British Isles Tasting

The CBE (members new and old) met at Flat Branch for an intimate tasting of beers from and inspired by the British Isles. We enjoyed IPA's, Scotch Ales, stouts, ESB's, and other assorted styles from our former imperial overlords. The beers drew mixed reviews, but, as usual, the discussion of beer and brewing was lively. 

Below is a rundown of the beers sampled. Homebrews are identified with (HB).:

• Dry Dock English IPA
• Great Divide Claymore Scotch Ale
• Jason's Bitter Beer Face IPA (HB)
• Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial IPA
• 2008 Fuller Vintage Ale
• Oscar Blues Old Chub Scotch Ale
• Ryan's Irish Stout (HB)
• Nick's Coffee Stout (HB)
• Fuller's ESB
• Brian's Wheat Ale (HB)
• Brian's Better Red Than Dead Ale (HB)
• Jeff's ESB (HB)
• Skull Splitter Orkney Ale
• Fuller's 1845
• O'Fallon Wee Heavy

As it typical of our little group, this tasting started out as a hopfest with three of the first four beers being IPA's. Once this thirst was satisfied, we settled into some nice, malty ales. Several Fuller's made appearances, suggesting that this is either our favorite British brewer or we all needed excuses to buy some.

This was, in my opinion, the best showing of homebrews we've had in a long time. There was variety in style and flavor. All the homebrews were of a high standard, even if they all didn't fit under the theme of the evening.

As an added bonus, Jarrett graciously shared some excellent scotch whiskeys with the remaining members who survived the tasting. First up was Clynelish 14 year scotch. This was as smooth and un-peaty a scotch as I've ever had, extremely smooth going down. The Ledaig 10 year scotch that was next was the exact opposite of the first. Describing this drink as "peaty" does not even begin to describe its flavor. This was definitely a sipper, a drink that puts hair on your chest as well as that of your offspring. The two offerings were nice examples of which to compare.

If you attended, how did the evening's tasting go for you? What was your favorite beer of the evening? Would you like to do more tastings like this one in the future?

If you didn't attend, why not? Do you still hold a grudge over 1812? You too can provide feedback on these issues as well as another on the form below.