We had a few beers over Christmas when we called in at various cafes. I'm not a big drinker, especially in the afternoon but it was Christmas time after all. Newcastle Brown was the first one, originally brewed in Newcastle upon Tyne. You can't beat a bit of "Newky Brown".
As it states on the label, it is affectionately known as "dog". In my area, people say "I'm going to see a man about a dog", which means I'm not telling you where I'm going, so keep your nose out. In Newcastle, apparently Geordie men used to say the same to go and have a sneaky pint at the pub. I'm sure some Geordie women did the same!
The bar man also told us the star on the back is a temperature gauge. I'm afraid I don't like my beer icy cold, preferring it to be a bit warm.
Next was Dark Lane Porter that's by a local brewery called Moot Ales in Matlock in Derbyshire and really tasty. The names of their beers are all connected to the area. This was my favourite so we took a couple of bottles home with us.
Last but not least, my brother tried Shipyard American IPA that was founded in the state of Maine in 1992. After a deal with Marston’s in Burton-on-Trent, which isn't too far from here, it is avaible in the UK.
I'm back on the wagon now ....
