AzBeer: 2006

Friday, 29 December 2006

Aass Juleøl 2006 (6.5%)

Last beer of the year. This one also a gift from ØM.

Name: Aass Juleøl 2006, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Dark, redish brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Fruit and malt. Slightly winey.
Taste: Quite hoppy. Also malt and some fruit. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, NOK ?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 29/12-2006

Thursday, 28 December 2006

Ringnes Juleøl (6.5%)

2006 edition: Another Christmas Beer, again gift from ØM.

Name: Ringnes Juleøl 2006, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Dark brown, quite red. Very little head.
Aroma: Dark fruit, prunes. Some malt. Bit of honey.
Taste: Malt and fruit, some hops. Nice, full aftertaste.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, NOK ?.??
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 28/12-2006

2007 edition: Another one bought by ØM at Vinmonopolet, Tromsø.

Name: Ringnes Juleøl 2007, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Dark redish brown. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Caramel, malt. Dark fruit.
Taste: Malt and dark fruit. Slight bitterness.
Bought: Vinmonopolet, 330 ml, NOK 24.60
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 25/12-2007

Wednesday, 27 December 2006

Ringnes Julebokk 2006 (9.9%)

2006 edition: Fourth bottle that ØM got me. This one was rated Best Christmas Beer by two of the biggest newspapers in Norway (VG and Dagbladet).

Name: Ringnes Julebokk 2006, 9.9%, Norway
Appearance: Very dark brown, redish. Very little head.
Aroma: Dark fruit. Malty. Hint of coffee.
Taste: Very malty. Dark fruit. Bitter, longlasting aftertaste.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, NOK ?.??
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 27/12-2006

2012 edition:

Name: Ringnes Julebokk 2012, 9.0%, Norway
Appearance: Very dark brown, clear. Little bit of tan head.
Aroma: Good malt, slightly roasted. Some dark fruit.
Taste: More dark malt, quite roasted. Dark fruit. Nice.
Bought: Vinmonopolet, 330 ml, NOK 39.10
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 25/12-2012, BB: 4/10-2014

Sunday, 24 December 2006

Hansa Juleøl (6.5%)

2006 edition: Third bottled gift from ØM.

Name: Hansa Juleøl 2006, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Dark brown. Caramel. Almost black. Very little head.
Aroma: Dark fruit. Malt. Honey and prunes.
Taste: Dark fruit and malt. Smooth. Bitterish aftertaste.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, NOK ?.??
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 24/12-2006

2007 edition: Bought for me from Vinmonopolet, Tromsø by ØM.

Name: Hansa Juleøl 2007, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Dark redish brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Malt, dark fruit. Burnt. Prunes? Alcohol.
Taste: Slightly bitter, alcohol. Malt. Watery. Dark fruit.
Bought: Vinmonopolet, 330 ml, NOK 26.60
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 24/12-2007

Thursday, 21 December 2006

Mack Juleøl (6.5%)

2006 edition: Second Juleøl from the batch ØM brought over. This one brewed by Mack, the northernmost brewery in the world (until 2000).

Name: Mack Juleøl 2006, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Golden dark brown. Little head. Hint of red.
Aroma: Pretty malty and fruity. Oaky. Coffee.
Taste: Dark fruit and malt. Bitterish, but not too much.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, NOK ?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 21/12-2006

2007 edition: Second Norwegian Juleøl of the season. Also bought by ØM at Vinmonopolet, Tromsø.

Name: Mack Juleøl 2007, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Dark redish brown. Nice amount of head, shortlived.
Aroma: Dark fruit, some malt. Burnt caramel?
Taste: Burnt caramel, malt and dark fruit. Smooth.
Bought: Vinmonopolet, 330 ml, NOK 27.20
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 25/12-2007

2012 edition:

Name: Mack Juleøl 2012, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Dark, redish brown. Lots of light tan head.
Aroma: Good malt, some fruit.
Taste: More malt, some spices. Slight alcohol. Good.
Bought: Vinmonopolet, 330 ml, NOK 33.80
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 23/12-2012

Tuesday, 19 December 2006

De Troch Chapeau Pêche

Slightly stronger than the 3.0% as listed in the 500-book.

Name: De Troch Chapeau Pêche, 3.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Brownish orange. Cloudy. Absolutely no head.
Aroma: Peach. A bit sour.
Taste: Very sweet and peachy. Hint of sourness.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £1.09
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 19/12-2006, 127/500

Monday, 18 December 2006

My brother ØM and girlfriend came over to visit before Christmas. I asked him in advance if he could bring over my favourite type of Norwegian beer, Juleøl (Christmas beer), and he really outdid himself and brought over seven different types. I'm not one to complain, of course...

Name: CB Juleøl 2006, 6.5%, Norway
Appearance: Very dark brown, almost black. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Quite malty, hint of chocolate. Some hops. Dark fruits.
Taste: Malty and hoppy. Some dark fruit. Quite bitter.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, NOK ?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 18/12-2006

Thursday, 14 December 2006

Broughton Black Douglas Ale

Hmm, lots of Scottish beers lately...

Name: Broughton Black Douglas Ale, 5.2%, Scotland
Appearance: Dark brown. Lots of head.
Aroma: Malt and fruit. Dark fruit.
Taste: Malty. Fruit and hops. Bitter aftertaste. Earthy.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 14/12-2006, 126/500

Wednesday, 13 December 2006

Alba Scots Pine Ale

Name: Alba Scots Pine Ale, 7.5%, Scotland
Appearance: Chestnut brown. Not much head.
Aroma: Sweet, malt. Pine. Maybe fruit.
Taste: Sweet and pine. Interesting. Malt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.39
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 13/12-2006, 125/500

Tuesday, 12 December 2006

Grozet Gooseberry & Wheat Ale [Lagered Celtic Ale]

Name: Grozet Gooseberry & Wheat Ale, 5.0%, Scotland
Appearance: Golden orange. Nice amount of quite thick head.
Aroma: Hopsy. Fruity, gooseberry.
Taste: Gooseberry and hops. Bitterish. Weird. Not wheaty.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 12/12-2006, 124/500

Monday, 11 December 2006

Cottage Norman's Conquest

Name: Cottage Norman's Conquest, 7%, England
Appearance: Dark brown, bit of red. Little bit of head, more when warmer.
Aroma: Oaky, malt. Dark fruit. Raisins.
Taste: Malt, hops. Some fruit. Nutty. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £2.09
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 11/12-2006, 160/300, 123/500

Friday, 8 December 2006

Gordon Finest Scotch Highland Ale

Name: Gordon Finest Scotch Highland Ale, 8.6%, Belgium*
Appearance: Dark brown, slightly red. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Dark fruit. Malt. Bit of hops.
Taste: Malt and fruit. Quite bitter. Strong.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 8/12-2006, 122/500

* Changed from Scotland to Belgium as per Ratebeer.com 2014-07-08

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Celis White

Name: Celis White, 5%, United States
Appearance: Yellowy grey. Lots of head, initially.
Aroma: Wheaty, lemony. Flowery. Hops. Caramel?
Taste: Pretty hopsy, not too wheaty. Flowery. Surprisingly good.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £0.99
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 7/12-2006, 121/500

Nitpicking now, but this beer is listed as being 4.9% in the 500-book.

Wednesday, 6 December 2006

Liefmans Glühkriek

Did not initially see that the ideal serving temperature according to the 500-book is 70 degrees Celsius. At 6% instead of the 6.5% listed in the 500-book.

Name: Liefmans Glühkriek, 6%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark, brownish red. Basically no head.
Aroma: Cold: Fruit and a bit of cinnamon. Hot: Strong cloves/cinnamon aroma.
Taste: Cold: Sweet, but acidic too. Herbs/fruit. Hot: Like mulled wine, cinnamon.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £1.29
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 6/12-2006, 120/500

Tuesday, 5 December 2006

Gouden Carolus Classic

Slightly stronger than the 7.5% listed in the 500-book.

Name: Gouden Carolus Classic, 8.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Chestnut brown. Not much head.
Aroma: Dark fruit. Prunes, raisins. Malty.
Taste: Again, dark fruit. Prunes. Some malt. Slight mocha-taste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 5/12-2006, 119/500, 16/100

Monday, 4 December 2006

Boon Framboise

Name: Boon Framboise, 5%, Belgium
Appearance: Brownish red. Cloudy. Basically no head.
Aroma: Raspberry, tort? Sour. Maybe flowery.
Taste: Raspberry, but not overload. Pretty sour, quenching.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 375 ml, £2.75
Overall score: 1/6
Info: 4/12-2006, 118/500

Strange, must have been quite a lot stronger at 6.2% before since this is what it is listed with in the 500-book.

Thursday, 30 November 2006

Cristal

Flashback to Cuba - had a lot of these while in Varadero.

Name: Cristal, 4.1%, Cuba
Appearance: Pale golden. Tiny amount of head, shortlived.
Aroma: Some malt, fruit and hops.
Taste: Hoppy. Some malt and fruit. Not very exciting.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.19
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 30/11-2006, 10/300M

Tuesday, 28 November 2006

Bacchus

Name: Bacchus, 4.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark, redish brown. Very little head.
Aroma: Tart fruit, bit sour.
Taste: Tart fruit. Quite quenching and a bit sour.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £0.99
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 28/11-2006, 117/500

Monday, 27 November 2006

Castelain Ch'ti Blonde

Name: Castelain Ch'ti Blonde, 6.4%, France
Appearance: Golden, very little head. More when warmer.
Aroma: Yeasty, some fruit.
Taste: Fresh, hopsy. Some fruit. Bitter-ish aftertaste.
Bought: Budgens, 750 ml, £3.02
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 27/11-2006, 159/300

Sunday, 26 November 2006

Hoegaarden Hougaerdse DAS

Stronger than the 4.0% listed in the 500-book.

