tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85424285109095554572024-03-05T06:12:01.618+00:00Blog of a Newbie BrewerThe trials and tribulations of setting up a microbrewery from scratch.oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-88332077470344822402017-01-30T12:23:00.001+00:002017-01-30T12:26:48.766+00:00End of an era ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAnhxL_o6uvvoVEMy9bzFj3Y-2baOsLw4Xiy_kx8z0Jz8yGNeYFBh6LGg_UH2V3eKj5GhpvMtr9G7BnQp9T2vtgPggGGgOTXA8M3E2h5lsLp_2z4p-BZmsD68KfMHP2xW5WJ42bcgFaq4/s1600/logo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAnhxL_o6uvvoVEMy9bzFj3Y-2baOsLw4Xiy_kx8z0Jz8yGNeYFBh6LGg_UH2V3eKj5GhpvMtr9G7BnQp9T2vtgPggGGgOTXA8M3E2h5lsLp_2z4p-BZmsD68KfMHP2xW5WJ42bcgFaq4/s320/logo2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">... start of a new one. After three years in Berkhamsted, Haresfoot
Brewery has relocated to Chesham. My co-directors decided that they want to
focus on landlord sales rather than directly to the public via the shop and
on-site events. As a consequence they have joined forces with GIG and set up at
their secure premises along the road from Haresfoot Farm. GIG is a catering company
which services large scale events and festivals, so there may be good
opportunity for growth. But I am following a different path, one focussing more on
the town and local community, and my route to becoming a beer sommelier. This starts with the 3</span><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> annual Berkhamsted
beer and music festival aka <a href="http://www.berkobeerfest.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>BerkoBeerFest</b></a> on 22</span><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">nd</span></sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> April at
Berkhamsted’s Civic </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Centre. I wish my co-directors well </span><span style="line-height: 110%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">–</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> it’s been a
hell of a roller-coaster of a journey.</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I have learned a lot about beer and business but its time to move on.</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-52756465485620697402016-02-07T19:10:00.003+00:002016-02-07T19:12:30.511+00:00New year, new direction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLzDc5_-lkncqvWiwN2Qb8XVFlzrQMJGFPqSBzaY0vI-TAlyGXR6v7mELbYotLAXbaqXswgkZFfNGJ0Lhw0-vCoDVaq8UQ4scaeDr26bEt3qwm1SZqJQ3WFJa9iTvd8O1-npN0dzoMUn3/s1600/music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLzDc5_-lkncqvWiwN2Qb8XVFlzrQMJGFPqSBzaY0vI-TAlyGXR6v7mELbYotLAXbaqXswgkZFfNGJ0Lhw0-vCoDVaq8UQ4scaeDr26bEt3qwm1SZqJQ3WFJa9iTvd8O1-npN0dzoMUn3/s320/music.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We received the key to our brewery on 24<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
December 2013. So we have got through the second year, that “second difficult
album”, and we now have time to contemplate, time for a rethink and time to set
a new direction. This year we intend to focus more on the local community. We
have a fantastic facility, located on the edge of Berkhamsted between the Grand
Union Canal and the mainline out of Euston. We know our premises are ideal for
events – we can seat 100 people (and stand up to 150), our musicians love the acoustics
(natural reverberation), and the industrial setting creates a unique venue and atmosphere.
</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VTwpY50SHF154qCfgeDqRFHsS7Kj6CH7lr4YL0mcjEBcadXdF_5QBsYrYldSHjimwjxBZX3bXEb3WwE_MZXSvkmLRhaawGFu_M9OJgWNNTJrTGtOdC6X5dOBGVc5sUAJjWAJDY3cSL3g/s1600/beer+fest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VTwpY50SHF154qCfgeDqRFHsS7Kj6CH7lr4YL0mcjEBcadXdF_5QBsYrYldSHjimwjxBZX3bXEb3WwE_MZXSvkmLRhaawGFu_M9OJgWNNTJrTGtOdC6X5dOBGVc5sUAJjWAJDY3cSL3g/s320/beer+fest.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We aim to host an event most Thursdays including regular music
nights, starting with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/161541874217498/" target="_blank"><em>Music on Tap</em></a> on 17 March, along with the occasional Saturday
music festivals. After the success of our last one, we intend to run a monthly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/806658432796055/" target="_blank"><em>Quiz Evening</em></a> on the first Friday of the month. Our members will be invited to a
quarterly free event, starting with a <em>Beer & Cheese Evening</em>. We will also
have our annual <em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/776768402427445/" target="_blank">Beer, Blues and Barbecue</a></em> family day and this year the <span style="font-size: small;"><em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/828520873940293/" target="_blank">2nd Berkhamsted Beer Festival</a></em>) a celebration of the Chilterns) will run for two
days. I am also looking forward to meeting James Alderson and friends again at our
ever-popular <em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1503952296576178/" target="_blank">Comedy Evenings</a></em>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So come down the brewery and get involved. Join us for music,
laughs, great food and beer fresh from the brewery. If you are in a band and fancy <em>Busking in the Brewery</em> then get in touch. </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Check out our events page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haresfootbrewery/events?key=events" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for the full calendar.</span> </span>oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-72688630899510398292015-11-19T10:35:00.000+00:002015-11-19T14:42:08.587+00:00Gifts for those awkward men … and women<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h5bU4NfFS04j3fPcLia1QDbTocmrcCPbxFhqyZ_yEV9CYhyphenhyphen7cjUSdJFfyRYYCSJs6ORLW24eN5gHytvmAjR5D3cNujJN8soBzTJmKddrgFwlQlwe_rryvfvUFYXs8HsauqzKIFyCM5Ub/s1600/hare2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h5bU4NfFS04j3fPcLia1QDbTocmrcCPbxFhqyZ_yEV9CYhyphenhyphen7cjUSdJFfyRYYCSJs6ORLW24eN5gHytvmAjR5D3cNujJN8soBzTJmKddrgFwlQlwe_rryvfvUFYXs8HsauqzKIFyCM5Ub/s200/hare2.jpg" width="198" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s that time of year, the time when the shops put up
decorations and display their Christmas gifts. It’s not only a reminder of the
impending holidays but also the agony that some of us face choosing the perfect
gift for our loved ones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The awkward middle aged man who is non-committal about
what they want for Christmas is one of the most difficult challenges.
Fortunately, very few men refuse a beer related gift and that is where
Haresfoot Brewery can help.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To start with we have our very popular 3-bottle and 6-bottle
gift packs. Great stocking fillers and with 6 of our beers in bottle there are
now some 280,000 permutations for the 6-bottle gift pack – but we recommend one
of each beer. For variety consider the Haresfoot Hamper, which includes a
selection of beers and local produce. Plus we have Haresfoot branded hoodies,
T-shirts and tea towels, and hare related Xmas cards. Alternatively how about a gift voucher for one of our
brewery tours, beer & food pairing evenings or brew day experience.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQZHO_NclW2JXZcXLLARXk8eqxnB6ZrHeikGsX3ogw6ysB2Dk5Iz9-zyYCRzNEWfi_OT30RDvEpusVia70CqTho87EVfKULNmq8YkGIcZS_HwnsIOnmmI2LpMX84qLDVMxB7-5bu-wjlZ/s1600/Old+Tiney.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQZHO_NclW2JXZcXLLARXk8eqxnB6ZrHeikGsX3ogw6ysB2Dk5Iz9-zyYCRzNEWfi_OT30RDvEpusVia70CqTho87EVfKULNmq8YkGIcZS_HwnsIOnmmI2LpMX84qLDVMxB7-5bu-wjlZ/s320/Old+Tiney.png" width="279" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To celebrate Christmas we have created two special beers. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old Tiney</i> is our plum porter – this
robust porter has a deep dark and well-rounded richness created by dark crystal
malt and roasted barley with an undertone of natural plum balanced by First
Gold and Goldings hops. The 4.8% ABV and sweet richness of Old Tiney is proving
to be particularly popular with our female customers. Our beer names always
have a local connection and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old Tiney</i>
is the name of one of William Cowper’s tamed house hares. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old Tiney, surliest of his kind, Who, nursed with tender care, And to
domestic bounds confined, Was still a wild jack-hare</i>”. Cowper, the great
English poet, was born in Berkhamsted in 1731 and lived in the rectory before
being buried at St Peter’s church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also have a special limited edition beer under our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">White Label</i> brand. This seasonal ale is
infused with cinnamon, cloves and orange peel to offer the wonderful taste of
Christmas and truly captures the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Festive
Spirit</i>. This beer will be available on draft or to carry out in limited
(numbered) 1L glass growlers. At 5% ABV, this unique ale will help sustain the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Festive Spirit</i> over the holiday period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To kick off the holidays and show thanks to our customers we have a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2117864438354506/" target="_blank">tasting session</a></i> on<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Saturday 5 December</b> when visitors to the brewery can help
themselves to free samples of all our beers. On <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Friday 18 December</b> we have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/697771660353487/" target="_blank">carols in the brewery</a></i> – a free event with mince pies and more beer samples. If we
don’t see you in the brewery, come and say hello to us at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Berkhamsted <a href="http://www.berkhamstedtowncouncil.gov.uk/uploads/poster.pdf" target="_blank">Festival of Light</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Holidays<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-76470185881706441482015-06-09T12:19:00.000+01:002015-06-09T17:16:14.947+01:00Our First Beer Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ql19LW6XijVIriW-fXQC4cJWmgozb9JYeGlEcGQVBMyPgrtlweu4erztTdZsf197Eyo99WhhCgc_X03VH6sN1MPGdbhDWvZnNtUJuIEwpkbKiK41xlefibqG4rkaGicXeUllE0rqXc_y/s1600/IMG_7402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ql19LW6XijVIriW-fXQC4cJWmgozb9JYeGlEcGQVBMyPgrtlweu4erztTdZsf197Eyo99WhhCgc_X03VH6sN1MPGdbhDWvZnNtUJuIEwpkbKiK41xlefibqG4rkaGicXeUllE0rqXc_y/s320/IMG_7402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several of the pubs in Berkhamsted host great beer festivals
– The Rising Sun, The Crown and The George & Dragon – but our festival last
Saturday was the first beer festival in a brewery in Berkhamsted for at least
one hundred years and possibly ever.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our theme was a Celebration of the Chilterns and, in
addition to four of our own beers, we offered ales from eight other local
breweries. Beer selection for beer festivals seems to be one of the dark arts.
Should they be unusual and niche or known favourites? We enlisted Dave Culliton
from <a href="http://www.astonclintonbeerfestival.co.uk/">Aston Clinton Beer Festival</a> to offer advice, select the ales and, with his
able team, manage the bar. </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The final beer offering was:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ABC – <a href="http://www.aylesburybrewhouse.co.uk/future-brews">Jester<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chiltern – <a href="http://www.chilternbrewery.co.uk/buy/beechwood-bitter">Beechwood</a> <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ELB – <a href="http://www.eastlondonbrewing.com/pages/our-beers">Foundation Bitter</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">*<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haresfoot – <a href="http://haresfoot.com/beers/all-rounder">ALL-ROUNDER<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haresfoot – <a href="http://haresfoot.com/beers/sundial-golden-ale">Sundial<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haresfoot – <a href="http://haresfoot.com/beers/lock-keepers-quality-english-ale">Lock Keeper’s<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haresfoot – <a href="http://haresfoot.com/beers/totem-american-ipa">Totem<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leighton Buzzard Brew Co – <a href="http://leightonbuzzardbrewing.co.uk/our-beer/">Black Buzzard<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Red Squirrel – <a href="http://www.redsquirrelbrewery.co.uk/bottles/hopfest/">Hopfest<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tring – <a href="http://www.tringbrewery.co.uk/PermanentandSeasonal.html">Side Pocket for a Toad<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vale – <a href="http://www.valebrewery.co.uk/vale-brewery-real-ales/">Gravitas<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">XT – <a href="http://www.xtbrewing.com/beerspecials.html">13</a> <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(* last minute substitute)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeyeWrEusMfKMmgOLJWCNm-u1zL-qT4abYYSExAJtL0nmdqeHz1h7ASmKTyzEPjeXUvPnK8GkPANpMdOLB9Hq312remhiFocApY-QW_UKjRxg66gfRlpofrg-avcPlshHcAdEwQh-A73v/s1600/IMG_7398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeyeWrEusMfKMmgOLJWCNm-u1zL-qT4abYYSExAJtL0nmdqeHz1h7ASmKTyzEPjeXUvPnK8GkPANpMdOLB9Hq312remhiFocApY-QW_UKjRxg66gfRlpofrg-avcPlshHcAdEwQh-A73v/s320/IMG_7398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beers were laid up on Wednesday evening, vented on
Friday morning and tapped Friday evening. Some were on the lively side and as I
vented I was rewarded with a few beer showers. I had minor concerns, had the beer
heated up, had it spoiled, would it drop? But come Saturday and having the privilege
of tasting all the beers at 9:00, my concerns soon dissolved into a distant
memory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so to my next worry – we’ve built it but will they come?
