A night out in sunny Sheffield!

 Afternoon readers - long time no write I admit!

Yesterday was my day off and I decided to make my first ever trip to the Itchy Pig up at Banner Cross - its been open a year or so (possibly) and I felt I deserved a look...

I was quickly into town on the peasant tractor, and after much guesswork I figured out where the Ecclesall Road busses left from, and walked a long way up the side of Arundel Gate to find a timetable free bus stop - although to be fair I didn't wait long for the 88, and the driver assured me he was going to Banner Cross. Within 15 minutes had got off at a building numbered near that of the Itchy Pig, but  having worked out it was on the other side of the road I popped in the Banner Cross Hotel.

Inside they had a choice of 4 cask from the past, but nothing I wanted to taste on keg, but I opted for a pint of Moonshine at £3.90 a pint and sat by myself at a big table ignoring the darts being shown on a big screen - the pub was quite busy, but I didn't linger long.

Accross Ecclesall Road and up I found the Itch Pig and was likewise pleased to discover a good range of real ales on cask (ftp) along with an excellent range of Keg. I started on a pint of Torrside and Grizzly Grains collab at 4.8% on cask called Big Words, and sat at one of the tables near the entrance. Its notable that the door needs to be closed properly to stop it partially opening once you are in, and sadly about 3 people entering and sitting at the back did not maanage this, but I was more observant of how popular it was! There were absolutely loads of people after about ten minutes!

Next up was a p[int of Azvex Disco Castle pale ale at 4.2% on keg from the future and that was likewise excellent - got chatting to two gents sat near me and I asked them if it was feasible to walk to the Rising Sun at Nether Green and they assured me it was. After some early confusion about direction I found the first turn on my directopms but sadly not the next...

After stopping somebody I headed for what I thought was Carrington Road but nevertheless ended up on Rustlings road before finding Oakbrook Road to clamber up - sadly I did not find Nethergreen road but I did make it up to Ranmoor on Fullwood road and so I was soon at the Rising Sun.

This pub was likewise very busy and I started on a pint of Abbeydale Black Mass at 6.6% on cask from the past, and found an empty table to sit at viewing the crowd of people who were drinking - and drinking only - as the kitchen was closed.

After finishing my cftp I had a whole pint of Deliverance on keg - with Sabro, Talus and HBC 472 in a gloriously hoppy IPA with Yakima Chief! I will say that the cask was quite expensive - I know am way out with my desire not to pay more than a pound a percent but the Black Mass was £5.40 a pint on cask from the past - a style in which my experience is that its always far cheaper...

Leaving for the 120 I was soon heading down West Street and got off half way along to head onto Trippet Lane. I popped into the Dog and Partridge for one and had another Sheffield brewed pint - Abbeydale Hibernator pale on cftp and it was delicious!

I finished my night in the Shakespeares where I know I had another pint of Electric Bear also on cftp, although am unsure what I had next - am guessing a pale...

So, 5 busy pubs, one new route, and plenty of excellent beers to plug the gap between Christmas and New Year in fine, sunny, Sheffield!

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Hops

 Evening readers - long time no see, I admit....

But am here now so.....

Hops eh kids? What are they? Like the future, it seems, some people, will never know.....

     last night I was in the Bar Stewards micropub and bottle shop in Sheffield for a CAMRA pub of the month. I got chatting to a bloke have known for well over 25 years, and described to him that I really liked the Gibraltar Triangle - on being asked I confirmed that this was Shakespeares, The Stewards and The Crow.

" you like the Crow then do you ?" he asked. I confirmed. He said he had only been in once and didn't like it as he couldn't find anything he wanted to drink. I assured him that they sold four cask ales as well as kegs and cans just like here - I pointed to the bar and he said " I don't like Abbeydale Heathen - its vile". A bit surprised I asked why. " well its an American style pale" I told him that I had enjoyed the Grizzly grains for three pints and he said it wasn't bad because he hadn't expected to like it because it had Citra hops in it, which he didn't like. He hates Citra Hops. He suggested it was maybe due to Azacca - a hop he had never heard of which sounded Spanish or Mexican......

He also advised he didn't try anything with Mosaic hops in - as he hated them - a trifle surprised at his dislike of one of the original foreign hop brands, as well as his dislike of one of the popular newer hop types I asked him if he liked any Sheffield beers - admittedly a bit of an over-reaction on my part!

He admitted he liked their Moonshine - although that surely has hops init? I asked him what he thought of Abbeydale's 8.5% Rye DIPA in cans and he said "oh no I wouldn't know about that". I found it strange that his principal hatred of any beers featuring Citra or Mosaic and likely also in cans or keg, was based on a lack of tolerance - and perhaps knowledge, of hops.

I worry of course that this maybe my age as am a child like 48, the type of people I go drinking with whom all love hoppy beers or sours ( I din't even bother asking about that !) or whether perhaps my preferences subdued the sensibility of my reaction. But - even though he admitted to being "an old fuddy-duddy about beer" - I couldn't avoid the old fashioned reaction to modern beers.

As I may have told you previously - having met at least three separate CAMRA member reactions to my purchase of " Evil keg" I have received some frankly ridiculous reactions to my buying keg with my own money which is my right - including having blokes I had never met chanting " Evil keg, Evil Keg" at me at an IPA Tap Takeover in Shakespeares,  and being told by a man I had never met at the Bath Hotel on finding out my beer was Keg that he had tasted keg in the seventies and had refused to try it ever again. It was 2016.....

Am not suggesting that my mate or these (and many other keg haters) represent fully the outlook of all  CAMRA members,  but I realise that one of the criticisms agsint them is not only that they appear stuck in the  past, but also that they are full of exclusively old people. The youngest man there was probably about the same age as me. The average age must have been 60. Seems a trifle - predictable?

Even when a man in his late 60s did the description of the pub he only described their 4 excellent cask ales - and then said he wasn't willing to get into an argument about the keg and cans they also sold. What is there to argue about? Surely just list the different reasons people like it? Pretending that a product doesn't exist is not a viable attack on the seemingly ghastly threat of keg on traditional beer is it.....

Sheffield CAMRA of course have a keg bar at their annual beer festival - a brilliant and in terms of previous incumbents groundbreaking change of availability which respected the likes and opinions of every single visitor whilst not in any way undermining the high sale of traditional cask. Of course the team received lots of written abuse from anonymous persons who considered it heresy to invite the vile sewage of future drinks into their glorious beer festival, but hey.......

Despite this odd approach to describing and praising a venue I should say a very well done anyway to the Stewards for their second pub of the month award.

Many congratulations!

Your kindest regards

Wee Beefy

Pub

 Afternoon!      

        on Thursday I visited a public house, as you used to describe them in the 1930's. It was the first time that I had seen a beer menu for such an operation, since back in October 2020. I walked into town, principally to see the sun setting since I wasn't booked in until 20:00, and having allowed quite a while to arrive I was there by 19.55 and waited to find out if my table was ready. I was quite warm after the walk, but as Charlie advised, that wouldn't be an issue once I was sat outside in the cold...... 

I started on a pint of Abbeydale Heathen APA on cask from the past - goodness - it's like it's.......2020 all over again! Luckily the Heathen was on good form and only lasted me about 10  or 15 minutes so I quickly ordered and more slowly supped another pint. I had a quick chat with Mr Cullen  and found that one of his chums was supping a fabulous can of the St Mars of the Desert Barley wine at 9%. I assured him that he would like it - I know I certainly did.

I was supposed to be meeting up with a chum but after a few texts , and having now moved onto a 6% Full Circle IPA on Keg from the future, I discovered that they were sadly unable to join me. By this time, having moved under one of the heaters and added two further layers, I was finished with the IPA and thought about getting a canned beer from their excellent selection. Luckily they had a can of DEYA Saturated in Citra available so I decided to grab a can of that, and as I was starting that, now aware of the quality of the heated lights above me a bit more, I was joined under the cover by a group of chaps from fine, sunny, Sheffield.

One of them was called Alan, or indeed, one of thousands of other human male names. Likewise, the latter applies to the others, who all sported  pronounceable noises with which to identify them. They had been sat out in the cold when I had arrived and one of them was wearing shorts like some kind of madman. They were at the same time attempting to find one of their group whom it transpired had left a near full pint having said he was going to the loo. A number of texts confirmed he had in fact gone home! What a terrible waste of lovely beer...

I chatted to this group for a good while but finding out it was nearly 22:50 I decided to head home myself, and I got to Waingate a couple of minutes before the 52A none Stenchcrotch peasant waggon arrived - weirdly carrying no bottom deck passengers but 4 members of staff.... 

I have to say that despite gaining a minor blister on my left foot (I took the extra insoles out of my boots when my feet swelled up earlier in the year and had forgotten to replace them - and the current insoles are a trifle damaged...), I have to say that I really enjoyed my visit - and once I finish my current batch of antibiotics I am returning to join Mr RJW and chums sat hopefully right at the back of the covers surrounded by warm humans!

