Well, it’s been busy again at the Mawson. Not entirely due to an increase in customers but because our Leader, Jill has had to be away in Birmingham for family reasons. However, the team pulled together to ensure that punters were fed, watered and welcomed. A number of overseas brewers were over for the Fuller’s brewery tour experience, both established acts and new kids on the block. Jose Iniguez was over from Chile for a 90 day tour of the UK and Europe, picking up ideas and recipes for his new brewery Iniguez Brewing Company. A thoroughly nice chap and I wish him well with his new venture. Luiz who owns Mr Bier Vila Leopoldina was also over from Sao Paolo in Brazil. They have a pub in the city, Cervejaria Madra Bier. However, I was overwhelmed when Daniel Kenary, CEO and Co-Founder of Harpoon Brewery came to the Mawson for lunch and the tour with 18 of his team. When wifey and I lived in Boston in the mid 90s, Harpoon was one of our favourite beers and their festivals held at the brewery were legendary. Harpoon was at the forefront of the US craft beer scene when it took off in the mid 80s. They are now 30 years old and I would dearly love to get back to the brewery one day and see how it has changed.
A few weeks ago saw me taking the plunge and negotiating my way to East Dulwichvia London transport and London’s finest beer shop Hop Burns and Black. Mark and Steve of Beer O’Clock Show invited me along to their live podcast at Jen and Glenn’s shop. The journey was quicker than by car – why have I not done this sooner – and I was able to sample the beers on offer. Perfect! The show featured tastings from the Bristol craft beer scene, including Arbor’s ‘Shangri La’, Moor’s collaboration with Fullers and Domus ‘Relentless Optimism’ and Wiper & True’s ‘Milk Shake’. Michael from Wiper and True and Justin from Moor Beer were also interviewed while Michael Lalley of Bushbeer Podcast gave a presentation. Lots of friendly beer heads were at the event including Luke McGlynn whom I just found out is a neighbour, living down the end of our road! A visit to the East Dulwich Tavern to sample a couple of cheeky ones was also in order and I caught up with Justin over a beer. Top evening.
A freezing cold Spring day found wifey and I at Orbit Brewery in Walworth, to chew the fat with Head Brewer Mario and taste his delicious European-style beers. Damn it was cold though and a planned trip to Sambrook’s Brewery in Battersea was adjourned until warmer weather. A Harrington and a long sleeve t-shirt did little to keep away the arctic weather. Brrrrr….
Despite being busy I did find time to carry out some beer tastings. Before you ask, yes they are Belgian beers – Fort Lapin just outside Brugge and the wonderful Hommelbier from Watou, which included the marvellous Limited Edition beers from 2014 and 2015. Delicious. I’m hoping to carry out some tastings in the labs at Fuller’s soon so look out for that in the next month or so. A colleague also convinced me to sign up to the Untappd app where you record the beers that you are tasting. I’m not quite sure what the benefit of this is to be honest if only to remind you if you have drank a particular brew and whether you liked it or not. The jury is still out on this one.
Back at the Mawson, we had the Montana Red – Red Rye Ale – removed and replaced by Cornish Orchard Blush Cider. No more popular than the Montana at the moment, maybe it will be more popular now the weather is warmer. The end of April brought us Thank You Fuller’s again and much fun and drinks were had by all. Cheers!
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Beer Sommelier Kew 