Articles, Pub and Brewery News and MORE from Across Worcestershire

Pint Taken Worcestershire County CAMRA Magazine – Autumn 2018

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Articles, Pub and Brewery news and MORE from across Worcestershire

Contents

Pint Taken 10,000 copies of Pint Taken are distributed to real ale pubs and clubs in Autumn 2018 and around the county of Contents Worcestershire.

Pint Taken EXTRA 3 Advertising rates are available at pinttaken.org.uk Editor’s Introduction 5 or from Beer Ice Cream?! 5 [email protected] Pub and Brewery News 7-13 Readers’ Comments 15-16 Items for publication in the Winter Mass Lobby of Parliament 17 edition (published 1st December) should be Beer Disruption – UK Brewing 19 sent by 26th October 2018 What is Craft Beer? 21 Contributions, such as articles, comments, Talking with a Brewer 23 awards, pub and brewery news etc. are Book Reviews 25-27 always welcome to be sent to Branch Diaries 29 [email protected] Join CAMRA 31 Pint Taken is published by the Redditch & Bromsgrove, Wyre Forest and Worcester branches of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and supported by our advertisers. See www.pinttaken.org.uk

Pint Taken is designed and printed by CatshillDesign www.design.catshill.com Front cover photo and above The Mug House at Claines, near Worcester. To subscribe to Pint Taken for a year, send Unusually, access is either via a field four C5 stamped addressed envelopes to or Claines Churchyard. Subscriptions, 192 Exhall Close, Redditch, B98 9JA

Photos courtesy of AndyCheckettsConsultancy Photos The views expressed in Pint Taken are not Pint Taken EXTRA necessarily those of the Campaign for Real Go to pinttaken.org.uk/extra where you Ale Ltd. can find additional articles and features For issues relating to Licensing Act 2003 e.g. to complement those in the magazine. alcohol sales contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Wyre Forest 24 hours in Nottingham Neil Berry House, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, takes you on a tour of Nottingham Worcestershire, DY11 7WF pubs. Tel: 01905 822799 www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/ Beer Days Out - Raising a Stourbridge licensing.aspx Glass. A tour of 12 Stourbridge pubs by Steve James. CAMRA Ltd: 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW Tel: 01727 867201 3 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

FoOd ThE AvAiLaBlE WeIgHbRiDgE BeEr FeStIvAl 14Th -15ThSePtEmBeR FrI, 6Pm-11Pm / SaT, 12Pm-11Pm

CoMe To ThE WeIgHbRiDgE FoR OuR AuTuMn BeEr FeStIvAl FeAtUrInG A VaSt ArRaY Of ExCeLlEnT BeErS AnD CiDeRs.

AlVeChUrCh MaRiNa, ScArFiElD WhArF, WoRcEsTeRsHiRe, B48 7Sq WwW.ThE-WeIgHbRiDgE.Co.Uk - 0121 445 5111

4 Editor’s Introduction Editor’s Beer Ice Cream!! Introduction: Andy Checketts Situated next to Dursley Hall, Harley’s Andy Checketts Smoke House Grill and Bar, Kinver, the new stylish bar and restaurant complex WHAT’S NEW? Well, we have a new near the north Worcestershire boundary pinttaken.org.uk website for readers has teamed up with Enville Brewery to download the current edition and as part of its exciting range of on site, previous editions going right back to home made ice creams. Wilf Beardsmore 2003. It also contains a new feature is behind the development of the bright, “Pint Taken EXTRA” which is being used airy and very spacious suite of bars to publish additional articles not seen featuring Enville Ale and Enville ice in the magazine e.g. look out for “24 cream. Amongst a dozen varieties one Hours in Nottingham” a trip report by can savour Prosecco, Mango, Pistachio, Neil Berry. Naturally, it includes details Snickers and Strongbow. Produced on on how to advertise in the magazine. site from natural ingredients rather Non-pub/brewery related adverts are than artifi cial essences this wide range also welcome. of home made ice creams provides Confusion reigns over the use of an interesting array of fl avours. Jerry carbon dioxide and what “draught” Hedges from Enville Brewery celebrates beer actually is. Readers can help here this exciting new venture that sells a by submitting articles to clarify issues range of Enville beers and comments and have their say in our new “Readers’ that the taste of the Enville ice cream Comments” section on page 15. truly refl ects the fl avour of the brewery’s Fly the fl ag for Worcestershire. well known ale. See www.harleyssmokehouse.co.uk

Wilf Beardsmore, enjoying Enville Ale ice cream with the courtesy of AndyCheckettsConsultancy Photos Editor sampling a dark beer Enville brewer Jerry Hedges 5

