Download March 2011 - Bite Magazine

Beer: BrewDog, AberdeenWhat images spring to mind whenthe words “Real Ale” arementioned? Beards, beer belliesand tucked-in t-shirts? Possibly. But thereputation of real ale and artisan beer ischanging. Younger, less hairy people arebeginning to enjoy tasting their beer and noonewants to celebrate this more than thelocal entrepreneur alchemists behindBrewDog. Their first bar has recently openedin Aberdeen and they are set to open asecond in Edinburgh this spring.BrewDog Aberdeen can be busy at theweekend but on this cold Thursday eveningmy friend and I were served immediately andhad a couple of empty tables to choosefrom. Behind the bar are a handful of thesignature beers on draught plus two or threeguest draughts which change regularly. Themore exotic beers are in bottles and theoverwhelming choice includes many moreBrewDog tipples and international guestbeers. And the staff here are such anenthusiastic and knowledgeable bunch thatyou almost invite them over for a drinkbefore remembering that that might beinappropriate!I decided my first would be a pint of their 77Lager (4.9%). This beer retains all the bestqualities of pilsner in its refreshing lightnesswhilst packing in a hearty, malty punch. IBeer with pedigreefollowed this with a guest draught. “Hello,My Name Is Ingrid” (8.2%) is a collaborationbetween BrewDog and brewers calledBeersweden. It is a lager with sharp citrusflavours and a dry hoppy finish. Finally, withthe conversation still on beer and generalbeeriness, I sampled a third-pint of Tokyo.Served as thirds because its ABV is animmodest 18.2%! A lot happens during sips ofthis stout. It is very fruity and sweet and,coupled with its strength, it resembles asherry. However, the hops do eventuallyappear to remind you that you are in factenjoying a beer.With their first bar BrewDog have fortifiedthe ethos of the brand. Theirs is beer of highquality to be sipped and savoured but also tobe adventurous with. BrewDog hasintroduced artisan beer to a new, youthfulcrowd with unique products andunconventional business strategies. It’s ‘Beerfor Punks’ they say. Can a punk rock a beerbelly? I certainly hope so… (D. King)BrewDog Aberdeen– 17 Gallowgate, Aberdeen, AB25 1EB– www.brewdog.comOpening HoursTue – Sat 12 noon-12pm, Sun 12:30-midnight,Mon 4pm–midnight.19