Name: Hoegaarden Hougaerdse DAS, 5.1%, Belgium
Appearance: Orangy brown. Cloudy. Not much head.
Aroma: Pretty wheaty. Yeast. Some fruit.
Taste: Not too wheaty. Spices. Some fruit and hops.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £1.09
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 26/11-2006, 116/500

Saturday, 25 November 2006

Lindemans Framboise

Name: Lindemans Framboise, 2.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark/Blood red. Almost no head.
Aroma: Strong raspberry aroma. Not much else.
Taste: Strong raspberry. Quite sour. Good for a lambic.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £1.39
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 25/11-2006, 115/500

Wednesday, 22 November 2006

Celis Pale Bock

Name: Celis Pale Bock, 5%, United States
Appearance: Dark, redish brown. Not much head.
Aroma: Fruity and malty.
Taste: Fruity and fresh, some hops and malt. Some aftertaste. Flowers, pollen, honey.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £0.99
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 22/11-2006, 114/500

This beer is listed as being 3.9% in the 500-book.

Tuesday, 21 November 2006

Lefebvre Saison 1900

Name: Lefebvre Saison 1900, 5.2%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark, orangy brown. Cloudy. Quite a lot of head.
Aroma: Pretty fruity. Bit of hops.
Taste: Fruit and bit of hops. Nice bitterish aftertaste. Some malt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.19
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 21/11-2006, 113/500

Monday, 20 November 2006

Liefmans Goudenband

Name: Liefmans Goudenband, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brown, slightly red. Nice amount of head. Pretty longlived.
Aroma: Earthy, bitter grains. Dark fruit?
Taste: Fruity, bittersweet. Bit of sourness. Not too bad.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 355 ml, £2.35
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 20/11-2006, 112/500, 9/300M

Sunday, 19 November 2006

Gambrinus Premium

Name: Gambrinus Premium, 5.0%, Czech Republic
Appearance: Light, golden brown. Little bit of shortlived head.
Aroma: Malt and hops - not much.
Taste: Malty at first, then hoppy. Slightly bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 19/11-2006, 111/500, 8/300M

Thursday, 16 November 2006

Küppers Kölsch

Name: Küppers Kölsch, 4.8%, Germany
Appearance: Pale golden. Short fizz, then no head at all.
Aroma: Bit of hops and fruit. Honey. Not much.
Taste: Hops and malty. Some fruit. Refreshing. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 16/11-2006, 110/500, 7/300M

Tuesday, 14 November 2006

Gaffel Kölsch

Name: Gaffel Kölsch, 4.8%, Germany
Appearance:Pale yellow/golden. Short fizz, then absolutely no head.
Aroma: Bit of hops and fruit. Not much.
Taste: Mix of malt, fruit and hops. Nice, bitter-ish aftertaste. Bit boring, though.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 14/11-2006, 109/500

Saturday, 11 November 2006

Jennings Cocker Hoop

Slightly weaker than the 4.8% listed in the 500-book.

Name: Jennings Cocker Hoop, 4.6%, England
Appearance: Pale golden. Little bit of head. Shortlived.
Aroma: Fruity. Raisins? Pretty hopsy. Bit of malt.
Taste: Quite hopsy. Fruity, just a bit of malt. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 11/11-2006, 108/500

Friday, 10 November 2006

Badger Tanglefoot

Name: Badger Tanglefoot, 5%, England
Appearance: Golden brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Fruity. Bit of malt. Lemony.
Taste: Malty, pretty malty. Bit of fruit. Bitter afterwards.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.55
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 10/11-2006, 107/500

Thursday, 9 November 2006

Meantime Raspberry Grand Cru

In case you wonder (probably not, but here goes), this one is not the same as the "Meantime Red Beer" in the 300-book. I emailed Meantime Brewery and asked them about the "retired" Red Beer, and I received a nice reply from Alastair Hook, their brewmaster. He said that the Red Beer is the same as the seasonal raspberry beer sold in Sainsbury's Taste The Difference range, but they only sell it in spring and summer. So I have to wait a bit for that one...

Name: Meantime Raspberry Grand Cru, 6.5%, England
Appearance: Cloudy orangy-red. Quite a lot of head, though shortlived.
Aroma: Raspberry. Maybe some wheat.
Taste: Raspberry, bit of wheat. Bit weird.
Bought: Waitrose, 330 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 9/11-2006

Saturday, 4 November 2006

Meantime Pilsner Organic

Support your local brewery? Meantime is brewed in Greenwich, London, so the number of food/beer miles is pretty low.

Name: Meantime Pilsner Organic, 5.4%, England
Appearance: Pale golden, bit of clouds. Very little head.
Aroma: Quite fruity. Bit of hops.
Taste: Pretty hoppy, fresh. Bitter-ish aftertaste. Bit of fruit.
Bought: Waitrose, 330 ml, £1.45
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 4/11-2006

Thursday, 2 November 2006

Bucanero Max

Bought at Varadero airport for 2.50 Cuban Dollars after a fantastic beach holiday.

Name: Bucanero Max, 6.5%, Cuba
Appearance: Dark yellow. Amber. Very little head.
Aroma: Pretty fruity. Hint of hops and malt.
Taste: Hops and malt. Bit of fruit. Bit of bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Cuba, 350 ml, CUC 2.50
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 2/11-2006

Tuesday, 17 October 2006

Battersea Power Station Porter

Name: Battersea Power Station Porter, 4.9%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Not head at all.
Aroma: Smokey, malt. Bit of fruit. Chocolate.
Taste: Smokey, bit of malt and fruit. Bitterish aftertaste. Chocolate. Watery.
Bought: Waitrose, 330 ml, £1.39
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 17/10-2006

Friday, 13 October 2006

Meantime Pale Ale

Name: Meantime Pale Ale, 4.7%, England
Appearance: Pale yellow-brown. Very little head. Tiny bit cloudy.
Aroma: Fruity. Bit of honey.
Taste: Fruity and hoppy. Bitter-ish aftertaste.
Bought: Waitrose, 330 ml, £1.39
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 13/10-2006

Wednesday, 11 October 2006

Belle-Vue Kriek

Name: Belle-Vue Kriek, 5.1%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brownish red. Not much head.
Aroma: Strong cherry-aroma.
Taste: Strong cherry-flavour. Pretty sweet. Hint of sourness.
Bought: Waitrose, 375 ml, £1.99
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 11/10-2006, 106/500

Listed as 5.2% in the 500-book.

Tuesday, 10 October 2006

Achel 8 Bruin

Another nice Trappist beer:

Name: Achel 8 Bruin, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brown, redish. Lots of longlasting thick head.
Aroma: Fruit and malt. Biscuit?
Taste: Fruit and malt. Hops. Bitterish aftertaste. Fizzy.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 10/10-2006

Sunday, 8 October 2006

Boon Mariage Parfait Kriek

This bottled version much stronger at 8% instead of the 6% listed in the 300-book and the 500-book.

Name: Boon Mariage Parfait Kriek, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Cloudy golden. Pale. Fizzy, quite a lot of head.
Aroma: Cidery. Lemon. Sour.
Taste: Sour fruit. Lemony. Cidery. Bitter.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 375 ml, £2.59
Overall score: 1/6
Info: 8/10-2006, 158/300, 105/500

Saturday, 7 October 2006

Young's Special London Ale

Name: Young's Special London Ale, 6.4%, England
Appearance: Light, golden brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Hops and malt. Bit of fruit and raisins.
Taste: Hoppy and malty. Bitter aftertaste. Some fruit.
Bought: Tesco, 500 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 7/10-2006, 104/500, 6/300M

Friday, 6 October 2006

Achel 8 Blond

The Achel 5 Blond in the 300-book is unfortunately only sold in the monastery itself. This version is a bit stronger, and as I am a big fan of Trappist beers, it will have to do until I one day hopefully can visit the monastery to try the 5% version.

Name: Achel 8 Blond, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Golden. Enormous amount of thick head. Longlasting. Cloudy at the end.
Aroma: Flowery. Hops. Fruit. Honey.
Taste: Fruit and hops. Fresh. Warming.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 6/10-2006

Monday, 2 October 2006

George Gale's Prize Old Ale

Name: George Gale's Prize Old Ale, 9%, England
Appearance: Dark brown, bit of red. Cloudy. Bit of shortlived head.
Aroma: Fruit and raisins. Earthy.
Taste: Hopsy, fruit. Earthy, soil. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 275 ml, £2.29
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 3/10-2006, 157/300

Liefmans Oud Bruin

Name: Liefmans Oud Bruin, 5%, Belgium
Appearance: Brown, hint of red. Cloudy. Some head.
Aroma: Dark fruit. Hops. Actually chocolate. Vinous.
Taste: Sweet, fruit. Bit sour.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £1.09
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 2/10-2006, 156/300

Sunday, 1 October 2006

Black Sheep Riggwelter

For interested readers, the word "Riggwelter" is basically the Norwegian word/expression "ryggvelter"...

Name: Black Sheep Riggwelter, 5.7%, England
Appearance: Dark redish brown. Nice amount of head. Longlasting.
Aroma: Malt and fruit.
Taste: Malty. Dry. Bit of fruit. Bitter aftertaste. Prunes. Coffee-ish.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 1/10-2006, 102/500, 5/300M

Saturday, 30 September 2006

Cantillon Kriek

Name: Cantillon Kriek, 5%, Belgium
Appearance: Cap&Cork. Light red, pink. Cloudy. No head at all. Little bit when warmer.
Aroma: Sour fruit. Bit of cherry.
Taste: Incredibly sour, some fruit. Cherry. Quenching!!!
Bought: Beers of Europe, 375 ml, £2.69
Overall score: 0/6
Info: 30/9-2006, 155/300, 101/500

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

100/500

It has taken me 13.5 months to reach 100 in the 500-book. The first 50 were done in 6.5 months. Most of the beers in the pipeline are from the 500-book, so should be able to do the next 50 in say 4 months?!

Kasteel Bruin (Donker)

Name: Kasteel Bruin (Donker), 11%, Belgium
Appearance: Redish brown. Not much head, not even when warmer.
Aroma: Malt and alcohol. Maybe some fruit. Vinous.
Taste: Vinous. Alcohol, warming. Fruity.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.95
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 27/9-2006, 100/500

Tuesday, 26 September 2006

Christoffel Robertus

Name: Christoffel Robertus, 6.0%, Netherlands
Appearance: Brown red, ruby. Little head initially. Loads of head when warmer.
Aroma: Malt, some fruit. Hops.
Taste: Fruit and malt. Nice aftertaste, balanced.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 26/9-2006, 99/500

Monday, 25 September 2006

Bass Premium Ale

This beer is listed as Bass"Our Finest Ale" in the 500-book.