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Black. Lurcher.

Hello again,

       I am aware that aspects of this latest post may seem quite familiar to the one I posted last month about Matins from Abbeydale Brewery. Not least because memories - or a distinct lack of the same - are once again involved. This time however, instead of just memories and guesstimations, the real reason for my post is to share praise. For a classic beer brewed by Abbetdale Brewery, previously only available at a single pub, and due to the insufferable national closure of pubs, now available to all.

Back in the nineties, soon after Abbeydale started, and possibly on only my second or third visit to the same, I tasted some Abbeydale Black Lurcher in the Three Stags Heads at Wardlow Mires in Derbyshire. On my first visit the beers were all, or all apart from one, from Hoskins and Oldfield Brewery in Leicestershire. There was a bitter, a strong ale and an even stronger ale if memory serves. But when I discovered that Abbeydale Brewery in sunny Sheffield were supplying all their beers, I also became aware of a beer called Black Lurcher.

The first issue comes from strength. Checking on the Abbeydale Brewery website Archive of beers, Black Lurcher is listed as 7.0%. I also currently have a mini keg of this wonderous product and it is once again shown as 7.0%. Strangely I seem to recall it being 8%. And this is something I have found, on the tinterweb as well - including a blog called Beertalk. That said its not actually the strength of this fine ale that matters. its just it's fabulous taste. And that is in abundance.

The other thing to point out is the name - numerous websites (on the tinterweb, where everything is true, remember) state that the beer is named after one of the many pub dogs, one of which was the very same, a black lurcher. On my first visit I distinctly remember the lurchers - who are very large, and very dosile, most of the time - as well as a small dog which used to sit quite often with or near landlord Geoff. I understand the dog passed away sadly many years ago, but it is one thing that I specifically recall on a number of visits. Not how to spell the landlord's name alas.....

So, the beer - it is black. And it is, despite it's strength, a very easy drinking tipple. There is bitterness in there as well as dark maltiness and there is sweetness in the taste, but it sits soulfully and carefully at the front of the sup, and the aftertaste is mostly malty bitterness. And to state once again - it is very easy to drink. If you want to read other thoughts of mine about this there is something here... a point in time (2012 it says) when it appears that the pub bottled the beer themselves, a fact proven by my brother WK's visit in that year and never actually confirmed by the fab folk at either the pub or at Abbeydale brewery. I recall finishing there with WK, Chala and Christingpher in 2010 or thereabouts after a lengthy trip around much of Derbyshire and Staffordshire before Chris went down to Bath to study before becoming a teacher. Chris, a man of strong wills, definitely had a whole pint of this. His description of the beer was of it being an immense undertaking. It's also the Three Stags Heads where me and him went in late December 1999 and absolutely loved it.     

The last point to make is that I also remember that around the same time that Black Lurcher - and indeed Last Rites - was produced, that Abbeydale produced a strong beer called King James the....third? Or James the....number. It was brewed especially for former brewer or employee James who had taken on the running of the New Barrack Tavern in Sheffield, also in the late nineties.  Unfortunately the brewery website Archive is a very long list of beers and so whilst it may well be on there, I did not find it before finding the reference to Black Lurcher.

Finally, its one of the few benefits of this awful undertaking of pub closures that Abbeydale had some Black Lurcher spare and were able to sell it, and both myself and Wee Keefy were able to purchase a mini keg of this fabulous brew.  Long may this beer last in my house - although am afraid to say it will probably all be gone by tomorrow. Meanwhile, long may Abbeydale continue to supply it to the excellent Three Stags Heads at Wardlow Mires after they reopen, and long may they continue to brew it. If it is still available I would strongly suggest that you purchase some......

A classic beer for a classic pub.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy.

Abbeydale's first lower ABV beer

Eefnin all,

       tonight I have been very pleased to open a mini keg of Abbeydale Absolution. Whilst writing up it's pouring on Faceache I claimed it was probably the first Abbeydale beer I ever tasted. I remember said event was at the Cask and Cutler, now the Wellington again, on Henry street. But am not so sure whether Abbeydale started out with both Absolution as well as Moonshine, or one or the other. And this got me thinking....

Nearly a year ago (give or take a few weeks) I had a grain injury, and readers may already be aware that this has affected my memory - initial tests suggested that both my recent and long term memories had been affected, but strangely, including references to old beermats by John Clarke in his recently re-ignited posts, I appear to be managing somewhat better with longer ago memories. Which in this case at least is good news - since the SCBIRT in Sheffield suggested it may take a further three to six years for me to recall more of my memories.

I remember when Abbeydale started. Neil and Sheila at the Cask and Cutler had got two casks of their very first output, and I remember trying and enjoying both of them. Unless it was just one? If I am right, am thinking that Patrick Morton used to brew or have some involvement with Kelham Island Brewery. This is something that he may also share with Canadian James who currently owns Neepsend brewery. Alas am not sure he ever was involved at Abbeydale but in fairness that matters little - because my dip into excellent Absolution tonight revived memories of a pre Daily bread beer from the same brewery.

It took me a while to remember, and I did think of asking my chums on Faceache if they could remember it's name. Am not 100% sure but I am likewise fairly certain that thy do not brew this anymore.  So what was it called., and where did I try it?

It was called Matins, and, if my otherwise frothy memory comes out OK, I think this pale ale was 3.6%. Where I first tried it is a puzzle, because I tried it a number of times initially. However, the first time I can remember was at the wonderful Three Stage Heads in Wardlow Mires, probably in 1998, or 1999. WF was still driving coaches at that point and invited me to the Yondeman's cafe (or one of many other names) across the road from the pub for some Sunday morning scran, before he set off to pick up his passengers. After the nosh I distinctly remember nipping across to the Three Stags Heads just as it opened - I was very much the first customer of the day.

I recall that then, and on the 30th December that same year, the pub was served by a lass behind the bar whose name absolutely escapes me. Although it was twenty one and  a half years ago. She was possibly a friend or family member of one of the two owners, and It was a short period where they had Matins on cask - I remember I had three pints of it due to its lower strength. My friend Christingpher also had some when we visited just before New Year's Eve. For reasons not that important, I also recall that this was my first ever visit to the Red Lion in Litton - taken over at least twice since and very much improved, I remember sitting outside, maudlin, with a half of something bland, and being very much surprised on my return to find that the pub had improved immensely. But I digress...

I recall that as well as the three pints or perhaps two pints and a half of Matins I moved up to the excellent Absolution. This and other experiences started a lengthy love of Absolution - which despite my well known  desire for and stated appreciation of hoppy and fruity DIPA's, remains one of my favourite beers. When me and Tash went on our first ever night away we stayed in Litton and after a meal in the Red Lion we walked to the Stags and really enjoyed a night of Absolution and lemon peppered tomatoes sat listening to Jeff (or maybe Geoff) and Pat.

The next time I recall hearing a reference, never mind tasting Matins, I was in the Gardener Rest with Pat and Eddy and Tim and another guy who were setting up the Sheffield Brewery Company. I was tasting their decent standard pale ale and as they thought I may know my stuff, asked me for my opinions about the same against perhaps, the output of Abbeydale. They rightly recognised the excellence of their, at that time, astutely pale beers such as Moonshine, and suggested they might try and brew a slightly more traditional  version of Matins. I admit that I had seen it less and less, and wasn't aware at that point of plans for Daily Bread, so I assumed it was still in production and suggested that it would have to be quite different, in order  to compete.

Alas, at some stage in the noughties am certain Matins was scrapped, and at some time in the last twelve years they introduced Daily Bread as their lower gravity offering. Tonight's experience however, has shown me how much the excellent Absolution has meanwhile firmly stayed in my heart and palate thereafter.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

      

Abbeydale

Artanoo yall,

               as predicted yesterday, today has been a fab day - not least because of yet another large serving of my indomitable six hour Bolognese, but also because the fab folk at the above named brewery arrived today with my beers from their factory of joy. So far, entirely of course in order to increase my relevant knowledge of their output, I have tasted two of their cans - both new to me. And as also expected, they did not disappoint.

I started first of all with a can of Reverie. New to me, this 4.2% pale ale was immediately of interest to me when I doffed the cap - or rather, opened the can, it straight away released a huge amount of delicious aroma - I remember thinking Citra mixed with bitterness, and reading the back of the can, not only do I still smell the same after nearly two hours, but I can see that its a dry hopped pale made with Citra and Cascade, explaining the noticable bitterness. Tasting the same brought out a fabulous mixture of both dry and staunch bitterness with whisps of glorious Citra over the top. At 4.2% it holds a fabulous mouthfeel and is, as with all my favourite beers, very easy to drink.

Just now, having next moved back onto tea from the past, I decided to try their DIPA. Now I have to be honest - I was slightly worried about it's strength. Having started my DIPappreciation with the wonderful 9% Cloudwater specials four years ago, I have noticed that almost all breweries, although a few exceed that, have settled on 8 to 8.5% being a fine strength. I had only twice previously tried a DIPA at below 8% and was impressed with neither.

