Archive for April, 2011

Tuesday, 26 April, 2011

The Story of Beer & The Royal Wedding

We would agree that “guests knocking back pints of ale” could well be “considered rather unseemly for such a regal affair attended by royals and heads of state from around the world.” But why serve beer just in pints? The aristocracy of 1700 were drinking ale from beautiful third of a pint glasses etched with hops and barley; and top British restaurants are today using thin-stemmed wine glasses so as to concentrate the beers aromas whilst looking stylish as well. (more…)

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Thursday, 21 April, 2011

Raising a Royal toast – with Britain’s favourite drink

As Royal Wedding fever increases across the UK, with Union Jacks on Regent Street, a spoof video from a well known mobile phone provider (check it out if you haven’t seen it, great Friday – or Thursday! – afternoon entertainment) and the news that YouTube will broadcast the proceedings live on the big day, Britain’s brewers have also been busy making the most of an opportunity to create a Royal brew.

We brought you details of a few early releases at the beginning of the month, but as the big day draws closer, more Royal beers are being announced to commemorate Will and Kate’s big day. (more…)

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Wednesday, 20 April, 2011

St. George’s Day

“Cry ‘God for Harry, England, and Saint George!’ ” – Henry V (Act III, Scene I) –William Shakespeare

Saint George’s Day???

In comparison to the worldwide Irish celebrations for St Patrick’s Day (March 17th) St. George’s Day passes almost unnoticed with no particular celebrations and no special foods.  It puts England to shame.

Yet this has not always been the case.

Who was Saint George? (more…)

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Tuesday, 12 April, 2011

On Trend: Guest Brewing

“What you’ve spotted is a definite trend,” Pete Brown confirms (BeerGenie blushes with proud enthusiasm – we really are quite observant when it comes to beer).

We are talking about “Guest Brewing” and Pete has teamed up with fellow writers Zak Avery and Mark Dredge to design the recipe for Avery Brown Dredge, a 7.5% ABV imperial pilsner brewed in January.

“We did most of the labour,” assures hardworking Pete, “but I’ve also ‘brewed’ beers where basically I’m just getting in the way and maybe digging out the mash tun. But it is a growing trend. From a blogger’s point of view it lets us get our hands dirty and have a go.” (more…)

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Thursday, 7 April, 2011

Boost for low-strength beer – innovation, manipulation or a boost for mild!

Last month’s Budget was clearly not good news for beer drinkers or brewers, and particularly not for pubs. The 7.2 per cent increase to the main duty rate was bad enough, even if it was half-expected. However the real sting in the tail came with the brutal additional levy on so-called high-strength beers above 7.5% abv. Although an increase had been pre-announced in the Treasury’s Alcohol Taxation Review the scale was still staggering. The quid pro quo was that low-strength beer (2.8% and below would receive a discount, making the two changes allegedly ‘revenue-neutral’. Whether this turns out to be true is another matter, but the changes have the potential to make a fairly significant difference to the UK beer market. (more…)

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