At 12.05 there was a shared worried look amongst the team as we stood alone in an
empty brewery with 12 freshly tapped casks. But at 12.10 our first customers appeared
– a handful of faithful CAMRA members arrived to ensure they got to taste all the
beers. They took the beer list, sipped ale and started scoring. These enlightened
few were soon joned by some of our regulars and lots of new faces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we had ourselves a beer festival, supplemented
by a hog-roast, courtesy of The Oak, and music from three bands: BURP, Tony
Goff and the Situators.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_74elpS9BXxZOhbd86MLN5mvmOMZgmSJzzYVOriXAfeemY1tFrT9bJLGcnckE3ogVgSI55diS2gPj8mBXCCjt0ScofytU5AZGnfofDFeiepPKeiKqBym5wPt8Dj9U66ZEdVpBZh2ozT3/s1600/IMG_7403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_74elpS9BXxZOhbd86MLN5mvmOMZgmSJzzYVOriXAfeemY1tFrT9bJLGcnckE3ogVgSI55diS2gPj8mBXCCjt0ScofytU5AZGnfofDFeiepPKeiKqBym5wPt8Dj9U66ZEdVpBZh2ozT3/s320/IMG_7403.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like the early CAMRA members, I sampled each beer (halves of
course) throughout the day. So which were my favourites? Ignoring our own beers
for now, I would opt for the Vale Gravitas – a fragrant hoppy nose but not over
the top (not an APA) nicely balanced with malt and subtle bitterness. I was also
thoroughly impressed with the Black Buzzard. I’m not a massive fan of porters
but I found this flavoursome beer kept drawing me back. We aim to produce our
own porter this year and I think John at LBB has set the bar with this one. My
third choice would be Beechwood Bitter, a long-standing favourite of mine – a traditional
malty ale with the perfect balance of sweet-bitterness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the final big question, would we do it again? Well its
hard work, I have learned there is a lot of preparation and it’s both physically
and mentally tiring. But I’m up for it if you are, and all come along again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-45760667053898756212015-03-29T17:04:00.003+01:002015-03-30T13:26:38.310+01:00Easter means Hares not Bunnies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7XFTVgSlZw5Y4GA7nu0YPRdbYzc_W4rvsF7raWm4JnzYChxA4AGcDo7R9nWdGpLXRG3hqDGdha4Ot3h63TIqxOCWgGfNqcg8qHwl43_R6yO5XWMIOQTV9SB_bMLDjur1z1Iv5en-nTDX/s1600/easter-hare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7XFTVgSlZw5Y4GA7nu0YPRdbYzc_W4rvsF7raWm4JnzYChxA4AGcDo7R9nWdGpLXRG3hqDGdha4Ot3h63TIqxOCWgGfNqcg8qHwl43_R6yO5XWMIOQTV9SB_bMLDjur1z1Iv5en-nTDX/s1600/easter-hare.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easter is almost upon us and the shops are filling with chocolate
eggs and bunnies. But if you really want to be Easter-authentic then I propose
you celebrate Easter by toasting your beloved with a pint of Haresfoot ale rather than a chocolate bunny.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easter is thought to be German or possibly even Babylonian
in origin. Most believe that Easter gets its name from the old English <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ēastre</i> or <i><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Ēostre</span></i>, the Teutonic cum Anglo-Saxon
goddess of spring (see picture), for whom a festival was held in her honour every year at the
vernal equinox. But some believe that Easter is derived from <em>Ishtar</em>, the Babylonian goddess of spring, and a homophone of Easter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4fUWTeRq94jXWJMFOefcm1yvesl3wtWMN0IKhTBMu1QYAYdZm67CSDkB225RCyu5hpDHCYbwN8755UB6SEfKVzzu_hdgnZYs_G134zCKyP6dkbiYLG3A5F1UlYIO6fHdjdZ10Se-dhxF/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4fUWTeRq94jXWJMFOefcm1yvesl3wtWMN0IKhTBMu1QYAYdZm67CSDkB225RCyu5hpDHCYbwN8755UB6SEfKVzzu_hdgnZYs_G134zCKyP6dkbiYLG3A5F1UlYIO6fHdjdZ10Se-dhxF/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for the Easter Bunny, well the Romans believed that all
life comes from an egg and they considered hares to be the symbol of fertility,
as they are prolific breeders. So, rightly or wrongly, Roman children hunted
for hare eggs in the grass. Another theory is that because eggs were not eaten
during Lent they were decorated, rather than wasted, and given as presents to mark the end of Lent. In the 1500s <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">German
Lutherans</span><span lang="EN"> </span>portrayed the<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <em>Easter Hare</em> as a judge, evaluating whether children
were good and would receive a painted egg gift. Chocolate Easter eggs and
bunnies were not introduced until the early 19th century, with France and
Germany taking the lead in this confectionary assault. I can only assume that the Easter chick was a later misunderstanding of the origins of those hare eggs.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">You might think I
am splitting “hares” but it is clear that hares, not bunnies, are the true barer
of Easter eggs. And why not make that first post-lent pint a Haresfoot. The brewery shop is open Good Friday and Easter Saturday for
your hare related gifts (gift boxes, t-shirts and cards). </span></span>oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-50505183513877756542015-02-15T19:45:00.003+00:002015-05-24T20:13:26.181+01:00Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFzqWOUfx9-3fIZwef1vdb1UkcUJu00UVQnzXlEa4sjcR9f5weTIwRszWnGLL4bB2IBf9PXxyenHFQgv-uOgz7SbBSS_mktUKVo-HKVQ-QKLl2PvVWjTbpojsVNwf6Nt65colOQu3A2Q-/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFzqWOUfx9-3fIZwef1vdb1UkcUJu00UVQnzXlEa4sjcR9f5weTIwRszWnGLL4bB2IBf9PXxyenHFQgv-uOgz7SbBSS_mktUKVo-HKVQ-QKLl2PvVWjTbpojsVNwf6Nt65colOQu3A2Q-/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tangential title of my blog is the 1980 hit single
of Splodgenessabounds – a "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf3aJx7D7YA" target="_blank">song</a>” which tracks the frustrations of a man not being
served at his local bar. But I digress, the point is that lager and crisps, that
most rudimentary of pub orders and the default beer and food combo, is a very distant relative of the current trend
offered by sommeliers of beer and food pairing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The push for beer and food matching has been around for
several years now. Famously, the sommelier at <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/could-beer-become-as-popular-as-wine-in-top-restaurants-9757734.html" target="_blank">Le Gavroche</a>, Michel Roux Jr's two-starred
Michelin restaurant, advises on the beer choice per course. Last year, Britain's
Beer Alliance launched their “<a href="http://www.beerforthat.com/home/" target="_blank">There's a Beer for That</a>” campaign, which allows
you to request beer matches for food on their twitter feed (just tweet <a href="https://twitter.com/BeerForThat" target="_blank">@BeerForThat</a>
with #beermatch). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Promoting drinking beer with food in restaurants (and elsewhere),
rather than wine, is based on solid reasoning. Beer is our national drink; as a nation we were
drinking beer way before the romans introduced wine. The range of ingredients in
beer lends itself to a diverse range of types and flavour of beer, with over
5,000 to choose from. Also beer is less alcoholic and generally costs less than
wine meaning that a different beer can be matched to each course during you
meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what are the rules (if any) when it comes to matching
beer and food? I’ve just returned from the <a href="http://www.beeracademy.co.uk/courses/beer-and-food-matching-courses/" target="_blank">Beer Academy</a> course, which I
wholeheartedly recommend. First off the beer should naturally complement, and
not detract from, the food. Furthermore, the beer should still taste good after
eating the food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When beer food pairing, the Beer Academy offer the 3 Cs
of <em>Cut, Complement</em> and <em>Contrast</em> as a starting point:</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Cut</em> refers to beers that can
lift and slice through rich, fatty or oily dishes. For example, a Bière de
Garde or Trappist Ale will work with most rich meats.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Compliment</em> refers to using a similar flavour or
character. One of my favourite complimentary pairings is Rauchbier and smoked
salmon (or Bavarian smoked cheese). Over Christmas I found that our own slightly
sweet <a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/conquerors-premium-bitter" target="_blank">Conqueror’s Premium Bitter</a> balances the richness of a mince pie. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Contrast</em> is the more difficult art – “placing
the food and beer on opposite sides of the palate”. This could be used to neutralise
flavours, such as balance a sour beer using a sweet dish. A great example is a
Kriek followed by a chocolate based desert – it balances well and creates a Black
Forest Gateau dancing on the palate. I’ve found that our hoppy and malty <a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/totem-american-ipa" target="_blank">Totem American IPA</a> nicely
balances Indian curry and Thai dishes (far better than fake Indian lagers).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another pairing principle offered by most beer sommeliers
is weight or intensity. So opt for a light beer with lighter food and a stronger
beer with heavier food. A Czech Pilsner or Belgian Wheat Beer goes well with
fish, and manages to cut through the oil. In contrast, Barley Wine or a full-bodied
strong ale compliments a mature cheddar or stilton cheese. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Brewers Association produced one of the most detailed
<a href="http://www.craftbeer.com/food/pairing/pairing-chart" target="_blank">charts</a> on beer and food pairing. But I find the stripped-down <a href="http://www.brewbound.com/news/napa-point-brewing-launches-beer-and-food-pairing-chart" target="_blank">chart</a> by Napa Point Brewing a
lot easier to follow. Both are a great place for safe tips but also don’t be
afraid to try different beer food combinations. Despite their 3 Cs guidance, the
Beer Academy advises that in beer and food pairing it's really “<strong>Rules – none! Experiment!</strong>”. If you find an enjoyable
beer food combination that works for you then don’t be afraid to ask for it when in a
restaurant, and congratulate your individuality.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHR7DKEpqjAVMAeZgIuiZzuyMDGMsRJDgaA1nWNYT6BJ_6Aw8-UopU9lOptTFiaOk3YM4Q9E38I-S-N5pIjNc9A-xaAJ9J5OIyHTeXjes8L3oOojU1dmp3FnQGODJOF2BSHUcJRRoltJoV/s1600/food-pairing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHR7DKEpqjAVMAeZgIuiZzuyMDGMsRJDgaA1nWNYT6BJ_6Aw8-UopU9lOptTFiaOk3YM4Q9E38I-S-N5pIjNc9A-xaAJ9J5OIyHTeXjes8L3oOojU1dmp3FnQGODJOF2BSHUcJRRoltJoV/s1600/food-pairing.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another top tip when it comes to pairing is to consider
what food would typically be eaten in the region where the beer is brewed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I refer to this the fourth C of <em>Context</em>. </span>A good German lager, such as Paulaner Original
Münchner Hell, just goes down so well with spicy sausage. Similarly, an American malty
lager or an amber ale kind of compliments pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think this latter point is not only about how beer and
food have developed side by side over the years but is also related to how beer
and food combinations affect our overall taste experience. It is quite often remarked that
we "taste with our eyes"; we also know that certain aromas trigger deep-rooted memories.