Local Pub & Brewery News

(opposite to Poundland). It currently Local Pub & only sells craft beer on draught, but also serves a good selection of bottled beers. Brewery News The lease on the Hop Pole on Birmingham Road in Bromsgrove is currently being advertised for sale. The Worcester’s newest bottle shop and pub was owned by Punch Taverns, but tap room, The Hop Lord has up to six recently transferred over to Star Inns (a Craft Kegs available and 250+ cans/ part of Heineken). bottles. The Hop Lord is the brainchild of Matt Pugh, the owner of the Firefly in Worcester and also Hereford as well as Worcester’s Hand In Glove. The Marwood, the popular freehouse and restaurant, was transferred to new owners Shane and Amy Peckover and changed its name to the Ounce. The Ounce has been refurbished with flagstone floors and very bright airy courtesy of AndyCheckettsConsultancy Photo décor and specialising in steaks that The Bell & Cross, Clent one buys by the ounce plus four changing guest beers. The Bell and Cross at Holy Cross, The Wheatsheaf Inn, Worcester has in Clent was closed before Christmas new management. Tony Gibbon who 2017, but has now reopened under ran Drummonds and managed The new management. New licensee Joe Beatless tribute band takes on the Tansley and his team, re-opened the Wheatsheaf pub, Henwick Road. A small pub in July after a sympathetic refit and Grade II-listed 18th-century terraced refurbishment of this pub’s historic local attracting both young and old. traditional interior features, which are A varied selection of guest ales is included in CAMRA’s National Inventory available, usually with at least one from of Historic Pub Interiors. It serves St. George’s Brewery, and two draught Enville and Wye Valley beers, along with ciders. other guests and offers a speciality A La The freehold on the Queen’s Head on Carte menu as well as lite bites. Bromsgrove Road in Redditch has been Cannon Royall Brewery has moved sold by auction, but it is not yet known from behind the Fruiterer’s Arms what the new owners intend to do with (Uphampton, Ombersley) to a new the pub. location at Honeybourne near Evesham A new café/bar has opened on as White Rabbit Brewery. Six Cannon Bromsgrove High Street called Ollies, Royall beers are to be brewed and six 7

Local Pub & Brewery News

White Rabbit beers are also planned, is staged each month. These include some using existing Cannon Royall screening of commercial and Arthouse recipes, as well as a German lager using films and hosting of local musicians. German lager yeast, ingredients and, Top quality traditional ales are always surprisingly, imported water from supplied. The brewery is also a well- Germany! It will be cask conditioned attended venue during the annual and sold chilled in White Rabbit pubs Worcester Music Festival. by handpull, so a real beer as far as Brewing here is largely a one-man we’re concerned. This will be badged as operation. The brewery has a 6-barrel Bohemian Brewing Co. capacity, with the kit having been Bewdley Brewery tap room is open lovingly rebuilt and refurbished on Fridays and Saturdays 12-6pm and following relocation from Ludlow now also on Sunday afternoons 12- Brewery. Aiming to complete at least 3pm, as well as Bank Holidays. The cask one brew a month, the locally-themed beer range is increasing to three hand range includes Sabrina’s Dark Ruby pulls. The special anniversary 10% brew, Ale 1651 (named from the date of the Decennium, recently won Silver in the Battle of Worcester); Powick Porter, and British Bottlers Institute competition. a number of session bitters. One can The Mare and Colt near Kidderminster often find Brian’s beers in local pubs, has a new manager who is a CAMRA and at local beer festivals. While the member and offers 10% discount to brewery is successful and the events CAMRA members on beers. are well-supported, life as a one-man, The newly opened riverside ‘spare-time’ brewer is complex and the Courtyard Restaurant in Bewdley is challenges faced are considerable. reported to have good food and offers Worcestershire Way from Bewdley Brewery on hand pump. Underneath the Arches – Worcester Brewing Company The historic Victorian brick-built railway arches in Worcester City Centre’s Cherry Tree Walk, house a number of businesses, and at Arch 49 is the Worcester Brewing Company. Started 4 years ago by brewer Brian Tonks, the brewery combines a passion for well-crafted traditional ales with active local community engagement. Brian teamed up with acclaimed local artist Andy Tyler to produce highly Elizabeth and Sean Barnett celebrate distinctive artwork for hand-pull clips, awards posters and banners. The brewery is Pershore Brewery picks up two medals. a venue for community-based events In its 2018 awards, The Small and gatherings, and some type of event Independent Brewers’ Association (SIBA) 9 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