Now I realise that the strength alone does not completely yield the flavour - but also that the higher bitterness on many occasions changes and also often improves the way the hops malts and other ingredients dance together on your palate. The weird thing here was that two years ago I sat in the sunshine with the lovely Vikkie and her family and friends at the Sheffield Student Beer festival in May. I tried a cask Abbeydale DIPA at something nearer 9% and I found it quite disappointing - seemingly overly strengthened, perhaps, with too much yeast, and the wrong type or simply too few hops?

Then I saw earlier this week the video of Sheffield Hopcast featuring Sean, Laura and folk whom I recognise yet strangely cannot recall the names of. One of them was drinking and enjoying an Abbeydale DIPA - and I know there are more than one - and stated that he had found it both very enjoyable but also far different to the versions that had gone in the past. Inspired by this faith, I ordered 6 cans of Deliverance in my order. And when I tried this, it once again did not disappoint.

Firstly, as all good beer should be, it was cloudy - although, perhaps because of his unfathomable age, Wee Fatha doesn't like and will not even sip such provisions, citing effects on his obviatorial process in such potations - I would hope that I need provide no further facts in such a claim. I, on the other hand, as a mere bairn of just 45, am still unaffected in that region by cloudy beer, but in terms of ease of suppability, I suggest that such beefiness makes the same far easier to drink.

The can lists the inclusion of Sabro, HBC 472 and HBC 692, along with their collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops in the US. As they note, the other ingredients are likewise drawn from the Neomexicanus subspecies, and although I am too short of foliage knowledge to appreciate that, I still have sufficient taste buds to recognise that these combine for an exemplary brew.  The taste is amazing, with fruity and resinous flavours in the aftertaste, mixed with punchy bitterness in the front and lingering in the background throughout. I still love Absolution, but as a new treat I have to admit that the balanced excellence of Deliverance has blown my mind.

I do hope you all get to try the same, or either, or those brews that I have tried, or indeed anything from their current backdrop of excellent brews, from pale bitters like Moonshine and Deception, through to excellent dark ales like Black Mass and Salvation, mixed in with their Heavy Nettle saison and numerous others.

And I would now ask you all to raise a glass and a massive thank you to these brewers of excellent beers here in fine, sunny, Sheffield.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

The Oxbow

Hulloo again,

      a month or two ago myself Tash and Matty bumped into veritable Sheffield beer legend Peter Hudson, wot rites the Sheffield pub blog - here is his blog address link: sheffieldalepub  in Two Sheds on Crookes. I had already noticed, perhaps through the drinking craft beer in Sheffield group on Faceache, that a new micropub had opened in Woodhouse Mill, and he had been days earlier. After a debate about where it was (given his surname he referenced Hudson Lane) we had a good chat and I was pleased to hear him tell me that it was exactly as described on their Faceache page and was very enjoyable. So on the 29th February, now over two weeks ago, I planned my first visit.

Walking to the bus stop the trip started well as a 52 Stenchcrotch bus turned up first - the Wirst 52A am fairly sure does not go up Furnace lane but the 52 does - that said I alighted on the last stop on Retford Road to catch a glimpse of the bus timetable coming back for later, before walking round the corner.

Described by some friends as Purdy's, which was, or probably still is, very nearby, this micropub sits at the junction of tiny Hudson Lane and the busy Furnace lane, and has a sign outside, although outside drinking is not allowed unfortunately. Inside, on the bar are four handpumps with  four beers on cask from the past and four kegs from the future, including Freedom lager, and a dark beer, as well as possibly a box of cider, along with wines and canned beers in the fridge.

I started on the Toucan play at that game from Brew York, an American pale ale at 4.5% on cask. This was ludicrously easy drinking and I was back in ten minutes for another. An excellent start. After this I got a pint of Heathen on keg from the future and sat by myself near the door assessing the wines before chatting to the man who runs the bar, who comes all the way from daarn saarf in Essex. It was good to chat to him about his venture and also his plans for the future - he suggested he was thinking of widening his can and bottled beers choice and recently on Faceache I saw him post that he had a number of decent cans - although, alas, a check of Faceache just now suggests I may have imagined this - he is called Dave by the way, and the lovely lady who also served me was probably called Rachael - both fine folk!

On my third pint I was starting to get hungry - and they have a good range of snacks and other snafflements. From the box on the left end of the bar I went for a pack of  Ten Acre "when chicken got barbecued" crisps, which are vegan approved, as well as a small bag of Posh Nosh Southern Chipotle bites. Both were well priced, and crucially, delicious.

Dave had told me that they were putting a fourth keg on soon and it was a Buxton IPA. And at 18.30 this did indeed happen, resulting in my coming away with an absolutely cracking soupy IPA at about 6.5% on keg from the future. This slab of hoppy delights was very easy to drink and finished the night off a treat, and although I had to leave at 19.50 to head into town I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my  nearly three hours at this excellent establishment.

Wishing all their staff and customers the very best of health, and of course luck with trade, over the coming months (what with the restrictions which are being put in place). I look forward to seeing you all again in April.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Indy Beer Feast 2020

Artnoo yall,

      this year I was lucky enough once again to be able to return to the Indy Beer Feast at the Picture House Social in Abbeydale, sunniest Sheffield. And indeed it was sunny - despite my recent neshness I was so warm when I walked down the road that I even rolled up my sleeves - and I was only wearing three layers. Unfortunately this "hot" weather at 11 degrees also warranted an unpleasant appearance enroute by what I described as the recalcitrant unwashed. I know we have far fewer belting hot summers but I think my recently added non use of public transport may warrant an extension if we ever get hot weather....

Once inside, and having introduced myself to a lovely lass who wanted to meet me based on my name on the list (this one, obvs) I walked into the festival and immediately started assessing the beers on offer. Many stood out but alas, having foolishly paid all my bills this month including Stepchange, I was down to just £9.00 for bowze. To start a trend of thirds, having spoken to folks from Lost Industry, I started at Black Iris.

One of the issues of having had about three phones since 2012, along with a potential movement of staff, is that its difficult to keep in touch with folk. On my third phone ago I used to have the numbers of two people, one of whom I may still be friends with on Faceache, who both worked with Black Iris brewery.  Alas despite often tasting and enjoying their beers at the Broadfield, and then much further afield including a beer festival at the Flower Pot in Derby, am not sure I ever met them - and am equally unsure that I kept their numbers. Introducing myself to the chap serving he didn't know who I was - and fearing looking a trifle foolish I quickly ordered my third of Lavender Grisette at 4.3% and made my way to seating. The beer was lovely by the way, as are all their beers.

After a quick look at the rather excellent range on offer at Turning Point who are almost entirely likely to be based in or from Kirbymoorside near York, I spotted my friends at St Mars of the Desert. I wandered over for a gawp at their ales and a chat and started on a third of their 6.9% Fieldmouse's Farewell, described as a golden and an extremely well rounded sup.  After a lengthy chat, including my making both Martha and Dann chuckle by stating that I had never seen his equipment on full display - you had to be there.... I sat down for a while before having a chat with a guy called Brett at Cloudwater's bar. Alas I could not take the opportunity to try anything because it was cash only and I only had 80 pence in my account but it was good to chat to him about their output and also to finish my beer, before moving onto the Abbeydale Brewery bar.

Having bumped into Dave Pickersgill once again and tried a mouthful of his super strong tasting BA 1868 at 11.7%! I went lower next with a third of their 4.3% Not just a phase, a citrussy well hopped pale brewed especially for beerweek. Having thoroughly enjoyed this, as well as taken a few stickers and badges as well as welcoming Christy with another excellent cask, I turned back up the hall and went to visit Torrside.

Torrisde, as any fuel kno, are based in New Mills in Derbyshire. And am certain their brewery tap will be open again soon - they do shut it in February and January as its too cold to heat with its ludicrously high ceillings. I enjoyed my catch up with two men who had human names, as well as trying a third of their Valour, a whopping 7.7% 1917 recipe imperial stout. Whilst there I also tried a taste of their Dogs of War bottled Eldeberry Barley Wine at 10%, before heading up to see the folk at Lost Industry.

By now I was starting to get quite cold - my sleeves had been rolled down by now I should point out - so I asked for a taster of their recent Wild honey Braggot. Am unable to remember it's strength, so no change there then, but I did thoroughly enjoy it and my catch up with those that I chatted to. Next I moved onto both the Double Barrelled and Orbit beer stands. At Double Barrelled, whom I suspect may be from Reading,, I tried some of their excellent Parka, a 4.5% Citra Dry Hopped Pale, and at Orbit I purchased a delicious third of their Nico Kolsch lager. As well as a couple of their beers on draught they also sold large strong bottled versions for a tenner each - and the Kolsch was excellent. I also found time to have a quick chat with the lass behind the Anarchy Brew Co stand, and to point out that the last time I had tried one of the beers she had on was up in Berwick, which is at least nearby their brewery...

