Golden Pints 2019 | The year in review

2019 eh?

12 months of introversion yet looking forward. And in beer, like life itself, that can mean all manner of things.

So let’s start by defining craft….

I joke, of course.

Much of what I (Tim, editor of The Brewers Journal) write here is informed by discussion and debate the recent Brewers Congress and Brewers Choice Awards we hosted in London at the end of last month.

Regular emails and calls with the incredible individuals that took part in the event progressively enveloped my existence in the weeks and months leading up until the 28th November. And clichéd as it may be, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. What a privilege it is to work alongside people you’ve looked up to, and admired, for so long.

John Keeling, a legend in brewing and one of the hosts of The Brewers Congress, wisely once said that London Pride (the flagship beer of his former employer, Fuller’s) should be like a good friend. You might spot that they’ve had a haircut, or if they’re wearing a new outfit, but you’ll always know it’s them.

Mark Tranter, founder of Burning Sky, speaking at
The Brewers Congress in London, November 2019.

He outlined how minor variations in the ingredient bill can promote subtle nuances in the beer. Following that I’ve always observed that in London Pride and actively enjoy discovering it in other beers, too. In a conversation prior to The Brewers Congress Mark Tranter (above), founder of Burning Sky, said he prefers to do similar when it comes to the annual releases of their celebrated beers, taking a thrill from minute changes and how the beers have improved owing to those amendments. Anyone that got to try the brewery’s 2019 Cuvée at said event would no doubt agree.

With that in mind, there can’t be many beers in the modern brewing landscape that have made such a positive, indelible, mark as Keller Pils. As London Pride revels in the way it matures, Keller Pils is following a similar path. Joel Mellor, co-founder of London’s excellent bar The Hop Locker (located behind The Southbank Centre on Friday-Sunday) will attest that I cannot drink there without commencing with, or just sticking on, Keller Pils.

Alex Troncoso, co-founder of Lost and Grounded Brewers, being put to work while the rest of the team and I enjoyed copious amounts of cans, October 2019.

And if anyone has had the unfortunate experience of meeting someone from a band you love to find out they’re a complete ass, then spending time with Lost and Grounded Brewers is as far removed as you’d ever get from that. Headed up by fantastic Alex Troncoso and Annie Clements, they are gracious, engaging, generous and bloody good at what they do. Love you guys!!

A genuine highlight of my beer experiences in 2019 was tasting the beers at Bohem Brewery. I must confess, I’ve never been to the Czech Republic but I’ve enjoyed beers stemming from this vaunted locale. But trying beers, even those not at the brewer’s desired level of tank maturation, blew me away. It was a rainy, dull day in London during my visit, but I was instantly transported to a sun-kissed beer garden in Prague.

Matěj Křížek, brewer at Bohem Brewery, investigating some refreshed artwork, March, 2019

We’ve all been there, you open a beer to share and the aroma hits everyone. There’s a knowing look. Then the first sip, rather than bringing you back down to earth with a bang, elevates the whole experience further. Death By Caribbean Chocolate Cake, the 2019 iteration of the popular series by Siren Craft Brew, did just that.

Boozy chocolate milk that could make you squeal with joy. The addition of Sean Knight to the Siren team was a superb move and he went straight in to my Fantasy Brewing Team for the upcoming season. Adding his own stamp to existing beers has been an instant success and I’m certain his own recipes will have a similar impact.

There are various curves that exist in the brewing spectrum. I’m not sure what exact point Manchester’s Cloudwater are at on their journey but what I do know is that the beer they’re producing is, in my opinion (as this all is) the best they ever have. Pale, DDH Pale, Small Pale, IPA, DIPA? “Completed it, mate” as the blonde fella from The Inbetweeners once said.

But if the people that tell me I look like him on an almost daily basis could give it a break that would be grand….

There is a lack of pomp and ceremony about the beers they’re putting out. But series’ such as the various expressions featuring Yakima and NZ hops were a triumph. Good Things for Everyone, a recent Triple IPA was divine, too. I look forward to see what aces they have up their collective sleeves for 2020.

Northern Monk founder Russell Bisset triumphs over Brian Dickson in the inaugural mid-air arm wrestling championships in London, November 2019

Northern Monk (above) winners of ‘Brewery of the Year’ at the inaugural Brewers Choice Awards, evidently adopt the mentality that “You miss every shot you don’t take”. It’s therefore handy that they have the striking accuracy of Premier League striker Sadio Mané and not that of Huddersfield Town, beloved of head brewer Brian Dickson (sorry chief).

Their Sour Cherry IPA collaboration with Left Handed Giant, Take Care of Business, was a joy and the Refectory tie-up with London’s Gipsy Hill was a masterclass in the art of Double IPA. Core Pale Ale Faith is tasting better than ever, too.

Take Care of Business: A collaboration between Northern Monk,
Left Handed Giant and Lucy Ketchin

That beer was brewed at the London brewery and if you’re lucky they may, or may not, still have some available at their fantastic taproom. An expansion, brand refresh, and new beers have been the order of the day at the excellent Gipsy Hill and it’s great to see them flourish further.

While we’re in London, hats off to Jon Swain and the team at Hackney Brewery. Their core beers continue to impress while the limited releases hit the spot. The lager they brew is the definition of quaffable and I love it so. The Skyline Project, a tireless example of a collaboration initiative, was truly excellent and it was impressive to see so many New York breweries pair up with London counterparts. The beers were brilliant, also.

The Skyline Project: A brilliant collaboration initiative

Many of the beverages mentioned above were mused on at Ealing’s excellent Owl and the Pussycat or imbibed at A Pint of Hops,a new opening for West London in 2019. Founded by Marius Andrici, the Acton-based bottle-shop is a superb spot for take-outs or drink-in and I visit far more than is healthy.

Oh well…old dog new tricks and all that.

Archie and Hattie: Two regulars at A Pint of Hops

I’m also never failed to be impressed with the wealth of beers that Sean Looney procures for Micro Beers in Sheen, coupled with the fantastic environment to enjoy them in. The same can be said for Linda Birch and the ace Brewery Market in Twickenham.

Looking further afield, a visit to Nova Scotia in Canada was a complete pleasure. A province defined by the beauty of its landscape and in the kindness of its people. Beers such as A Dimension in Time by Tusket Falls and Galaxy IPA by Propeller were simply superb. And in Chicago, Half Acre’s brewery was a mind-blowing space and brewery-fresh Daisy Cutter was something to behold, while Hopewell produced some the cleanest beers I’ve ever tasted and need to visit again sooner rather than later.

Half Acre: One incredible brewery
Hopewell Brewing: Co-founders Samantha Lee and Stephen Bossu

Unreal… much like this year’s London Craft Beer Festival. Another year, another success. Superbly organised at a great venue. It’s truly a highlight of the UK beer calendar and long may it continue. There’s no pics because there was too much drinking and chatting to be had. The same as Dark City at the aforementioned Northern Monk Refectory in Leeds. Basking heat and brilliant company. Boom!

And more recently, the debut ‘Good Harvest’ event hosted by Mondo Brewing Company in Battersea, London, was a brilliant success. Great beer, fantastic chilli from outfits such as Prairie Fire and Dishoom and ace live Bluegrass was the perfect antidote to a dreary autumnal Saturday.

These article is by no means a comprehensive overview and, as I said at the start, it has been a real privilege being able to work with so many talented people.

So on that note, thanks again to everyone that has supported the magazine in 2019 and everyone that has been involved in our events in any capacity.

We’re busy plotting bigger and better things for 2020 and I hope next year is a great one for you all!

Tim

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