Wythall’s 9th Beer Festival 23 Real Ales, Ciders & Perry Gin & Prosecco Bar

Friday 5th October 6.30pm - 11.30pm Saturday 6th October noon to 11.30pm

Entertainment – Friday Eve: Old Comrades Jazz Band Saturday eve : 70s, 80s, 90s music by Karmalyte

Wythall Community Club Silver Street, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6LZ

More information on www.wythall-park.org.uk

10 Local Pub & Brewery News Photos courtesy of AndyCheckettsConsultancy Photos

has awarded two medals to Pershore Brewery. Elizabeth and Sean Barnett, as director and brewer, received a bronze award for Black Moon, Woodcote Manor – A Small Brewery a 5% ginger and lemongrass dark with Mighty Beers! porter and a silver award for Elder May, Woodcote Manor, to the west of a 3.8% elderflower blonde speciality Bromsgrove, at Dodford, first appeared light beer. These are hotly contested in the Doomsday Book. The current awards, where a huge range of entries buildings originate from the 15th are judged by a panel of “blind tasting” century. judges including local brewer, Chris Fast forward to 2008, and the historic Gooch, from the Teme Valley Brewery. buildings and grounds came under the Elizabeth said, “We are thrilled to have custodianship of Will Taylor and his this recognition from other brewers. wife Shirley. After lovingly restoring the The brewery is developing more ales manor, Will’s attention turned to the and there is a brewery tap open on tumbled down old coaching house. The Friday afternoons from 3pm.” roof, open to the skies, was restored and See www.pershorebrewery.com for the historic building given over to a new more information. use as a brewery in 2015. 11 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

12 Local Pub & Brewery News

Will Taylor with his mash tun and copper

Will is passionate about beer and brewing. He installed a small second-hand 1½ barrel plant and set combination produces a fresh fruity to work experimenting with various beer with spicy notes, and whilst hops brews. All his beers use ingredients in predominate throughout, the finish is their natural state and are given time to smooth and lingering. settle by chilling to 40C for a day or two, Oatmeal Stout is the third, a glorious without the use of finings. All are vegan- 4.5% rich dark beer in which the friendly with the possible exception of flavours of coffee and chocolate from one with honey in the recipe. This is a the chocolate and dark malts have been fresh approach amongst some modern skilfully balanced with Fuggles and brewers and challenges the long-held Goldings hops. Vanilla creeps through notion that beer should be crystal and the smooth bitter coffee finish clear. Squire’s Gold has evolved into lingers, tempting a further taste of a Single Hop, an amber coloured 4.4% truly enticing full-flavoured and rich well-balanced best bitter brewed with dark beer. Fuggles hops and grown by Will in the Will brews two or three times a week grounds. The hops are complemented as he also produces three special beers with background hints of root ginger for local pubs. Weavers Exclusive is and the fragrance of local honey. A produced especially for the Weavers thoroughly fresh and enjoyable ale. at Park Lane in Kidderminster as its The second of his current core range house beer. Half Cut goes only to the is Indian Pale Ale. A burst of soft yet Little Ale House in Bromsgrove, and intense hop aromas greet the nose from SSS to Alestones at Tardebigge. They’re a combination of Cluster, Cascade and all individual recipes, rather than Citra hops. The 4.5% beer is dry hopped modifications of other beers. Much to with Mosaic and Equinox and the whole enjoy! 13 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

Our community pub is a finalist in the Best Tourism Pub category of the Worcestershire Awards for Excellence 2018.

We pride ourselves on our selection of real ales and ciders, with an emphasis on local products, throughout the year – not just for our two Summer Festivals. Why not pay us a visit and see what we have to offer? We have great food too ! Also see our website www.elmleycastle.com for information on special theme nights and other events.

Opening times Monday (Bank hols Sunday hours) 18.00-2100 (Drinks only) Tuesday, Wednesday 11.00-1430 & 17.30-2300 Food 12.00-1400 & 1800-2100 Thursday to Saturday 11.00-23.00 Food 12.00-14.00 & 18.00-21.00 Sunday 11.00-20.00 Sunday Roast 12.00-16.00

Main Street, Elmley Castle WR10 3HS 01386 710251 [email protected] www.elemleycastle.com

YE OLDE SEVEN STARS STARS KIDDERMINSTER’S

SEVEN OLDEST REAL ALE PUB

NEW OFFERING 6 REAL ALES CAMRA MEMBERS' DISCOUNT SCHEME CASK ALES ONLY £3.20 THE ALL

OF THE SEVEN STARS LOYALTY CARD GIVES CREDIT AND! ON ANY PURCHASE for USE IN THE PUB BUY 6 PINTS - GET ONE FREE ON ALL DRAUGHT DRINKS!

