What Do Those Numbers Really Mean ABV and IBU look like they should make choosing a beer easier. One tells you how strong it is, the other tells you how bitter it should be. In theory, that sounds helpful. In reality, it often leads to confusion when the beer in your glass doesn’t match what you expected from the label. A lot of people end up searching for “alcohol IBU” because they’re trying to join the dots. They’ve had a beer that tasted sharper, stronger, smoother, or more intense than expected, and they want a simple explanation. The problem is that these numbers are only clues. They help describe a beer, but they don’t predict flavour in a neat, reliable way.   What alcohol means in beer Alcohol in beer is measured as ABV, which stands for alcohol by volume. It’s the easiest number to understand and, to be fair, it’s usually the most useful. A 4% beer is generally lighter and easier going. A 6% beer tends to feel fuller and more flavourful. Push past 7 or 8%, and you...

Beer storage sounds like a big, nerdy topic until you’ve had a beer you were really looking forward to, and it tastes tired, flat, or just a bit “off”. Most of the time, it isn’t the brewery’s fault. It’s what happened to the beer after it left left them.   Now I don’t have a cellar, and while I do have an "Ale House" where I record my beer reviews,  it doesn’t keep a steady temperature all year round. What I do have is a few cool cupboards that stay fairly stable, and that’s enough to store most beers properly if you use a bit of common sense.   This post is the simple version of what I’ve learned from years of drinking, buying, storing, and occasionally messing it up. I also end up talking about temperature a lot on my YouTube beer review channel, because it makes a bigger difference than most people expect, especially with lagers, ciders, and hop-forward beers (basically if you serve your beers too cold, you'll dull all of the aroma and flavour!). ...

Barrel-Aged Beers. A Beginner’s Way In My Beer of the Year for 2025 went to "If I Only Had A Second Chance" from Pomona Island , an Imperial Stout aged in Muscat barrels, and from the very first sip I knew I was drinking something a bit special.    It had all the deep, roasty flavours you expect from a big Imperial Stout, rich coffee, dark chocolate, that slightly burnt sugar edge, but then the barrel ageing kicked in and softened everything. The Muscat barrels brought a gentle sweetness, a subtle fruitiness, a touch of wood, and a mouthfeel that was ridiculously smooth. Nothing was sharp, nothing felt rushed, it just felt complete.    That beer got me thinking about barrel-aged beers more generally. Why they often feel richer and smoother than the base beer they start from. Why they seem to slow you down when you drink them. And why so many people are curious about them, but aren’t always sure where to begin.    Why Barrel-Aged Beers Feel Dif...

Ever noticed how some people swear by putting ice in their drinks, while others recoil at the thought? I’ve always had ice in ciders when I was in my 20s. In bars and clubs, it was just the done thing; everyone wanted a cold, refreshing drink fast. But here’s the thing, there’s a downside. Why People Use Ice It’s simple. Ice chills a drink quickly. On a hot day, or when you’re out dancing and sweating, nothing beats that instant cold hit. For ciders, beers, or even lagers, it can make a drink more sessionable, easier to sip without that first sharp kick of alcohol, and just more refreshing overall. There’s also the aesthetic. Seeing a glass filled with ice makes a drink look cooler, more appealing, and feels like you’re treating yourself, even if it’s a cheap cider. It’s part of that bar culture vibe. The Downside Ice doesn’t just cool your drink. It dilutes it. Slowly, the flavour fades, the carbonation drops, and what started as crisp and fruity can end up thin and watery. For c...

This is a blog post I've wanted to write for ages, because you do hear many of these being discussed as a matter of fact , then they aren't! Beer is one of the oldest drinks in the world, and with age comes… nonsense. People have been spreading half-truths, myths, and outright fabrications about beer for decades. Some are harmless, others just make you roll your eyes in the pub. Today, we’re putting on our thinking caps (and maybe pouring a pint while we do it) and debunking a few of the most persistent beer myths out there. Myth 1: Dark Beers Are Always Strong How often have you heard someone assume that because a beer is dark, it’s going to hit you like a freight train? I honestly think that when I started out on his journey I had this discussion at least once a month with colleagues at work. As a myth, it simply isn't true. Colour comes from the roasted malt, not the alcohol content. I’ve had porters and stouts at 4–5% ABV that are smooth and easygoing, and I’ve had pale...

If you’ve ever wandered the beer aisle of your local supermarket and felt that familiar sense of pride seeing British brewers holding their own among the imports, you’re not alone. While I’ve recently been sampling what the Spanish shelves have to offer, I thought it was high time to come home; back to the comforting, characterful pints that made Britain a beer-loving nation in the first place. From smooth bitters to hop-forward IPAs, the UK’s shelves are still packed with quality. So here’s my* pick of 10 great British beers you can find in most supermarkets (not in any particular order); each one a fine example of our brewing heritage or modern innovation at its best. * These aren't going to be everyone cup of tea, I realise that, but it is my take on whats good, and readily available in British supermarkets today; do you agree or disagree, let me know in the commenst section. 1. Fuller’s London Pride ABV: 4.1% Typical Price: £2.00–£2.50 per 500ml bottle A true classic. Fuller’s ...

