BeerCast #29 – London BOTY extra
“A BeerCast of all the talents”
“Ask not what The BeerCast can do for you, but what you can do for The BeerCast”
“We have nothing to fear but beer itself”
These are just a few of the inspirational quotes from (then minister) Richard’s call to arms when he took the high office of BeerCaster in chief in the summer of 2007. It was with this spirit of public service, that the London constituents of The BeerCast sat down to record our thoughts on The BeerCast’s Beers of the Year 2008 (or BOTY for short).
This was our first BeerCast flying solo. The professionals up in Edinburgh have perfected the art of pre-recording warm-up beers, and so we started off a little stilted but we soon loosened up (especially after the Hardcore IPA!) and started to meander wildly off-topic, as is the BeerCast way.
We only managed to source 3 of the 4 BOTY beers and so decided to throw in a random 4th beer for fun, with surprising consequences. Listen out for factiods from BeerCast first timer Francis Booth, meanderings into BeerCast favorite topic – labels, musings on hampster bedding and what exactly is a ‘two stemmed glass’?
1. Theakston XB (4.5%abv) 500ml glass bottle
Theakstons Brewery, Masham, North Yorkshire.
BeerCast#17 scored 25½/30 (85%) 19th Jun 2008
Originally tasted by Tom 9; Shovels 8½; Richard 8
Jess – I’ve got no complaints 7
Francis – Tastes like a 9 volt battery 7
Andy – It’s fine, but it’s not bowling me over 5
2. Summer Lightning (5.0%abv) 500ml glass bottle
The Hop Back Brewery, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
BeerCast #19 scored 27/30 (90%) 4th Aug 2008
Originally tasted by Shovels 9; Grooben 9; Richard 9
Francis – Less complex than XB, but perfect for summer 6
Andy – Zesty, but slightly watery 7
Jess – I find it very bitter 5
3. BrewDog Hardcore IPA (9.0%abv) 660ml glass bottle
BrewDog, Fraserburgh, Scotland.
BeerCast#15 scored 33½/40 (84%) 27th Apr 2008
Originally tasted by MrB 9½; Richard 9; Grooben 8; Shovels 7
Francis – It’s a bit syrupy, i see what they’re doing though 8
Jess – I find it too sweet, you can feel it on your teeth 4
Andy – I quite like it actually, but it’s a bit full on 7
4. Ridgeway Blue (5.0%abv) 500ml glass bottle
Ridgeway Brewing, South Stoke, England
What They Say – “Bottled. Copper colour with small white head. Aroma is sweet fruity hops at first, then turns quite earthy and grassy. Flavour is very dull fruity, grassy, earthy and some butter & yeasty notes. Not very pleasant.” [ratebeer.net]
What We Say…
Jess – Ahh, this is lovely 8
Andy – Fruity and refreshing, but i preferred Summer Lightning 6
Francis – This would dovetail with my evening nicely 8
Panellists – (from top left) Andy, Francis, Jess
- Listen to the episode here:BeerCast #29 – London BOTY extra
- Subscribe to the podcasts in iTunes or our site feed
BeerCasting is a fine art and the London branch has just set up it’s easel.
We disagreed with Edinburgh HQ on the beers, scored them even though Richard told us not to and ended up almost unable to speak. It was a thoroughly enjoyable 40 mins though, i hope you enjoy it too and we’ll be back with some more very soon.
