John Clarke
@beer4john
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
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.
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...
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...
Got a good crowd for my Scottish beer talk at @petersgatetap.bsky.social
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.
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.
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.
@lostcausebrewingco.bsky.social tap soft opening. It's a great space with great beer. What more could you want?
Good times at @torrside.bsky.social Smokefest - perhaps the most niche beer festival in the country...
All set for the second day's judging in the @skbeerfestival.bsky.social homebrew competition. Thanks again to @petersgatetap.bsky.social for hosting us.
Good times at Torrside tap. The American Barley Wine from 2023 on draft is a thing of joy. Beautifully smooth and drinkable.