Name: Bass Premium Ale, 4.4%, England
Appearance: Brown. Very little head.
Aroma: Malt and hops. Flowery/fruity.
Taste: Boring. Some malt and hops. Bitter aftertaste. Smooth.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 25/9-2006, 98/500

Sunday, 24 September 2006

Cubay

Name: Cubay, 5.2%, Cuba
Appearance: Very pale yellow. No proper head, just fizz. Nice head when warm.
Aroma: Fruity, citric. Hops.
Taste: Fruity, bit of hops. Nice aftertaste. Not too bland. Some malt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.29
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 24/9-2006

Saturday, 23 September 2006

Harveys Imperial Extra Double Stout

Name: Harveys Imperial Extra Double Stout, 9%, England
Appearance: Dark, dark brown. Very flat.
Aroma: Vinous, oaky. Tangy fruit. Treacle.
Taste: Vinous, oaky. Bitter, some fruit. Alcohol. Soily?
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £2.85
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 23/9-2006, 154/300

Thursday, 21 September 2006

Lucifer

Name: Lucifer, 8.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark yellow. Cloudy. Little bit of head, shortlived. Doesn't look tasty. Golden?
Aroma: Fruity, citric. Some hops.
Taste: Fruit. Fresh. Hoppy. Alcohol.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.75
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 21/9-2006

Wednesday, 20 September 2006

Fuller's 1845

Name: Fuller's 1845, 6.3%, England
Appearance: Redish brown. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Fruity, orangy. Vinous.
Taste: Vinous, malty but fresh. Dry, bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £2.05
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 20/9-2006, 96/500, 4/300M

Tuesday, 19 September 2006

Burton Bridge Porter

Name: Burton Bridge Porter, 4.5%, England
Appearance: Dark, dark brown. Bit of thick head. Not longlasting.
Aroma: Fruit. Burnt. Wood. Malt.
Taste: Malty, bitter. Fruit. Burnt. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.95
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 19/9-2006, 95/500

Monday, 18 September 2006

Almaza

Every time I order from Beers of Europe, I try to order a beer from a new country, and this time it was Lebanon.

Name: Almaza, 4.0%, Lebanon
Appearance: Pale yellow. Quite a bit of head.
Aroma: Yeast and fruit. Bit of hops.
Taste: Fruit. Hops. Malt in aftertaste, and bitter.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 280 ml, £1.29
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 18/9-2006

Young's Waggle Dance

Name: Young's Waggle Dance, 5.0%, England
Appearance: Orangy brown. Quite a lot of head.
Aroma: Honey and hops. Fruit.
Taste: Honey. Hops. Nice bitterness, though sweet.
Bought: Tesco, 500 ml, £1.54
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 18/9-2006, 94/500

Sunday, 17 September 2006

Aass Bayer

Bought in southern Norway after work-trip to a small island there.

Name: Aass Bayer, 4.7%, Norway
Appearance: Redish brown. Nice amount of head. Longlasting. Thick head.
Aroma: Malt. Iron? Burnt.
Taste: Burnt, malt. Bitter. Long aftertaste.
Bought: Norway, 330 ml, NOK 15.00
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 17/9-2006

Ludlow Gold

Gift from PM. According to their website, Ludlow started brewing only in June 2006.

Name: Ludlow Gold, 4.2%, England
Appearance: Cloudy yellow. No head at all. No bubbles either, actually a little bit later.
Aroma: Fruity. Hopsy.
Taste: Very hopsy. Bit of fruit. Very bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Gift, 500 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 1/6
Info: 17/9-2006

Saturday, 16 September 2006

Westvleteren Extra 8

Celebrating the 200 landmark with a Westvleteren, I guess:

Name: Westvleteren Extra 8, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark, nutty brown. Loads of head.
Aroma: Malt and fruit. Plums.
Taste: Fruit and malt. Nice aftertaste. Plums. Smooth.
Bought: BelgianShop.com, 330 ml, $14.00
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 16/9-2006, 153/300, 93/500, 15/100

Friday, 15 September 2006

200 bottles of beer in the attic...

Another round number already. Reached 100 bottles in 7 months, and 200 bottles in 13 months. I've now done 152 beers from the 300-book and 92 beers from the 500-book. Most of the beers in the pipeline are now from the 500-book, so should hit 100/500 in two-three weeks time.

Budweiser Budvar Dark

After having an expired version on Isle of Wight, I could finally try it properly:

Name: Budweiser Budvar Dark, 4.7%, Czech Republic
Appearance: Dark, dark brown. A lot of head, though shortlived.
Aroma: Malty. Raisins. Coffee.
Taste: Malt and coffee-ish. Bitter. Smooth.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 15/9-2006, 3/300M

Tuesday, 12 September 2006

Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel

Listed as 4.5% in the 500-book.

Name: Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel, 4.7%, Germany
Appearance: Dark brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Malty. Hint of smoke. Burnt.
Taste: Malt and smoke. Some fruit. Bit watery. Long aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 12/9-2006, 92/500

Monday, 11 September 2006

Weltenburger Kloster Hefe-Weissbier Dunkel

Listed as 5.1% in the 500-book.

Name: Weltenburger Kloster Hefe-Weissbier Dunkel, 5.3%, Germany
Appearance: Dark brown. Quite a lot of head. Cloudy.
Aroma: Wheaty, but not that bad. Bit of chocolate, actually.
Taste: Wheaty-ish. Maybe spicy. Not nice aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 11/9-2006, 91/500

Thursday, 7 September 2006

Singha

Name: Singha, 6.0%, Thailand
Appearance: Yellow/Pale golden. Little bit of head, but shortlived.
Aroma: Hopsy. Tiny bit of fruit. Not much.
Taste: Hopsy. Fresh. Dry.
Bought: Waitrose, 630 ml, £2.29
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 7/9-2006, 90/500

Shepherd Neame Spitfire

Name: Shepherd Neame Spitfire, 4.5%, England
Appearance: Brown. Little bit of head. Amber brown.
Aroma: Hopsy. Some malt as well.
Taste: Malt and hops. Nice and bitter. Bitter aftertaste. Fresh.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 7/9-2006, 89/500

Wednesday, 6 September 2006

Black Sheep Ale

Name: Black Sheep Ale, 4.4%, England
Appearance: Brown. Nice amount of head. Golden brown.
Aroma: Hopsy. Some malt. Aniseed.
Taste: Hops and malt. Fresh. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £1.65
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 6/9-2006, 88/500

Würzburger Hofbräu Sympator Doppelbock

Name: Würzburger Hofbräu Sympator Doppelbock, 7.9%, Germany
Appearance: Dark brown. Tiny bit of head, shortlived.
Aroma: Fruit and malt.
Taste: Pretty fruity and bitter. Dry. Full-on flavour.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £2.19
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 6/9-2006, 87/500

Tuesday, 5 September 2006

Bush de Noël

Name: Bush de Noël, 12%, Belgium
Appearance: Brown. Little bit of head - shortlived.
Aroma: Pretty fruity. Alcohol.
Taste: Alcohol/warming. Flowery. Barley. Long aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £1.75
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 5/9-2006, 86/500

Everards Tiger Best Bitter

Name: Everards Tiger Best Bitter, 4.5%, England
Appearance: Brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Malt and bit of fruit.
Taste: Malty. Hopsy. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 5/9-2006, 85/500

Monday, 4 September 2006

Huyghe Delirium Tremens

Slightly weaker than the 9.0% listed in the 500-book.

Name: Huyghe Delirium Tremens, 8.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Cloudy golden. Little head. Fizzy. Tiny amount of sediments.
Aroma: Fruity. Citric. Flowery?
Taste: Sort of fruity. Hopsy.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.99
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 4/9-2006, 84/500

Sunday, 3 September 2006

Würzburger Hofbräu Schwarzbier

Slightly stronger than the 4.8% listed in the 500-book.

Name: Würzburger Hofbräu Schwarzbier, 4.9%, Germany
Appearance: Dark brown. Nice amount of head. Basically black.
Aroma: Fruit and malt. Berry-like. Bit of coffee.
Taste: Fruity/flowery. Malt and coffee. Raisins?
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 3/9-2006, 83/500

Saturday, 2 September 2006

Hook Norton Old Hooky

Name: Hook Norton Old Hooky, 4.6%, England
Appearance: Brown. Little bit of head. Nice amount later.
Aroma: Fruity and raisins. Malt, bit of hops.
Taste: Fruit and malt. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.65
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 2/9-2006, 152/300, 82/500

Cantillon Gueuze-Lambic

Name: Cantillon Gueuze-Lambic, 5%, Belgium
Appearance: Cap&Cork. Light brown. Cloudy. No head, or a little bit.
Aroma: Like cider, again.
Taste: Sour. Like gone-off Champagne.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 375 ml, £2.39
Overall score: 0/6
Info: 2/9-2006, 151/300, 81/500

Friday, 1 September 2006

Pater Lieven Bruin

Name: Pater Lieven Bruin, 6.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Brown. Quite a lot of head (shortlived). Sediments.
Aroma: Fruit and berries. Bit of malt.
Taste: Fruit and malt. Dry mouth afterwards.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.39
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 1/9-2006

Thursday, 31 August 2006

Burton Bridge Bramble Stout

Name: Burton Bridge Bramble Stout, 5.0%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Quite a lot of creamy head.
Aroma: Blackberries, malt. Bit of smoke.
Taste: Malt, blackberries. Smokey. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £2.05
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 31/8-2006, 80/500

Wednesday, 30 August 2006

Pater Lieven Blond

Name: Pater Lieven Blond, 6.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Cloudy golden. Lots of head initially. Pretty fizzy.
Aroma: Fruity. Hint of wheat.
Taste: Fruity. Hopsy. Fresh. Hint of wheat.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.39
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 30/8-2006, 79/500

Tuesday, 29 August 2006

Suthwyk Liberation

Third and last bottle bought from the Great British Beer Festival.

