On the Macclesfield Party Beer Trail. Have paid a second visit to the superlative Castle for more @steelfishbrewco.bsky.social beer and the superb homemade pork pie.
John Clarke
@beer4john.bsky.social
Lover of British, Belgian and Dutch beers. CAMRA activist who enjoys beer in all its forms. Beer writer (of sorts), beer judge, host of talks and tastings. Editor of Opening Times maagzine: ssm.camra.org.uk/magazine
This is currently one of the best things happening in UK beer (and lots more besides) - everyone should get behind it.
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A rare recent release from Crossover Blendery is beer number seven, and, as expected, it's delicious. Cements Crossover's position as the UK's top producer of fruit beers.
Dave and I often have similar tastes in beer. But not this one. I rather like it but Dave very much doesn't...
About to embark on another Mills and Crossover Blendery catch up with @daveratkins.bsky.social . We've let things accumulate a bit...
I planned to finish on a Dutch beer but seeing this on the bottle list I couldn't resist...
Couldn't visit Eindhoven without going to the Drinkers Pub...
This innocuous glass contains a spectacularly good beer. It's Tootske by Gent's Dok Brewing and is a Fig Leaf Wild Ale of exceptional quality
First beer today is One More (5.3%), a North German Pilsner from Poland's Moon Lark. A perfect example of the style and if I have a better beer today I'll be doing well. I'll certainly be having one more...
Cheese with apple & beer syrup for dipping matched with a Holy Goat West Coast IPA is working very well.
After a long day's travel, a few beers in the Van Moll Bar in Eindhoven are going to hit the spot.
Dropped into @yeoldevic.bsky.social on my way back from our Pub of the Month. Ooh, look what's on...
We have a few tkts left for our Scottish ales tasting on Sunday June7. 6 rare and interesting beers plus our cheese selection, free beer raffle and @beer4john.bsky.social hosting. All for £30. What else are you going to do on a Sunday?
This relic from the defunct Chorlton Brew Co is interesting. As @jamesksowerby.bsky.social put it "still sort of drinkable despite the off flavours".
Staying at Steelfish. This collab between @steelfishbrewco.bsky.social and @torrside.bsky.social was brewed just over a year ago. This is the last ever cask and it really is superb and has kept a huge amount of resiny hoppiness. Dangerously drinkable.
Also at @steelfishbrewco.bsky.social are some @burtonbridgebrew.bsky.social beers on cask. The Sovereign Gold was a delight and this Draught Burton Ale is delicious.
Starting off the Block Party at @steelfishbrewco.bsky.social where Manchester Union has a pop up bar and Vienna Lager on cask. It works very well.
The date for our next tasting is June 7. 6 excellent Scottish beers, our cheeseboard, free raffle and @beer4john.bsky.social all for £30. Yes??
Very lucky!
Roger Protz@rogerprotz.bsky.social · 4mo agoWe talk of #CitiesofAle. Historic Stockport is surely a #TownofAle. Home to family brewer Robinsons, Runaway Brewery, @heatonhops.bsky.social, Reddish Ale, award-winning @petersgatetap.bsky.social now running the revitalised Crown Inn. Lucky residents @beer4john.bsky.social @totalcurtis.bsky.social!
While researching in old copies of Opening Times for @totalcurtis.bsky.social, I came across a video review (in March 1995) where I was less then complimentary. I then wondered whether it had survived on YouTube and it has! It's a real relic: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYrp...
youtube.com
Just opened this very old beer ( from 2013) - brewed to mark the arrival of the new head brewer, a certain Colin Stronge, now of @lostcausebrewingco.bsky.social of course. Still some condition and very tasty but at 7.4% and 2 years older, not aged so well as the Tsar.
Good times at @torrside.bsky.social tap. This I'm Not Spartacus, a 6.8% black IPA is a thing of beauty and joy.
The brewery list for this year's Van Moll Festival is now complete. Very much looking forward to it - I have tickets for both days. vanmollfest.com
Van Moll Fest 2026 - Van Moll Fest
English Nederlands (Dutch) The #1 craft beer festival in the Netherlands Van Moll Fest Order your tickets Limited tickets available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGGTGzuyCIE 10 Years of Craft Beer C...
vanmollfest.com
I usually treat myself to a beer when I've finished work on Opening Times. This was a gift last year - bottled March 2015. The bottle says drink fresh but they needn't have worried. Still plenty of life, no oxidation and remarkably good.
