Andys Beer Reviews

440ml Can of Brewdogs King Crush 8.4% ABV Reviewed: 14th Feb 2024 In theory, BrewDog's King Crush isn't messing around. This 8. 4% Double Milkshake IPA boasts big, bold flavours, promising a tropical punch with a creamy twist. So, let's see if this brew lives up to its "royal" title, or if it's just a pretender to the throne. The can: I actually the the can design, very modern and regal, it's probably one of Brewdog's best can art labels I've seen for a long time. And there is the promise "A big, bold and powerful Double Milkshake IPA that’s packed with mango and passionfruit, this is a brilliantly balanced sweet and citrusy beer fit for monarchs and enjoyed by mere mortals.", let's try it and se shall we! Appearance: Pours a hazy orange-yellow or a deep golden (depending on your standpoint), a cloudy paradise reminiscent of a mango smoothie. A fluffy white head adds to the tropical vibes. Aroma: Orange is the big aroma for me,...

500ml Bottle of Double Maxim Premium Brown Ale 4.2% ABV Reviewed: 4th Feb 2024 Double Maxim was a famous and incredibly well loved beer, when Vaux Brewery (Double Maxims then brewer) closed in 1999, Maxim Brewery was launched to save this fantastic beer. I've always liked this beer, where I live we had a lot of pubs and clubs serving Newcastle Brown Ale in the 80's which was an amazing beer, it isn't such a good beer now, but is Double Maxim better than Newkie Brown!! The bottle: It's another beer bottle that isn't particularly interesting, but you do get a small sense of history and tradition with the design. It is however another bottle in clear that, lets hope this beer hasn't become skunked ! Appearance: Deep brown with a hint of red, reminiscent of polished mahogany. A creamy off-white head adds to the inviting visuals. Aroma: A warm embrace of biscuity notes and nutty richness dominates. Hints of caramelised sugar and maybe even a touch of liquorice peek ...

For craft beer enthusiasts in the UK, 2024's first sip has been a bitter one. Beloved breweries like Lossiemouth-based Windswept Brewing Co. and Squawk Brewing Company from Manchester have called last orders, joining a growing list of closures.  Leeds brewer North Brewing Company also appointed administrators in January after their owners admitted that their brewery had been hit by rising interest rates, Brexit, COVID-19, and the cost-of-living crisis. They were, however acquired pretty quickly, with their brewery and all but one of their bars saved in the process.   Seven Bro7hers, another brewery, also had to put cost-saving measures in place after complaining of rising costs, as has mega brewing giant Brewdog! But what's causing this frothy frenzy? The Perfect Storm: Soaring costs: From barley and hops to energy bills, everything needed to brew a pint has seen a dramatic price hike. Smaller breweries, lacking economies of scale, feel the pinch most acutely. Inflation ...

Step aside, NEIPAs, there's a new smoothie in town (well new'ish!)! Milkshake IPAs (MIPAs) are taking the craft beer world by storm, swirling with bold flavours, creamy textures, and a touch of controversy . But are they just a sugary fad, or a delicious innovation shaking up the IPA landscape? Buckle up, beer lovers, as we dive into the creamy heart of MIPAs! Like most things in brewing, a Milkshake IPA is most definately a departure from tradition. Unlike their hazy NEIPA cousins, MIPAs boast an extra layer of indulgence : lactose. This milk sugar adds a sweetness and smooth mouthfeel reminiscent of, well, milkshakes! But fear not, hopheads, these brews still pack a hoppy punch, often using juicy and citrusy varieties for a vibrant flavour balance. Think mango tango with a hoppy twist, or a piña colada with a bite . Brewing the Dream: So, how do brewers achieve this milkshake magic? Lactose: The key ingredient, lactose adds sweetness and body without fermentation, creating ...

Doesn't matter what you might hear from the industry, the New England IPA (NEIPA) IS here to stay! With its hazy appearance, juicy flavours, and subdued bitterness, they have stormed the craft beer scene since we first saw them in the mid-2000's, offering a refreshingly different take on this beloved style. Buckle up, hopheads, as we dive into the world of NEIPAs, exploring their unique characteristics, brewing process, and impact on the beer landscape. A Visual Departure: Unlike their West Coast counterparts, NEIPAs are anything but clear. Their hazy (or cloudy!) appearance, often described as murky or juicy, comes from leaving proteins and yeast in suspension during brewing. This "unconventional" aesthetic might raise eyebrows, but it contributes to the overall experience. Flavour Explosion: NEIPAs are all about juicy, fruit-forward flavours . Think mango, pineapple, citrus, and even stone fruits. This explosion doesn't stem from adding fruit juices – it's t...