Name: Suthwyk Liberation, 4.2%, England
Appearance: Light brown. Very little head. More brown and more head later.
Aroma: Hopsy. Little bit of malt and fruit.
Taste: Pretty hopsy. Bitter aftertaste. Malt.
Bought: Great British Beer Festival, 500 ml, £2.70
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 29/8-2006

Monday, 28 August 2006

150/300

Halfway through the 300-book now, and it has taken me 12.5 months. The first 50 took around 3 months, the second 50 around 5 months, and the third 50 around 4.5 months. Getting very tricky now to source more 300-beers, so will be ordering more 500-beers from now on to catch up there.

Westvleteren Abt 12

I had been saving the Westvleteren 12 bottle for a few months, and decided to celebrate reaching the halfway point of the 300-book with it. At 10.2%, not 11% as in the 300-book.

Name: Westvleteren Abt 12, 10.2%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brown. Little bit of head. Cloudy.
Aroma: Vinous, malty. Alcohol?! Fruity.
Taste: Vinous, very fruity. Malt. Hops. Warming.
Bought: BelgianShop.com, 330 ml, $16.00
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 28/8-2006, 150/300, 14/100

Brains SA

Name: Brains SA, 4.2%, Wales
Appearance: Orangy brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Malty and fruity.
Taste: Pretty malty. Hops. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.75
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 28/8-2006, 149/300, 78/500

Sunday, 20 August 2006

Tongerlo Double Brown

Name: Tongerlo Double Brown, 6%, Belgium
Appearance: Cloudy brown. Lots of thick head.
Aroma: Nice and fruity. Malt. Raisins.
Taste: Fruit and malt. Raisins. Hopsy and warming.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.45
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 20/8-2006, 148/300

Friday, 18 August 2006

Ridley's Old Bob

Name: Ridley's Old Bob, 5.1%, England
Appearance: Copper brown. Very little head.
Aroma: Bit of fruit and malt. Raisins.
Taste: Very hopsy. Some fruit and malt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 18/8-2006, 147/300

Sunday, 13 August 2006

1 year anniversary

It is today one year since this "project" started, and I managed to go through 179 bottles from 23 different countries in the first year. 146 of them were in the 300-book and 77 were in the 500-book. Almost halfway through the first book, then :-).

Score distribution:

0/6: 3
1/6: 4
2/6: 29
3/6: 66
4/6: 56
5/6: 21
6/6: 0

Country distribution:

United Kingdom [UK] (76)
Belgium [BE] (37)
Germany [DE] (22)
United States [US] (8)
Netherlands [NL] (6)
Czech Republic [CZ] (5)
France [FR] (4)
Russia [RU] (4)
Australia [AU] (2)
Canada [CA] (2)
Austria [AT] (1)
China [CN] (1)
Finland [FI] (1)
Ireland [IE] (1)
India [IN] (1)
Jamaica [JM] (1)
Japan [JP] (1)
Sri Lanka [LK] (1)
Lithuania [LT] (1)
Norway [NO] (1)
Nepal [NP] (1)
Peru [PE] (1)
Poland [PL] (1)

Hogs Back A over T

Second bottle bought from the Great British Beer Festival.

Name: Hogs Back A over T, 9%, England
Appearance: Redish brown. Cloudy (sediments). Very little head.
Aroma: Ripe fruit. Apricot or peach. Bit of hops. Malt.
Taste: Ripe fruit. Bit of malt. Strong (alcohol). Full flavour.
Bought: Great British Beer Festival, 275 ml, £2.80
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 13/8-2006, 2/300M

St Austell HSD

Name: St Austell HSD, 5%, England
Appearance: Chestnut brown. Very little head, more when warm.
Aroma: Ripe fruit. Bit of malt and hops.
Taste: Ripe fruit. Malt and hops. Nutty.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 13/8-2006, 146/300

Saturday, 12 August 2006

Zum Uerige Alt

Bought on my first ever visit to the Great British Beer Festival. At 4.7%, not 4.6% as in the 300-book or 4.5% as in the 500-book.

Name: Zum Uerige Alt, 4.7%, Germany
Appearance: Brown. Not much head. More when warm.
Aroma: Hops and fruit. Malt.
Taste: Very hopsy and bitter. Malt. Very long, bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Great British Beer Festival, 500 ml, £3.00
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 12/8-2006, 145/300, 77/500

Isle Of Skye Black Cuillin Dark Scottish Ale

Gift, second of two bottles from a four-pack bought by GR on holiday in Isle of Skye.

Name: Isle Of Skye Black Cuillin Dark Scottish Ale, 4.5%, Scotland
Appearance: Very dark brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Malt. Very smokey.
Taste: Very smokey. Malt. Bitter.
Bought: Gift, 500 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 12/8-2006

Thursday, 10 August 2006

Cains Formidable Ale

Name: Cains Formidable Ale, 5%, England
Appearance: Dark yellow. Very little head.
Aroma: Hops, bit of fruit.
Taste: Hopsy and bitter. Bit of lemony fruit.
Bought: Tesco, 500 ml, £1.68
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 10/8-2006, 144/300, 76/500

Monday, 7 August 2006

Meantime Coffee Beer

This bottled version at 6.0%, not 4% as in the 300-book.

Name: Meantime Coffee Beer, 6.0%, England
Appearance: Dark, dark brown. Basically no head.
Aroma: Coffee. Vanilla.
Taste: Just like coffee! Strong coffee. Roast beans.
Bought: Waitrose, 330 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 7/8-2006, 143/300

Isle Of Skye Red Cuillin Scottish Export Ale

Gift, one of two bottles from a four-pack bought by GR on holiday in Isle of Skye.

Name: Isle Of Skye Red Cuillin Scottish Export Ale, 4.2%, Scotland
Appearance: Dark redish/brown. Very little head.
Aroma: Smoke and malt. Bacon.
Taste: Smokey. Bacon? Malt. Bitter.
Bought: Gift, 500 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 7/8-2006

Sunday, 6 August 2006

Traquair House Ale

Name: Traquair House Ale, 7.2%, Scotland
Appearance: Very dark, redish brown. Not much head.
Aroma: Dark chocolate. Malt. Coffee.
Taste: Chocolate, malt, coffee. Warming. Bitter
Bought: Utobeer, 330 ml, £2.12*
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 6/8-2006, 142/300, 75/500

* Average price over four different bottles of beer.

Affligem Blonde

At 6.8%, not 6.7% as in the 300-book.

Name: Affligem Blonde, 6.8%, Belgium
Appearance: Orangy brown. Quite a lot of head.
Aroma: Hops and fruit. Hint of malt. Lemon?
Taste: Ripe fruit. Malt. Hops. Fresh. Very fruity.
Bought: Utobeer, 330 ml, £2.12*
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 6/8-2006, 141/300

* Average price over four different bottles of beer.

Saturday, 5 August 2006

Newcastle Brown Ale (Alan Shearer Lim Ed)

One I drink quite a lot in pubs in London. This limited edition "Alan Shearer Testimonial 2006" bottle bought by HG in a pub(!) in Newcastle.

Name: Newcastle Brown Ale (Alan Shearer Lim Ed), 4.7%, England
Appearance: Redish brown. Very little head. A bit more when warmer.
Aroma: Malt. Bit of hops.
Taste: Malty and nutty. Sweet. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Gift, 550 ml, £2.99
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 5/8-2006, 74/500

Wednesday, 2 August 2006

Du Bocq Blanche de Namur

Name: Du Bocq Blanche de Namur, 4.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Very pale yellow. Cloudy. Lots of head.
Aroma: Wheat, hops and fruity/orangy.
Taste: Wheat - bit of fruit. Watery.
Bought: Utobeer, 330 ml, £2.12*
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 2/8-2006, 140/300

* Average price over four different bottles of beer.

Monday, 31 July 2006

Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet

First time to Borough market here in London, and dropped by Utobeer. They have a great selection of beers, so definitely coming back.

Name: Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Golden. Lots of head. Very fizzy/bubbly. Slightly cloudy.
Aroma: Grain/wheat. Bit of fruit. Banana.
Taste: Hopsy. Ripe fruit. Bit of malt. Bitter.
Bought: Utobeer, 330 ml, £2.12*
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 31/7-2006, 139/300, 73/500

* Average price over four different bottles of beer.

Wednesday, 26 July 2006

Robinson's Old Tom

Name: Robinson's Old Tom, 8.5%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Vinous. Fruity. Prunes.
Taste: Vinous. Hint of chocolate. Malt. Feels a bit strong.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 26/7-2006, 138/300, 72/500

Tuesday, 25 July 2006

Young's Kew Brew

Name: Young's Kew Brew, 5.0%, England
Appearance: Light brown. A bit misty. Very little head.
Aroma: Hopsy. Malt and fruit.
Taste: Hopsy. Bitter. Flowery.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 25/7-2006

Monday, 24 July 2006

Darwin Rolling Hitch

Name: Darwin Rolling Hitch, 5.2%, England
Appearance: Light/golden brown. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Fruity, lemony. Hops and malt.
Taste: Bit of fruit. More when warmer. Malt, but fresh. Bitter.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.95
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 24/7-2006, 137/300

Wednesday, 19 July 2006

Seidel Pilsner

Bought while on summer holiday in Norway.

Name: Seidel Pilsner, 4.7%, Norway
Appearance: Golden. Good amount of head.
Aroma: Malt and hops. Honey?
Taste: Malt and hops. Typical pilsner. Fruit/honey?
Bought: Norway, 330 ml, NOK 8.90
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 19/7-2006

Monday, 17 July 2006

Broughton Old Jock

Name: Broughton Old Jock, 6.7%, Scotland
Appearance: Dark brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Vinous fruit.
Taste: Fruit and hops. Bitter aftertaste, malt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.99
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 17/7-2006, 136/300

Friday, 14 July 2006

Nethergate Old Growler

This bottled version at 5.5%, not 5.0% as in the 300-book.

Name: Nethergate Old Growler, 5.5%, England
Appearance: Blackish brown. Alright amount of head.
Aroma: Chocolate, fruit. Malt, coffee.
Taste: Malt, chocolate and bit of fruit.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.95
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 14/7-2006, 135/300

Thursday, 13 July 2006

Goddards Ale of Wight

Bought in a local food shop in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

Name: Goddards Ale of Wight, 4.0%, England
Appearance: Pale gold. Very little head.
Aroma: Hopsy. Bit of fruit.
Taste: Hopsy. Bitter. Bit of malt.
Bought: Isle of Wight, 500 ml, £1.99
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 13/7-2006

Wednesday, 12 July 2006

Green's Discovery

Actually got it for free from Co-op in Shanklin, Isle of Wight. I bought an expired bottle of Budweiser Dark that tasted pretty bad. I brought the bottle back the day after, they refunded me and I got to choose a free bottle, this one.