It is evident that how we perceive flavour and taste is affected by the wider <em>Context</em>
such as environment, the weather, our mood and the occasion. As my local landlord,
Nigel of the <a href="http://theriserberko.net/" target="_blank">Rising Sun</a>, pointed out “that cold cerveza and tapas on a terrace
in Spain watching the sunset go down is the most wonderful of taste sensations,
but the same beer loses its appeal on a wet Sunday afternoon in Blighty”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5XT8TCnjCDAi4L8JKiNmPgvJbHrOql4asUwKoKJ-Cmf0BLupiFw-DSe2if5pQ51yxORUQjmTKQyexsgDzJMccUVpJhRknP11yeugSG3gIiixsPqQOaZBtXCS4-8R1lJgj9eGGqkx5enu/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5XT8TCnjCDAi4L8JKiNmPgvJbHrOql4asUwKoKJ-Cmf0BLupiFw-DSe2if5pQ51yxORUQjmTKQyexsgDzJMccUVpJhRknP11yeugSG3gIiixsPqQOaZBtXCS4-8R1lJgj9eGGqkx5enu/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tend to agree and as a consequence I have one niggling concern
when it comes to the beer and food paring (r)evolution in the UK. Obviously I see
the sense and benefit of encouraging beer to be consumed in high-end sophisticated restaurants
with their extravagant and over-indulgent menus. But as an industry, I believe our
primary focus should be on promoting British beers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beer was borne out of tradition and to me that
means pub fayre. Our traditional ales are most suited to pub classics such as Shepherd’s
Pie, Steak and Kidney Pie, Sausage and Mash, Roast Dinners, Ploughman’s Lunch
and the Cheese Board. (And by the way why don’t seafood vendors visit pubs
anymore and why can’t I buy cheese and biscuits over the bar – does it always
have to be a packet of crisps?) Anyhow, the overall flavour experience is greatly enhanced
by the pub atmosphere, an open-fire and a welcoming landlord/lady. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I will indeed
choose beers from around the world, rather than wine, when I next visit a
two-starred Michelin restaurant, but in the meantime <strong>I’m off for pie and a pint
at my local</strong>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">If you want to learn more about beer and food pairing join us at oue <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1531847097078555/?notif_t=plan_user_invited" target="_blank">evening event</a> at Haresfoot Brewery in May 2015.</span></div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-64739965711227499662014-12-02T16:47:00.003+00:002014-12-02T16:56:05.117+00:00Let the Judging Commence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQDEviEERAU_DB3FLgqxUypbsGrMq6pva_4yL7BJRDDHMX8iWQRZtaAtCMSBneIpP5qsUsx4-rvXDvrqsJRjkEC4TC_81D_Hjz7kYyg-nkcLpfx8SAqH-rGPT1lXHPWOzxkJXO4yHf7Oe/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQDEviEERAU_DB3FLgqxUypbsGrMq6pva_4yL7BJRDDHMX8iWQRZtaAtCMSBneIpP5qsUsx4-rvXDvrqsJRjkEC4TC_81D_Hjz7kYyg-nkcLpfx8SAqH-rGPT1lXHPWOzxkJXO4yHf7Oe/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having done the <a href="http://www.beeracademy.co.uk/courses/advanced-course/" target="_blank">Advance Course</a> at the Beer Academy, I thought
I would give <a href="http://www.beeracademy.co.uk/courses/how-to-judge-beer/" target="_blank">Judging Beer</a> a crack. Obviously I am no expert, having just started,
but more of a keen amateur. However, I thought it is worth jotting down what I
have learned because it all starts with how to taste and appreciate beer – a
useful skill to have even if you don’t get to officially judge beers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are lots of websites out there which tell you how to
<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-the-Taste-of-Beer" target="_blank">taste</a> and <a href="http://www.beeradvocate.com/articles/637/" target="_blank">judge</a> beer. I suppose this blog forms my bluffers guide. Not
surprisingly judging beer comes down to: Sight, Smell and Taste.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Sight</h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hold the beer up to the light and swirl it in the
glass. What colour is it, is it clear or does it have sediment or haze, does it
have some life (bubbles) is there a good head/foam, is there lacing or legs
(which is a good sign)? Some sommeliers insist the beer is drunk for the
correct glass, but for judging I prefer all beers to be served in the same stemmed
tulip style glass. This allows me to swirl the beer without spilling it, to
hold it without warming it up and the narrow neck allows the aromas to collect.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW7bSi27IKQAJAsgRC1aDoL6a9FPv6DRJczJklyNnPeZnCs_8tv4mZmLfzLlIc1jimih2AFpDhKPtAe9vn_4WP5diZrbwF8CL1cLtuu-jsnsA2K1stUHYUFFq-23fWRphy6mcEZU95Ija/s1600/glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW7bSi27IKQAJAsgRC1aDoL6a9FPv6DRJczJklyNnPeZnCs_8tv4mZmLfzLlIc1jimih2AFpDhKPtAe9vn_4WP5diZrbwF8CL1cLtuu-jsnsA2K1stUHYUFFq-23fWRphy6mcEZU95Ija/s1600/glass.jpg" height="160" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Smell</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Swirl the beer to release those wonderful aromas and bring
the glass up to your nose. Can you detect citrus, spicy, grassy, floral and
herbal notes coming from the hops? Can you detect biscuit, toffee, chocolate, coffee
or roasted notes coming from the malt? Are there any aromas that you believe shouldn’t be
there such as sulphur, sweetcorn (DMS), butterscotch (diacetyl), skunky (sun
struck), green apples and/or paint emulsion (acetaldehyde) or vinegar (acetic acid).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Taste</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a good
sip of the beer and roll the beer around your mouth to warm it up slightly. You
should now taste many of the flavours that you initially smelled but other
flavours should come through. Think about the order in which the flavours present themsleves
as you pass it across your tongue. Do the flavours linger, does the beer have
depth and is it well balanced? How does the beer compare to the basic taste
sensations, is it sweet, bitter, sour, salty or savoury? Also how does it feel
in the mouth, is it smooth and full-bodied, is it warming (strong alcohol), is
it dry, and is it astringent rather than bitter? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When summing up the beer try to use a rich <a href="http://appellationbeer.com/blog/words-to-describe-the-beer-you-are-tasting/" target="_blank">vocabulary</a>, using
some of the descriptors highlighted above, rather than simply say you do or don’t
like it. Whilst hoppy is a common beer description, hops provide many different
aromas so think of what they are creating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before tasting and judging beer it is important to know the
style of that beer so you understand what you are judging it against. For
example, sweetcorn flavours are common in American lagers and banana flavours in
wheat beers. Whilst these flavours are acceptable in these beers they will not
be expected in other beer types. And, of course, it is important to try different
styles of beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-6123521873088258542014-11-12T15:24:00.005+00:002014-11-12T15:28:40.230+00:00A Mid-life Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8IxAhGmS5lg6SjjLubbR5nHSgyaBM_WY6zjJCIDOUNLHAwnB-PNVvEs9EzsAC60-oFMk3MrJBI8PkhojeXzw0jChWx3doDa1qNmuAFJGE0uVnhcCVEa1lDGEH_kle6YoDBNtA3gdhiRm/s1600/10409173_747424218660671_6939386919779335931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8IxAhGmS5lg6SjjLubbR5nHSgyaBM_WY6zjJCIDOUNLHAwnB-PNVvEs9EzsAC60-oFMk3MrJBI8PkhojeXzw0jChWx3doDa1qNmuAFJGE0uVnhcCVEa1lDGEH_kle6YoDBNtA3gdhiRm/s320/10409173_747424218660671_6939386919779335931_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weekends ago I paddled down the Grand Union canal in a
Canadian canoe garbed in a Native American headdress and war paint. This wasn’t
on my agenda, it wasn’t something I expected to be doing in my middle-age but, then
again, I hadn’t anticipated investing in a microbrewery.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trip down the canal was to launch our new <a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/totem-american-ipa" target="_blank">Totem AmericaPale Ale</a>. We named the beer after Berkhamsted’s very own totem pole. This
genuine totem pole, made by the Kwakiutl tribe from red cedar, can be found
adjacent to the Grand Union Canal. We paddled to the totem pole and pulled up alongside
to take a few photos; we didn’t have the courage to land or dance around the
totem pole and we suspect it would have upset the elderly residents of Alsford
Wharf (who now own the totem pole).</span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLCE7lUR-tREhpqfA6l1SeHmYlMbtQ-Y7FwlzsDF8wFUJ0W2_IaKhvgeAWrnTZ_zT7GjJSyC_l8QCwXcVeVa97udmoeeEL_4W-jfxfu0Tps6aHKKLhs3aPhTd9lM_xLLy5_2nn1JZO32A/s1600/Totem+v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLCE7lUR-tREhpqfA6l1SeHmYlMbtQ-Y7FwlzsDF8wFUJ0W2_IaKhvgeAWrnTZ_zT7GjJSyC_l8QCwXcVeVa97udmoeeEL_4W-jfxfu0Tps6aHKKLhs3aPhTd9lM_xLLy5_2nn1JZO32A/s320/Totem+v2.png" width="264" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The carvings on the totem pole represent four figures from
North American First Nations legend. At the top sits Raven, the trickster and
creator deity, who now adorns the new Totem pump clip. This is our fourth pump clip
design and my favourite to date. The Raven on the top of the totem pole doesn’t
have his wings out, but we wanted to show him in his full gory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We continued on from Alsford Wharf to the Boat, where we shared
samples of Totem to the regulars, the small crowd that had gathered to follow our
journey and to the <a href="http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/more-news/native-indian-helps-launch-beer-for-town-1-6373977" target="_blank">local press</a>. Totem is an American style IPA which explodes with citrusy flavour and
hop aromas, all perfectly balanced by a subtle malt character. This light,
crisp, extra hoppy brew is full of character and hugely refreshing on a cold autumn morning in a canoe or anywhere any time of
year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So just a few weeks ago we did our <a href="http://youtu.be/SqjOkN6_0mg" target="_blank">“beer bucket” challenge</a>. I
wonder what else the brewery has in stall for me. Bring it on I say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-4288635823681875732014-10-28T16:38:00.002+00:002014-10-28T16:44:22.169+00:00The Mysterious Powers of the Totem<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Another blog from George (in a drunken haze) ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmMGr8mQ0lGmWKJUeOCxS-1_0k__GPWEp9ng1XIeaEuJsqlh-JN3UY1o46C5n6WAYleARCbS2nxb5Fg5PBsWMHsEwGu9ukybDIwteRiRAeyMfhPysLKkRtZfH7mP7ujCjEsbztFAXfiCh/s1600/10660192_747463888656704_6814811948471281534_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmMGr8mQ0lGmWKJUeOCxS-1_0k__GPWEp9ng1XIeaEuJsqlh-JN3UY1o46C5n6WAYleARCbS2nxb5Fg5PBsWMHsEwGu9ukybDIwteRiRAeyMfhPysLKkRtZfH7mP7ujCjEsbztFAXfiCh/s1600/10660192_747463888656704_6814811948471281534_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don’t like Totem! … or do I? As a co-founder and marketeer
from Haresfoot brewery it's a dangerous thing to say perhaps?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve always been on the sweeter side… from a beer
perspective. When we launched Totem , a 4.5% ABV American IPA secretly I was
highly cynical. I like dark beers, I
like a dominant malty taste and don’t most other people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t this a Marmite beer – you love it or
hate it and how many people are going to love it? It’s too niche I thought!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However a strange thing happened to me. It
started on Saturday. I was in the Boxing Hares bar running the shop. No fewer
than 10 customers came in and asked for Totem – a significant allegiance given
the beer has just been launched. I tried a sip from our stock back in the cold
room- maybe I’m wrong? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Way too hoppy,
almost sour to my taste buds… who in their right mind would like that?</span><br />
<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the day progressed, Totem devotes extolled the virtues of
this bizarre concoction. Is this a case of the Emperors clothing I asked myself?
