Hopulist issue 5

In terms of what excites me, I
think more and more breweries
will decide to open their own
pubs or taprooms and they have
the potential to be amazing places
to drink. If the same places can
also meet the challenge of serving
excellent food and pairing it with
their beers, then that’s even better.
I’m also fired up by anything that
increases the image and reputation
of beer. I think it can be all things
to all people, but showing it to
be high quality and, if you like,
aspirational will help throw off the
notion that it’s just something you
‘chug’ while watching the football.
Of course it can still be good for a
session on a Saturday afternoon,
but I’d like it if more people
realised it’s also that special bottle
you save to share with friends and
which quietens your chatter for a
moment because it tastes so good.
DON’T BE
AFRAID TO ASK
FOR A TASTER
BEFORE YOU
ORDER, EVEN
IF YOU KNOW
YOUR BEER,
AND SAY IF YOU
DON’T LIKE IT.
What are your favourite kinds of
beer and why?
This is another tough question! It
really depends on how I feel at any
given time. I do have a huge fondness
for Black IPAs. Done well they
are such a delicious combination of
dark, chocolatey malts and zingy
fruity hops. I like a good stout, especially
an oatmeal stout or ones with
a bit of bite. A well made imperial
stout is also a thing of beauty. I love a
traditional pint of British cask bitter
too – properly hoppy so that it makes
you smack your lips after each sip.
I’m blessed where I live now as our
local brewery is Gadds’ and they specialise
in those hoppy, British beers.
I’ve also got a soft spot for smoked
beers - and wish more brewers made
them.
What are your top three tips for
beer lovers to get more from
their experiences?
Don’t be afraid to ask for a taster
before you order, even if you know
your beer, and say if you don’t like
it. Only by paying attention to what
you’re tasting will you find out your
likes and dislikes so you always get
something you’ll really enjoy.
Choose something you wouldn’t
normally go for now and again. Don’t
always stick to the same style. The
world of beer goes way beyond IPA.
Go to a beer and food matched
dinner or tasting event and also try
coming up with your own pairings.
Pubs and restaurants still seem to
be stuck in a rut when it comes to
putting beer and food together. It’s up
to drinkers to push things forward.