SEASONED
DRINKER
THE
Beer to put
a spring in
your step
and food
to match...
with Sophie Atherton
E
nglish weather isn’t renowned for its consistency at
any time of year, but as the seasons change it’s even
easier to get caught out. Do you dress for winter or
spring? Is it safe to ditch the thermals yet? The wrong
decision will leave you shivering at the bus stop or sweating
through a night out with friends. The same
conundrum applies to beer but it can be much easier to
resolve. Many beer lovers will be used to the concept of
seasonal beers which are only brewed at certain times of
year. Unlike the days before electric or gas powered
refrigeration these are now largely governed by what
appeals to drinkers when the weather is hot and sunny
compared to when it’s cold, damp and grey – coupled with
the habit many have of drinking with their eyes. Darker
beers seem to belong in winter and golden ales and lagers to
long, sunny days. Similarly the full bodied nature and,
often, higher alcoholic strength of many dark beers
provides a feeling of warmth and comfort in the depths of
winter. Given that in Britain we might be thrown a weather
curve ball at any time of year – but especially when the
seasons are on the turn – here are our suggested beers for
the variety of weathers you might encounter as we make
our way towards spring.
For cold and murky days: Palmers Tally Ho (5.5%)
This traditional strong bitter is incredibly drinkable for its strength. A dark chestnut
coloured brew, it mixes flavours of dark, dried fruits with a hint of molasses leading to
a dry finish provided by the hops. Try it with strong, vintage Cheddar cheese.
Chilly but bright: Gyle 59 Starstruck (6.6%)
Malty chocolate flavours and tangy, fruity hops meet a herbal spicy edge in this
porter based on the same brewery’s The Favourite. Starstruck is named for the special
ingredient in this version, star anise - bringing a subtle aniseed flavour which increases
little with each sip. Try pairing it with Chinese style pork - use pork belly or a shoulder
joint, rub in Chinese Five Spice as a dry marinade, leave uncovered in the fridge overnight and cook the next day - making the best crackling you can. Serve with cool (but
not cold) glasses of Starstruck.
Getting warmer: Sixpenny Brewery IPA (5.2%)
This pale bronze coloured beer shows the power hops have to bring aroma and
flavour to beer. Expect aromas of grass clippings, melon and lychees and a zesty,
fruity hop flavour with pronounced, delicious bitterness balanced by malt reminiscent
of barley sugar. Whether the sun is shining or it’s still chilly this beer will lift your
spirits and sustain you.
Prop up or stock up - where to drink or buy Dorset beers
Sixpenny Brewery Tap, Sixpenny Handley.
This cosy, little brewery bar is the perfect place to enjoy all Sixpenny’s beers including
their IPA. You can also buy beer to take away. Open: Wed, Thur, Fri afternoons and
Saturday mornings. Find precise times and more info at: www.sixpennybrewery.co.uk
www.menu-dorset.co.uk
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