Ah, beer. I love doing beer reviews , everything from selecting the beers, to sitting down and savouring the amber nectar, but I do understand that beer is more than just a beverage, it's an experience – a symphony of flavours waiting to be discovered.  But to truly appreciate this symphony, knowing how to taste beer I think is key. Forget cracking open a can or bottle and simply chugging it back, and move over, "bottoms up!" It's time to engage your senses for a multi-layered journey. Preparation is Crucial:   Glassware: Ditch the pint glass! Opt for a stemmed tulip glass that traps aromas and allows gentle swirling. Environment: Choose a well-lit, quiet space, free from distractions. Temperature: Serve beers at their ideal temperatures (think lagers chilled, stouts slightly warmer). Mindset : Approach it with an open mind and curiosity, ready to explore! The Art of Sensory Exploration:   1. The Visual Appeal: Colour: Observe the hue – is it golden, amber, ruby r...

I love brewing beer, from the crisp lagers to the hoppy IPAs, every delicious sip of beer holds a surprising amount of science and artistry. While the ingredients seem simple – water, malted barley, hops, and yeast – the process of transforming them into your favourite beverage is a fascinating journey, where many things can go wrong!. Buckle up, beer lovers, as we delve into the world of brewing and explore the steps that turn humble grains into a bubbly masterpiece. Stage 1: Malting - Awakening the Sugars Our story begins with barley, the soul of most beers. But not just any barley! Brewers use malted barley, where carefully controlled germination unlocks the magic. Grains are steeped in water, then spread out to sprout. As the tiny shoots emerge, enzymes within the barley convert starches into fermentable sugars – the fuel for our yeasty friends later on. This delicate dance between moisture and warmth, known as malting, lays the foundation for the beer's flavour profile. Stage ...

For countless beer enthusiasts, the label remains an enigmatic landscape. Terms like "ABV," "malt bill," and "dry hopping" hold a certain mystique, but none quite as puzzling as the elusive "IBU." This seemingly simple acronym – International Bitterness Units – holds the key to unlocking a fundamental aspect of beer's flavour profile: bitterness . Before delving into the science behind IBUs, let's appreciate the role bitterness plays in crafting a well-balanced beer.  It acts as a counterpoint to malt sweetness, creating a harmonious interplay that keeps the palate refreshed and engaged. Imagine a world where every beer tasted like flat soda – the lack of bitterness would leave you yearning for something more. So, how do we quantify this elusive bitterness? Enter the IBU scale, developed in the late 19th century. While not perfect, it's a widely accepted method for measuring the concentration of isohumulone , a bitter compound found i...

Both West Coast and East Coast IPAs (or New England IPAs) are hoppy and delicious in their own right, but here's how they differ: Appearance: West Coast: Typically clear and golden in colour. East Coast: Tend to be hazier or cloudier (and look like a fruit juice) due to different yeast strains, dry-hopping techniques and the use of oats. Bitterness: West Coast: Known for their assertive, piney bitterness, emphasising the hops from early additions during the boil.   East Coast: Less intensely bitter, focusing on a balance between hop flavour and other elements like malt sweetness and fruity notes. Hops: West Coast: Traditionally use American "C" hops like Cascade, Citra, and Chinook, providing citrusy, piney, and earthy aromas. East Coast: Often experiment with British and European hop varieties, contributing floral, tropical, and stone fruit characteristics. Yeast: West Coast : Use clean-fermenting yeasts to showcase the hop flavours. East Coast: Employ fruitier, m...

Ever wondered what a Cream Ale is? Then read on ... A Cream Ale is a style of beer originating from the United States, known for its smooth, mild flavour and crisp finish. It's a hybrid style that combines attributes of both ales and lagers.  It is a very misunderstood beer, as many believe that it might (or even should) taste creamy (because of the name), where infact, the ingredients and soft carbonation gives it a creamy mouthfeel, and thats where the name comes from. Key characteristics of a Cream Ale include: Smooth Texture: As already mentioned, true to its name, Cream Ales have a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, which mainly comes from the use of adjuncts such as corn or rice in the grain bill. This addition contributes to the beer's lightness and drinkability. Lightness: Cream Ales typically have a light body and colour, ranging from pale straw to golden. They are easy-drinking and refreshing, making them a popular choice for warm weather or session drinking. Maltiness: Whi...