FUTURE FRESHLY MADE COBS, DELICIOUS LOCAL PIES, LIVE MUSIC EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS YE OLDE SEVEN STARS

THE CASK ALES AND COB HOUSE TO

WELCOME CELEBRATING THE NEW 5 YEAR TENANCY FOR LAURENCE GOODWIN 14 Readers’ Comments Readers’ Comments

The following articles have been ‘CAMRA now neutral on ‘cask breathers’ submitted by our readers and may Members decided to change CAMRA’s not reflect the opinions of CAMRA. We policy on “cask breathers” - devices would welcome your articles and news used in pub cellars to lengthen the life which can be submitted at : of cask beers by ensuring a blanket pinttaken.org.uk/send-news of carbon dioxide preserves the beer. National Director Ben Wilkinson said: To Breathe or Not To Breathe? “This motion is about giving more Ed Butcher - Redditch and freedom to CAMRA’s branches. There Bromsgrove branch are a lot of pubs across the UK which cannot be placed in the Good Beer Guide A Cask Breather is a device which (GBG) because of our policy. This will allows low pressure CO2 to fill the space allow pubs to be included in the GBG in the cask as ale is drawn out, instead based on the quality of the beer and the of allowing air to enter. This simply pub. Cask breathers improve the quality reduces the rate at which oxidation of beer and that is all that they do. Let’s occurs, keeping the contents fresher for trust branches and our local members longer. The CO2 does not diffuse into to assess the quality of beers on their the liquid, and does not cause any fizz, merit.” and of course does not pressurise the As Cask Breathers are now sanctioned dispensing system. Proponents of the by CAMRA, you may want to pass the system claim that customers would news onto your local licensee! never know that a Breather was in use, and benefit from a fresher product. End of yeast? No, Boldly Going Forward! Licensees benefit from reduced waste, Ray Sanders - Worcester branch so where’s the problem? CAMRA policy for many years was Scientists from the University of that the use of Cask Breathers was California-Berkeley have genetically unacceptable, and that premises using engineered yeast that not only them would not be included in the converts sugars into alcohol through Good Beer Guide. That all changed as an fermentation, but also adds hoppy April press release headlined, “CAMRA flavours to a pale ale. Their research looks to the future as its members call paper, recently published, describes for positive change”, and included the how scientists isolated the various oils following statement regarding the use naturally produced by hops that give of Cask Breathers. hoppy beer its bitter flavour and then used them to genetically modify the DNA of brewer’s yeast to the produce the same bitter oils. 15 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

Hops were originally added to beer As someone on the front line in as a preservative. The most famous Worcester’s only real ale dedicated pub IPAs, or India Pale Ales, were developed serving proper real ale and promoting in the 1780s. British troops in India real ale to women, young drinkers, and needed a way to make their beer last lager drinkers we are doing everything what was then, a six-month journey to and more than CAMRA festivals ever India, where it was far too hot to make could. Long term, which is better for real beer using the methods of the time. ale: a three-day p*** up in a tent, or real When hops were added to the wort they ale enthusiasts offering fantastic local acted as a preservative that resulted in brews all year round? It’s your call. a more bitter beverage that would age instead of spoil during its voyage across Sign of the the sea. These days there’s no need to Times … add hops as a preservative, but IPAs are of Queen hugely popular for their distinctive Elizabeth I hoppy taste. Having a yeast that can … at Elmley consistently produce a specific hoppy Castle! flavour has obvious advantages for Richard brewers bravely seeking out new worlds. Walton