Name: Green's Discovery, 6.0%, England*
Appearance: Redish brown. Very little head, more when warmer.
Aroma: Fruity. Prunes. Bit of malt.
Taste: Fruity. Prunes. Malt. A bit weird.
Bought: Co-op, 330 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 12/7-2006

* Brewed and bottled in Belgium

Tuesday, 11 July 2006

Ringwood Old Thumper

Bought in Co-op, Shanklin, Isle of Wight.

Name: Ringwood Old Thumper, 5.6%, England
Appearance: Copper brown. Lots of head.
Aroma: Nice and malty. Bit of fruit.
Taste: Juicy malt. Fruit. Smooth. Nice, bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Co-op, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 11/7-2006, 134/300

Thursday, 29 June 2006

Arkell's Kingsdown Ale

This bottled version at 4.5%, not 5.2% as in the 300-book.

Name: Arkell's Kingsdown Ale, 4.5%, England
Appearance: Amber, copper brown. Little head.
Aroma: Fruity. Pear/Orange.
Taste: Nice malt, hops. Fresh. Bit fruity.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.99
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 29/6-2006, 133/300

Wednesday, 28 June 2006

RCH Ale Mary

Name: RCH Ale Mary, 6%, England
Appearance: Orangy brown. Very little head.
Aroma: Orangy. Fruity. Ginger.
Taste: Herby. Ginger and coriander. Bitter.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 28/6-2006, 132/300

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Elgood's Black Dog Mild

Name: Elgood's Black Dog Mild, 3.6%, England
Appearance: Very dark brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Toffee, coffee, prunes.
Taste: Vinous fruit, kinda. Malty. Coffee.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 27/6-2006, 131/300

Monday, 26 June 2006

Caledonian Golden Promise

Name: Caledonian Golden Promise, 5%, Scotland
Appearance: Golden. Nice amount of head, shortlived.
Aroma: Fruits and flowers. Nectar/Honey.
Taste: Fruit, hops, malt. Bitter.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £1.70
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 26/6-2006, 130/300

Sunday, 25 June 2006

Highgate Old Ale

This bottled version at 5.3%, not 5.1% as in the 300-book and the 500-book.

Name: Highgate Old Ale, 5.3%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Little bit of head. Shortlived.
Aroma: Malty. Fruity. Berries/Raisins.
Taste: Nice malt. Vinous fruit. Burnt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 25/6-2006, 129/300, 70/500

Called "Highgate & Walsall Old Ale" in the 500-book.

Dragon Stout

Name: Dragon Stout, 7.5%, Jamaica
Appearance: Very dark brown. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Coffee. Malt. Hops. Bit of fruit. Metallic.
Taste: Coffee. Very malty. Bitter.
Bought: Costcutter, 284 ml, £1.29
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 25/6-2006

Friday, 23 June 2006

Lech Premium

Name: Lech Premium, 5.2%, Poland
Appearance: Pale, golden yellow. Very little head.
Aroma: Bit of hops. Not much. Hint of fruit. Off fruit.
Taste: Hopsy, fresh. Standard lager. Bit of aftertaste.
Bought: Costcutter, 500 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 23/6-2006

Thursday, 22 June 2006

Manns Original Brown Ale

Name: Manns Original Brown Ale, 2.8%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Little head.
Aroma: Coffee and fruit. Caramel-like toffee.
Taste: Coffee, malt. Toffee. Fruit. Sweet.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.29
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 22/6-2006, 128/300, 69/500

Tuesday, 20 June 2006

Burton Bridge Empire Pale Ale

Name: Burton Bridge Empire Pale Ale, 7.5%, England
Appearance: Orange, cloudy. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Fruity. Definitely orangy too.
Taste: Fruity, bitter, tangy.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £2.59
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 20/6-2006, 127/300, 68/500

Friday, 16 June 2006

Westvleteren Blond

Trappist beers being my favourite beer type, I had been trying to get hold of Westvleteren for a long time. I finally found all three of them on BelgianShop.com, not cheap though.

Name: Westvleteren Blond, 5.8%, Belgium
Appearance: Pale yellow. Nice amount of head. Cloudy. Champagne-like bubbles.
Aroma: Hopsy. Bit of fruit. Yeast.
Taste: Hops, fruit and malt. Complex. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: BelgianShop.com, 330 ml, $12.00
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 16/6-2006, 126/300, 67/500, 13/100

Thursday, 15 June 2006

Wells Banana Bread Beer

Name: Wells Banana Bread Beer, 5.2%, England
Appearance: Bronze. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Very banana-y. Not much else.
Taste: Loads of banana. Bit of malt. Bitter.
Bought: Costcutter, 568 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 15/6-2006, 125/300

Wednesday, 14 June 2006

O'Hanlon's Original Port Stout

Name: O'Hanlon's Original Port Stout, 4.8%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Bit of nice head.
Aroma: Fruity, vinous. Burnt grain.
Taste: Vinous. Fruity. Burnt grain. Pretty bitter.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 14/6-2006, 124/300

Monday, 12 June 2006

Bateman XXXB

Name: Bateman XXXB, 4.8%, England
Appearance: Amber brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Fruity. Lemony. Malt and hops.
Taste: Fruit. Pretty bitter. Hops and malt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 12/6-2006, 123/300, 66/500

Sunday, 11 June 2006

Black Sheep Emmerdale Ale

Name: Black Sheep Emmerdale Ale, 5%, England
Appearance: Golden brown. Quite a lot of head, shortlived.
Aroma: Nice fruit, orangy. Hops and malt. Honey.
Taste: Fruity. Malty aftertaste. Honey.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 11/6-2006, 122/300

Coors Fine Light Beer

Last bottle from the four-pack gift from MG.

Name: Coors Fine Light Beer, 5.0%, England*
Appearance: Pale yellow. Very little head. Fizzy.
Aroma: Just hopsy, really.
Taste: Hopsy, bit of fruit. Boring.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 11/6-2006

* Changed from United States to England as per Ratebeer.com 2014-07-08

Saturday, 10 June 2006

Hogs Back BSA

Name: Hogs Back BSA, 4.5%, England
Appearance: Bronze, little head. More when warmer. Cloudy. Sediments.
Aroma: Fruit, orange. Little bit of malt.
Taste: Bit of fruit. Pretty bitter afterwards.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 10/6-2006, 121/300

Friday, 9 June 2006

Exmoor Gold

At 5.0%, not 4.5% as in the 300-book.

Name: Exmoor Gold, 5.0%, England
Appearance: Yellow. Slightly golden. Little head.
Aroma: Hopsy and fruity.
Taste: Hopsy and pretty fruity. Fresh. Smooth finish.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 9/6-2006, 120/300, 103/500*

* Should have been 66/500, but is listed as "Golden Hill Exmoor Gold" in the 500-book, so didn't initially find it.

Thursday, 8 June 2006

Shepherd Neame Master Brew Bitter

This bottled version at 4.0%, not 3.7% as in the 300-book.

Name: Shepherd Neame Master Brew Bitter, 4.0%, England
Appearance: Copper/brass coloured. Very little head.
Aroma: Malt and fruit. Sultana.
Taste: Malt and hops. Pretty bitter.
Bought: Costcutter, 500 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 8/6-2006, 119/300

Wednesday, 7 June 2006

Hook Norton Double Stout

Name: Hook Norton Double Stout, 4.8%, England
Appearance: Dark, redish brown. Bit of head, not lasting.
Aroma: Coffee and bit of chocolate. Bit of fruit.
Taste: Coffee and fruit. Bit of chocolate. Bitter. Burnt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 7/6-2006, 118/300

Tuesday, 6 June 2006

Moorhouse's Black Cat

Name: Moorhouse's Black Cat, 3.4%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Burnt malts. Chocolate.
Taste: Malt and chocolate. Bitter aftertaste. Not that fizzy.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.95
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 6/6-2006, 117/300

Saturday, 3 June 2006

Broughton Scottish Oatmeal Stout

Name: Broughton Scottish Oatmeal Stout, 4.2%, Scotland
Appearance: Very dark brown. Bit of head, shortlived.
Aroma: Malt, chocolate and coffee (roasted).
Taste: Coffee and malt. Bit of chocolate. Oatmeal.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 3/6-2006, 116/300, 65/500

Thursday, 1 June 2006

Adnams Bitter

This bottled version at 4.5%, not 3.7% as listed in the 300-book.

Name: Adnams Bitter, 4.5%, England
Appearance: Redish brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Malty, bit of fruit.
Taste: Pretty malty. Hops. Nice bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 1/6-2006, 115/300

The below bottle of Adnams Suffolk Strong Bitter was actually bought by mistake, as I thought it was the Adnams Bitter from the 300-book. Turned out that the beer was in the 500-book (where it is called Adnams Suffolk Strong Ale).

Name: Adnams SSB Bitter, 4.5%, England
Appearance: Bronze, good head.
Aroma: Berries, malty.
Taste: Full flavour, malty.
Bought: Tesco, 500 ml, £1.58
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 5/10-2005, 20/500

But then, according to Ratebeer, they are all the same beer anyway :-).

Wednesday, 31 May 2006

Jennings Sneck Lifter

Name: Jennings Sneck Lifter, 5.1%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Like a stout. Bit of head. Creamy.
Aroma: Roasted hops. Coffee and malt.
Taste: Malty. Smoky. Stouty. Coffee and chocolate. Bitter
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 31/5-2006, 114/300

Tuesday, 30 May 2006

Klinskoe Svetloe

Second bottle brought over for me from Moscow by TLL.

Name: Klinskoe Svetloe, 4.5%, Russia
Appearance: Golden. Basically no head.
Aroma: Hopsy. Normal lager. Hint of malt.
Taste: Hops and malts. Fresh.
Bought: Gift, 500 ml, $?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 30/5-2006

Tuesday, 23 May 2006

Oakham JHB

This bottled version at 4.2%, not 3.8% as in the 300-book.

