Andys Beer Reviews

Nestled in the picturesque town of Westerham, Kent, Westerham Brewery stands as a testament to the rich brewing heritage of the region. Since it’s opening in 2004, the brewery has quickly become a cornerstone of the local community, offering a range of meticulously crafted beers that pay homage to traditional brewing techniques while embracing innovative approaches. In fact today, Westerham Brewery is a destination for great beer and great food. A Legacy of Quality and Tradition Westerham Brewery was founded in 2004 by Robert Wicks, a passionate brewer with a vision to revive and celebrate the classic English brewing methods. Robert has revived many of the much-loved flavours of the old Black Eagle Brewery, which closed in 1965 following the catastrophic consolidation by the ‘Big Brewers’ in the 1950’s and 1960's, such is the commitment of bringing back this old breweries beers and traditions that Westerham uses a strain of yeast that was once used by them. The brewery’s commitment...

Beer enthusiasts have long sought ways to share their experiences, opinions, and recommendations with fellow aficionados.  Enter Untappd , a social networking service designed specifically for beer lovers. Whether you're a casual drinker or a connoisseur, Untappd offers a dynamic platform to rate beers, discover new favourites, and connect with a community that shares your passion.  Here's how you can make the most of Untappd to enhance your beer-drinking experience. Getting Started with Untappd   Getting started is free and easy; first, download the Untappd app, available on both iOS and Android, or access it via their website.  After creating an account, you're ready to dive into the world of beer rating. The interface is user-friendly, allowing you to easily search for beers, breweries, and bars. Once you have your profile set up, you can start logging your beer adventures.  Logging Your First Beer To log a beer, simply search for its name in the app. Untapp...

Love it or hate it, you can't disagree that Guinness, the iconic stout beer, has become synonymous with Irish culture and heritage, think of Ireland and you'll instantly think of Guinness. It has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for over two centuries now, and while I'm not a fan of this brown beer, the history of Guinness is a fascinating.   How It All Started The story of Guinness goes all the way back to 1759, when Arthur Guinness, signed a 9,000 year lease for a piece of land that became the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. With an initial investment of just £100, Arthur Guinness set up his brewery on a modest four acre plot.  He initially brewed traditional beer, but he soon switched to a style of beer known as a Porter, which he had noticed was gaining popularity in London at the time.  Porter is a dark beer made with roasted barley, this produces a distinctive flavour and appearance that sets it apart from other beers. This switch p...

Craft beer tourism is on the rise as beer enthusiasts seek out unique and immersive experiences. This trend sees tourists traveling to renowned beer regions, visiting breweries, going on beer tastings, attending beer festivals, discovering beer trails and routes, and even planning entire vacations around their passion for craft beer (I know, I’ve done it myself).  The UK, with its amazing brewing tradition and burgeoning craft beer scene, has become a prime destination for beer enthusiasts. From historic alehouses to cutting-edge microbreweries, the UK offers a diverse array of experiences for those looking to explore its rich beer culture. Welcome to the world of craft beer tourism in the UK—a journey that promises not just great brews, but also a taste of the country's vibrant history and community spirit. The Heart of British Brewing: London London is often the first stop for beer tourists, thanks to its mix of historic pubs and modern craft breweries. The city’s brewing scene i...

Amber ales have a rich history and a deep-rooted tradition in the world of beer. Among them, English Amber Ales hold a special place, offering a unique taste profile that distinguishes them from their American counterparts. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of English Amber Ales, exploring their history, brewing process, flavour profile, and how they compare to the American Amber Ale.  So, pour yourself a pint and join me on this journey through the golden, malty world of English Amber Ales. The Historical Roots of English Amber Ales Amber ales trace their origins back to the 19th century in England, a period marked by significant developments in brewing technology and the expanding popularity of beer. The term "amber ale" refers to the colour of the beer, which ranges from light amber to deep reddish-brown. The evolution of amber ales is intertwined with the broader history of English brewing, which has always been characterised by a balance between innovation a...