I recently had the pleasure of drinking the Hefe Weissbier from the Weihenstephan Brewery, an absolutely amazing Wheat Beer, but what is more amazing is the brewery itself. The Weihenstephan Brewery, officially known as Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, is one of the oldest breweries in the world (in fact their call it the Oldest Brewery in the world, and if you are talking about brewing on a single site then I think they have a good case), they are located in Freising, Bavaria, Germany. Founded in 1040, Weihenstephan Brewery must hold the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world. It began as a Benedictine monastery brewery attached to the Weihenstephan Abbey. It's roots are deep in Bavarian brewing tradition and over the centuries, it has played a significant role in shaping the beer culture of the region and beyond. The brewery holds a special place in Bavarian culture and heritage. Its beers are often enjoyed at festivals, beer gardens, ...

Münchner Lager, also known as a Munich Lager, originates from the Bavarian city of Munich, Germany. It is a classic example of a bottom-fermented lager beer, known for its rich malt character and balanced hop bitterness. Münchner Lagers typically have a deep golden to amber colour and a clear appearance. One of the defining characteristics of this style is its malt-forward profile, which showcases flavours of bread crust, toasted grain, and caramel sweetness. The maltiness is often complemented by a moderate hop bitterness, providing balance and drinkability. Münchner Lagers are typically brewed with noble hop varieties such as Hallertau or Tettnang, which impart floral or spicy hop aromas without overwhelming the maltiness. The use of lager yeast results in a clean fermentation profile, with crisp and refreshing characteristics. Overall, Münchner Lagers are known for their smooth mouthfeel, well-rounded flavour profile, and moderate alcohol content. They are a popular choice among bee...

After trying out a bit of zero and low alcohol beers myself at the beginning of the year (something that I said I would never do), I became a little bit interested in this growing sober-curious movement. "Sober-curious" describes a movement and lifestyle choice taht it focussed on questioning and modifying your relationship with alcohol, rather than complete abstinence. It's not about adhering to strict rules or labeling yourself as an alcoholic, but rather exploring how alcohol fits into your life and making conscious choices. As a beer reviewer I tend to have an alchololic beverage most days, but because of weight and sleep issues I became keen to explore being 'sober-curious', to see if it's a lifestyle choice that would suit me! Here are some key characteristics of being sober-curious: Exploration: It's about asking yourself how alcohol affects your sleep, energy, mood, productivity, and overall well-being. What are the benefits and drawbacks of drinki...

A Saison, also known as a Farmhouse Ale, is a Belgian-style beer originating from the Wallonia region. It's characterised by its complex flavour profile, which typically includes fruity esters, spicy phenols, and a moderate to high level of hop bitterness. Saisons often have a dry finish, making them refreshing and highly drinkable. They can vary in colour from pale gold to amber, and their alcohol content typically ranges from moderate to high. Traditionally, Saisons were brewed in the winter months to be consumed by farmworkers during the summer, hence their association with the term "farmhouse ale." Today, they are enjoyed year-round by beer enthusiasts worldwide for their unique and refreshing qualities. In addition to its flavuor profile, Saisons are also known for their historical significance and brewing techniques. Originally brewed in farmhouses in Wallonia, Belgium, Saisons were crafted to be versatile and adaptable to the changing seasons. Brewers often used a ...

A Gose beer is a traditional German-style sour and salty wheat beer that originated in the town of Goslar, Germany. It is characterised by its refreshing and slightly tart flavour profile, with a noticeable but not overwhelming saltiness. Gose typically has a hazy appearance and a pale straw to golden colour. The saltiness is down to salt deposits that were found around Goslar that worked its way into the ground water and into the water for the beer. It does have another benefit in that in the past, before modern refrigeration techniques were available, the salt acted as a preservative to help extend the shelf life of the beer. The salt acted as a natural antimicrobial agent, inhibiting the growth of unwanted bacteria and other microorganisms. Key characteristics of a Gose beer include: Sourness: Gose beers are moderately sour, but not as intensely sour as some other sour beer styles like Berliner Weisse or Lambic. The sourness is usually derived from lactic acid bacteria during ferme...