Name: Oakham JHB, 4.2%, England
Appearance: Light golden. Very little head.
Aroma: Fruity. Honey. Bit of hops.
Taste: Hopsy, then malt. Little fruit. Fresh.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.65
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 23/5-2006, 113/300

Monday, 15 May 2006

Stary Melnik Svetloe

TLL kindly bought this beer for me when she was on a business trip to Moscow. Always interesting to try something you can't normally find in the shops.

Name: Stary Melnik Svetloe, 4.6%, Russia
Appearance: Pale gold. Little head. Pretty fizzy initially.
Aroma: Hopsy. Normal lager, maybe less.
Taste: Very little. Bit of hops and malt. Watery, hint of bitter.
Bought: Gift, 500 ml, $?.??
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 15/5-2006

Saturday, 13 May 2006

O'Hanlon's Thomas Hardy's Ale

I was unsure how they could justify the price before I tried it, and it is actually really nice. The bottle was at 11.7%, not 12% as listed in the 300-book (where it even says 11.7% on the pictured bottle) and the 500-book.

Name: O'Hanlon's Thomas Hardy's Ale 2006, 11.7%, England
Appearance: Red-brown. Seems cloudy. Little head.
Aroma: Very, very fruity. Malty.
Taste: Very fruity, vinous. Raisins. Doesn't taste that strong.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £3.49
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 13/5-2006, 112/300, 71/500

This beer is called "Eldridge Pope Thomas Hardy's Ale" in the 500-book, but the Eldridge Pope brewery was closed in 2003. Thomas Hardy's Ale is now luckily brewed under license by O'Hanlon's.

Update: I then tried both 2007 and 2008 editions on 30 December 2008:

Name: O'Hanlon's Thomas Hardy's Ale 2007, 11.7%, England
Appearance: Dark chestnut brown. Very little head. Bottle No. Q 00065.
Aroma: Dark fruit, very vinous. Prunes.
Taste: Very vinous, a bit too flat. Not handled the storage well?
Bought: Waitrose, 250 ml, £3.49
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 30/12-2008

Name: O'Hanlon's Thomas Hardy's Ale 2008, 11.7%, England
Appearance: Dark chestnut brown. Cloudy. Nice amount of tan head. Bottle No. T 12353.
Aroma: Dark fruit, little bit vinous.
Taste: Complex. Dark fruit and malt. Warming. Longlasting aftertaste.
Bought: Waitrose, 250 ml, £3.49
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 30/12-2008

Friday, 12 May 2006

Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel

The last, and strongest of the Koningshoeven beers:

Name: Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel, 10.0%, Netherlands
Appearance: Orangy brown. Sunburnt orange. Quite a lot of head, shortlived.
Aroma: Very fruity. Orange.
Taste: Pretty fruity, bitter, but not too much. Orange, fizzy, fresh.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 12/5-2006, 64/500

Thursday, 11 May 2006

Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Wholesome Stout

The longest beer name ever?

Name: Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Wholesome Stout, 4.6%, England
Appearance: Dark chocolate brown. A bit of head, shortlived. Some sediments.
Aroma: Burnt, chocolate. Hops. Currants.
Taste: Burnt, malty. Bitter, harsh aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 11/5-2006, 111/300

Wednesday, 3 May 2006

RCH Old Slug Porter

The name "Old Slug" doesn't actually make me want to drink it, but:

Name: RCH Old Slug Porter, 4.5%, England
Appearance: Dark redish brown. Little head.
Aroma: Woody, a bit burnt and fruit.
Taste: Coffee and fruit. Malt! Bitter and a bit burnt. Tiny bit sour.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 3/5-2006, 110/300

Tuesday, 2 May 2006

Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout

And then one of the nicest porters/stouts I've ever had:

Name: Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout, 7%, England
Appearance: Almost black. Very little head initially. Nice, thick head when warmer.
Aroma: Vinous, barley, burnt, fruit.
Taste: Malty, burnt, coffee. Creamy. Fruit. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 355 ml, £1.75
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 2/5-2006, 109/300, 63/500

Wednesday, 26 April 2006

Samuel Smith's Taddy Porter

Name: Samuel Smith's Taddy Porter, 5%, England
Appearance: Very dark brown. Loads of head, shortlived.
Aroma: Malt and coffee. Bit of fruit.
Taste: Malty, and coffee. Burnt. Bit of fruit. Bitter
Bought: Beers of Europe, 550 ml, £2.09
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 26/4-2006, 108/300, 62/500

Sunday, 23 April 2006

Young's Old Nick

Name: Young's Old Nick, 7.2%, England
Appearance: Redish brown. Nice amount of head. Short-lived.
Aroma: Malt and winey. Bit of fruit.
Taste: Malty and winey (again). Creamy. Bit of hops.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 23/4-2006, 107/300, 61/500

Saturday, 22 April 2006

Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale

This bottled version at 5%, not 5.2% as in the 300-book and the 500-book*.

Name: Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale, 5%, England
Appearance: Brown, little bit of head.
Aroma: Malt and hops. Bit of fruit.
Taste: Malty, and some hops. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 550 ml, £2.09
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 22/4-2006, 106/300, 60/500

* The picture in the 500-book shows 5%, so they must be confused...

Staropramen

Third bottle from the four-pack gift from MG.

Name: Staropramen, 5.0%, Czech Republic
Appearance: Dark yellow. Basically no head. Fizzy.
Aroma: Hopsy. Normal lager, really.
Taste: Hops and malt. Fresh.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 22/4-2006

Thursday, 20 April 2006

Fraoch Kelpie Ale

This bottled version at 4.4% instead of the 4.1% as listed in the 300-book.

Name: Fraoch Kelpie Ale, 4.4%, Scotland
Appearance: Dark, redish brown. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Malty. Can actually smell the seaweed.
Taste: Malty. Something weird about it. Tangy.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 20/4-2006, 105/300

Wednesday, 19 April 2006

Orkney Dark Island

Name: Orkney Dark Island, 4.6%, Scotland
Appearance: Very dark brown. Nice head, not longlasting.
Aroma: Fruity. Blackcurrant. Malt.
Taste: Pretty malty. Burnt. Fruity.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 19/4-2006, 104/300

Tuesday, 18 April 2006

Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout

I've had a few pints of Samuel Smith's beers in The Cittie of Yorke in Holborn, London, but this is the first time I've tried the bottled versions.

Name: Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout, 5%, England
Appearance: Black, loads of head. Not longlasting.
Aroma: Pretty malty. Hint of coffee and chocolate.
Taste: Malt and burnt coffee. Bitter.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 550 ml, £2.09
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 18/4-2006, 103/300, 59/500

Friday, 14 April 2006

Leffe 9°

When I ordered the Westvleteren(!) Trappist beers from BelgianShop.com, I also ordered the only Leffe beer I hadn't tried yet:

Name: Leffe 9°, 9.0%, Belgium
Appearance: Light brown. Very little head.
Aroma: Very fruity.
Taste: Very fruity. Vinous. Sweet and bitter. Strong.
Bought: BelgianShop.com, 330 ml, $4.00
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 14/4-2006

Tuesday, 11 April 2006

St Austell Clouded Yellow

Name: St Austell Clouded Yellow, 4.8%, England
Appearance: Golden, little head. Cloudy. Pretty fizzy. Sediments.
Aroma: Wheat, bit of banana.
Taste: Wheaty, little bit quenching. Sour. No malt!
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 11/4-2006, 102/300

Monday, 10 April 2006

Gurkha Premium Lager Beer

As a "side project", I am also trying to drink beers from as many different countries as possible. Hence this one from Nepal*:

Name: Gurkha Premium Lager Beer, 5.0%, England*
Appearance: Golden. Very little head.
Aroma: Very little. Bit of malt and fruit.
Taste: Fruity, bit of malt. Fresh. Something "herby" about it.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 660 ml, £2.19
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 10/4-2006

* Actually, this is brewed in England. Changed as per Ratebeer.com 2014-07-08

Sunday, 9 April 2006

Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted

This bottled version at 4.2% instead of the 3.8% in the 300-book.

Name: Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, 4.2%, Scotland
Appearance: Golden. Little bit of head, not longlived.
Aroma: Fruity, lemony. Malt and hops.
Taste: Hopsy and fruity. Malty, but also fresh.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.75
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 9/4-2006, 101/300

Friday, 7 April 2006

Affligem Dubbel

I think I had this one for the first time in the over-priced bar/restaurant in the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I remember liking it, so bought it again for the purpose of my beer project.

Name: Affligem Dubbel, 6.8%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brown. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Malty and fruity.
Taste: Fresh. Malty and fruity.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.75
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 6/4-2006

Wednesday, 5 April 2006

100/300

Reached the magic 100 number after a bit under eight months, whereas I reached 50 in under three months. I find it harder to get hold of the beers now, especially as I for now limit myself to bottles only. Beers of Europe has helped me along a lot lately, but I think that will come to an end soon as well. Will probably start buying more 500-book beers soon...

Silly Double Enghien Blonde

I was very lucky with the 100th beer from the 300-book:

Name: Silly Double Enghien Blonde, 7.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Golden. Hazy. Not much head.
Aroma: Very fruity. Honey? Nectar.
Taste: Very fruity. Not much else. Like fruit juice.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 5/4-2006, 100/300

Monday, 3 April 2006

Woodforde's Norfolk Nip

At 8.0%, instead of at 8.5% as in the 300-book.

Name: Woodforde's Norfolk Nip, 8.0%, England
Appearance: Dark brown. Absolutely flat, no fizz.
Aroma: Winey, fruity. Malty. Raisins.
Taste: Pretty malty. Fruits.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £2.29
Overall score: 2/6 (Mostly because it is so flat)
Info: 3/4-2006, 99/300

Sunday, 2 April 2006

Saison Dupont

My first ever Saison beer:

Name: Saison Dupont, 6.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Orangy-gold, cloudy. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Hopsy, fruity. Wheaty
Taste: Nice mix of fruit, hops and malt.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.39
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 2/4-2006, 98/300, 58/500, 12/100

Saturday, 1 April 2006

Young's Double Chocolate Stout

They are actually using Cadbury's chocolate in this one. At 5.2%, not 5% as in the 300-book and the 500-book.