My last stop was once again at St Mars of the Desert and I finished on a third of their Long Way Round - a truly excellent Citra NEIPA at 5.4% brewed with Young Master, which is either an ingredient, a person, or a copy of an early Jackie Chan film.....

I said my goodbyes to Martha and went and sat up at the top with a man from Doncaster who I have seen since but cannot quite remember the name of - really interesting to meet a man of his slightly older age who was more than happy to try keg beers in what was after all, an almost entirely keg only festival (there may have been hand pumps on the Thornbridge Bar but am not sure....).

Thank you once again to organiser Jules who provided me with a trade ticket, and to all the amazing brewery staff and their equally excellent products which managed to provide an excellently wide ranging selection of delicious potations for everyone to try. And, as with last time there wasn't a bad beer on and all the brews were reasonably priced.  

Really looking forward to returning in March 2021 for the next Sheffield Beer Week Indy Beer Feast!

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Newbies

Greetings

      perhaps regrettably, newbies sadly references only to two pubs new to myself. And having said that, they aren't especially new themselves, but its fair to say that recent costs versus slowdowns has meant that I have rarely got to anywhere other than the excellent top three locals that I am most regularly in. Pay day however, which was on the 31st of January, was a day when I traveled up Abbeydale Road to try out two new to me venues.

I disembarked the bus near the Picture House Social and having found a crossing I was soon admiring and entering the Dead Donkey. Not named, to my knowledge, after the dropping of the same in a channel four comedy in the eighties, what I am pleased to say is that it is a very well laid out and very well stocked destination with a good selection of enjoyable keg from the future.

I started on a pint of Arbor Mosaic session Pale at 4.1% and this went down very well indeed. As guests for a later do turned up to drop off supplies I took the barman's recommendation of the 7.4% or thereabouts Track IPA which despite it's strength was a very very easy drinking drop. I sat on older chairs brought up from the south next to the table near the main road window, and watched people go by, whilst enjoying the music along with another half of the same.

From here I wandered up the main road and stopped off at the Broadfield - ironically I had in fact walked past my intended later stop, the Two Thirds ale bar, as when I walked past it there was a loud nutter gibbering down his phone virtually straight into my ear, so I had virtually walked with my eyes set on the pavement trying to ignore the nonsense. It was only when I checked the building numbers further up that I realised I had passed it, but I located it before popping in the pub.

As always there was a good range of beers on offer and I opted for two halves on keg, one from North Brewing which may have been their Sputnik, and the other from a brewery whose name escapes me. Sitting down I quickly noted the brewer from On the Edge brewery was sat nearby with his wife, baby and a friend, so I asked if I could join them for a chat. Am going to suggest he is called Tom however am not entirely sure that this was his name....

It was great to chat to him about his plans for the brewery which is miniscule, and his plans to build a smoker for food and malts, and it was likewise great to hear that following an understandable break whilst the birth of him and his wife's child occurred last year (and she was only just getting out of the house), he intended to slowly take up brewing again in the future.

Just up the road was my second first visit location - Two Thirds was open and quiet having just done so, and offered a range of excellent beers. I had one of the series of mixed hop IPA s from Abbeydale and a half from the Crosspool brewing Co and enjoyed them sat in the room on the right with a couple who were from Wales, or possibly Rotherham....the venue is smaller than the Donkey but still had a decent selection, and noticeably, both venues beers were well priced.

I didn't have chance to stay for long not least because I was hungry, and after nipping on a bus I got off at the top of London Road and headed to Jabeerwocky. I had a pint of Beatnikz Republic Fiesta DDH session IPA on keg and very quickly ordered, and then devoured, one of their brilliant Goulash's. I also got to talk to a man who may be called Chris whom I first got to know a few years ago when he ran the Bath Hotel on Victoria Street. Despite the bar busying up he still found five minutes to have a chat and a great catch up - this is a place I have only been to twice but one which I will definitely return to again.

Receiving a call from Tash I headed into town again and popped into the Graduate to meet her and Matty. Its not somewhere I go very often, not least because many of the beers are often off/not available and also because of their pricing policy. I think I had a pint of moonshine in here and then a soft drink in order to replace some of the alcohol I had already had, although I also had a half of sour on keg before I left.

We walked into a busy but once again enjoyable Museum where despite the lack of excellent Red Willow I still got a pint of Abbeydale which once again was well kept and well priced. As always Tash and Matt got chatting to a number of other drinkers but after an hour here we headed for our final stop, the Dog and Partridge.

It was busy as it was friday night but the beer range was good as always and I may have been on a 5.8% or so strong one with Matty. That said, am not really sure what it was except locally brewed. We got sat in our usual spot near the bar and whilst enjoying the music I was joined by long time chum Paul Tregoing who was out and about with his new colleagues - its fair to say I haven't seen much of him in the last 15 years or so (but I have known him longer) and it was great to get his number and have a catch up before I headed off on my own into town to catch the next to last 52 home.

All in all this was a cracking escapade in some brilliant Sheffield boozers  with fine copmany throughout, and ending up in meeting some excellent folk from the past. Keep up the excellent work Sheffield pubs and bars!

Your very good health!

Wee Beefy                

Shakespeares beer festival 2019

Hello chums,

       about three weeks ago I thought to myself "why don't I quickly write up details of that fantastic beer festival that I have just left at my second home?" Mind you - they were just thoughts. And after all what are thoughts? What are they, and what do they mean? Like birds, we'll never know. We will now, however, know what it was that I got round to trying at said event. It went very much like this.....

Arriving on Thursday I jokingly said how surprised I was that everything was available, including, as I picked it up,  the lengthy list of cellar and upstairs bar beers. Suffice to say that Chris was keen to point out that he dd not have time to joke as he was incredibly busy. He was right. The whole pub was absolutely rammed with tickers and other festival goers. I caught up in the back room with Rich and chatted to him, enjoying a pint of the excellent number one, an Abbeydale Brewery Shakespeares special at 6.5%. This was incredibly bitter and zesty, and I soon moved on to the wonderful cloudy Beatnikz Republic I love Simcoe, a 5% Simcoe triple hopped pale ale which was on top form on cask. I finished on the slightly expensive but still wonderfully drinkable Turning Point Demon's Eye a 7.1% ale marked as a DIPA but although too week for such a description it still packed a heck of a lot of punch.

From here onwards my knowledge of exactly when I had everything becomes distorted. So as I may have done previously I am going to make a list based on my excellent print out which I have been keeping safely ever since. Hence:

Cask from the past:

Anthology Azacca Dry hopped pale at 5% (downstairs)
Chapter Shadows 6% saison (downstairs and then upstairs)
Neepsend and Walkley Beer Co Ancillary On Sales  5.2% (downstairs)
Red Willow Guilless 4.2% one off cask (upstairs)
Steel City and Shakespeares - To BBQ or not to BBQ 7.4% (upstairs)
Steel City & Lost Industry & Boutilliers  Burn the Kirsch 6.66% Raucbier (Upstairs)
Beer Ink & Boutilliers 10/6 polish grodzizkie (Upstairs)        
Abbeydale Shakespeares Special #2  Thai Green Pale at 5.5% (downstairs)

Keg:

St Mars of the Desert El Cameo 6.9% NEIPA
St Mars of the desert Winter on Mars 9.3% mixed fermentation Foeder
Omnipollo & Dugges Anagram Barrel Aged 15% - I only had a third!!

Although I visited about five times during and just after its worth pointing out that I had numerous pints of the Beatnikz, the Chapter and the excellent turning point. I was fairly refreshed by the time I left as were a lot of other visitors!

Overall I think the range was incredible - a few beers stayed on longer than the whole weekend but that is not to criticise their wares. This was a festival of weird rarities, super strong ones and excellent hoppy outings which I enjoyed considerably!

The only minor down side is that having it in December does regrettably entice the more grumpy drunkard, one of whom I spotted on the Saturday refusing to move his chair a few inches for my friends to get out easier than the clambering over the end of the settee which they ended up doing. But on the other side of the coin I bumped into many people I know very well and spotted many fine suppers of excellent beers along the way.

Well done to Shakespeares and its staff for organising a truly excellent event!

Cheers!!

Wee Beefy  

Monday night crackers

Good afternoon all,

              firstly I should confirm that this post title is not an admittance of some dreadful dreary dietary masterplan - indeed, since the subject has arisen, I can happily admit to not being in possession of any crackers at all.....instead this is merely details of three different venues visited on Monday night either side of a trip out towards Hillsborough to buy scran, as I understand people do......  