I can accept that people like something on the hoppy side but really?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well anyway. Sunday night in my local, the Valiant Trooper,
pint of Totem - I have to be loyal don’t I? First reaction – it’s way too
hoppy. But I press on. Half a pint down and the challenge of this pint is
beginning to reside. The initial sourness is changing; I’m experiencing a
complexity of flavours. The second half slips down rather easily. My friend
offers me another pint. Strangely the idea of the other beers is far less
appealing. To give you a parallel – I now love really hot spicy curries – you
know that hot spice high? There was a time when a Korma would have been painful
but now it has to be the full blown experience. Reminiscent of this – I’m
tasting and experiencing sensations like never before from a beer. The second
pint. OK it’s got a bit of poke and I’m starting to mellow. A relaxed feeling
pervades me, however, here’s the revelation! The hoppy flavours are dancing
around and I experience hints of almost sweetness. It’s like some Amazonian
plant they eat. It takes you on a journey – it’s not just the effect of the
alcohol, my taste buds are summersaulting! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One more I thought, one more…?? bizarre. I’m a
convert, I love this stuff!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many metaphors that say – if something is to be
worthwhile you need to work at it. No gain without pain. And on the other hand
– instant gratification can wear thin quickly. Well it’s certainly not pain, but for those of you who taste
Totem and reject it out of hand – push through a pint or two – it will change
your perception of beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-91169564897580023302014-10-06T14:37:00.002+01:002014-10-06T14:37:52.068+01:00Eight Go Brewing<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Guest blog by co-investor George also appeared in the <em>Aldbury Outlook</em>.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">April 12<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> 2014; a cold spring
evening and a landmark day –Lock Keeper’s Launch Ale flowed from the pumps in
the Valiant Trooper. It is hard to put into words the pleasure of drinking your
own beer in your local pub.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsf3-8mE6f0D5wprWbSZp24yJBAXRFYSM1jO2o0oYNeky6p5RdCUd003Ov8NJJeIKhmyHsUCYnKSqdHCUny8YlIt9ewcgawrUlIc8qKe9F6riUE2IIW-yjli4f2ferzIMxQfquSyYI4Dv/s1600/BQ3A0639-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsf3-8mE6f0D5wprWbSZp24yJBAXRFYSM1jO2o0oYNeky6p5RdCUd003Ov8NJJeIKhmyHsUCYnKSqdHCUny8YlIt9ewcgawrUlIc8qKe9F6riUE2IIW-yjli4f2ferzIMxQfquSyYI4Dv/s1600/BQ3A0639-001.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haresfoot Brewery was the idea of eight
friends and local business men: Simon, Philip, Nigel, Nick, Martin, Keith and,
from Aldbury, Scott Carter and me. You might call it our mid-life crisis.
Rather than buying fast cars, taking up triathlons or donning lycra, we built a
brewery. It’s been an incredible adventure. When you set up your own business
you have to be prepared to do whatever is needed: leafleting in town, working
in our shop, manning the bar for a party or jumping into the car to deliver a
new firkin to a pub that’s run out on a Friday afternoon – oh and of course
actually making the beer. I’ve learned about the science and art of brewing
drawing on my background as a chemist and discovered that there are more
varieties of hops than you’d every think possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Six months on from that first pint we now
have three more beers to complement the original <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lock Keeper’s</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sundial</i> is
a golden ale (English pale malts, early hopped with American Cascade and with a
late hopping of German Tettnang … if you want the details!) and we’re very
excited about the early feedback on our new <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Conqueror</i>
Premium Bitter. We are starting tastings of our American IPA, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Totem</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As
I write this we’re on the eve of another first for the brewery</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Our warehouse is a wonderful, spacious<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>venue and our Boxing Hares bar is friendly
and comfortable; in short it’s a great place for a quick drink or even a party!
</span><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow we’re combining our
passion for local, original music with our love of all things beery! Eight
local musicians, including Aldbury’s Sophie Ray and Harry Phillips will perform
on our stage, celebrating a year of Muzicmeet (a group that brings musicians
and music lovers together) with the launch of a CD and live performances amidst
the gentle aroma of hops.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-33724169032873955112014-09-29T18:40:00.002+01:002014-09-29T22:48:13.799+01:00Some Sommelier Course<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiM3vX_B9tvPmPyRtmuz8CfwDGSrqaKuXJNzNsc04Qq9RNoYkUEe5eRJ0xUCXqwVl2XCj0gFijrlBuuuO_mvc3CZgI-jTUeMC7sKDAor8wCRaCaajgxrjvyMBixwNel61Pv3WmkrymCj-/s1600/photo+(15).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiM3vX_B9tvPmPyRtmuz8CfwDGSrqaKuXJNzNsc04Qq9RNoYkUEe5eRJ0xUCXqwVl2XCj0gFijrlBuuuO_mvc3CZgI-jTUeMC7sKDAor8wCRaCaajgxrjvyMBixwNel61Pv3WmkrymCj-/s1600/photo+(15).jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A couple of weeks ago I attended the Advanced Course at the
<a href="http://www.beeracademy.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beer Academy</a>. It is the start of my journey into becoming a beer sommelier. The
course promises to <em>“equip you with the skills to communicate knowledgeably
about beer with customers and consumers and will enhance your professional
status in the beer sector”.</em> So rather than simply say you like or dislike a
beer, actually describe the beer and explain clearly why you like or dislike it.
This approach to drinking certainly helps elevate your status from beer-monster
to connoisseur.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The main thing that stood out for me on the course was how international
the whole affair was. First off the course was attended by budding brewers and those
in the drinks and catering industry from throughout Europe. We had brewers from
Ukraine and Korea, sommeliers from Portugal and Greece, beer exporters from
Belgium, wannabe brewers from Ireland, and lab technicians from Scotland. An
eclectic mix and an interesting bunch of beer fans.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Secondly we tried beers from all over the world. Not sure
why, but I thought we would be tasting English ale only. Instead we were
offered German Weissbier (wheat) and Rauchbier (smoked) beers plus Pilsners and
Bocks; Lambic, Trappist, Saisons and Golden Ales from Belgium; a host International
style lagers; bland American lagers and beautiful American IPAs, all balanced
with IPAs, porters and brown ales from the UK. Over the two days I reckon we tried 30 different and unique beers! In particular, I have to mention <a href="http://www.williamsbrosbrew.com/beerboard/bottles/fraoch-heather-ale" target="_blank">Fraoch</a>, a wonderfully
refreshing heather based ale that tastes of Scotland. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It shows what you can achieve with a little creativity and got me thinking about what experiments we might try.
</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEZ1HeIS7oPyPFDo-7yRaEkpPpMGn3olQfbE93mrW94NXbWiCsXYvIrsuc0PRMQQSFgSDMh_sFHHtU_8AtvLjElpB89zfhT9e1DqZGEwib0kV6-EYvdfo4DQ4dM8Ll9S83t53V35uKRHh/s1600/DSC00438-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEZ1HeIS7oPyPFDo-7yRaEkpPpMGn3olQfbE93mrW94NXbWiCsXYvIrsuc0PRMQQSFgSDMh_sFHHtU_8AtvLjElpB89zfhT9e1DqZGEwib0kV6-EYvdfo4DQ4dM8Ll9S83t53V35uKRHh/s1600/DSC00438-001.JPG" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My favourite part of the course was food pairing. There don’t
seem to be any rules on food pairing, it’s all down to experimentation. However,
start by trying the beer with the food in the same regions, for example
Paulaner with German salami. Try complimentary food or contrasting foods. Use distinct
and heavy beers to go with strong foods, for example a premium bitter with mature
cheddar. The best, and most unexpected pairing, for me was Kriek and 80% cocoa dark
chocolate. The Kriek can be quite sharp before the cherry fruit flavours come
through. The chocolate actually subdued the sharpness but the lasting overall
sensation was of Black Forest gateau. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Despite the drinking and eating, we did take an exam at the end of our two days. A nice touch, that I have never witnessed before, is that each exam desk had a beer on it, apparently to help calm our nerves. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I’ve clearly a lot more learning to do before I even think about my
sommelier certificate. The advice that the Beer Academy gave was keep drinking beer,
lots of beers from all over the world, go to beer festivals, set up your own
food-pairing events, try a different beer each week. Well I suppose someone has
to do it. So do look out for my food pairing events at our brewery and please do leave a comment with your favourite beers that I need to sample.</span>oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-87370270486839568972014-06-19T20:26:00.003+01:002015-11-09T17:31:24.129+00:00The Naming of Beers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMz9vKIZionuJlrsPs6mqnXTzx-B6Iil7Bl_13VWUrNU1u2jkd62b6AXRkzXfiAeLKVCDK60KM0uqY41Uz3DRhcYJOB8zB12rtd6rjY5hyVECSHXJerO-MBwQvwIu0Dz23KdOCn4nzVqX/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMz9vKIZionuJlrsPs6mqnXTzx-B6Iil7Bl_13VWUrNU1u2jkd62b6AXRkzXfiAeLKVCDK60KM0uqY41Uz3DRhcYJOB8zB12rtd6rjY5hyVECSHXJerO-MBwQvwIu0Dz23KdOCn4nzVqX/s1600/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The naming of beers is a difficult matter<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
It isn't just one of your holiday games"</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">B.S. Bellylot, <em>Old Possum's Book of Practical Beers<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coming up with original beer names is almost as difficult as
coming up with original beer recipes. I have shared the origins of the </span><a href="http://haresfoot.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/whats-in-name.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Haresfoot</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
name previously but I will update this page each time we launch a new beer, in order
to try and explain the reasoning behind the chosen beer name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Believe it or not but we do have a criteria for selecting
beer names. We don’t always stick to the criteria, and we venture into the realms
of post-rationalisation, but it is a laudable starting point. Our criteria are:</span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Has a local reference and is linked to Berkhamsted places and people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reflects the type, colour and taste of the beer<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Has an interesting back story and conjures up an image<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is traditional and evokes a connection to the past<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sounds okay, is easily pronounced, memorable and can be shouted across a bar<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is not a pun, comedy name or reference to a hare (or other animal)</span></li>
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</span></ul>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our beers are:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/wild-boy-exotic-pale-ale" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wild Boy Exotic Pale Ale</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 3.7% ABV</span></h3>
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<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-MF-z-8QqXHmipBz553Gqo8GnoyvY0sj-gUyCLN3eR7-jH1eRtCaElPoWT8CWUKcJMVo4-ehaPDxP_oLMjYv52J4tLjO7Y6ghkclLr7jSYOwDt8_2GD9aRqQB8o_MxVeCxxbVENL-HWQ/s1600/WildBoy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-MF-z-8QqXHmipBz553Gqo8GnoyvY0sj-gUyCLN3eR7-jH1eRtCaElPoWT8CWUKcJMVo4-ehaPDxP_oLMjYv52J4tLjO7Y6ghkclLr7jSYOwDt8_2GD9aRqQB8o_MxVeCxxbVENL-HWQ/s1600/WildBoy.png" width="161" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pale ale with a difference. Superb character derived from
wonderful Wakatu and Waimea Kiwi hops generating plenty of floral and citric
hop aromas. Smooth malt and vanilla in the mouth with a soft and dry finish
giving way to long bitter-sweet notes. A modern twist on the traditional pale
ale resulting in a thoroughly refreshing and quaffable beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peter the Wild Boy was found by George I in the woods near
Hamelin. Wild Boy lived an entirely feral existence surviving by eating forest
flora such as acorns. After spending his youth with the Princess of Wales, Wild
Boy was moved into care at a farm near Berkhamsted. However, he soon returned
to his feral existence living in the local woods. Wild Boy lived to a ripe old
age of 70 and is buried at St Mary's Church, Northchurch.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/lock-keepers-launch-ale" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lock Keeper’s Launch Ale</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 3.9% ABV<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A delicate balance of English Challenger and Goldings hops
adding full flavour and aroma to our rich mixture of pale, crystal, caramelised
and chocolate malted barley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB3JErO6FR0RgBiTjadKIC4_uDzGHmThOQzoX_kxhgdT3fmvKy0UkIGF0QNr3SRQxpBMPSkT-apkQu30MI7GJQqF9azcqKU2AvbaylXXuA1xEKjyQV6IaTcYAAwAz66WfkwME9PW58dkc/s1600/Pump+Clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB3JErO6FR0RgBiTjadKIC4_uDzGHmThOQzoX_kxhgdT3fmvKy0UkIGF0QNr3SRQxpBMPSkT-apkQu30MI7GJQqF9azcqKU2AvbaylXXuA1xEKjyQV6IaTcYAAwAz66WfkwME9PW58dkc/s1600/Pump+Clip.jpg" width="186" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The name Lock Keeper’s has several origins. Firstly the brewery
is based on the Grand Union Canal just a few hundred yards from Lock 51, aka
Gas 1 Lock. Secondly the last brewery in Berkhamsted, which closed 100 years
ago, was called Locke and Smith so there is a nod to their name. Thirdly, we
originally thought of calling ourselves the Grand Union Brewery, but this
existed in the past and we didn’t want to revive an old name. Our head brewer
came up with the beer name in connection with our original ideas around the Grand Union.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The idea of “launch ale” links to it being our first beer
and “launch” being a boaty term, admittedly more nautical than canal waterways.
