Andys Beer Reviews

The title of the "oldest pub" in England, as with many historical claims, can be the subject of debate and may depend on specific criteria. However, one of the contenders for the title of the oldest pub in England is " Ye Olde Fighting Cocks " in St Albans, Hertfordshire. This pub has a history dating back to the 8th century, and it is often cited as one of the oldest continuously operating pubs in the country. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks: History: The pub's history can be traced back to the 8th century, and it is believed to have been originally established in AD 793. It has a long and storied history, having served patrons for over a thousand years. Unique Features: Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is known for its traditional timber-frame structure and historic charm. It has a distinctive and historic appearance, and it's often visited for its connection to England's past. Renovations: While the pub maintains its historic character, it has undergone renovations and...

Kent based Shepherd Neame Brewery is one of the contenders for the title of the oldest brewery in England, predating Samuel Smith's Brewery in Yorkshire. Here's some information about Shepherd Neame Brewery: Foundation and History: Shepherd Neame Brewery, located in Faversham, Kent, England, traces its history back to 1698. It was founded by Samuel Shepherd, making it one of the oldest breweries in England with a history spanning over three centuries. Brewing Tradition: The brewery has a rich tradition of brewing a variety of ales and beers, including traditional styles like Bitter, Porter, and India Pale Ale (IPA). Unique Features: Shepherd Neame Brewery is known for its use of the traditional open-topped fermenters and the iconic "Spitfire" label, which pays homage to the Royal Air Force's Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Pubs and Properties: The brewery owns a network of pubs and properties across the UK, many of which serve their beers exclusively. These hist...

Stouts and porters are two closely related styles of beer, and they share many similarities. In fact, the historical origins of these styles are intertwined. However, there are some general distinctions between them that can help differentiate the two: 1. Historical Origins Porter : Porter is the older of the two styles, dating back to the 18th century in London, England. It was initially referred to as "porter's beer" because it was popular among porters and other laborers. Stout  Stout, which means strong or robust, was originally used to describe a stronger version of porter. Over time, it evolved into its own distinct style. While it can be argued that all stouts are porters, not all porters are stouts. 2. Flavour and Character: Porter: Porters tend to be dark, often brown or ruby in colour, and they have a wide range of flavour profiles. They can be sweet, dry, and may exhibit notes of chocolate, coffee, caramel, and toffee. Porters are generally medium-bodied. Sto...

The primary difference between ale and lager lies in the yeast strains used and the fermentation process. These differences lead to variations in flavour, appearance, and other characteristics. Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions between ale and lager: 1. Yeast Type: Ale: Ales are brewed using top-fermenting yeast strains, scientifically known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These yeasts ferment at warmer temperatures, typically between 15-22°C (60-72°F). Lager: Lagers, on the other hand, are made with bottom-fermenting yeast strains, specifically Saccharomyces pastorianus. These yeasts ferment at cooler temperatures, usually around 7-13°C (45-55°F). 2. Fermentation Temperature: Ale: The warmer fermentation temperatures of ales result in a faster and more active fermentation. This often leads to more complex and fruity esters, as well as higher alcohol content. Lager: Lagers undergo a slower, cooler fermentation process, resulting in cleaner and crisper flavours with fewer este...

 Determining the exact taste of the first-ever beer is a challenging task due to the absence of written records from that distant time. However, we can make some educated assumptions based on historical evidence and the brewing practices of early civilisations. The first beers were likely quite different from what we are familiar with today. They were likely closer to a rudimentary fermented gruel or porridge rather than the refined and flavoured beverages we associate with beer in the modern world. Here are some key points to consider: 1. Basic Ingredients: The earliest beers were made using basic ingredients such as water, malted grains (commonly barley), and wild yeast. There may not have been any specific hops or flavourings added at this stage. 2. Natural Fermentation: The fermentation process was likely initiated by wild yeast strains present in the environment, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which would have naturally fermented the sugars from the malted grains. This wi...

 Beer has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilisations and the development of agriculture. Here's a brief overview of the origins of beer: 1. Ancient Beginnings: Beer is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages known to humanity. Its history dates back to ancient civilisations, with evidence suggesting that beer was brewed as early as 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. The earliest records of beer production come from ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), where the Sumerians are believed to have brewed beer around 3,900 BCE. They even had a goddess of beer, Ninkasi, and a hymn, the "Hymn to Ninkasi," that detailed the beer-making process. 2. Agricultural Revolution: The development of beer was closely linked to the agricultural revolution. As people transitioned from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled farming, they began cultivating cereal grains such as barley. These grains, particularly barley, served a...

India Pale Ale (IPA) is a popular style of beer known for its bold hop flavours and aromas. Its origins can be traced back to the late 18th century in England. The story of IPA's creation is a blend of history, geography, and the ingenuity of British brewers.   Early British Brewing: In the 18th century, British brewers were already producing a variety of beer styles, including pale ales. These beers were typically brewed with a combination of malted barley, water, and hops. However, these early pale ales were quite different from the modern IPAs, as they lacked the strong hop characteristics that define IPAs today.   Exporting Beer to India: During the British colonial era, there was a growing demand for beer among British expatriates, soldiers, and officials stationed in India. Traditional English ales, which were lower in alcohol and less hoppy, did not fare well during the long sea journey to India. They often arrived spoiled or undrinkable. To address this issue, brew...