Meeting Tash on High Street we decided to nip quickly into Cavells, formerly the Blue Ball, if memory serves, for a quick drink and a catch up before heading to the supermarket. They sell a couple of real ales, and on my last visit this included a 5.7% Sheffield Brewed IPA which I had two pints of. Tonight, most likely as Monday is not a busy night, there was just Ossett Yorkshire Gold, so I had a pint and a half of this, whilst Tash had a large Sauvignon Blanc. Alas they close quite early on Monday so we only had time for that whilst listening to some interesting choices of Eighties pop - possibly chosen to remind thirsty customers like me and Tash that they would be locking up in twenty minutes. The Ossett was well kept and tasted fine, and am certain Tash enjoyed her wine.

Soon we were on the tram and got off at Primrose View before heading down the side of the Double H. Shopping took about half an hour and as always at Aldi it didn't cost us much to walk out with four large bags of essentials. As we have done the last four times, we nipped in the Hillsborough Hotel for a few, with more Sauvignon Blanc for Tash and I had two pints of Helmsley Brewing bitter Pale possibly called Howardian Gold which was very nice, along with a dark ale from Abbeydale which was also well kept, tasty and well priced. Although, it may well have also been their excellent Heathen on glorious keg - the same description still applies. Before leaving we got chatting to Tom for a while and found out quite a lot about their role in the community at this time of year and the food they offer. I think its fair to point out that they won't be opening on Mondays in the new year because not only is January a very quiet month but also the pub is too far from other similar types of boozer to attract sufficient trade to be open 7 days a week.

Some of you may know that I used to work at the Hillsborough Hotel when Del first had it back in the nineties. I used to love going in it then and despite one or two previous declines I have to point out that it has improved and continued in that same manner over the years since Tom took over it's running. With the improvement of the Gardeners and the continued excellence of the Blake, its a shame that more folk don't walk past and into the three on weeknights and weekends more often. I wouldn't want to see the temporary loss of any of those venues in the months ahead.    

After finishing and nipping back onto the Tram we got off at the Cathedral and walked round to the Museum for a last one. As I may have mentioned before they now sell Red Willow Wreckless pale ale on a regular basis which has improved their beer range considerably. Although we were close to last orders we still had time for a large drink each and a chat before I went out at 11.20 to catch the bus home.

I think what this shows is that despite its sometimes rubbishness many of Sheffield's pubs continue to try and strive on Mondays and all offer a selection of well kept pints to wash the palate out. If you are a drinker in our fine sunny city, or even if you live nearby or far away, I would recommend popping out on a Monday to breathe a bit of life back into Sheffield boozers and to help maintain Sheffield#s excellent range of ales at all times thereafter.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Old Queens Head wins November pub of the month

Arrfter-nooo,

       last night I was unexpectedly out bowszin with Tash and Matty. Having met them for a quick pint of Little Critters bounty bar resemblant coconut porter, Matty nipped to the Washington and the shops and myself and Tash walked down to the Old Queens Head for her to treat me to a pint. Having already spoken to Andy Cullen on transport matters I was surprised to then see him, as well as Trevor and the gent who's name I have forgotten, from the ownership of the Kelham Island Tavern. A quick trip to the bar by Matty when he joined us indicated that the pub had won Sheffield Camra's pub of the month for November.

I wrote about the transformation and improvement of the Old Queens Head a couple of years ago - I had been going in for a drink since 1993 or 94 and had seen some pretty underwhelming versions of it - an opinion reflected in this link here . I am not sure if the pub has ever won this award previously under its current management but I have to say it was wholly deserved. Praise should specifically go to managers Michael and Suzanna, who do a fantastic job of running the pub. And the food they serve is excellent - a point highlighted by the fabulous free sandwiches they made especially for the event - the cheese and garlic slices were supremely garlicky, which I love.

Beers wise the choice was excellent - 4 Thwaites cask, Mild, Amber, Gold and IPA, Thornbridge Market Porter, and the excellent Abbeydale Forge. I have tried and loved this beer previously, both in can and probably on cask at the Itchy Pig in Broomhill, and once again this fantastic cloudy pale ale was made with local bakers at Forge Bakehouse. It featured Amarillo, Citra and Simcoe Hops along with ancient grain, rice, oats and rye. When we came in Tash bought us a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with two glasses and it was whilst paying for that I noticed that they had Forge on - after a refreshing glass of wine I had three pints of the excellent beer and enjoyed it entirely. A gorgeously cloudy, bitter and hoppy soup of joy.

After eating some free samples from Michael of the snacks, and after watching Doctor Johnson award them the pub of the month, I got chatting to some CAMRA folk, including a man I used to see at Archer Road when I worked there called Andy. Well, I say that - this is what I think he is called - unfortunately I am now unable to remember his response to/agreement with/rejection of, said guess....

As he said when I returned to sit with the Nodvogs, "see you again soon, maybe not in fifteen years this time!" which when I thought about it is very likely when I last saw him in 2004, certainly no later than 2008 or 2009, whichever year it was I stopped working at the shop. It was great to catch up with him again, and  to see other memorable, along with unknown, CAMRA people. Not that this in anyway persuades me to rejoin I should point out. It was good to catch up though.

The three of us were quite late leaving after a fantastic night, and one which we thoroughly enjoyed. Well done and congratulations to Michael and Suzanna and all their staff on receiving this recognition for their work, and I hope to be back in their pub next month for more excellent beer and hopefully some garlic soup.....

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

The 45th Sheffield Beer festival.....

Hellall,

      I must apologise for my lateness in providing info regarding this excellent event - I can assure you that it in no way reflects the quality of the venue or the happenstance, instead its simply that I have been wondering whether I was really sufficiently qualified to write up about this fest - the principal reason for which, instead of my brain injury, simply being that this year despite its earlier-ness I only visited once. And that was a monetary decision.

And so here is what I found.....

Arriving at 18.00 I was queuing before Wee Keefy joined me. I have to say it seemed busier than previous years - attendance on a Wednesday night used to be quiet, but I waited ten minutes to get in. Not a long time I accept, just a surprise if nothing else. Once I had paid the fee - which as well as getting you in also got you a glass and a fiver's worth of tokens, I headed straight into the downstairs tent and bumped into S.o.J and Jack. The kind fella even gave me a free programme which I had for some weird reason avoided buying - at just 50 pence. The info would have perhaps made my initial choice better - having asked for a pale hoppy beer I was sold a half of Peak Ales IPA, which was a decent sup, but a tad disappointing. S.o.J was on the excellent Williams Brothers Tin Man Tropical IPA at 5.5% and this was my second sample, and regardless of my being a Williams Brothers fan this was much better and well balanced. Joined now by WK we headed upstairs to find a 4Ts beer, and bumped into Josh, Bob, Marv White and his mate, along with Vikki and Matt. And the search for beers continued.....

I wanted to try a 4T's Papa Mangoes, a 7.0% ale described as a Mango fruit Double IPA. I was a little worried by the strength - not that it was too high, instead that for a double IPA it should be 8% minimum. The smell was very nice but the taste had an awful background - described as a children's cough syrup by Vikki, and as I went further down I had to agree - perhaps hoppy Calpol?

Things desperately improved next with a half of the Blue Bee Mosaic Brut IPA at 7.4% - always a fan of their stronger strongly hoppy beers this was a worryingly easy to drink IPA which ticked all the right boxes. After a wander and a very slow purchase of more tokens I dropped down to a Born in the Borders Flower of Scotland, a pale ale with some good flavours and a decent amount of Scottish malt to blend it. Things then got better still.

There were two cask ales from Almasty , Cashmere and Amarillo Cyro Pale was an excellent blend at 5% and their Mosaic and Azzaca IPA at 6% was phenomenal.  I am led to believe by a mixture of memories and scribbles that I also tried a half of the Arbor Yakima Valley at 7.0%, but am not certain whether or not I may have simply imagined this what with said beer being a big favourite. And now it was time to head down to the Keg room to sample some truly excellent ales.

I started on a third of the Abbeydale and Box Social Voyager IPA 19. All of a sudden the ale was soupy and tasted of excellent hops. The night was thereafter good. Not that it didn't get better, as next was one of my two halves of frankly excellent Cloudwater DIPA at a robust 9% - I finished my visit on the second. Am also sure I tried a third of St Mars of the Desert's excellent Clamp, a fab 5.4% IPA, and possibly a Track You Do You 7.0% IPA. Its fair to say I may have been a trifle relaxed by this stage, and that may also explain my lack of information regarding the taste of the latter.

I left about 22.00 having had a fab night, with some fab people, including Johnny and Declan from Bar Stewards, and also Nate and Lucy, whom I bumped into in the Keg bar.  It was interesting to hear of a complaint that a nearby barman received, where a punter said "thi sell that Keg beer un are dornt lark it, nevah goin again" an automatically infuriating comment, not because of the rejection of keg as a style, instead the fact that they sold over two hundred cask beers as well! They must have walked straight in the keg bar and without a word walked straight out......