The Impact of beer festivals on pubs The historic Chris Hankins (Licensee at The Bull pub in Baiters, Worcester) Elmley Castle is CAMRA’s boast to have sold over two named after Queen Elizabeth pub sign million pints in over 200 festivals last the first Queen Elizabeth in honour of year sparked an interesting CAMRA her visit to the village on 20 August 1575 Facebook debate. A growing number whilst staying with the squire, William of CAMRA members question the Savage. Since Edwardian times the pub validity of the beer festival now we have has sported an unusual and historic incredible pubs serving incredible beers sign marking the visit of Elizabeth I – a CAMRA success story. to the village. The pub re-opened as a Two million pints, however, is about community venture at the end of 2014, £7m - the annual turnover (not profit) but the sign had deteriorated to the of about 70 small pubs. Worse still, the point of unusability. Thanks to some hardest hit are real ale pubs who lose generous donations there is now an many customers for 3 or 4 days, many expertly restored and painted new pub weeks of the year. You have to wonder sign in place. One side of the sign is how many pubs could have avoided a portrait of the Queen in her finery, closure with a £7m bonanza? Of course based upon a version dating back to we can’t say but, for example, if all the 1585 by Nicholas Hilliard, which can be attendees at festivals came from just viewed at Hatfield House. The other side 200 pubs those pubs would be no more. of the sign … well, it can now be viewed Quite an eye opener. by visiting the pub! 16 CAMRA Campaigning The Mass lobby takes HOP POLE fight for pubs to Friar St, Droitwich Westminster Open 12-11, Sun 12-10.30 Great Value Lunches - £3.50 CAMRA is to take its campaigns to the Five real ales always available heart of government with a mass lobby Wye Valley HPA and Butty Bach plus guest ales of MPs on Tuesday, 30th October. The day is an opportunity for members to An award winning traditional pub that offers a friendly atmosphere and staff who are always pleased to see you. talk to their MP ahead of the Autumn Budget, which is expected to take place Redditch & Bromsgrove CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 in late November or early December. A mass lobby is an effective way for CAMRA to communicate to MPs and the government about campaigns which needs legislative change in a short time period, creating a sense of urgency. Tax campaign committee 01905 770155 chairman Ian Garner said: “This will be our opportunity to bring pressing campaign issues to the attention of up to 650 MPs. Meetings with many MPs on a single day encourages them to discuss CAMRA campaigns with ministers, among each other within parliament, and outline their support for CAMRA’s campaigns on social media.” The purpose of the day will be to ask MPs to commit to the following CAMRA Dog & Pheasant campaigns: 24 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove B61 7AE • Axing plans to increase beer duty in 01527 836322 the upcoming Autumn Budget. Newly Refurbished • A permanent business rate relief for 6 Real Ales and 2 Ciders on Hand Pump English pubs in the upcoming Au- tumn Budget. Two Pool Tables and Juke Box • An urgent review of the Pubs Code so the market rent only option be- Open : Mon — Wed 2pm to 11pm comes a genuine choice for tenants Thu 1pm to 12am, Fri 1pm to 2am, in England and Wales. Sat 12pm to 2am, Sun 12pm to 10pm

17 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

Landlords Andy and THE Maria look forward to welcoming you to The Black Star - a friendly BLACK STAR pub serving an extensive menu of tasty Stourport food and a fine selection of Wye Valley Brewery and guest ales. The Black Star is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2018, is the Wyre Forest CAMRA Opening Times Pub of the Year Silver Sunday to Thursday Finalist 2018. Midday - 11.00pm It provides all the Friday to Saturday Midday - Midnight comforts of a traditional Sunday pub in a truly beautiful Midday - 10.30pm setting. It has a lovely Live Music garden overlooking the Fri, Sat, Sun evening canal and is just a short walk from the canal 01299 488 838 basin and Stourport town centre.

The Swan at Blakedown Village Pub and Free House serving local Real Ales from Sadler's, Wye Valley, Purity, Holdens and guest ales from around the country. Bar and Restaurant serving excellent value home cooked food and a specially selected wine list. Large patio and garden with children’s play area, and dogs are welcome in the bar. OPEN 11-11 Mon-Sat 11-10.30 Sun FOOD served 12-9pm every day 20p off a pint of any cask ale when showing your CAMRA card. [email protected] Family run by Chris & Tracy 01562 700 229 18 World Beer complex flavours. Highly hopped New Beer Disruption England style IPAs are abundant, for sure. But not exclusively, with malty Nick Yarwood Reds, English Pale Ales, Stouts, Porters and American Pale Ales readily on offer. I’m writing this whilst visiting There’s a very enthusiastic following Portland in Oregon, USA, having flown and great interest from people of all over from Boston and Philadelphia. ages, particularly Millennials, with I was last in the States ten years ago. disposable income. Bar staff are very Bars were dominated by Miller Lite and knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Budweiser; it was difficult to find any their beers. It’s not cheap by British beer with flavour unless visiting one of comparison - $6 for a US pint (16oz), so a small number of new breweries that equivalent to about £5 a pint in the UK. were just starting to take root. Why is this of interest, you may be I may as well be in a parallel beer thinking? universe now. What starts in the States often Almost any town of any size in New migrates to the UK. And Craft Beer England and on the West Coast has has already arrived. It’s got the same a small brewery or three. And their interesting variety. It’s different. It’s beers are in every bar, in a multitude of modern. It has the same appeal. It’s easy (mainly) delicious styles and flavours. to keep and dispense. And it comes at a Five or six is a minimum and up to premium price, same as in the States. fifteen or twenty isn’t unusual. UK breweries with their finger on Bars often have a list they hand out of the pulse are responding with their their current offerings, helpfully giving own versions. And it’s influencing the a brief description, strength, bitterness flavours and styles of cask ales too – in IBUs (International Bittering Units) and that’s the opportunity not present and the price. Strength can be as low as in the States. The big boys are buying up 4.5% ABV but is typically around 6% and small breweries to stay in the game on higher. I tried a rich and delicious 12.3% both sides of the Atlantic – (watch out Oatmeal Stout in Boston - thankfully for more ubiquitous Doom Bars). in a 5oz measure! Cloudy beers are It’s a disrupter, and it’s in the UK to common, intentionally. But that in no stay. Those that adapt will surely survive way detracts from the enjoyment of and prosper. Whether they be brewers, interesting colours, full aromas and pubs, bars or real ale campaigners.

