On Thursday night, Julian, Todd and I joined some of the folks from my work at the 19th Annual Battersea Beer Festival. I don’t know why they call it a “beer” festival when the only type of beer they actually serve is ale. What’s more, I don’t even like ale; I’m much more of a lager drinker. Ales to me just taste like flat, warm beer – true, that’s pretty much exactly what they are – but when you’re looking for a nice cool bubbling beverage, ale is not your friend.
I guess I was mainly there for the social side of things (though most people from work pulled out, slackers!). The three of us didn’t bother with the formalities of purchasing a beer guide; instead we were going by gut instinct (read “the shortest queues”) to pick our beers.
As it turns out, I have an uncanny knack for choosing the worst beers available; each time the three of us made a choice, it was inevitably mine which came a very distant third. I felt my first ale – “Black Gold” – was rather inappropriately named; “Watery burnt toast” would have been far more suitable. By my reckoning, Todd’s best beer was the “Sheepshagger’s Gold” (yes, really), and Julian’s was “The Highwayman”, which had a distinct taste of honey and cigarettes.
Given that half-pints start around £1.05, and go up to about £1.20 for the more exotic beers, it’s certain a cheap night out; but given my penchant for lager, perhaps next time I’d be checking out that martial arts class instead.
4 comments
If there is ever a cider fest then I am your man!
Pity about your beer choices, although it looks like you had fun anyway
They sell ciders there too, also Perry which so far as I can tell is pear cider.
Ales aren’t as bad as you might have had. I’d suggest a number from the Rebellion brewery if you ever see them. I do admit lagers are more refreshing. Shame about the festival. It looked pretty good!
Cool! Sheepshagger’s Gold is a Scottish ale! Hurrah! nice choice Todd.