Despite not being able to attend another night I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and with just one exception all the beer tasted was on excellent form. Big thanks to all the volunteers, and specifically to Mr Morton for his excellent role in ordering the beers for this fab festival.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy    

SunFest 2019

Hello,

             I have been going to Sun Fest for over ten years now - certainly for all the years that Abbeydale have been based at the excellent Rising Sun in Nethergreen in Sheffield, and certainly since their "First annual beer festival" in 2007, according to the glass I have collecting dust on my bedroom window sill. Am even sure that some of the staff volunteering at this years festival may have worked at the long ago Moon Fest, or fests, when Abbeydale briefly owned the pub before and now again called the Office, in Upperthorpe. This year, momentary madness and a recent return to work have rendered me a trifle funds free, but I still got up on Thursday last for the first public session.

Having walked into work I was a little tired when Malc asked me if I was attending. I advised him that my lack of funds was a good indication that I wouldn't be, however a kind friend lent me a few and after a couple of post work starters in the hot sunshine I set off about half past four to walk through Sheffield and up to the Rising Sun, which took me about one hour and fifteen minutes . I sat with Richard S, Bex and Richard H, and started on a third of Abbeydale Cyro Huxter, a fab soupy IPA brewed with Peddler market, and an ideal starter at 6.0%. During my sup I went to see Malc and Ally, although as I know she prefers dark beers I didn't offer her a taste. Bumping into Dan and Robin from the brewery and a number of folks from Shakespeares and the Crow, it was obvious there was much interest in the beer list, and later attendees can confirm that my starter did not last that long.

The next boozes tried from the list were Black Iris chasing the Sun, a fab 6.5% murky, Juicy IPA, later followed by rain showers, along with Crosspool Ale Makers society Delph House, a similarly strong IPA but with more traditional flavours, and the absolutely excellent Turning Point Brew Co 6.2% Off the grid IPA, like the first two significantly vegan friendly, and made with excellent Simcoe, Cascade and Chinook. I also tried some of my fellow guests Unbeliever 8.1 Mango and Lychee kettle sour, along with Box Social Blood Eagle at 4.2%, an excellent hazy dry hopped pale, and the absurdly strong Methusula Rum barrel aged imperial stout which was incredible.

Dan and other Abbeydale folk came round with free tasters of their 4.5% keg lager, which I understand is being sold to a number of local restaurants, and I tried some Brew York Tonkoko which was a strong flavoured 4.3% coconut milk stout. I soon moved onto the "evil keg" section, as nobody rational called it, and enjoyed the excellent St Mars of the dessert Endless Toil  brewed with Hop Hideout, along with an equally marvelous Arbour Ales Space Hardware IPA at a lovely 6.6%. I also tried a third of the Abbeydale and Thornbridge Black IPA  RITA at 6.0%, which was very enjoyable. I may have finished on either a third of the 9% out of sight strong pale ale with a wonderful selection of hops, frim Manchester's Track Brewing, and possibly a Wilde Child wheel of fortune at 4.7%, a heavily hopped pale packed with Summit, Eureka and Simcoe hops. This mesmerising intake of resin was, throughout the festival, perfectly supported by marvelously tasty snacks from a wonderful person who had brought some to keep us sober during our libations. I left about 21.30 to catch a bus back to town and home, filled to the brim with wonderful tastes and memories.

Interestingly I overheard a discussion in a venue yesterday from a Sunday or Saturday attendee , claiming that there was too much Abbeydale produce. This is an interesting suggestion, given that the pub is owned, and the festival run and organiseded by, the very same. Someone had apparently said it was "all Abbeydale", but in a moment of geeky knowledge searching  I can confirm that even if you dismissed the statement I made above, of a total of 103 listed beers, only 27 were Abbeydale, which if perhaps high, is also admittedly less than a quarter. And, also, why not? A beer festival is a great way to try out new beer styles, and their percentage of involvement I think justifies their provision of a higgh number of, lets face it, numerously different styles (they also did some very low gravity, almost alcohol free brews) of boohar, in an excellent location.  

Well done once again to all involved in this excellent celebration of beers and sunshine at yet another excellent Sun Fest at the Rising Sun.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Back to where it all began

Hello,

  on Saturday, which is officially less than a whole week ago, I was at the Sheffield SU's Beer Festival 2018 in the student union, Interval Bar and Interval gardens. It was the first time I have been for many years, especially since the last time I had tried to go they had ran out of beer on something like Friday night. No such problems this time however. And this, back in 1994, which is in the past, was the venue for my first ever beer festival, aged less.

Its a sign of how little I knew about beer that almost all the breweries were new to me then, and also that there was only one beer which I really wanted to try. Having previously been out locally and drank quite a lot of Wards, Kimberley, Stones, and sometimes Websters, apart from fledgling trips to the Fat Cat and the Cask and Cutler my beer exploration was pretty restricted. This lengthy caveat supports my suggestion to Geoff Macdonald or Dave Daykin behind the bar that I should start on a half of the strongest beer at the festival. Despite their attempts to warn me otherwise, I ignored them and went ahead having a half of Orkney Skullsplitter. At 8 point whatever it is. Followed by a half of Arkells 2B. I had a lot to  learn....

Funnily enough this year I also started on a plus 8% ale. Weird Beard Cardinal Wolf (I keep thinking it needs an e....) was an 8.4% DIPA served on keg, where hops are best, and was rather bloody delicious. Having bumped into club Lycett and Ally and Malc, I wandered up into the bright sunshine to join Clan Cawthorne and their birthday celebrations for Richard. Or another male human name with an A in it. The sun was baking, the company was ace, I hadn't needed to piss away any of my meagre funds on a festival glass so had enough for a few beers, and I was happy as a puppy with two cocks.

Up next came another Cardinal, and further sunning whilst I chatted to the assembled throng of folk and soaked it all up. I then decided to have a break from DIPA and went for some Neepsend and Regather Tilamook IPA at 6.2% on cask, which luckily was a little chilled. This also proved to be a good way of restraining myself from plunging into hapless inebriation.

I may have moved onto a half of the Tiny Rebel Can you smell what the Bock is cooking, a gloriously hoppy beer which I can remember the taste of but not the purchasing. I then moved onto Abbeydale Lost Souls 2017 stout at 10% on keg. Drinking Bearded Lady Rum barrel on keg in the Tap was what first woke me up to the idea that keg had merit and value and the same criteria applied here -  on cask, even lightly chilled, this beer would have warmed up far too much by the time you had sat in the sun supping it for an hour. On this occasion it was perfectly easy drinking, and the warmth of the sun merely served to release some of the more balanced and smooth characteristics.

I may have slipped in a further Cardinal but finished on a half of the Abbeydale Nelson Sauvin DIPA at 9% on cask. Far hoppier than their other cask DIPA, the only thing that let this down was a slight alcoholic sweetness. Mind you that perhaps necessarily buffeted you against the sledgehammer hit of the sauvin hops.

Now sober I realise there were far many other beers that I could have tried but actually, whilst the beer I tried was exceptional, this fest for me was about the excellent company of friends, baking in hot sun and feeling almost knowledgable about beer and what to taste. The whole experience wasn't even let down by the bizarre claim that I couldn't get money back for my unused tokens unless someone in the queue wanted to buy the same number. Luckily they did, but isn't that ever so slightly retarded?

I finished the night in the University Arms with the Clan Cawthorne and a pint of Abbeydale Black Mass, at 6.6%  nearly the weakest beer I drank all day. I liked the SU beer fest, especially the weather, but also the lack of rigmarole and restriction on what I wanted and how I wanted to buy it. I returned my plastic glass when I left and felt happy that I had spent the afternoon with some fine folks. And also a trifle refreshed....

Cheers!

Wee Beefy  

The Blind Monkey Whitehouse Lane Walkley

Hello,

  on Friday 27 April 2018 the Blind Monkey finally opened its doors after what seemed an age of refurbishment work and very high quality refitting. Following replacing the roof and sourcing an extensive range of antique fixtures and fittings, the 1930's style speakeasy/gastropub reopened, and I went in on Tuesday for a look.

Its time first of all to witter on mumbulousy about its former guise. I used to live on Tennyson Road nearby, and in 1999 I visited all the pubs in Walkley and Lower Walkley, to see what was available beers wise. There were a lot of pubs in the area then, but very few of which sold real ale. The Palm, famously, even had a handwritten sign in the doorway stating they "do NOT sell real ale". Although I picked the sadly long demolished Freedom View as my favourite, and never summoned the desire to visit the Belle Vue, I did go in the Firwood Cottage. It sold cask Tetley at a good price, and had TV screens blaring out sport to almost nobody, and it appeared over the next year to have a new landlord every month, with the people barred by the previous returning every time to be barred all over again. I did visit twice more, and the last time it was run by a couple who may now run the Walkley Cottage. No real ale but it was a cracking atmosphere. Am fairly sure the pub closed not long after.