25 beers in a Plymouth bar, Massachusetts 19 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

Bottles available from brewery in cases of 12 or just 1 bottle

18 pint, 36 pint and 72 pint containers always available with 3 days notice SHOP BAR OPEN OPEN www.bewdleybrewery.co.uk Mon to Sat Fri & Sat 10.00-16.00 12.00-18.00 Brewery shop: 01299 405148

20 Beer styles

What is Craft Beer? they have greater control over how Gez Quinn the beer tastes when it is served, and Craft beer is a term that has come also extends its shelf life. For this into common usage and originally reason they also lend themselves referred to all beers produced by small to being packaged and are widely independent breweries, however it has available in bottles and cans. The come to be applied to the newer beers majority of craft beer shouldn’t be that are typically kegged and served confused with the likes of lager, under pressure or in cans and bottles. Guinness and smooth flow bitters So why are these beers so different which are also kegged and served to cask ales? Well the truth is that under pressure, as these are also they’re not; the difference is mainly filtered and pasteurised to produce in the way that they’re served. Once a ‘dead’ beer. Craft beers come in a brewed, traditional cask ale sits and variety of tastes and styles as well as conditions in the pub cellar before strengths – they can range between being served, usually, through a hand an ABV of 2% all the way up to 10% pull. These newer brewers tend to and beyond. In my opinion, the beer search out different flavoured malts does tend to absorb the gas and so and hops from around the world to you do get a fizz on your tongue, but create distinctive tasting beers, they if you’ve not yet tried a craft beer also favour kegging their beers, which and enjoy different tasting beers, I means that the beers are racked into would encourage you to give them pressurized containers and served a try and make your own mind up, using pressurised CO2 , this means after all variety is the spice of life. 21 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

Pool Furlong, The Clent Club Clent, Nr Stourbridge DY9 9RE

Tel 01562 730 279

Dawn & Steve Bubb welcome you

Serving 4 real ales (HPA permanent and 3 guest ales) each week plus 2 traditional ciders

 Sky TV Free Wi-Fi  Best views in Clent  Warm friendly atmosphere  Saturday night Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA Club of the Year 2018 entertainment

22 Talking with a Brewer Talking with brewer Jerry Hedges from Enville Brewery

What trends are there in beer styles? Low and no alcohol beers are steadily gaining ground particularly among younger drinkers. More flavoursome ingredients and new brewing techniques are really allowing brewers to produce very drinkable low alcohol beers. The days of tasteless Kaliber are changing and the low duty incentive, and socially responsible climate (or Nanny State as one brewery calls it) is driving brewers to experiment and AndyCheckettsConsultancy. supplied by Photo I believe this category of beer will increase its market share in the next 5 years. My current favourite is our Stourton’s American Pale Ale. The sales Jerry Hedges, Director and Brewer at Envllle of the darker beers have diminished Brewery considerably over the past 18 months. the discerning drinker knows, because Who sponsors the Cask Marque it’s invariably the pubs that do that system and does it work for you? win all the awards! Enville offers free I’m fairly neutral about Cask cask cellar training to their regular Marque. Enville actually sponsors customers to protect brand reputation several local pubs by paying 50% of and underpin quality. their annual accreditation fee (on What do you think about the American condition our brand is a regular on style IPAs? the bar) as we believe that those who I’ve been a fan of American style seek accreditation will serve a better IPA’s for many years and through pint. I am also pleased to say that Cask visits to USA I have been fortunate Marque has even begun to feature the to tour several West Coast breweries sponsoring brewery’s name on the including the Anchor Steam Brewery accreditation certificate, but sadly not in San Francisco, Sierra Nevada on the wall plaque. To Enville Cask Brewery and the Lagunitas Brewing Marque is a starting point, but all ales Company. (Known for its 6.2% IPA and are different and to enjoy a pint of 4.2% Lunchtime -Ed) and an amazing Enville it needs serving between 100C brewery/tap-house called Magnolia and 120C, whereas Cask Marque will Brewing Co. San Francisco where the award a pass at 140C. Equally, Cask hippy movement began back in the marque couldn’t physically check who 60’s. We popped in for a pint and a hard pegs at night and who doesn’t, but burger and stopped 9 hours! 23 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

The Wyche Inn Free House

Good Beer Guide 4 Star Inn 2011 to 2018 Accommodation

A welcoming traditional pub and B&B in an elevated position in the Malvern Hills overlooking the Three Counties Showground and the Cotswolds.

