As John Lennon and Yoko Ono wrote in 1971: 
So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
………
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
It seems to be a tradition amongst bloggers at this time of year to look back, not just at beers, but on all things related to beer; but bollocks to all that. My simple list
Best New UK Cask Beer
Fyne Ales, Jarl (4.0%)
Every once in a while a beer turns up that makes one sit up and take note. And as I’ve banged on about, on this blog, it’s all well and good the blogosphere raving about ice- cream factory produced mighty ABV concoctions – but people who snub ‘weaker’ beers for these are ignoring the vast majority of ‘punters’ who simply want a decent pale and hoppy session beer. Then sometimes a beer like Jarl comes along and reminds you these need not be bland or insipid.
I’ve not posted about this beer before as I was lucky enough to have a pint or two in June before my blog started, and have not managed to find it again since.
One reason for the wonder that is Jarl I am sure is the use of the hop of 2010 – Citra. This Sierra Nevada-backed powerhouse hop just screams all tropical fruits from the off, with a lovely slightly bitter grapefruit aftertaste. The beer was created for Fyne Ales’ summer beer festival in June, and made it down to Edinburgh for the annual SRAF. It was so new it wasn’t even in the official guide, but was for sure the find of the festival.
I understand that due to its popularity Fyne Ales have now decided to add it to their regular range from January 2011 on cask and later in bottles.
Best New UK Bottled Beer
The Kernel Brewery, Simcoe IPA (7.9%)
A single hopped IPA using the wonderful Simcoe hop. It pours a lovely clear, bright golden orange colour, the aromas aren’t huge but it smells really fruity, slightly floral and zesty and hides well its high ABV.
The Kernel Brewery has come from nowhere in 2010. Evin O’Riordain here is pretty much a one man band and only began operations in 2009, but has already put out a range of astonishing big beers, brewing once or twice a week in a small lock-up in arches under a railway bridge, a brewery to watch for sure in 2011.
Best UK Brewery
No question, Dark Star; if I see any of their excellent range of beers on a bar that’s what I go for.
Pub of the Year
Difficult one this; on the basis that my local is not permitted, from a bias point of view, then my best pub experience of the year was a trip to West London; Richmond on Thames, to be exact, The White Cross and The Waterman’s Arms; both cracking Young’s pubs, but to be truthful I can’t remember much about them or the trip! I just remember a good time was had by all.
Honourable mentions also go to The Blind Piper, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry, Ireland and The Old Swan, Netherton, W. Midlands.
Beer Festival of the Year
National Winter Ales Festival
Best Beer Blog
One, two.
1. Real Brewing at The Sharp End – a blog written by Stuart Howe, Head Brewer at Sharp’s Brewery of Rock, Cornwall. Well written by a guy who knows his stuff.
2. Reluctant Scooper – a fantastic and irreverent blog about beer, food and pubs.
That’s it!!
