Date: 19 May 2009 - Cloud Gazing
Sampled by:
ROC, FN, KOC, RN, TM and PV
With the Hogs Back Brewery Shop shutting at 8.30, an early start was called for and we all met at the brewery around 8.00. It was very pleasant spring evening and we soon settled down on the benches outside (provided for tour visitors) to enjoy a few beers and gaze at the clouds.
TM had been to Bradford during the week for the inauguration of the new Mayor; Councilor J D Godward. We were all a bit mystified why TM would want to go to such an event until he eventually mentioned the mayor was old friend of his. Having specially purchased a suit for the occasion, TM was true to form and managed to leave it at home!
| Pub | Location | OS Map Ref |
|
| Hogs Back Brewery Shop
| Tongham
| GU10 1DE
|
Comment | | Although probably not intended for use as a pub, the brewery shop does provide a fine opportunity for trying the Hogs Back beers in what should be tip-top condition. The beers tried did not disappoint and were indeed very refreshing. If you decide to try the experience, don’t forget to bring some glasses. As usual for a Wednesday evening, a brewery tour was ongoing. This time it was a group from The Prince of Wales at Farnborough, including one of the barmaids who Peter had brought along for everyone’s enjoyment.
|
| Brewer | beer | % | Price | Mark | Comment |
|---|
| Hogs Back
| Dark Mild
| 3.4
| -
| -
| Rare but untried!
|
| Hogs Back
| Spring Ale
| 4.0
| £1.77
| 4
| Light tasting and refreshing
|
| Hogs Back
| HBB
| 3.7
| -
| -
| Not tried
|
| Hogs Back
| TEA
| 4.2
| £1.82
| 4
| Top form
|
| Hogs Back
| Hop Garden Gold
| 4.6
| £1.92
| 4
| Exceptionally nice
|
| Pub | Location | OS Map Ref |
|
| White Hart
| Tongham
| GU10 1DH
|
Comment | | Alison and Kevin have turned this public house into a very good village local. It is just a shame that more of the locals don’t make use of this community asset. The guest beer range had changed completely since the weekend, which meant the Hogs Back Dark Mild had already gone. Also, to ROC’s chagrin, the Triple fff Apache Rose Peacock had yet to arrive. However, we soon forgot these little disappointments as the beers available, particularly those from Pilgrim, were very good.
|
| Brewer | beer | % | Price | Mark | Comment |
|---|
| Pilgrim
| Moild
| 3.8
| £2.95
| 3.5
| Surprised Frank
|
| Pilgrim
| Gold Spice
| 4.3
| £3.10
| 3.5
| Got some sort of spice said Tel
|
| Cottage
| Crackaway Jack
| 4.0
| £3.10
| 3.5
| The brewers name is Jack and he cracks one away (FN)
|
| Triple fff
| Stairway to the Hart
| 4.2
| £3.10
| 3.5
| Blended Alton’s and Stairway
|
| Adnams
| Broadside
| 4.7
| £3.25
| -
| Not tried
|
| Pub | Location | OS Map Ref |
|
| White Lion
| Aldershot
| GU12 4EA
|
Comment | | The old style jukebox was in full voice and the place was buzzing. The Pressed Rat was discounted to £2.00, probably because it was a little tired. The Alton’s was also lackluster until the fresh barrel was put on.
|
| Brewer | beer | % | Price | Mark | Comment |
|---|
| Triple fff
| Pressed Rat
| 3.8
| £2.00
| 3
| Tired
|
| Triple fff
| Alton’s Pride
| 3.8
| £2.60
| 3
| New barrel 3.5
|
| Triple fff
| Moondance
| 4.2
| £2.80
| 3
| Or 3.5 if KO could decide
|
| Triple fff
| Stairway
| 4.6
| £2.90
| 3
| -
|
| Cottage
| Crackaway Jack
| 4.0
| £2.90
| -
| Not tried
|
Then up the Garden Gate for a beer to far.