500ml Bottle of Yorkshire Terrier, a Yorkshire Amber Ale 4.2% ABV Reviewed: 4th Feb 2024 The Yorkshire Terrier, now brewed by Black Sheep Brewery (after a series of takeovers), isn't your average pint. This 'Yorkshire Amber Ale' packs a surprising punch in a sessionable 4.2% ABV, making it a great choice for those seeking a flavourful sip without a heavyweight punch. So, let's dig in and see if this "Terrier" lives up to its name. The bottle: Nothing particularly interesting about the bottle with this one, it's obviously good to it coming in a brown bottle (hopefully no lightstruck hops here), and the artwork is very simple, we'll the picture is the name of the beer which is enough. Be interesting to see what happens to the the York Brewery logo now that it's owned by Black Sheep, I know they originally said that they wanted to beers to be brewed in York again at sometime to hopefully the brewery and name will stay in the long term. So, lets get t...

Ah, beer. A refreshing beverage enjoyed by many, crafted with love and precision by brewers worldwide. But there's a silent enemy lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike – light . That's right, sunlight can wreak havoc on your precious pint, transforming it from a hoppy delight to a skunky, undrinkable mess. Let's delve into the science behind this phenomenon and explore ways to protect your beer from this luminous foe. The Culprit: Riboflavin & Skunky Odours: Sunlight contains invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. In hops, a molecule called riboflavin absorbs these rays. Unfortunately, the excited riboflavin reacts with other hop compounds, creating a chemical called 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol (3MBT) . This compound, with its distinctive "skunky" aroma (think wet cardboard or skunk spray), is the culprit behind that unpleasant smell and taste associated with lightstruck beer. Signs Your Beer Has Gone Bad: While the skunky aroma is the giveaway, there are other s...

500ml Bottle of Theakstons Old Peculier 5.6% ABV Reviewed: 3rd Feb 2024 When I suggest that Old Peculier is a legendary beer, I'm not over-selling it at all, it is a classic English Strong ale that I first encounted in the late 80's in Preston, back then it was a thick, rich, malty beer that demanded to be savoured ... I have to say that over the years it hasn't really changed and this is one of my 'go to' beers, and I always have a couple of bottles of it in my Ale House. Old Peculier, brewed by Theakston in Masham, England. Its name pays homage to the region's unique ecclesiastical history, and its taste holds centuries of brewing tradition. So, let's delve into this "peculiar" brew and see if it lives up to its name. It's perhaps worth noting that it's been brewed under this name since the early 1800s! The bottle: While the design has been changed and modernised over the years, it still looks like it might have done in the 1800's, b...

Berliner Weisse is a style of beer that originated in Berlin, Germany. It is a sour, low-alcohol wheat beer known for its refreshing and tart characteristics. Here are some key features of the Berliner Weisse beer: 1. Appearance: Berliner Weisse is typically pale in colour, ranging from straw yellow to light gold. 2. Flavour Profile: The defining feature of Berliner Weisse is its sourness. It has a lactic acidity that gives the beer a tangy and tart flavour. Despite its sourness, it often has a clean and crisp taste, making it a refreshing beverage. Some variations may have a subtle wheat malt sweetness, but the sourness is the dominant flavour. 3. Alcohol Content: Berliner Weisse is a low-alcohol beer, usually ranging from 2.8% to 3.8% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). 4. Ingredients: The beer is brewed with a significant proportion of wheat malt, contributing to its hazy appearance and light body. The sourness is typically achieved through the use of lactic acid bacteria during fermentation. ...

450ml Bottle of Grolsch Premium Pilsner Beer 4% ABV Reviewed: 1st Feb 2024 This is an absolute classic from my formative drinking days, and made even more so by icons 80's pop group Bros! (and for a short time I also wore Grolsch bottle tops in my laces too!). Founded in Grolle in 1615, Grolsch Premium Pilsner is more than double the age of most other beers. Now brewed back in its historic home in Enschede, the Netherlands, and according to the brewer "Grolsch is 'double brewed for double the flavour'".  They are keen to point out that they use two hops for bitterness and aroma, which they blend with two different types of malt so that they can deliver refreshment and flavour! The bottle: I honestly don't think that the bottle has changed one little bit from the bottle I swigged out of in the 80's. The tiny label has perhaps been updated, but the iconic embossed green glass bottle looks and feels exactly the same to me. So, this Dutch brew with its distin...