We now refer to Lock Keeper’s as Quality English Ale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/sundial" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sundial Golden Ale</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 3.8% ABV <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A refreshing light golden ale comprising of English pale
malts, hopped with American Cascade hops complemented by a generous late
hopping of German Tettnang accentuating an undercurrent of exotic fruits.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87gVaDhmxfH3saQTBAjktUgVlT4QR7DAIFOQ9aUa5UMFIsQT7dw5uqFTqMv1_4IlT5CjvyvsPqxx3G6CiqJQ0zd8_EQirp-N5MbYdEvxv1uckSgP7FGvd69m59IauXCIq1aYXDWQ-t-m6/s1600/Sundial+v3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87gVaDhmxfH3saQTBAjktUgVlT4QR7DAIFOQ9aUa5UMFIsQT7dw5uqFTqMv1_4IlT5CjvyvsPqxx3G6CiqJQ0zd8_EQirp-N5MbYdEvxv1uckSgP7FGvd69m59IauXCIq1aYXDWQ-t-m6/s1600/Sundial+v3.png" width="162" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The naming of Sundial caused us some bother; we had many many
discussions about the name at the brewery and also asked our customers for
their ideas via social media. Sunnyside was a popular choice but there was some
debate about whether it referred to an area within Berkhamsted or would be
confused by and associated with the church or the rural trust. So at the
eleventh hour we opted for Sundial as we felt it was of a time and in keeping with
Lock Keeper’s. However, there is a tenuous link to William Cowper, an 18<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
century poet born in Berkhamsted who kept hares as pets. In the garden of St
Peter’s rectory there is a sundial which marks the site of the old well-house
known as <span class="highlight">Cowper</span>'s Well.</span></span></div>
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</span><a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/conquerors-premium-bitter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conqueror's Premium Bitter</span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 4.4% ABV</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii20zLZd90RCytBUzjAPQy8D4XsnJ_uo-JAxMSd2sBpZBQix5_cAQ0z5lleLgArXLESCMzVSfVSj12aSX9nVPZsl5r-sDj7xG72VvciZPViGIJ8G4AVTt0ejM3jqKFuS5zLbuQ_tNS_OA7/s1600/Conqueror+v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii20zLZd90RCytBUzjAPQy8D4XsnJ_uo-JAxMSd2sBpZBQix5_cAQ0z5lleLgArXLESCMzVSfVSj12aSX9nVPZsl5r-sDj7xG72VvciZPViGIJ8G4AVTt0ejM3jqKFuS5zLbuQ_tNS_OA7/s1600/Conqueror+v2.png" width="187" /></span></a></div>
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The abundance of roasted barley creates this rich chestnut
coloured ale. Simcoe hops offer a mixed malty, musky and fruity nose balanced
by a lingering malty taste with a rounded bitter finish. Conqueror's is
full-bodied, distinctive and strong in character.<o:p></o:p><br />
</span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">William the Conqueror ordered the construction of
Berkhamsted Castle after he defeated the Anglo-Saxons in the Battle of
Hastings. William's half-brother, Robert of Mortain, actually built and owned
the castle.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/totem-american-ipa" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Totem American Pale</span></a><a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/beers/totem-american-ipa" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Ale</span></a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.5% ABV</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TdfJXlGXZJb7gJHvAyvzmpU04DXzZjaMK1ao3NjGD2YDD3QhvvKfB75L-dEvAhVBFvvOW3Ye9kju_nQaqoIYu7YEXEfEEF8y1_I7XyyUV7W4RQRV2ARZPpaXa5WDKrOs1exZw1Q5gHjS/s1600/Totem+v2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TdfJXlGXZJb7gJHvAyvzmpU04DXzZjaMK1ao3NjGD2YDD3QhvvKfB75L-dEvAhVBFvvOW3Ye9kju_nQaqoIYu7YEXEfEEF8y1_I7XyyUV7W4RQRV2ARZPpaXa5WDKrOs1exZw1Q5gHjS/s1600/Totem+v2.png" width="165" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">American style IPA which explodes with citrusy flavour and
hop aromas, all perfectly balanced by a subtle malt character. This light,
crisp, extra hoppy brew is full of character and hugely refreshing any time of
year.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Berkhamsted boasts a genuine totem pole made by the Kwakiutl
tribe from red cedar. The carvings on the totem pole represent four figures
from North American First Nations legend. At the top sits Raven, the trickster
and creator deity; he also adorns our pump clip.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ALL-ROUNDER Pale Ale</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.7% ABV</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaM3-w8sndoE5dELzzTCiISkXQpCZZ_6GMmPcu5QQ5ir8mwz6HtxjGjm0-YvivPC8JXjl3WWczSabZdDVeWdVFU0Jiw44v8VqUprrqOYulDYt9yhzPPa9dG3HnYcaIyUFdx5jsMLls5xA/s1600/All-Rounder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaM3-w8sndoE5dELzzTCiISkXQpCZZ_6GMmPcu5QQ5ir8mwz6HtxjGjm0-YvivPC8JXjl3WWczSabZdDVeWdVFU0Jiw44v8VqUprrqOYulDYt9yhzPPa9dG3HnYcaIyUFdx5jsMLls5xA/s200/All-Rounder.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ALL-ROUNDER is a 3.7% light, smooth, straw-coloured,
quaffable pale ale (an all-rounder) generously hopped with a mix of English
(First Gold) and Australian (Summer) hops. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ALL-ROUNDER was commissioned by the Cricket Writers’ Club to
celebrate the Ashes test series taking place in England this year. The beer is
an ideal session ale for a long summer evening watching the cricket or just out
relaxing with friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Old Tiney Plum Porter</span> 4.8% ABV</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIRl5GygTlwPzbFdVvWChOlkOLVS3iv-hHrS5Yws6kmp9KBuseYHwHZk-XMnjOzqSliWhrLBCUeZos_JtPOtrPk9tSuEQBAx8xBkUAyrs-s0d_dCIVtNsxK119N0fp6zP5Fqip0xoHKGO/s1600/Old+Tiney.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIRl5GygTlwPzbFdVvWChOlkOLVS3iv-hHrS5Yws6kmp9KBuseYHwHZk-XMnjOzqSliWhrLBCUeZos_JtPOtrPk9tSuEQBAx8xBkUAyrs-s0d_dCIVtNsxK119N0fp6zP5Fqip0xoHKGO/s200/Old+Tiney.png" width="174" /></a></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Deep dark and well-rounded richness is created by dark
crystal malt and roasted barley producing a robust porter with an undertone of
natural plum balanced by First Gold and Goldings hops.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The inspiration for Old Tiney is the jack hare in William
Cowper’s poem “Epitaph on a Hare.” William Cowper was an 18th century poet born
in Berkhamsted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-82532992198190470342014-05-18T14:53:00.000+01:002014-06-08T14:55:04.051+01:00Brew Day Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynR36rrGcBaB6OZHmk7PBXAu27QdKffc0wo3U7zXyuJU620rv7lbneP8ZZD85E7JqTwXhx2OlB_D0eKHJCR72oIa3aUWrZgtK-Y4c0F6c-MdI64U6LWNdxouuZ0aRfOaaD5GkEYn-ww0b/s1600/Nigel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynR36rrGcBaB6OZHmk7PBXAu27QdKffc0wo3U7zXyuJU620rv7lbneP8ZZD85E7JqTwXhx2OlB_D0eKHJCR72oIa3aUWrZgtK-Y4c0F6c-MdI64U6LWNdxouuZ0aRfOaaD5GkEYn-ww0b/s1600/Nigel.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Wednesday 14 May was the first time I brewed in our beautiful brewery. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and found it therapeutic as well as tiring. Rather than write down my thoughts, I captured them in a short YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVD0CIlqpBs" target="_blank">videoblog</a> aka vlog (as I am told it is called by my young son).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a name='more'></a>You can see that my blogging is becoming more sporadic. Such
is the demand on time of the newbie brewer. When we are not brewing, or cleaning
or selling to pubs, we are running the brewery shop and the bar at external
events such as:<br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">Sunnyside Rural Trust Open Day<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.berkhamstedcc.com/" target="_blank">Pitch Perfect<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.astonclintonbeerfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank">Aston Clinton Beer Festival</a> and<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.berkofest.com/" target="_blank">Berkofest<o:p></o:p></a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">as well as the brewery tours and birthdays celebrations we
have coming up.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-79754718711559808312014-04-18T16:54:00.001+01:002014-04-18T16:55:49.817+01:00By George I think he's got it<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guest blog by my co-investor George Harvey, written for the <em><a href="http://www.midchilternscamra.org.uk/tapler.htm" target="_blank">Chiltern Tapler</a></em></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gxCCzIDeaqVSg56Zea3D2736Qd4jtG2dH6v866W6jBAzngpUtekeyJTDnkUAJ8ESZkeiQVvTn_3J7oHqn_v8feOSAbeJ4t1nqZ0vTPf_CeiUN_z4llE05WCT_Lxont8cwq_1atY_skw5/s1600/1966887_642527902483637_864536321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gxCCzIDeaqVSg56Zea3D2736Qd4jtG2dH6v866W6jBAzngpUtekeyJTDnkUAJ8ESZkeiQVvTn_3J7oHqn_v8feOSAbeJ4t1nqZ0vTPf_CeiUN_z4llE05WCT_Lxont8cwq_1atY_skw5/s1600/1966887_642527902483637_864536321_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little more
than a week ago (at the time of writing) a dream came true as the team from
Haresfoot Brewery sat in the White Hart at Whelpley Hill drinking a toast of
Lock Keeper’s Launch ale with landlord Iain Griffiths-Jones. After a year’s
avid research, intensive planning and frenetic activity, the excitement of
creating a brewery has come to pass for 8 business folks from the Berkhamsted area.
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The timing is
particularly poignant because it was exactly 100 years ago that the last
brewery, Locke & Smith, closed its Water Lane doors in 1914. The Haresfoot
team are very proud to play their part in reviving the town’s brewing tradition.