I haven't written much about individual breweries, and I think it's because there are so many great brewers out there, spotlighting a couple just didn't seem fair, BUT, reviewing beers for me is a hobby, but I always remember that for the brewers, it's a serious business, one that has seen many of them living on a knifes edge in recent years, so I think I do need to shine a spotlight on the breweries that I come across that are worthy of a mention. Nestled in the small market town of Northallerton in the UK, award-winning micro-brewery Bayonet Brewing is making waves with its exceptional craft beers and their dedicated approach to brewing. Founded in 2021 beer enthusiast and serviceman Alex Postles, Bayonet Brewing is dedicated to creating special, high-quality beers that reflect both traditional and contemporary styles. And all this while Alex is still full-time in the forces … very impressive. The Vision Behind Bayonet Brewing Bayonet Brewing was founded on the...

I haven't written much about individual breweries, and I think it's because there are so many great brewers out there, spotlighting a couple just didn't seem fair, BUT, reviewing beers for me is a hobby, but I always remember that for the brewers, it's a serious business, one that has seen many of them living on a knifes edge in recent years, so I think I do need to shine a spotlight on the breweries that I come across that are worthy of a mention. Lost Cause Brewing Co. is one such brewer; craft beer has seen a surge in popularity over the past decade or so, with many breweries emerging to offer unique and diverse beer experiences (but also so many more falling by the wayside). Among them, Lost Cause Brewing Co. stands out not just for its exceptional brews but also for its dedication to the craft beer industry.   The Story Behind Lost Cause Brewing Co. To be honest there isn't much of a story as their first beer only came out in April 2024, but a husband and wife ...

I was a little bit late the the party on this one, but I bought the Philips PerfectDraft beer machine about a year ago, and I've had some beers throught it, so what do I think of it? Phillips developed the PerfectDraft in collaboration with AB-InBev, bringing the pub experience to the home. As a beer enthusiast, I’ve extensively tested the machine and many of its kegs over the past year, trying different styles; it's worth me pointing out that I have the original version and not the more expensive and more feature rich "Pro" version. Pros Build Quality : Sturdy construction with high-quality materials. Quiet Operation : It does emits a soft hum, but I would say that it's quieter than a typical fridge. Keg Variety : A wide range of beers are available - from your classic lagers and beers to ciders, belgian ales, and IPAs. With over 60 beers, it does have something for everyone. Ease of Use : It is very easy to use, the keg installation can look a bit fiddly at firs...

If you’re a beer enthusiast with a penchant for tradition and flavour, English Brown Ale is a must-try. This classic British beer style offers a delightful balance of malt sweetness and subtle hop bitterness, making it a favourite among those who appreciate a well-crafted brew. Let's dive into the characteristics, history, and enjoyment of English Brown Ale.   A Brief History English Brown Ale has a history that dates back to the early 20th century. Originating in England, this beer style quickly became a staple in British pubs. Its appeal lies in its rich malt character and approachable flavour, which make it a versatile choice for various drinking occasions. Whether you’re enjoying a pint in a cosy pub or at home with friends, an English Brown Ale never disappoints.   Characteristics of English Brown Ale One of the most charming aspects of English Brown Ale is its wide range of characteristics that cater to different palates. Appearance: The colour of an English Brown Ale ty...

Beer dispensers like the new Aldi Beer Dispenser and the Fizzics DraftPour are devices designed to enhance the experience of drinking beer by simulating the draft pour you would get at a bar or brewery.  These devices often use various technologies to create a smooth, creamy head and improve the flavour and aroma of canned beer (bottles too in the case of the the Fizzics machine).  The Alid Beer Dispenser is a real budget buy, at just £24.99 it is a fraction of some of the machines on the market today (the Fizzics Draftpour is currently around £130), which is a really great price to transform your favourite canned beer into a foamed pint, just as if it was served at your local. Not bad for a battery-operated device. It works with cans sized: 330ml, 350ml, 440ml and 500ml cans, and will accept some bottles, but the bottle needs to be less that 65mm in diameter and less than 168mm (you're probably safer just sticking to cans of beer!). Portability: The device is designed to be ...