Name: Young's Double Chocolate Stout, 5.2%, England
Appearance: Black. Little bit of head, short-lived though.
Aroma: Dark chocolate, cocoa. Bit of malt.
Taste: Dark chocolate, cocoa. Malty? Hint of fruit?
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 1/4-2006, 97/300, 57/500

Conwy Celebration Ale

Third and last bottle that GR gave me and that was bought in Conwy, Wales.

Name: Conwy Celebration Ale, 4.2%, Wales
Appearance: Orangy brown. A bit cloudy. No head.
Aroma: Flowery, bit of fruit and hops.
Taste: Pretty hopsy. Acidic. Nice, malty aftertaste, though.
Bought: Gift, 500 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 1/4-2006

Friday, 31 March 2006

Conwy Castle Bitter

Second bottle/gift bought by GR in Conwy.

Name: Conwy Castle Bitter, 3.8%, Wales
Appearance: Brown, light brown. Very little head. Some sediments.
Aroma: Hopsy. A bit of malt.
Taste: Watery. Hopsy. Bit of bitter/malt in aftertaste.
Bought: Gift, 500 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 31/3-2006

Thursday, 30 March 2006

Conwy Arbennig Special

Bought by GR in Conwy, a nice gift from him.

Name: Conwy Arbennig Special, 4.5%, Wales
Appearance: Dark brown, little head.
Aroma: Very fruity, ripe fruit. Malt.
Taste: Very fruity. Malty. Burnt.
Bought: Gift, 500 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 30/3-2006

Wednesday, 29 March 2006

Leffe Triple

This bottle of Leffe at 8.5% instead of the 8.1% listed in the 300-book.

Name: Leffe Triple, 8.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Pale brown, yellow. Cloudy, fizzy. Nice head.
Aroma: Hopsy. Raisins.
Taste: Very hopsy. Malt. Ripe fruit.
Bought: Sainsbury's, 330 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 29/3-2006, 96/300

Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Fraoch Heather Ale

This bottled version at 5%, not 4.1% as listed in the 300-book.

Name: Fraoch Heather Ale, 5%, Scotland
Appearance: Chestnut brown, very little head.
Aroma: Flowery and fruity.
Taste: Fruit, with hops and malt. Hint of flower.
Bought: Waitrose, 500 ml, £1.65
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 28/3-2006, 95/300, 56/500

Friday, 24 March 2006

Orval

As mentioned in the 300-book, the bottled version is 6.2%, not 6%.

Name: Orval, 6.2%, Belgium
Appearance: Light brown. Cloudy. Lots of head, longlasting.
Aroma: Very fruity.
Taste: Fruit and berries. Bitter. A bit sour aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.65
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 24/3-2006, 94/300, 55/500, 11/100

2015 re-rate:

Name: Orval, 6.2%, Belgium
Appearance: Bottled 20/4-2011. Dark red-brown, clear. Nice amount of off-white head.
Aroma: Nice fruits, lots of it.
Taste: Lots of dark fruit, slight bitterness. Nice.
Bought: ?, 330 ml, CHF ?.??
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 11/7-2015, BB: 20/4-2016

Thursday, 23 March 2006

Tsingtao Beer

Second bottle from the four-pack gift from MG. Stronger than the "accurate" 4.25% listed in the 500-book.

Name: Tsingtao Beer, 5.0%, China
Appearance: Pale yellow. Little head. Fizzy.
Aroma: Hopsy (very). Normal lager.
Taste: Hopsy, fresh. No malt. Standard light lager.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 23/3-2006, 54/500

Wednesday, 22 March 2006

Kingfisher Premium

Gift from MG, in a four-pack of world beers, I think.

Name: Kingfisher Premium, 4.8%, India
Appearance: Pale yellow. A bit of head, not longlasting.
Aroma: Malt and hops. Normal lager. Citrusy.
Taste: Hopsy, bit of malt. Standard lager.
Bought: Gift, 330 ml, £?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 22/3-2006

Tuesday, 21 March 2006

Chimay Triple / Blanche / Cinq Cents

330ml version, Chimay Triple / Blanche:

Name: Chimay Triple / Blanche, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Golden, nice amount of head - not longlasting. Last bit a bit cloudy.
Aroma: Bit of fruit. Citrusy.
Taste: Hopsy, bit of fruit. Bitterish.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 21/3-2006, 93/300

750ml version, Chimay Cinq Cents:

Name: Chimay Cinq Cents, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Hazy golden. Good amount of off-white head. Sediments and floaty bits.
Aroma: Fruit and citrus. Wood. Fresh.
Taste: Hops and citrus. Nice aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 750 ml, £4.55
Overall score: 4/6*
Info: 10/6-2008, 194/500

* I gave the Blanche version 3/6, so I might be enjoying Triples more now, two years later.

I originally put these as separate entries, but in the end they are too similar to justify separate entries.

Monday, 20 March 2006

Chimay Rouge (Red)

Name: Chimay Rouge (Red), 7%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark redish brown. Little head.
Aroma: Malty, hint of blackcurrant.
Taste: Malty, fresh.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.65
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 20/3-2006, 92/300

Sunday, 19 March 2006

100 bottles of beer on the wall...

So, after 100 bottles of beer in 7 months, I've done 91 beers from the 300-book and 53 beers from the 500-book. The focus at this point has primarily been on the 300-book. When I start getting problems sourcing more beers, the focus will change more to the 500-book.

Saturday, 18 March 2006

Duyck Jenlain Ambrée

Stronger than the 6.5% listed in the 300-book and the 500-book.

Name: Duyck Jenlain Ambrée, 7.5%, France
Appearance: Dark brown, redish. Little head - more when warmer. Little bubbles.
Aroma: Malty, very fruity. Raisins.
Taste: Pretty malty, not that fruity.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 750 ml, £3.49
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 18/3-2006, 91/300, 53/500

Thursday, 16 March 2006

Maredsous 10

Name: Maredsous 10, 10%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark golden. Loads of thick head. Loads of bubbles.
Aroma: Fruity, pears.
Taste: Fruity, pears. Strong. Hopsy. Malt in aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.95
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 16/3-2006, 90/300

Tuesday, 14 March 2006

Maredsous 8

Name: Maredsous 8, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Chestnut brown. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Malt and coffee.
Taste: Malty, coffee. Bitter. Bit of fruit.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.65
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 14/3-2006, 89/300, 10/100

Friday, 10 March 2006

Cantillon Rosé de Gambrinus

My second lambic/gueuze, and a 750 ml bottle as well...

Name: Cantillon Rosé de Gambrinus, 5%, Belgium
Appearance: Cap&Cork. Orangy pink, cloudy. Absolutely no head.
Aroma: A bit like cider. Vinegary.
Taste: Hint of raspberry, vinegary. Pretty sour. Like it is bad.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 750 ml, £4.69
Overall score: 0/6
Info: 10/3-2006, 88/300, 52/500

Thursday, 9 March 2006

Tongerlo Double Blond

Beers of Europe actually sent me this one by mistake instead of the Double Brown. Never mind, the beer wasn't that bad.

Name: Tongerlo Double Blond, 6%, Belgium
Appearance: Golden. Quite a lot of head.
Aroma: Pretty wheaty. Hopsy.
Taste: Hopsy. More malty aftertaste. Fresh.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.45
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 9/3-2006

Wednesday, 8 March 2006

Tongerlo Triple Blond

Name: Tongerlo Triple Blond, 8%, Belgium
Appearance: Yellowish gold, nice amount of head.
Aroma: Very hopsy. Hint of wheat.
Taste: Malty, more hopsy. Warming.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 8/3-2006, 87/300

Wednesday, 1 March 2006

Trappistes Rochefort 10

Name: Trappistes Rochefort 10, 11.3%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark, dark brown, cloudy. Nice, creamy head.
Aroma: Fruit, little bit of malt.
Taste: Very malty. Little bit of fruit. Warming alcohol.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £2.49
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 1/3-2006, 86/300, 9/100

Trappistes Rochefort 8

Name: Trappistes Rochefort 8, 9.2%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brown, cloudy. Nice amount of head, creamy.
Aroma: Pretty malty. Raisins.
Taste: Malty, raisins. Bitter.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.89
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 1/3-2006, 85/300, 8/100

Tuesday, 28 February 2006

(Schloss) Eggenberg Samichlaus

Supposedly the strongest lager in the world, and at 14% it is at the same level as most red/white wines.

Name: (Schloss) Eggenberg Samichlaus, 14%, Austria
Appearance: Redish brown. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Malty. Like port wine.
Taste: A bit strong, cognac. Malt and nuts.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £2.79
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 28/2-2006, 84/300

Monday, 27 February 2006

Boon Geuze

I thought wheat beers were bad, but that was before I started tasting lambic/gueuze... This bottle at 6.5%, not 6% as listed in the 300-book and the 500-book.

Name: Boon Geuze, 6.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Cloudy amber, almost orange. Lots of head.
Aroma: Just like a cider. Lemony, hint of wheat.
Taste: Sour. A bit like cider. Lemony. Yuck!
Bought: Beers of Europe, 375 ml, £2.09
Overall score: 1/6 (Almost 0/6)
Info: 27/2-2006, 83/300, 51/500

Sunday, 26 February 2006

Brinkhoff Dortmunder Union Export

Name: Brinkhoff Dortmunder Union Export, 5.3%, Germany
Appearance: Golden, basically no head.
Aroma: Hopsy, lemon fruit. Fresh.
Taste: Lemony, hopsy. Fresh. Clean, crisp taste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 26/2-2006, 82/300, 50/500

Saturday, 25 February 2006

Leffe Radieuse

Name: Leffe Radieuse, 8.2%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brown. Little head. Bit more when warmer.
Aroma: Fruity, malty. Raisins.
Taste: Malty, little bit of fruit. Bitter-ish.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.45
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 25/2-2006, 49/500

Cusqueña

Name: Cusqueña, 5%, Peru
Appearance: Light golden. No head, fizzy.
Aroma: Hopsy. Hint of malt.
Taste: Hopsy. Normal light lager. Fresh. Bitter-ish aftertaste.
Bought: Sainsbury's, 330 ml, £1.00
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 25/2-2006, 1/300M

Friday, 24 February 2006

Leffe Vieille Cuvée

I drink Leffe Brune and Blond regularly, so when I saw this one on Beers of Europe, I had to get a bottle to try it out. Not as nice as Brune, though.