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haresfoot
brewery delivered its first beer, Lock Keeper’s Launch ale; a classic mid
copper colour bitter brewed in the “Burton” style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lock Keeper’s is a complex blend of malts
combined with English Challenger hops. This provides a hoppy edge which, when
augmented with a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>late hopping using Golding’s,
creates delicate fruit notes leading to a long bitter-sweet after taste sporting
an ABV of 3.9%. Balance and depth of character is achieved through an extended
conditioning time of up to three weeks before being released to the trade for
sale. Many pubs in the area are stocking Lock Keeper’s Launch Ale – see
Facebook page for a comprehensive list. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsWlu8dBItCoTsx0PjjZOxsCmp_t1QmBjirA1LjELMui-KJJYE-hCP2itCcgZtMVUck20nf_RYnv6nik70di2Udejm2QHKMy4TpEoxKDthEQmwPV0so_qe38AEiakAnH5GUCcc-Ry4BdC/s1600/Pump+clip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsWlu8dBItCoTsx0PjjZOxsCmp_t1QmBjirA1LjELMui-KJJYE-hCP2itCcgZtMVUck20nf_RYnv6nik70di2Udejm2QHKMy4TpEoxKDthEQmwPV0so_qe38AEiakAnH5GUCcc-Ry4BdC/s1600/Pump+clip.JPG" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A shop based
on-site <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the public to drop in, have
a taste and buy some beer to take away will be open from Thursday 17<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
April (check out our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haresfootbrewery" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page for times) and a <a href="http://www.haresfoot.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for making orders
will go live soon. <br />
<br />
The brewery is also offering a Friends Package which has proved very popular.
Amongst a range of other benefits early adopters are entitled to have their
name, or the name of someone they nominate, on full display in the retail area.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It includes 9 pints on their birthday,
one of the first brewery tours, a branded glass, designer T shirt and various
discounts. It makes a great present!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The story and the Team</span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although some
of the team knew each other beforehand, the full complement came together
through a local business and social networking club founded by one of the
brew-crew Nick Heath called “Berkhamsted 360.” Bonded by a common passion to make
beer and give something back to the community, the group have funded the
venture between them.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally Haresfoot
farm was a strong contender for the brewery location. The name is rooted in
Berkhamsted history and will mean something to locals. The team liked the sound
of it and so it was adopted as the name<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All are 50-ish
and have worked for many years in a number of related fields which offer great
synergies for the venture. Nigel used to run a home brewery in Watford, while
fellow founder Martin Filippides is a former fermentation chemist who lectured
in biotechnology. The other founders are Scott Carter (Head Brewer), Philip
Wilton (sales), Simon Spurling, George Harvey, and Keith Holmes. The brewery
has one new full time employee Matt Chamberlain. Matt has extensive experience
from The Goat and The Lamb in Berkhamsted and knows his stuff when it comes to
looking after beer. Matt is the Drayman and helps to brew. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beer now and future<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The brewery
will initially focus on optimising the flavour and consistency of its launch
ale Lock Keeper’s. Lock Keeper’s was created after a series of “market research”
visits by George and Nigel to local pubs to identify the most popular beers followed
by a blind tasting focus group with a noble bunch of volunteers (we appreciate
the sacrifice they all made). <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The brewing
equipment is configured as a dual channel 12 and 2.5 barrel operation which
will allow new and innovative beers to be developed alongside the established
lines. Next on the list is likely to be a summer Golden ale. However there are
a number of options being considered. Haresfoot would love to hear what CAMRA
members would like to drink? So why not drop in and see us from the 17<sup>th</sup>
April?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-33885569151992153032014-04-01T22:05:00.002+01:002014-04-14T18:12:51.903+01:00And finally ...<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1hRpqi2SEChFPxF4jJ-culsLIt8VPEamCfDcagj580HvNYpO2eUM3x2z6Swm92nm0Pnnon5V0a9eXn-nP8zorB2SIyrIXpFFgcEdkAsjWqohLFzjq63H5pX4gMd5b9Sx0o4JtL5neyQz/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1hRpqi2SEChFPxF4jJ-culsLIt8VPEamCfDcagj580HvNYpO2eUM3x2z6Swm92nm0Pnnon5V0a9eXn-nP8zorB2SIyrIXpFFgcEdkAsjWqohLFzjq63H5pX4gMd5b9Sx0o4JtL5neyQz/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is no April Fools joke, we finally did it. After almost a year of preparation we
have have produced our first beer. Our brewers call it Gyle 1, the technical
term for each batch of beer that leaves the fermentation vessel. But to the
rest of the world, it is <em>Lock Keeper’s Launch Ale</em>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Despite a year of preparation it was still all a bit
lastminute.com, with the brewery kit arriving on the Sunday, installed on the
Monday and the first brew in progress on the Tuesday. After the brew day, where
the malt and hops are added, the wort was transferred to the fermentation
vessels where the yeast does its magic. Four days later the beer was racked into
barrels (firkins) and left to condition for three weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRZCh7kFuLyLukoG4_Nm3cO6z3kTApOGp6Qms1P5ryeHiWYwhp8LYsjP8RnNoufueC3Ii-tBYClfohtkl-c99mAigrPapRLYIoize_rKVXyGzdTLA_PA_meZ7xAR75T6HXPuf1B4xqjsh/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRZCh7kFuLyLukoG4_Nm3cO6z3kTApOGp6Qms1P5ryeHiWYwhp8LYsjP8RnNoufueC3Ii-tBYClfohtkl-c99mAigrPapRLYIoize_rKVXyGzdTLA_PA_meZ7xAR75T6HXPuf1B4xqjsh/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our production team are on their third brew already, but it
was only yesterday that the first firkin left the brewery. We are having a
sneaky tasting at the Berkhamsted Cricket Club and if the beer is palatable we
then ship to the pubs. I’ll be honest with you, we don’t expect this first beer
to be ground-breaking, we are playing it safe and the focus is on quality and
consistency. We want people to think “that’s alright, I’ll have another” and don’t
expect “wow that is f’ing amazing” – but if that happens then we would be over
the moon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Lock Keeper’s is a 3.9% ABV copper coloured bitter, made
with English Challenger and Goldings hops combined with a blend of pale,
crystal and chocolate malt topped off with some terrified wheat (to give it a
head). I’ve had an early taste and it is not bad, not bad at all, but I may be
bias – you’ll have to try it and let us know what you think. Once we have
cracked Lock Keeper’s we can then experiment with a wider range of beers,
including an American Pale Ale, Blonde Beer and Light Mild.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You may not know that we have two breweries in one
positioned in parallel. We have one Hot Liquor Tank but two Mash Tuns and two
Coppers. One plant is 12 bbl, producing 48 firkins, and the other is 2.5 bbl,
producing 10 firkins. The smaller kit allows us to experiment on smaller
quantities before producing a full on brew. It also allows us to host brewing
experience days and corporate team-building events. We only know of one other
brewery with a dual plant, so we’ll take that as a USP along with being the
only brewery in Berkhamsted for 100 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv9vq1Lt_Sr77YOnoL5rM2OTml9dvEa50sH_FvEBUGbaAInnVIx2OLuHWsBHzar29MjKPraHb3wumTJKTn3HA4Jxm6_eqy5TUrFQkR-GwLgBZznOXTCfSd6qChMCilou06RqQkWUikFaO/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv9vq1Lt_Sr77YOnoL5rM2OTml9dvEa50sH_FvEBUGbaAInnVIx2OLuHWsBHzar29MjKPraHb3wumTJKTn3HA4Jxm6_eqy5TUrFQkR-GwLgBZznOXTCfSd6qChMCilou06RqQkWUikFaO/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Whilst our production team have been busy brewing, the marketing
team have been getting the pump clips, glasses and t-shirts ready, plus organising
events and market stalls, plus creating a retail area out of old office furniture and a bar out of builder's planks. We sell beer
over the counter to passing trade on the afternoon of Maundy Thursday then
Easter Saturday. From then on we will open the shop early Friday evening and
Saturday afternoons. Come and say hello.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you can't ne nothered to reasd this blog then take a look at the video on <a href="http://youtu.be/eVP-v93HRCw" target="_blank">our story</a> and how we buildt a brewery.</span></div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-72350743755328652122014-03-03T16:45:00.003+00:002014-03-03T18:58:20.749+00:00Work in Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjTov12D6CBLjHtYpOMI5Ca7SSFYw6GxsjhvUewP6DxXDtUUsWQuVLxBWpfzjaV9li5TaNa5lUpc-5iiyiWAT86ZpXLDTmLQvtZlG3OwJWWdul_CpVBYGk9OadXWWZNqR2EEOZPRtmoo8/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjTov12D6CBLjHtYpOMI5Ca7SSFYw6GxsjhvUewP6DxXDtUUsWQuVLxBWpfzjaV9li5TaNa5lUpc-5iiyiWAT86ZpXLDTmLQvtZlG3OwJWWdul_CpVBYGk9OadXWWZNqR2EEOZPRtmoo8/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven’t blogged for a while, please accept my apologies,
but it’s with good reason. Our brewing kit arrives this Sunday (9 March) and we
have to prepare the brewery ready to receive it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nick is keeping building works in order. Our Builders have
been beavering away, installing the three-phase electrics, building a sloping
concrete floor, plumbing in water supplies and drainage, raising the block work
for the Fermentation Rooms, Conditioning Room and Malt store, and drinking
copious cups of tea with four sugars. This weekend the team turned up for a
mass painting session, some 200 litres of paint was applied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZA8714-zEPbKJTtDBpN7ViL70RgPQ7eHrq3YLoLy0q-4o6WZdkcXTJbkMJnoq5vT42Gz7LQY3GXL5Nk5T3masLQplrQeL_gt77NCnLcp6x9HGkhzdkT0WsMVZH6CWh_tOhDIoWVCmTG-/s1600/IMG_4250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZA8714-zEPbKJTtDBpN7ViL70RgPQ7eHrq3YLoLy0q-4o6WZdkcXTJbkMJnoq5vT42Gz7LQY3GXL5Nk5T3masLQplrQeL_gt77NCnLcp6x9HGkhzdkT0WsMVZH6CWh_tOhDIoWVCmTG-/s1600/IMG_4250.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other teams have also ramped up their activities. In the
marketing team (myself, George, Philip and Nick) we have been working with our consultants
to finalise the brand, logo and artwork for pump clips, bottle labels, beer mats,
T-shirts and leaflets etc (check out our Facebook page for an insight). The
look and feel of the brewery is vital and we all have our opinions, but we have
finally reached consensus. Look out for us at Berkhamsted Market over the next
few weeks, where we will explain the benefits of our “Friends of the Brewery”
package. Our official launch date is set for <strong>24 April</strong>, when our Mayor, Ian
Reay, will do the honours of officially opening the brewery and all who drink
in her, and Father Tom will bless our beer and all who drink it. However, we
hope to (unofficially) sell to the public on <strong>12 April</strong>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qqgUOBdpSFVsEDKBGbdrkQlFvj3vvNQc7EISRWxJDgA2HxdpNeLJcfsTuWVxqkQMqYgMNX6iweNOAkOXiT9rbpzai7_OSJvsITx9LkWtWd-jFmhcZYaMXpLmoFG5zXgklBdC-Dia3b7T/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qqgUOBdpSFVsEDKBGbdrkQlFvj3vvNQc7EISRWxJDgA2HxdpNeLJcfsTuWVxqkQMqYgMNX6iweNOAkOXiT9rbpzai7_OSJvsITx9LkWtWd-jFmhcZYaMXpLmoFG5zXgklBdC-Dia3b7T/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Philip, another director and our part-time sales guy (the
other part-time spent with <a href="http://www.saltydog-grrr.com/" target="_blank">Salty Dog</a>) is already smoosing the local landlords
and lining up pubs to sell our beer. So far we have received very positive
responses, and you should see our beer in pubs by Easter. It will be a proud moment
for us all when our beer is finally available to sup in pubs in Berkhamsted and
beyond.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bpSH1wIya2w_uZCTgWg8H7YsuscVNjtlzPrpF-Id6eTLWOBuKeC5AHCT5G8PXMTsyNf0yVYIHS7izqUGIS5qXiUGzRmjAGT4h_D-4dycfw3uSMRvpsNuNFBFtZiopRsVoC02CsoBZkgl/s1600/IMG_4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bpSH1wIya2w_uZCTgWg8H7YsuscVNjtlzPrpF-Id6eTLWOBuKeC5AHCT5G8PXMTsyNf0yVYIHS7izqUGIS5qXiUGzRmjAGT4h_D-4dycfw3uSMRvpsNuNFBFtZiopRsVoC02CsoBZkgl/s1600/IMG_4251.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What we endearingly call the production team have been the
busiest. Our brewer, Scott, has been preparing the recipe for our first brew
and ordering all the ingredients – the finest English hops and malted barley
along with the purest Chiltern water (courtesy of Affinity or is it Veolia?). Simon
and Keith have been taking care of logistics and delivery, sourcing barrels, a delivery
van, cleaning equipment, a bottling plant (well jig), pallet stacker and so on.