Let’s be honest; beer isn’t just something we drink to wet our whistles. It’s a companion, a little mirror for our mood, and sometimes the answer to life’s little questions. Personally, I’ve noticed I gravitate toward certain beers depending on how I’m feeling… and if I’m honest, a lot of it comes down to whether I’ve survived another week at work or just want to chill in the evening. So, here’s my guide to choosing the perfect pint for whatever mood you’re in. Feeling Cheerful? Grab a Strong IPA For me, that “cheerful” mood usually hits when I finally get home after a long, hard week at work. That’s when a strong, hoppy IPA does wonders. Something like Double Header by Greene King is my current go-to. It’s bold, lively, and a little bit mischievous, perfect for celebrating making it through the week. These stronger beers aren’t just about flavour; they’re little rewards. They make the evening feel special, like a personal toast to surviving Monday through Friday. Feeling Relaxed? Keep...

Christmas, parties, family, friends… you know the drill. A couple of years back, I decided to splash out on a Phillips PerfectDraft HD3761/60 (one of the early ones). The idea was simple; bring a bit of pub magic into my living room and save myself from the endless battle with bottles, cans, and crowded off-licences. Did it deliver? Well, let’s just say it’s earned a permanent place in my home entertaining toolkit. Why I Chose the PerfectDraft It wasn’t a whim, I’ll have you know. I wanted something that made hosting easier and more fun. Convenience was top of my list; the festive season is busy enough without lugging crates around or making last-minute trips to the shop. Variety mattered too; I wanted to offer guests a proper range of beers, not just a couple of generic lagers. And, of course, the atmosphere; nothing says “party” quite like a tap in the living room instead of a messy array of bottles on the table. I also liked the idea of consistency. Nothing irritates me more than pa...

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...

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...

I was a little late to the party on this one, but about a year ago I decided to invest in a Philips PerfectDraft HD3761/60 beer machine. I’d been wrestling with crates of bottles, cans tucked in every available corner, and the occasional disappointment of flat beer at home. The idea was simple; bring the pub experience into my living room, keep friends and family happy, and save myself a few trips to the shop along the way. Over the past year, I’ve tried a wide range of kegs through the machine, from crisp lagers to rich stouts, and even a few Belgian ales for the adventurous. I should point out straight away that I have the original PerfectDraft, not the more expensive and feature-rich “Pro” version, so everything here is based on that model. Save Yourself a Few Quid This original version is still around and you can still but it, buying this will always save you a few quid and I have never needed the bells and whistles of the more up to date version. I'd keep an eye on Amazon for...

When it comes to food and drink, we Yorkshire folk know a good pairing when we see one. Whether it’s pie and gravy, fish and chips, or cheese on toast with a strong cuppa, we like flavours that get along. Beer’s no different. Pairing the right beer with your meal can take both to another level, it’s like the moment when the pub kitchen smells line up perfectly with the pint in your hand. And the best part? You don’t need to be a sommelier or a brewer to enjoy it. You just need curiosity, a few decent beers, and an appetite. So, let’s have a look at a few cracking combinations that’ll make your next meal (and pint) sing… IPA with Spicy Foods If you love a bit of heat, an IPA is your best mate. The hoppy bitterness and citrus bite of an India Pale Ale can tame fiery dishes like a curry or spicy Mexican tacos. The hops cut through the spice, keeping things balanced while the beer’s bitterness refreshes your palate. I like a bold West Coast IPA with a hot Thai green curry, that piney bitte...

When it comes to craft beer, few debates get beer lovers talking quite like West Coast vs East Coast IPA. Both are packed with hops, bursting with flavour, and built on bold brewing traditions; but they each tell a different story in the glass. Think of them as two sides of the same coin, both brilliant, but worlds apart in taste, appearance, and attitude. The Look of the Thing West Coast: Crystal clear, golden, and sharp-looking; a beer that sparkles like sunshine on a pint glass. You can see straight through it, and it pours with a lively, crisp fizz that makes you thirsty before it even hits your lips. East Coast (or New England IPA): Hazy, juicy, and opaque, it often looks more like a glass of fresh fruit juice than beer. That cloudiness comes from the yeast, the dry-hopping, and the oats that soften its texture. If the West Coast IPA looks like it’s just come out of a beach bar in California, the East Coast version looks like it’s been blended in a juice bar in Vermont. Bitternes...