Name: Leffe Vieille Cuvée, 8.2%, Belgium
Appearance: Chestnut brown. Almost no head.
Aroma: Malty, fruity. Prunes/dates.
Taste: Burnt malt. Fruity.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 24/2-2006

Thursday, 23 February 2006

Hoegaarden

Nitpicking, but at 4.9% instead of the listed 5% in the 300-book and the 500-book.

Name: Hoegaarden, 4.9%, Belgium
Appearance: Cloudy white. Later pale brown. Tiny amount of head.
Aroma: Not too wheaty. Orangy? Citrusy.
Taste: A bit of wheat. Hint of fruit. Fresh
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.15
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 23/2-2006, 81/300, 48/500

Wednesday, 22 February 2006

Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen

This one really messed with my head. It just tastes plain weird in the beginning, but after a few sips you get used to it. At the end of the bottle, I actually liked it. This one is listed as 4.8% in the 500-book.

Name: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, 5.1%, Germany
Appearance: Dark chestnut. Nice amount of head.
Aroma: Smoked malt. Burnt wood.
Taste: Really smokey. Malty. Burnt wood.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.85
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 22/2-2006, 80/300, 47/500

Re-rated in 2018:

Name: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen, 5.1%, Germany
Appearance: Dark brown, light tan head.
Aroma: Smoke, but not too much, though. Some tar.
Taste: Smoke, metallic, roasted malt. Slight tar. Nice.
Bought: Schlenkerla (Bamberg), 500 ml draft, €3.40
Score: 3.6 (Aroma 7/10, Appearance 3/5, Taste 8/10, Palate 3/5, Overall 15/20)
Info: 9/8-2018

Tuesday, 21 February 2006

Bush Ambrée

Nice, low alcohol beer at 12%...

Name: Bush Ambrée*, 12%, Belgium
Appearance: Amber, tiny bubbles. Little head.
Aroma: Barley sugar, malty. You can smell that it is strong.
Taste: Barley, malty. Alcohol-taste, warming.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 250 ml, £1.69
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 21/2-2006, 79/300, 46/500

* Simply called "Bush 12%" in the 500-book.

Monday, 20 February 2006

Trappistes Rochefort 6

Ah - another Trappist beer!

Name: Trappistes Rochefort 6, 7.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Redish brown. Cloudy. Nice head.
Aroma: Very fruity. Berries.
Taste: Fruity, malty. Creamy.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 20/2-2006, 78/300

Friday, 17 February 2006

Koningshoeven La Trappe Tripel

After the shock of the Rodenbach Grand Cru (see below), I needed to wash the flavour away with something nice:

Name: Koningshoeven La Trappe Tripel, 8%, Netherlands
Appearance: Copper-coloured. Fizzy, nice head.
Aroma: Fruity, malty. Hint of hops.
Taste: Fruity, malty. Creamy. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 17/2-2006, 77/300

Rodenbach Grand Cru

The "Belgian Sour Red Beer" chapter in the 300-book had scared me for a while, but I had to get it over with. Luckily only one beer in that section!

Name: Rodenbach Grand Cru, 6%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brown, redish. Little bit of head.
Aroma: Sour, winey. Red wine vinegar?
Taste: Very sour. Vinous. Sour fruit. Quenching.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.99
Overall score: 0/6
Info: 17/2-2006, 76/300, 45/500, 7/100

Thursday, 16 February 2006

Koningshoeven La Trappe Dubbel

A Koningshoeven evening - even my girlfriend liked these.

Name: Koningshoeven La Trappe Dubbel, 6.5%, Netherlands
Appearance: Very dark brown. Nice head.
Aroma: Malty, fruity.
Taste: Malty, fruity. Smooth.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 16/2-2006, 75/300

Koningshoeven La Trappe Blond

Name: Koningshoeven La Trappe Blond, 6.5%, Netherlands
Appearance: Golden, nice amount of head. Champagne bubbles.
Aroma: Fruity, hopsy.
Taste: Malty, hopsy. Fresh. Fruity. Smooth.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 16/2-2006, 74/300

Wednesday, 15 February 2006

La Caracole Troublette

Another wheat beer, at 5.5% compared to 5% in the 300-book.

Name: La Caracole Troublette, 5.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Cloudy, light brown. Muddy water. Little head.
Aroma: Not that wheaty. Sour fruits. Hint of hops.
Taste: Lemony, but quenching. Pretty bad...
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 1/6
Info: 15/2-2006, 73/300

Saturday, 11 February 2006

Svyturys Ekstra

Must be my first ever beer from Lithuania...

Name: Svyturys Ekstra, 5.2%, Lithuania
Appearance: Gold, little head.
Aroma: Like a lager. Bit of fruit. Grainy.
Taste: Hopsy. Hint of malt. Bitter aftertaste.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 500 ml, £1.59
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 11/2-2006, 72/300

L'Abbaye des Rocs Blanche des Honnelles

Name: L'Abbaye des Rocs Blanche des Honnelles, 6%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark yellow, light brown. Hazy. Little head.
Aroma: Wheaty, not too much. Fruity.
Taste: Wheaty, but also fruity. Fresh. Fizzy.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.49
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 11/2-2006, 71/300, 44/500, 6/100

Friday, 10 February 2006

Abbaye des Rocs

Name: Abbaye des Rocs, 9%, Belgium
Appearance: Dark brown, cloudy. Good head, foamed over when opened...
Aroma: Very fruity. Vinous.
Taste: Very fruity and sweet. Vinous, fresh. Smooth.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.75
Overall score: 5/6
Info: 10/2-2006, 70/300

Thursday, 9 February 2006

De Dolle Arabier

Stronger at 7.5% compared to the 7% listed in the 300-book.

Name: De Dolle Arabier, 7.5%, Belgium
Appearance: Cloudy yellow/bronze. Loads of head.
Aroma: Very fruity. Gone-off fruit?
Taste: Very fruity, long aftertaste. Malty.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.79
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 9/2-2006, 69/300, 5/100

Wednesday, 8 February 2006

Alt Pott's Landbier

Last one from the trip to Gütersloh/Bielefeld, Germany. Promise.

Name: Alt Pott's Landbier, 4.8%, Germany
Appearance: Dark/chestnut brown, basically no head.
Aroma: Pretty malty. Berries. Roasted hops.
Taste: Malty, bitter. Long, bitter aftertaste. Smooth, though.
Bought: Germany, 330 ml, €0.84
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 8/2-2006

Monday, 6 February 2006

Detmolder Pilsener

When HH and I stayed in a local B&B in Gütersloh (Germany), we tried a few different types of Detmolder beers in the B&B pub. Just had to buy one later from Bielefeld, as a reminder of the chatty owner and HH refusing to stay another night in the B&B...

Name: Detmolder Pilsener, 4.8%, Germany
Appearance: Yellow/amber, very little head.
Aroma: Malty, hopsy.
Taste: Malty and hopsy, but not too much. Fresh.
Bought: Germany, 330 ml, €?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 6/2-2006

Sunday, 5 February 2006

St Sylvestre 3 Monts

Name: St Sylvestre 3 Monts, 8.5%, France
Appearance: Gold, dark yellow. Champagne-like bubbles. Lots of head, not lasting long.
Aroma: Very fruity, winey.
Taste: Very vinous, bitter, fresh. "Champagne beer"
Bought: Beers of Europe, 750 ml, £3.99
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 5/2-2006, 68/300, 43/500

Friday, 3 February 2006

De Koninck

Name: De Koninck, 5%, Belgium
Appearance: Basically no head.
Aroma: Malty, hint of hops. Burnt.
Taste: Pretty malty, fruity, bitter aftertaste. Fresh.
Bought: Beers of Europe, 330 ml, £1.29
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 3/2-2006, 67/300, 42/500, 4/100

Einbecker Ur-Bock Hell

Another one from the business trip to Gütersloh/Bielefeld, Germany. The 300-book is not clear which version of Ur-Bock, so this is the Hell version (at 6.5% instead of the listed 6.9%).

Name: Einbecker Ur-Bock Hell, 6.5%, Germany
Appearance: Light amber, bit of head, not longlasting.
Aroma: Hopsy, hint of honey.
Taste: Pretty malty, bitter. Strange, strong aftertaste.
Bought: Germany, 330 ml, €0.71
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 3/2-2006, 66/300

Thursday, 2 February 2006

Hartwall Thors Øl

Also bought over Christmas in Kilpisjärvi, Finland.

Name: Hartwall Thors Øl, 4.5%, Finland
Appearance: Amber, no head.
Aroma: Honey, little bit malty and hopsy.
Taste: Honey, fresh, hopsy-hint. Nectar.
Bought: Finland, 500 ml, €?.??
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 2/2-2006

Wednesday, 1 February 2006

Litovel Dark

Bought over Christmas in Kilpisjärvi, Finland.

Name: Litovel Dark, 3.8%, Czech Republic
Appearance: Black, little/no head.
Aroma: Pretty malty, fruity. Plum.
Taste: Pretty (again) malty, fruity. Fresh. Bitter
Bought: Finland, 500 ml, €?.??
Overall score: 4/6
Info: 1/2-2006

Tuesday, 24 January 2006

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

Also bought on business trip to Gütersloh/Bielefeld, Germany.

Name: Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier, 5.4%, Germany
Appearance: Pale yellow, cloudy. Lots of head, not longlasting.
Aroma: Not that wheaty. Hint of fruit, honey.
Taste: Pretty wheaty, hopsy. Fizzy.
Bought: Germany, 500 ml, €0.88
Overall score: 2/6
Info: 24/1-2006, 65/300, 41/500

Saturday, 14 January 2006

Duckstein

A new year, lots of new beers to try. Bought on business trip to Gütersloh/Bielefeld, Germany.

Name: Duckstein, 4.9%, Germany
Appearance: Redish brown, nice amount of head.
Aroma: Fruity, malty, hopsy.
Taste: Pretty malty, bitter/malty finish.
Bought: Germany, 500 ml, €1.87
Overall score: 3/6
Info: 14/1-2006, 64/300