And Martin, our HSE expert, has been dealing with all that red tape I <a href="http://haresfoot.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/more-red-tape-than-red-stripe.html" target="_blank">blogged</a>
about last time – without him we wouldn’t be allowed to sell our beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8SOL4YwLLWUi6pfQYd_0ROHWsAVA1L98wSOPrSdsbNrMga4-y63ohCOdY72JxJs9GiOwzvoRcLZnmhKgC5kt3nsQvQth3LoOGNFdH0I_Tcq1FhcaBpjjE8dV3auWWxsef1JXw1buGXF1/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8SOL4YwLLWUi6pfQYd_0ROHWsAVA1L98wSOPrSdsbNrMga4-y63ohCOdY72JxJs9GiOwzvoRcLZnmhKgC5kt3nsQvQth3LoOGNFdH0I_Tcq1FhcaBpjjE8dV3auWWxsef1JXw1buGXF1/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Seems to me that brewing is a true collaboration, a true
team effort, where we are all interdependent on each other. And I don’t mean we
are dependent on each other like say footballers where a few star players make
a difference; no it’s more like volleyball – one weak team member and the ball
falls and the game is over. But I think its okay to take a break with a beer occasionally.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-87986668967322531202014-01-22T16:24:00.000+00:002014-01-23T10:51:11.927+00:00More Red Tape than Red Stripe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyR42u0Js7wv-i0MTITC87Ddoi1SVFFetTq_5JM-8G9VjQJKtsl9L1yM0DslLZ_TP1lwxUUNtwl3MfQYs_zznB9WEXbrsR48595LttS9US7QVXbD7pRhNH56-NoBfpTjCTOod3GVJXfm0/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyR42u0Js7wv-i0MTITC87Ddoi1SVFFetTq_5JM-8G9VjQJKtsl9L1yM0DslLZ_TP1lwxUUNtwl3MfQYs_zznB9WEXbrsR48595LttS9US7QVXbD7pRhNH56-NoBfpTjCTOod3GVJXfm0/s1600/untitled.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Who would have thought that the noble craft of brewing was a
bureaucratic minefield? I suppose it’s symptomatic of the nanny state we now live
in, the PC world, the H&S obsessed regime. Anyhow if you have any romantic notions
that setting up a microbrewery is simply about honest hard graft in a quaint disused
farm building then let me highlight a few of the regulatory hoops (consents) you
need to jump through.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So far we have encountered:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Landlord Approval –</i>
If you lease your brewery premises then, depending on the <a href="http://www.leasingbusinesspremises.co.uk/model-heads.html" target="_blank">Heads of Terms</a> of
your lease, you may have to ask permission from your landlord for any building
works such as internal partitioning or external signage.</span> </li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Planning Application –</i>
If your premises is <a href="http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/changeofuse/" target="_blank">B2 use</a> (general industrial) then you will not need planning consent
to brew beer and sell on to landlords. However, you will need to make a planning
application for on-sales, like brewery tours, and off-sales such as selling directly
to the public for home use. If you intend to convert a farm building to a brewery then you most likely need to apply for <a href="http://landmarkchambers.co.uk/images/uploads/Agri_to_other_uses_amended.pdf" target="_blank">change of use</a>.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Building Control –</i>
Even if you can carry out modifications to your brewery under “<a href="http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/responsibilities/planningpermission/permitted" target="_blank">permitteddevelopment</a>”, you will still need Building Regulations approval through your
local <a href="http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/planning-development/building-control?redirected=true" target="_blank">Building Control Office</a>. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brewing Licence –</i> You
must be registered with <a href="https://www.gov.uk/brewery-licence" target="_blank">HMRC Customs & Excise</a> before you start brewing
beer. This is predominantly so that they can claim duty on the beer you
produce. Registration with HMRC is a separate piece of red tape to the Alcohol
Licence below. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alcohol Licence –</i> The
alcohol licensing laws of the United Kingdom regulate the sale and consumption
of alcohol. Premises selling alcohol must be licensed by the local authority.
The individual responsible for the premises, known as the Designated Premises
Supervisor, must also hold a personal licence that is also issued by the Local
Authority. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trade Effluent Consent
–</i> As the brewery is likely to discharge trade effluent into a public foul
sewer, you must get permission from the local Water Authority before any
discharges take place. Farm building can be tricky if there is no sewer as the brewery
effluent is not allowed to run-off untreated to groundwater or nautural water courses. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/yourarea/#.Ut_td6xFCUk" target="_blank">Environmental Health</a> –</i>
Microbreweries are also classed as food manufacturing facilities and must
therefore be registered with your local Environmental Health Officer (EHO) for permission
to brew. Equipment specification is not a problem with any EHO, but you will
need to clear the external environmental impact and the building specification. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency (FSA)</a>
–</i> The production, processing, distribution, retail, packaging and labelling
of food stuffs are governed by a mass of laws, regulations, codes of practice
and guidance. The FSA offer guidance and advice on regulations related to food hygeine, including
the General Food law and Food Standards Act. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">HACCP – </i>The <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/haccp/#.Ut_sxqxFCUk" target="_blank">HazardAnalysis and Critical Control Point</a> is a system that helps food business
operators look at how they handle food and introduce procedures to make sure
the food produced is safe to eat. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">UKASTA and FMA –</i> If
you sell on your used malt for animal feed then it will need to be UKASTA (UK
Agricultural Supply Trade Association) or FMA (Fertiliser Manufacturers
Association) approved. The two bodies are now governed by the <a href="http://www.agindustries.org.uk/home/" target="_blank">AgriculturalIndustries Confederation</a> (AIC). </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/index.cfm" target="_blank">Trading Standards</a> –</i> If you intend to
bottle or package beer, you should also seek advice from the Trading Standards
Institute. Check that your marketing material, websites, packaging etc conform to the
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Misleading Marketing Regulations and
Unfair Trading Regulations. </span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm" target="_blank">Healthand Safety Executive</a> –</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">
This is a minefield in itself. You will need to comply with all H&S law, in
particular the Health and Safety at Work Act. For example, you will need to
conduct a risk assessment and compile a H&S Policy covering how to prevent and
deal with accidents. As brewers use chemicals you will need to adhere to the </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Control of Substances Hazardous to
Health (<a href="http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm" target="_blank">COSHH</a>) regulations. And so on …</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So have I missed anything? Any other advice from the
friendly brewers out there? We have a good size team at Haresfoot and fortunately one of our directors is a H&S expert, providing the rest of us with time to brew and sell beer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One reason we ended up in our industrial unit at 2 River Park, rather than our initial dream of farm buildings, is that it is so much easier to meet the above consents in a modern building, especially the ones related to food hygiene.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Despite my opening rant, I have to say that the people at the regulatory bodies and authorities that we have dealt with have all been very helpful, and all seem to welcome the idea of a local brewery. My advice is don't put off checking you meet the various regulations and seek advice ealry rather than later on when you may be subjected to heavy fines.</span><br />
<br />
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oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-84115766719148950072013-12-24T12:39:00.000+00:002013-12-24T12:39:18.175+00:00Merry Chistmas Everybody<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoPWUQczPbEwaAIyspgffq8OfDTpS5r1TPjB-5b21RVmUTIdJsVvGAWC1-Wloxz7lt9cGUZQlTcnlZMEQpTt2GydYxL060rcPe_r-Ma72B-L8gtrZFe9fJO8VSd-QYxDva8SkqK9XjsH3/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoPWUQczPbEwaAIyspgffq8OfDTpS5r1TPjB-5b21RVmUTIdJsVvGAWC1-Wloxz7lt9cGUZQlTcnlZMEQpTt2GydYxL060rcPe_r-Ma72B-L8gtrZFe9fJO8VSd-QYxDva8SkqK9XjsH3/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just a quick blog today, it is after all Christmas Eve and I’ve
shopping to do. So yesterday we received the keys to our new premises and
invited our families along to have a quick look. We celebrated with a couple of
local ales and then congregated at the <a href="http://www.theoldmillberkhamsted.co.uk/" target="_blank">Old Mill</a> for further celebration over “Christmas
Dinner”. I’ve put Christmas Dinner in quotes as only two of us actually ordered
turkey and Christmas pud. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Anyhow it’s a high to finish the year on, but come the New
Year the real graft starts. In the meantime, as Noddy would say, Merry Christmas
everybody. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-8063752604833962352013-12-18T17:52:00.002+00:002014-01-14T14:54:45.912+00:00Beer Tasting Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrQFMTNG5tJynXOeH5k-P1TcarQ-8EI5wF8es0uhHY1PBgnEEi1_sWMUxAqjqc8lnBgfNavFMtVKMfdx9F7Ta_jBQW9fVRMdN3B7JR0ttYBIeIbQFbzt1JlCPvqcISTS_xjsTVGi5KZLJ/s1600/20100408_flight_560x372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrQFMTNG5tJynXOeH5k-P1TcarQ-8EI5wF8es0uhHY1PBgnEEi1_sWMUxAqjqc8lnBgfNavFMtVKMfdx9F7Ta_jBQW9fVRMdN3B7JR0ttYBIeIbQFbzt1JlCPvqcISTS_xjsTVGi5KZLJ/s320/20100408_flight_560x372.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
last Thursday was a busy day for us and it finished with our Beer Tasting
Challenge. Some 30 guests blind-tasted five beers, judged them and told us what
they liked best. The results were not as expected!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
previously <a href="http://haresfoot.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/drinking-beer-for-research.html" target="_blank">blogged</a> that George and I visited the local hostelries to ascertain what
beers sold best. The top four beers favoured in Berkhamsted are (with no great
surprise): Fullers <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=47" target="_blank">London Pride</a></i>, <a href="http://www.greenekingipa.co.uk/" target="_blank">GreeneKing IPA</a>, Sharp’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk/our-beers/doombar/" target="_blank">Doom Bar</a></i> and Tring’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.tringbrewery.co.uk/PermanentandSeasonal.html" target="_blank">Side Pocket for a Toad</a></i>. We purchased
polypins of these beers along with one of Chiltern’s <em><a href="http://www.chilternbrewery.co.uk/buy/beechwood-bitter" target="_blank">Beechwood Bitter</a></em>. We then
got our beery guinea pigs to try the beers without being told what they are. We
had a few stray women in the audience, and I have separated out their views for
now.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In
terms of the rating of overall likeness, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beechwood
Bitter</i> was rated the highest followed by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Doom Bar</i> but, surprisingly, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Side
Pocket</i> was rated the lowest. Looking at the results from the point of view
of ranking the beers, then <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beechwood Bitter</i>
came out top followed by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">London Pride</i>.