Arriving in bright sunshine the first thing I noticed was the intricacy of detail in the interior. Its very busy, but not jumbled, and fitted out to a very high spec. There are two rooms either side of the entrance with a bar counter in the on on the right, and then the main bar area is on the right beyond. There are 4 or 5 handpulls (these are just numbers after all) featuring on my visit Don Valley Gongoozler porter, Bradfield Ale and Timothy Taylors Landlord. Beyond is the kitchen and am guessing the wood fired pizza oven, with a third room on the left, the loos and the access to the yard.

A couple of friends on Faceache asked me what the pub was like after I posted a few pics on there showing some of the interior. One mentioned that he had heard the beer range was poor, which would be disappointing. I think the range is less exciting than I had expected.  In terms of regular Walkley haunts the Beer Co and the Blake the range is disappointing, but that presupposes that they are trying to compete. I would like to think not. The Blind Monkey does food (it sounds very nice as well) and is done out in a 1900's to 1930s theme. Neither of the other two do this. I would suggest a crawl could start at the Blake, up to the Walkley Beer Co and finish at the Blind Monkey for some snap. Although I didn't eat there....

Beers wise I had a pint of Abbeydale Heathen on keg, at £4.00 a pint. That is about right.  The beer was well presented and I have always liked Heathen, but this was only after I had asked for cans or bottles - the keg taps are behind the front of the bar with the handpumps and the range of keg beers of interest was just one. The bottled beer range is similarly restricted. I did have a pint of the Don Valley later and it was a very well kept porter, and WK enjoyed the Bradfield Ale.

Their website states they are a "New Age pub with an old fashioned heart" and in some ways that sums up their beer range. I don't think they could have reopened this former cask and then Magnet and Tetley smoothflow pub selling a wall of highly hopped keg IPAs and sours along with hazy cask ales. I think the rather restrained choice of ale suits the pub situation and locality very nicely. The only issue for me is that, whilst I love the decor and am tempted by the scran, my limited funds don't stretch to regularly visiting a pub with a mediocre range of ales.

That said, the pub was certainly busy. For 17.00 on a Tuesday it was nearly full. In some ways this vindicates their ale choice, and it seemed to be full of people who had come on foot as well. If they could get some excellent cans or bottles like Shakespeares or Bar Stewards I would be much more tempted to visit more regularly.

The pub is on Faceache and Twitter and have a website address, here. It may not yet be finished, as the beer and food menus are coming soon, but its worth a look. This also suggests that they haven't yet finished drawing up their beer or food selection, so am duty bound to go in again next month to see what has changed.

The pubs name, incidentally, reflects the name of Speakeasys during prohibition, according to the review in Vibe magazine, which include Blind Tiger and Blind Pig. So now you know!

So, here is to the Blind Monkey. Wishing them all the best in becoming established on the Walkley beer scene over the coming months.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Dankers

Helloo,

      is it not bonkers that I love a beer style with the description dank, murky, and soupy? When did I stop caring about pristine clear beer? And does beer have to be clear to be good?

Well, the answer to the last is a clear no. Of course not. Some styles, such as hefeweizen, dunkelweisse, saison and others are almost exclusively cloudy. And lets not forget unfiltered beers, or ales so heavily dry hopped that the hop residue never settles. The key is, I am talking about beer. All beer. In all climates, themes, styles and circumstances. Ever had a can conditioned can? Yes. It pours cloudy. And it should. The answer to the first question, ironically, is not as clear...

This is partly because I have been interested by a debate that has ignited itself on Faceache recently about DIPAs, and laterally, TIPAs. My good chum Danny started this off by saying that he was "over" DIPAs. For reasons unclear this really bothered me. But why? Am not a brewer after all. And surely, as it remains, one of the unending joys of beer is that there are so many styles, and so many different people who love different of them. When did I start to lose sight of that?

Sean at Beer Central also recently admitted concerns about the D and Tipa scene, and its products. Danny reiterated his position, and said that his issue with the style was that they all tasted the same. And that was it. I was now in a proper conundrum.

Had I accepted that all beer should taste like Wards, Stones, Tetley or Marstons, as it seemed to when I started drinking in 1990 (ish), then I wouldn't have undertaken the frankly marvelous, multifaceted, joyous journey of exploration that has underpinned my beer drinking life.  So it is definitely a bad thing that all beers of a certain style taste the same.

Well.....in some ways no. As with all alepinion, it depends entirely where you stand. I, as a person who is always more than willing to try new styles, or old styles on cask or keg not previously,   would still say that choice is the elixir. The choice to have a Fantome saison or a Buxton single hop IPA or a Black Sheep Bitter is inherently important, in fact crucial, to our freedom to enjoy the unending myriad of beers and styles available in the world today.

As it may be obvious to some of you, I absolutely love soupy, murky, dank IPas and DIPAs. Its one of the ironic facts of my battle with over consumption that I have "fallen" for a style where easy drinking characteristics are prized. As I said to a mate recently, its strange I should love a strong ale that is easy to drink. For reason of health and affordability, my best beer should be like near set concrete......

To me then, all D and Tipas tasting the same, which is a pervasive theme, if not literal fact, is actually fine. Its like finding my favourite Iberico chorizo, and then slowly discovering that all other styles of chorizo taste virtually the same, and there-everafter being able to enjoy this porcine prize. The downside of this dream is that there isn't actually the possibility for agricultural, geographical, cultural and financial reasons, that this could ever happen. And even if it were, the issue would be the elimination of every other chorizo style (and humongous, unmanagable herds of pigs in Iberican oak forests). The difference with the assimilation of style and to some extent tastes in the beer scene, is marked.

The gamut of choice on the beer smorgasboard is immense. There are too many styles to list here, and whilst through the ages some styles have dominated, the affect of that domination has been vibrant spring shoots of change. Remember when almost all beer except lager was brown? I do. And I knew nothing else until Kelham Island Pale Rider and Abbeydale Moonshine arrived,  some twenty years or more ago. Can you still get brown bitter? Yes. You may have to go to a specific type of boozer to find it but it remains well loved, and well drunk by those who love it. Did you have to seek out Kelham Island and Abbeydale in specialist guest ale bars when they started? Yes. And you have to do the same to find cloudy dank I and DIpas now.

Our beer universes, irrespective of personal preferences, are in fact very small. This does not for a second disprove the claim that all D and Tipas taste the same, it simply reassures us that other types and styles of beer are not only available, but are also being developed and released all the time. Am not suggesting dankness is a fad or short lived peak on the heart monitor of a dying industry. Am just saying that the same vibrancy that gave us dank, cloudy DIPAs and soupy IPAs loaded with hops is the same part that will, if we do get bored of them, save us once again from that self same repetition of style, format, product and taste by pioneering new styles.

The future's bright. The beer is cloudy orange.

Am now off to drink a soupy DIPA.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Little Critters Brewing Co

Evenorl,

   I think its fair to say I was underwhelmed by my first taste of Little Critters beer. I may even have referenced the "full mash" brewing style beloved of Whitbread's regiment of brewpubs in the 80's and 90s. I was pleased to see that it was well priced, but it wasn't until they brewed their Hazelnut Milk porter at 6.0% that I started to take any serious notice. This has been joined in their range by the 6.5% C Monster, which, their website tells us, features Columbus, Centennial, Chinook and Cascade hops in the mix. Regular readers my realise that this combination of hops and strength makes me a happy chap.

I may be wrong but am sure there has been more than one version of C monster with different hops - there are certainly two pumpclips. If anyone can confirm that would be much appreciated. On Saturday I was meeting Wees K and F, Tash, Mumraah, Meathouse and Martin for a birthday celebration for my Mum and Tash at long time haunt the Ball on Crookes. The C Monster was on cask at £3.40 a pint at 6.5%. I had three pints, and it was excellent.

I had found recently that every time I went into Shakespeares, with few exceptions, I had looked at the keg line up first. The last time I was in they had the Kernel pale on at 7.0% or similar for £5.40 a pint. This has been the standard Kernel price for a couple of years now and represents  good value for money. Alas I cannot recall which hops were in the mix, although there may be a piccy on Faceache..... (update, their post says Mosaic, Simcoe and Ekuanot. It was absolutely ace, I can confirm).

The point is, there are in fact excellent cask hoppy ales, but less so than on keg and in can or bottle, which does not have a k in it. Northern Monk Heathen and Neepsend Double Centennial (or century) are notable exceptions but am drawn to cask less than I used to be. This means that the C monster, with a decent level of IBU and wonderful hops list, is a reliable fall back when in pubs of um...less stature. That regards beer choice I hasten to add, before anyone gets knicker-twisty.

For years we have had many small micro and nano breweries in Sheffield but apart from Blue Bee, Steel City and Abbeydale, very hoppy strong pale ales have been hard to come by in many pubs. Recently however the scope and reach of the three previously mentioned brewers has extended, as has that of Little Critters, meaning a hophead like myself now has a choice of decent quaffable lupilous pints in many more boozers.

Lets hope this trend continues, so that I am able to go out to different pubs once in a while and still come home hop sated every time.

