Beer Compurgation

I sling my bag over my shoulders, put my earphones carefully in, push play on my new January playlist and begin the familiar post-work ten minute walk to the pub. Here I take a seat at the bar, order the bottled non-alcoholic beer offering and settle in for at least the next hour as per.  Less than ten minutes in I can tell that something isn't right. The surroundings, scents, atmosphere and voices are all familiar. The beer has a surprisingly decent bitter finish to what I am used to in the low-alcohol style. It is slightly thinner in body but in terms of taste is more than acceptable for this slightly-dryer-than-December January.  What it isn't satisfying though is that usual post work desire for relaxation. I am still agitated in my bar seat; anxious as ever. My eyes are skittish. I'm neither comfortable in conversation or just staring at my phone in solo bliss. I quite fancy a cigarette for the first time in about seven years.  Beer is my ...

René Goscinny was a genius at satirical stereotype. His Asterix volumes, memorably illustrated by Alberto Uderzo, took aim at some of the familiar perceptions of people in Western European nations and beyond. Though perhaps considered a little too close to the bone to be originally published in 2020, even 7 or 8-year old Mark could recognise the satire. If anything, they were a good indication and early guide to the idea of stereotypes and how ridiculous they can be. This was identifiable in Goscinny’s version of the British stiff upper lip that I could recognise as humorous without it being distinguishable in the British people I knew. It was even my first introduction to the Brits strange lust for "warm beer."  However, 55 years on, there are elements of the British characters that Asterix met that are still recognisable today. I can quote the scene directly from the excellent 1986 film adaptation that sees the British warriors stop fig...

The Friends & Family & Beer Festival This has been even longer coming than anticipated but we cannot move properly into 2020 until it is complete. Plus, celebrating the positives happens but once a year (twice if you count the number of posts this has taken.) Post number one is here and explained my break from traditional Golden Pints. I’ve tried to keep some of the details as brief as possible as it is a long list but here are my mentions for my favourite breweries, events, spaces and beer media from 2019.     Breweries Burning Sky   It seems nearly unnecessary to mention Burning Sky in such accolades but I have somehow contrived to overlook them in previous years. Perhaps surprisingly best known for their 750ml mixed fermented specials, they have also had perfect cask offerings for years. That I chose to spend much of Indy Man drinking only their beers speaks volumes but also comes as little surprise. Unrivalled Yonder Brewing ...

The end of year usually signals an influx of "Golden Pints" posts and indeed I have joined in for the last four or five years. However, whilst giving it some thought as we moved into December I realised that little had changed in the names that fell under each category. Best cask beer, keg beer, small pack beer, brewery etc... would all be the same repetitive answers given for the last two or three. It is a little bit of a shame as few people have joined in this year and I didn't want to stop as well. That doesn't mean that I haven't got mental lists of beers, breweries and events that I enjoyed in 2019; au contraire I have more thoughts than ever. With that in mind, I've opted for two (perhaps three, depending how long I go on for) lists of those attributes that made Beer in 2019 for me. The first are my eleven favourite beers of the year, for whatever reason that may be. Enjoy. Beers Jarl - Fyne Ales - Cask - Various In a regular...