Mon 12-9 Mon-Fri 12-2.30 & 6-8.30 Tue-Fri 12-11 Sat 12-8.30 (Snacks only 2.30-5) Sat 11-11 Sun 12-3.30 & 6-7.30 Sun 11-10.30

24 Book Reviews

A micropub is a small, independently Book reviews owned, one room pub serving real ale. Micropubs don’t offer food, TV or music David Harris and are often found in former retail premises in towns. Whether you are new to beer or an old hand, hopefully you should find IPA by Roger something of interest in the selection Protz Pavillion below. Books make great presents so if £20 you are struggling to find something for India Pale Ale the beer lover in your life. Then why not (IPA) is one of the give them a book? most popular The Great British styles of craft Pub by Steve Finn beer in the world SPF Media £8 today. This book Have you ever charts the history wondered why of this beer from so many pubs its origin in the have closed in C18 to the present day. The author also recent years? Why gives in-depth reviews of over 160 IPAs do pubs vary so from around the world. much in their standards? This The Seven book really lifts Moods of Craft the lid on the Beer by Adrian licensed trade and debunks many of Tierney-Jones the myths about pub closures. Steve 8 Books £12.99 has spent most of his working life in Over 350 beers the licenced trade and writes with great from around conviction and insight. If you are at all the world are interested in pubs then this book will reviewed in this provide a most rewarding read. book which The Micropub Guide by Hardy M & categorises Murray D. Kyle/ them by Duncan Petersen mood: Social, Adventurous, Poetic, £14.99 Bucolic, Imaginative, Gastronomic and This is a new Contemplative. The author chooses entry in the beers which complement each mood. world of pub The reviews are well crafted and the guides, in that it book is illustrated with line drawings. lists the 200 new micropubs that have opened in the last 10 years. 25 Pint Taken Autumn 2018 The Bell ~ A proper pub with real food ~ A warm welcome and six superbly-kept real ales plus Robinsons, Oldfields and a range 01299 of real ciders & perries. l Group bookings and functions welcome 896677 l 29 years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide l CAMRA 2015 Worcestershire Pub of the Year l Local Produce, Home-made Food l Daily Blackboard Menu l Sunday Lunch £10 l Sandwiches from £5 l Tue-Sat Lunch Specials £7 l Closed Monday lunch (except Bank Holidays) Ian and his team welcome you to The Bell at Pensax, Abberley, Worcs, WR6 6AE On the B4202 between Clows Top and Abberley

26 Book Reviews

50 Greatest Beers The World Atlas in the World of Beer by Webb by Tim Hampson T & Beaumont Icon £8.99 S. Mitchell Beazley £25 This book chooses some 20 This book diff erent styles focuses on 30 of beer from major beer 11 diff erent producing countries. The countries author writes and looks in-depth reviews of beers which include at their indigenous beer styles. There a very wide range from Imperial Stouts must be coming on for 20,000 diff erent to lagers. breweries in the world, now that the craft beer revolution has spread to most corners of the globe. The book has many useful maps and will inspire readers to plan a holiday in a beer region.

UK’s Best-Selling Beer and Pub Guide

• Surveyed by local CAMRA members • Available direct from CAMRA and good book caneyscider.co.uk shops 07876 346 737 • Essential for all real ale [email protected] drinkers 27 Pint Taken Autumn 2018

The GOLDEN LION 7 Different Ales! George St Local beers KIDDERMINSTER often from a Bewdley TRADITIONAL Enville FRIENDLY PUB WiFi Wye Valley Pork Pies and Cobs always available Live Music every Wednesday evening Beer Garden Children welcome Dog friendly Open every day 12 noon to 11pm