Cheers!

Wee Beefy

Sheffield Steel City Beer Festival 2017

Hello,

       well, for the 24th consecutive year I have attended the Sheffield Beer Fest, and I think I have to admit that the Kelham Island Museum is my favourite venue. There have been many venues used since 1994, Nelson Mandela Building, St Phillips Social Club, Ponds Forge, Cemetery Road, Darnall Liberal Club (eek!) but the Kelham Island Museum trumps the lot. Its such a great Sheffield place - the museum exudes Sheffield history (as of course it should) and is sufficiently close to, and in, the Don Valley of beer to be ideal.

I was in at 18.00 n Wednesday as I had two arrangements to keep - one was to judge some of the beers, the other was to meet up with Wees K and F, with WF being a long term abstainer for reasons that in the proceeding years thereafter have become unknown. I will say now, I have no idea if WF enjoyed the beer festival, as I haven't spoken to him since, but at least he went and got to see what the festival is all about.

The tasting was for speciality beers. This is a broad church, and the standard was once again poor, which is surprising since every year I have been involved in the tasting I have enjoyed fabulous festival beers and roobish tasting/judging beers. So what did I sup as a punter?

I started on a third of the North Riding and Offbeat DIPA at 8.1% on cask. It was bloody excellent. This is one of only a couple of beers I tried twice. Rather than list (and surprisingly I can) everything I tried I will just concentrate on the best. I had the Neepsend Double Century IPA at 7.2%, also on cask, and it was exceptional - very very hoppy but well balanced and incredibly tasty - must have been the malt....

I also tried the Magic Rock Bearded Lady Dessert version Bourbon Barrel Aged at 10.5%, on keg. Like a meal in a glass, but a very luxurious meal. I tried and enjoyed the Abbeydale and Blue Bee are there hops in hell at 7.2% on keg and it was very nicely hopped with a wonderful aftertaste, and I also tried my favourite beer of this year, the Verdant Maybe One More PSi, also on keg, at a comparatively bargain price of just over £7.00 a pint - alas funds prohibited my purchasing that much.

The Steel City Demons are Back on cask was delicious, but strangely it was clear? What is going on Dave? I also tried the two Siren and To Ol collaborations on keg, the wonderfully hoppy Ten Finger discount at 7.4% and the frankly preposterous Tickle Monster Imperial IPA at 12%, a lupilous monster that currently also awaits me in my fridge. The Alpha state American pale was a surprisingly hoppy Kentish Ale, and the Thornbridge Cortiani, both on keg also, was made entirely with British hops giving a mellow bitterness.

Back to cask I tried the Anarchy Citra Star, which is a punchy refreshing pale, and my two pints of the festival were Fyne Ales Jarl and Buxton Battle Horse, the latter a bit of an unwise undertaking which proved difficult to complete.

Am fairly certain that the keg bar sold out, and when I left at 19.30 or 20.30 on Saturday there wasn't much cask left so am going to suggest the festival was a roaring success in terms of sales. It was certainly a success in terms of beer range, the picking of which is an undesirable art. I like a certain style of beer as you can tell, and not everyone else likes the same - I would have preferred more sours whereas many people I know won't drink them. Overall, for me to enjoy so many beers, shows a very good and varied range was available. There was only one I didn't like, which is why the list is so long.

A final mention must go to Matty whom this year got to wear the coveted red T shirt of a bar manager on the International Beer bar. He certainly enjoyed his shifts and will hopefully be returning to volunteer next year, recommending a no doubt fine selection of bottles and cans once again, or even casks or kegs.

Well done to all of the numerous volunteers who strove to make the festival a success for free, and of course, to the organisers for another exemplary showing, and for once more making Sheffield a fantastic beer festival.

Wee Beefy

Rising Sun Sunfest Sheffield 2017

Hello,

     I understand this year's Sunfest was the 11th, and am fairly sure I first went in 2009 or 2010, likely my first ever visit to the pub. That said, am not sure how long Abbeydale have had the pub - so can any Abbeydonians tell me if Sunfest was run when the Rising Sun was not an Abbeydale pub? Am guessing it was. I have had a lot to drink since 2009 however.

Could I also quickly point out that as far as I know the Rising Sun is at Nether Green. I say this because a surprisingly high percentage of my friends either don't know that or don't know where Nether Green is. Its not Ranmoor. Its not Fulwood. I hope I am not wrong on this point!

I arrived about 18.00 on Thursday night with the threat of heavy thundery rain hanging over me - I can confirm that not a drop fell that night. It was gloriously hot in the sun, but the beer was very well kept - not too cold, but with a slight chill that kept it cool and refreshing without destroying the flavour. A big well done to the bar team at the festival for their hard work. It was £10.00 tokens and a hired glass again which is fine - being short of funds these days I may have preferred a £5.00 card but am well aware that you got a refund on both card and glass if you needed one.

My first beer of the festival was not recorded using my highly efficient ticking the programme process - but am certain it was Half Moon brewery York Midsummer, a 3.9% pale ale with Elderflower. A perfect, light, easy drinking palate opener which I supped in about 5 minutes. I moved straight on to the excellent range of keg beers and had a half of Abbeydale Strong and Stable - its a pale and hoppy American style DIPA from Abbeydale at 8.4%. Brewed with much Mosaic so I loved it, and described as dank and delicious, despite its name I spilt some just as I was heading to speak to Dan Baxter, head of talking and many other things at the Brewery. Seems the beer, not I, was strong and stable.

Having tried the Birdhouse tea beer at 4.2% from Abbeyda;e, which was interesting, if not that brilliant, I moved onto Burning Soul Brewery OCT IPA at 6.9% on cask.. Bags of flavour, but not as citrussy as I'd hoped, this was still a perfect beer to follow the SandS. I bumped into Ethan, he of previous Three Tuns fame, and Robin, and sat down with Richard, Bex, Jodie, Darren, Laura and a man with a fab beard. Laura suggested I tried her Princess Rara, an 8.1% naturally hazy vanilla and raspberry pink coloured beer. It was a very enjoyable mix, and thankfully not too sweet. There was also a hint of sharpness from the rasps which balanced the beer well.

Next up was keg Verdant Headband, a 5 5% golden beer from Falmouth described as bitter and sweet. Its the third beer I have tried from Verdant and I have loved every one - their can of Just one more Psi that I tried last month was the best of a range of 13. This did not disappoint. I also tried thirds of Cross Borders Braw on keg at 5.2%, which was too light a beer for keg, and the Fintry Clachertyfarlie, which was alas, too light to register at all. Things improved with Torrside Snap Decision 5.2% pale however, and I finished on a half of the Elderflower Deception. Or Cosmology. Its not clear....

Saturday I was back in the afternoon and met Rich, Kath, Beck, a lady, John, Mark, someone who may have been called Andrew who drank cider, Jon and Mandy, a man called Yannis, Andy M, the Sword of Justice from work, Pat J, Diane and Pete and Carol, and Laura BH and many others. It seems daft to list them all but for me that level of recall is amazing! Now....what beers did I have?

Well, having carefully returned with someone else's blank festival programme am going to have to guessmember. I definitely tried and enjoyed the Boundary Brewing Forever Ago NE IPA at 6.0% on keg. Northern Irish beer has been slow to make it over to the mainland and I had never heard of Boundary before, but this was an excellent starter.

I had a third of the Wilde Child Opaque Reality pale at 5.9% (and over a fiver a pint on cask!?) which was good, but really should have been. I also tried a half of the Beer Nouveau Government Ale at 3.7% - I was looking forward to this since Beer Nouveau are a small Manchester based brewery housed, I think, near Cloudwater, but all I can say is I think it was a "response" to the Government reduced strength Carlisle State Bitter. It tasted of virtually nothing! ( I have since read the listing and this is, virtually, what the beer was, coming from a McGees recipe of 1917. It was still very disappointing.....)

The Fallen Brewing New World Odyssey at 4.1% was good and refreshing, (although people seem to think its pronounced Fallon?) and I had another half of Princess Ra Ra which went down very well. I also enjoyed the Abbeydale Orange you glad its summer on keg, an 8.5% orange spiced saison which was very refreshing and dangerously easy to drink. I tried a half of the Abbeydale Voyager 3 IPA at 5.6% hazy IPA with Centennial, Galaxy and Lemon Drop hops which was very enjoyable.

I think I may also have tried the Double Brimstone Barrel Aged at 8.1% - am thinking this must have been near the end of my visit, which happened as the crowds became incredible in mass, and some beers started to run out.  

Overall I really enjoyed my two visits, and although no credit can be taken for the weather, the sun at Sunferst was amazing! I didn't try any of the food alas, so can't comment but all the ales were well kept, even the ones I didn't like, and the range was incredible. Well done once again to Abbeydale and the Rising Sun staff and numerous volunteers for putting on a cracking festival once again.

Hoping to see you all in 2018.

Wee Beefy