way too cold - a perennial problem here where everything's served at pils temp.

Edit: boozer is blasting out hey Jude, FFS. I've already been subjected to Rolling Stones. It's putting me right off.

Edit 2: Hendrix. I'll keep you posted.

Edit 3: beach boys! the bar person is Spanish: I can't think of any other explanation