28 Branch Diaries

Sat 22nd September South Branch Diaries Worcestershire Survey Trip-1 setting off 11.30am outside The Hive, The following events are open to all Worcester CAMRA members, but non-members are Sat 6th October Burton-Upon-Trent welcome to join us. Pub Exploration Wed 10th October Members’ Meeting Redditch & Bromsgrove Branch venue: TBA Contact [email protected] or call Sat 27th October East Worcestershire Paul: 07974 889553; for social trips Survey Trip-2 setting off 11.30am e-mail [email protected] or visit outside The Hive, Worcester our website: www.rb.camra.org.uk Fri 9th November (evening) Three Meetings held on 4th Tuesday of the Kings, Hanley Castle Annual Beer month and start at 8pm. Festival Sat 22nd September Branch Trip to Leek Wed 14th November Members’ & Around. Contact Meeting venue: TBA [email protected] to book a place. Tue 25th September Branch Social Wyre Forest CAMRA Meeting at Weatheroak Tap House, High Contact @wyreforest.camra.org.uk or St. Studley call Nick Rubery: 07812 451547 Sat 6th October Branch Trip to www.wyreforest.camra.org.uk Kidderminster, Bewdley & Around. Members’ Meetings start at 7.45pm Contact Tue 4th September Members’ Meeting [email protected] to book a place. at Bewdley Brewery DY12 2DZ Tue 23rd October Branch Social Meeting Sat 22nd September Rural pub tour at The Crown Inn, Withybed Lane, starting 11am from Kidderminster, Alvechurch book seats in advance. Sat 3rd November Branch Trip to Milton Tue 2nd October Members’ Meeting Keynes & Around. Contact at the Hope & Anchor, Stourport DY13 [email protected] to book a place. 8UN Tue 27th November Branch Social Sat 13th October Ludlow Brewery Meeting at Boat & Railway, Stoke tour and pubs by bus leaving Prior. Drafting GBG 2020 entries and Kidderminster 9.30am return 4.30pm. shortlisting candidates for Pub of the Pre-booking essential. Year. Tue 6th November Members’ Meeting at the Castle Inn, Park Ln, Worcester Branch Kidderminster DY11 6TE Contact @worcestercamra.org.uk or call Mark Griffiths: 07968 337487 Shakespeare Branch www.worcester.camra.org.uk [email protected] Members’ meetings are on the second www.shakespeare.camra.org.uk Wednesday of every month 7.45 for 8pm. Covering Evesham area Wed 12th September Members’ Meeting Worcestershire Tasting Panel: at Oil Basin Brew House, Worcester 29 The Robin Hood Inn is located within the picturesque hamlet of Drayton, near Belbroughton. A jewel in the heart of the English countryside. The bar and restaurant offers a wide variety in modern British cuisine including classic steaks and appetizing fish dishes. These are prepared using fresh and local produce accompanied with a tempting selection of real ales and fine wines. Our service is excellent and our staff friendly, catering for all your needs. There is a children’s adventure playground and with its country charm, extensive woodland gardens and with our large outside seating area for al fresco dining. Food is served from 12 noon until 9.30 pm. Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon until 9.00 pm on Sunday.

We also serve a traditional Roast Sirloin of Beef, Pork and Chicken with all the trimmings. Enjoy a beautiful walk from Belbroughton village to Drayton along the brook passing around the mill pools and return across the fields with a view of Clent hills. Look out for birds & waterfowl on your route back to The Robin for lunch Branch Diaries

Chair Nick Yarwood [email protected] Please have appropriate footwear with you for cider farms and orchards. There may also be short walks during the trip. National Cider and Perry Trip The price for this trip is:- CAMRA Members £22.00; Non Members £24.00 CAMRA is running a trip to visit cider Lunch at Tardebigge Cider is included producers, where you will have the in the price. chance to visit orchards, spend time The cost of the trip is to be paid in full with experienced producers and fi nd when booking. out how they make their cider. Booking can ONLY be made via The trip takes place on 13th October Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite. 2018 and the itinerary is as follows: - co.uk/e/national-cider-perry-trip-2018 The bus will depart from Worcester Those without internet can contact Shrub Hill Railway Station at 11am and Liz Wickham on 01727 798459 with your The Robin Hood Inn is located within the picturesque hamlet of Drayton, near then visit: card details. Belbroughton. A jewel in the heart of the English countryside. Tardebigge Cider, Tutnall; and PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS ARE The bar and restaurant offers a wide variety in modern British cuisine including classic Barbourne Cider, Worcester AVAILABLE. steaks and appetizing fish dishes. We will then return to Worcester Shrub If you have any queries please contact These are prepared using fresh and local produce accompanied with a tempting selection Hill Station for 6pm. Andrea Briers on 07732 754888. of real ales and fine wines. Our service is excellent and our staff friendly, catering for all your needs. There is a children’s adventure playground and with its country charm, extensive woodland gardens and with our large outside seating area for al fresco dining. Food is served from 12 noon until 9.30 pm. Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon until 9.00 pm on Sunday.

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