Crones… the triple Goddess of Ciders. There’s really nothing quite like it (well, Mrs Forte may tiebreak it with Burrow Hill, but that’s another story), this megalithic brew really does the job. An organic pagan Norfolk beast crafted from the finest apples of albion. It’s a crusty, clean your teeth, cleanse your gut kind of […]

As the last log took to the grate on Boxing Day, I fumbled in the sideboard for something to warm the soul. Goodbye Gangster Granny, hello Elgoods Cherry Stout. This strong little Dark Mild is like bottled Christmas, doubled up from its baby brother Black Dog, it really packs a ballsy dark chocolate driven Cherry […]

Ale + Carols = Christmas. A Carol Service at the local Pub, what a splendid idea. Visit the Holbrook Swan just before Christmas each year and you’ll be greeted with a crowd of rowdy revellers… family and friends, dogs and drunkards (in the nicest sense), preachers and players, and those lovely old ladies that sing […]

Zin the Great… Looking for something a liitle different then check out the overlooked Zinfandel grape. Best expressions come from its home in the USA, especially in California in the form of full flavoured reds, an ideal accompaniment for meat and game. Foremost examples have with a spicy nose with balanced but pronounced dark fruit […]