Andys Beer Reviews

  The Munich Helles is a relatively young beer style compared to many other traditional German brews, but its history is nonetheless fascinating. The Munich Helles, which translates to "pale" or "light" in German, was first brewed in the late 19th century in Munich, Germany.  Its creation was a response to the rising popularity of Pilsner-style beers from what is now the Czech Republic. Brewers in Munich, who were famous for brewing rich malty beers, wanted to create a lighter, more palatable beer that would appeal to drinkers who were accustomed to the crisp, refreshing taste of Pilsners. In 1894, the Spaten Brewery introduced the first Munich Helles at the request of Gabriel Sedlmayr, a brewmaster who was inspired by the success of Pilsner-style beers. The Munich Helles was a departure from the darker, maltier beers that were common in Bavaria at the time, and was an instant success. It was brewed using pale malt and a relatively small amount of hops, resulting in...

When I was much, much younger, I often liked a pint of Mild, William Youngers Mild if my memory serves me well, I used to get a bit of stick off my lager drinking mates about it, regulary being told that the landlord but the dregs of pint glasses and drip trays back into the barrel, I didn't care; I remember a caramel sweetness, smooth beer that went down well, and being a relatively low ABV, I seemed to be able to drink pints of the stuff! But alas, the demand for Mild seemed to virtually dry up, until recently ... In a world where the craft beer scene often gravitates towards bold, hoppy IPAs or rich, complex stouts, the unassuming mild beer still quietly holds its ground, offering a distinct and often overlooked charm.  While it may not boast the same intense flavours or high alcohol content as its counterparts, mild beer holds a special place in the hearts of many beer enthusiasts for its gentle demeanour and nuanced character. Originating in England in the 17th century, mild a...

Introduction: Belgian beer is renowned worldwide for its diversity, richness, and quality. It's an integral part of Belgian culture and heritage; it is an incredibly diverse category, with a vast range of styles and flavours. From refreshing wheat beers like Witbier (4-5% ABV) and spicy Saisons (5-7% ABV) to strong ales like Tripels (7-9% ABV) and Quadrupels (9-12% ABV), there's something for every taste. Trappist Beers: Belgium is home to several Trappist breweries, where monks brew beer as part of their monastic tradition. These beers are known for their exceptional quality and are brewed within the walls of Trappist monasteries under strict guidelines. Abbey Beers: Apart from Trappist breweries, there are also Abbey breweries that produce beers inspired by traditional monastery brewing techniques. While not brewed by monks themselves, these beers often carry the name of an abbey and maintain high standards of quality. Lambic Beers: Lambics are unique to Belgium, fermented t...

Pairing beer with food can enhance both the flavours of the dish and the beer.  Here are some delicious combinations to try: IPA with Spicy Foods: The hoppy bitterness of an IPA complements spicy dishes like curry or Mexican cuisine. Stout with Chocolate Desserts: A rich, dark stout pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts, enhancing the chocolatey flavours. Wheat Beer with Seafood: Light and citrusy wheat beers are great with seafood like shrimp, crab, or fish tacos. Pilsner with Burgers: The crispness of a pilsner cuts through the richness of a burger, making it a classic pairing. Saison with Roast Chicken: The fruity and spicy notes of a saison complement the flavours of roast chicken. Amber Ale with BBQ: The caramel maltiness of an amber ale complements the smoky flavours of BBQ dishes. Porter with Grilled Steak: The roasted malt flavours of a porter pair well with the charred taste of grilled steak. These are just a few ideas!    Feel free to experiment with ...