The beer considered the most drinkable beer that our guests would be most
likely to drink over an evening in a pub, was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Doom Bar</i>. However, the beer they would order then and there in a
pub was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beechwood Bitter</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
ladies in our group were more favourable towards <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Doom Bar</i>, whereas the eight investors in our microbrewery favoured
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beechwood Bitter</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">London Pride</i>. Looking at the rating of
the beer’s characteristics, the colour, taste and body of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Side Pocket</i> was lower than the others, whereas the smell of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">London Pride</i> let it down.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From
our results it appears that quite a few people prefer the blander (or more neutral)
nose and flavours of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Doom Bar </i>and the girls particularly disliked the hoppier beers. Nevertheless, Chiltern have done something right with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beechwood Bitter</i> and seem to have won
over the regular <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">London Pride</i>
drinkers in our blind tasting. That <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beechwood
Bitter</i> is brewed locally only added to the popularity of this ale amongst
our tasters and I’m sure many will seek it out in future – I recommend the
<a href="http://www.alfordarmsfrithsden.co.uk/" target="_blank">Alford Arms</a> and <a href="http://www.chilterns-stay.co.uk/the-valiant-trooper-aldbury.aspx" target="_blank">Valiant Trooper</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tring’s
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Side Pocket</i> came across as too bitter,
hoppy and fragrant for our audience in a blind taste, perhaps because we pitched it against sweeter beers.
The regular drinkers of this local ale amongst our tasters were very surprised by
their own negative appraisal. Despite the results, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Side
Pocket</i> is a quality session beer and a favourite with the locals; they like the locality of the brewery and
what it stands for (some even like the rebranding). Personally I prefer and recommend the slightly heavier <em>Ridgeway</em>.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
also asked our audience to evaluate a number of beer pump clips and labels, see
below. Our results show that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spitfire </i>(T),
Bath Ales <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wild Hare</i> (O) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Doom Bar</i> (I) are the most favoured – simple
with bold colours and clear text. The three top dislikes were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trooper</i> (K) as poor taste, Saison <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Partizan</i> (E) as too complex and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Parson’s Pledge</i> (W) as just dreadful. What do you
think?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSMnXrrqktlpnXeDz4lw3NKPpYBofSMjMMh2pwQsjj1E8zhvDEg0oc1E2iAN64oczQ385REIUtv46NwU9sHgD3XXMxPQPW5G45ybzpu7sc7TVt97krEahN7GTQR6T93wY4ZYi6hWd1aJw/s1600/labels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSMnXrrqktlpnXeDz4lw3NKPpYBofSMjMMh2pwQsjj1E8zhvDEg0oc1E2iAN64oczQ385REIUtv46NwU9sHgD3XXMxPQPW5G45ybzpu7sc7TVt97krEahN7GTQR6T93wY4ZYi6hWd1aJw/s400/labels.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-85689493586133973842013-12-12T15:23:00.000+00:002013-12-15T12:42:18.215+00:00Milestone date<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUO6Ro8722zNUzb6FZ2_Z8rRvYSgCpHS3DLodE0w7yXb-BE8Wx8RiAq8JE97iTAelc48UfM4Pxq4ujNosIpUMgpUIIpAg3M2b8-3aKzn2zQGT-kroXV9utVV0t074mvPaX4c7dF8BHG0v/s1600/p2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUO6Ro8722zNUzb6FZ2_Z8rRvYSgCpHS3DLodE0w7yXb-BE8Wx8RiAq8JE97iTAelc48UfM4Pxq4ujNosIpUMgpUIIpAg3M2b8-3aKzn2zQGT-kroXV9utVV0t074mvPaX4c7dF8BHG0v/s320/p2.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Today was another busy microbrewery day and a momentous
occasion. Today Scott and Nick signed the lease for our microbrewery. We are now committed
to <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hp4+1HL&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x48765caa750826e7:0x9575d3a1c50537f9,Berkhamsted+HP4+1HL,+UK&ei=oimrUpOkEYbPhAeZooDgBA&ved=0CHcQtgMwCg" target="_blank">Unit 2 River Park</a> for 5 years (with a lease break) – bloomin' hell I need a
sit down and a beer. The property is a recently refurbished industrial unit with plenty of space
to brew beer, host brewery tours or brew days and, if planning goes ahead, sell
beer in our new trade counter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">An industrial unit is not as quaint as a farm, water mill or other historical building. We did look at such properties, as our brewery name indicates. But there are several key considerations that the farms we looked at could not offer:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Location and access -</em> Convenient for dliveries, distribution to pubs and off-sales to customers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Drainage -</em> Linked to the main sewer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Electricity -</em> A three-pahse electricity supply.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Hygeine -</em> Premises suitable for producing food products and meeting all required standards.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Cost -</em> Consider the cost of fit-out and rent, fanrs may have inexpensive rent but high et-up costs.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are fortunate to have Nick, a qualified building surveyor and property specialist, on our team. Nick prepared and negotiated on the lease Heads of Terms to get us the best deal; any new microbrwery will need a Nick.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxfM3VJHGKKhwFOL4Wn4D7YJNd1-OJfxyo6LaxN45KgqWu0v2XbFut2R3683SlmIExGpy4Bc6SNHyMZyUnI6UlPIeOIe48gfzbrDeEYdot8pWhKx67eVpyLCfz4OODHJcezQDEsfOolJJ/s1600/unit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxfM3VJHGKKhwFOL4Wn4D7YJNd1-OJfxyo6LaxN45KgqWu0v2XbFut2R3683SlmIExGpy4Bc6SNHyMZyUnI6UlPIeOIe48gfzbrDeEYdot8pWhKx67eVpyLCfz4OODHJcezQDEsfOolJJ/s400/unit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Our new premises</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We also had our first session with <a href="http://www.taitdesign.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tait</a>, our newly appointed
brand consultants and web designers. Tait are based in Harpenden but are the
designers behind <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.here.co.uk/cafe/berkhamsted" target="_blank">Here</a></i> café in
Berkhamsted. Today’s session focused on our core values and aspirations. It’s
all very exciting and can’t wait to see what Holly and her team create for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We finished the day with some market research. We invited friends and colleagues to blind taste local popular beers. More on this later.</span></div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-31000011893766895922013-12-06T17:23:00.000+00:002013-12-15T11:44:27.025+00:00There's something in a name<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAiRpT-UT-M4sqI1sf5NkBm6mIJxr9zPB2XWhgBOlvFRr_ruaos5ygjuMPcVobTWQzCRMQ9NpmmMRt32arE_rJHfBsU2hAZUJccCep1wcKu7aUBHSr6UF2p-Dc4hwHiZ98LulDZsAILd8/s1600/beeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAiRpT-UT-M4sqI1sf5NkBm6mIJxr9zPB2XWhgBOlvFRr_ruaos5ygjuMPcVobTWQzCRMQ9NpmmMRt32arE_rJHfBsU2hAZUJccCep1wcKu7aUBHSr6UF2p-Dc4hwHiZ98LulDZsAILd8/s320/beeb.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The hardened northern brewers up at <a href="http://www.brewlab.co.uk/" target="_blank">Brewlab</a> and <a href="http://pbcbreweryinstallations.com/" target="_blank">PBC</a> weren’t too sure
of the Haresfoot Brewery name, causing a bit of a wobble in confidence with my
co-directors. I have explained the origins of our name in a previous <a href="http://haresfoot.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/whats-in-name.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Anyhow as a quick response I have carried out a little market research on the
name via email and Facebook. Some 34 friends and family replied to me over a weekend, so many thanks to them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The good news is that only 11% didn’t like the name and over half (56%)
loved it. But another third had mixed views. Issues with the name Haresfoot
appear to be around the “foot”, with people thinking of hairy feet or severed hare’s
foot lucky charms. Those who liked it thought that it sounded established and it
reminded them of the English country side and rural market towns. They also
said it sounded quirky, family run, established and a suitable name for a micro-brewery.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The branding consultants who pitched to us also liked the
name. One commented: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>"We love the Haresfoot name for the quirky, quintessentially
English images it conjures up. To us the hare is a noble, fleet-footed animal
that needs to keep its wits about it to survive – the perfect motif for an ambitious
yet distinct discovery brand."</em> </span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">That’ll do for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-1021927913293558412013-12-02T15:20:00.000+00:002014-01-14T14:53:23.758+00:00Drinking beer for research<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtReTvIZGcqTpBD4mulSmoHD1nNzmME7Fgh80NnNG7EHJn8n5adna5KUWL3dpDW7RKj91j6x3ZcNsLELBXUr6u6_Hjyw8PO8SS1yWzKSMLsqa7RKEFogPr9gLlcO7ik30dyZvxopT8UR0g/s1600/pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtReTvIZGcqTpBD4mulSmoHD1nNzmME7Fgh80NnNG7EHJn8n5adna5KUWL3dpDW7RKj91j6x3ZcNsLELBXUr6u6_Hjyw8PO8SS1yWzKSMLsqa7RKEFogPr9gLlcO7ik30dyZvxopT8UR0g/s320/pump.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">George and I carried out some extensive market research
today. We visited all the pubs in Berkhamsted, had half a pint in
most and asked what beers they sold the most. The most popular beers in Berkhamsted appear
to be:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=47" target="_blank">Fullers London Pride</a> (a great all round pint), <a href="http://www.tringbrewery.co.uk/PermanentandSeasonal.html" target="_blank">Tring’s Side Pocket for a Toad</a>
(a hoppy session beer), <a href="http://www.greenekingipa.co.uk/our_ale/" target="_blank">Green King IPA</a> (I suppose it’s cheap but I prefer the Abbot) and <a href="http://www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk/our-beers/doombar/" target="_blank">Sharp's Doom Bar</a> (not my personal choice). The idea is to offer these beers at a blind
tasting and see which people genuinely like to drink without the branding. Is it about taste or hype?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The quality of the beer varied dramatically
between pubs. I have now established the pubs in Berkhamsted where I won’t drink
real ale in the futre and I have established pubs that I would not trust to sell our ale.
Here is my review of Berkhamsted's pubs:</span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Lamb -</strong></em> Top of the town, good range of well-kept real ales, usually Adnams, Tring and Fullers on offer in traditional pub with good local following.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The George -</strong></em> Limited range of real ales, more of a lager drinkers pub, but nicely decorated and chatty landlord.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Kings Arms -</strong> </em>Part of the Oakman Inns pubco, refurbished a few years ago converting shabby hotel into welcoming gastro pub, reasonable range of beers including Brakespear and Tring, but served a bit too chilled for my liking.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Crown -</strong></em> A Weatherspoons pub with wide range of beers at low prices, there are always two local beers on offer, eg Tring and Red Squirrel, alongside favourite a like Doom Bar and Greene King IPA?</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Goat -</strong></em> Run by the landlord of the Lamb, reduced selection of ales and more emphasis on the quality of music.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Spotted Bull -</strong></em> Only one real ale pump and this was off on our visit, bui of a local lager drinkers pub.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Old Mill -</strong></em> Recently refurbished to a high standard, good range of well-kept ales and superb food, very welcoming manager and staff.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Rising Sun -</strong></em> Traditional boozer bit shabby chic, great range of well-kept ales and wide selection of ciders, the house ale Riser Bitter is produced by Tring, nice setting for sitting outside in summer.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Boat -</strong></em> A Fullers tied house, it serves the best pint of London Pride and other Fullers ales in town, also good food and nice setting beside the canal all year round.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><em><strong>The Crystal Palace -</strong></em> Bit of a locals pub but reasonable range of beers on offer and reasonably well-kept, good Thai food and some seating by the canal.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>The George & Dragon -</strong></em> Just outside of town in Northchurch, reasonable rnage of beers all well-kept, friendly landlord and really good value Sunday lunches.</span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Wherever you go, enjoy the real ale. Hopefully ours will be available in some of these pubs by Easter 2014.</span>oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-47039203783923971782013-11-28T15:03:00.000+00:002013-12-15T11:59:28.251+00:00Who are you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SS3Y2jC8UAx3U6YKSmWwIHJCtlc1q4se0ZGgRuWZe6XXoLEmQD5mh8tXHn7kFG0Z1nloSDaaU5QqUNn00ifLsDNbmjB0KgcHIkXJGAYTjMtU_PTdKdf9hFFAs5EtErrMIEog85xJCNGk/s1600/Berkhamsted_Canal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SS3Y2jC8UAx3U6YKSmWwIHJCtlc1q4se0ZGgRuWZe6XXoLEmQD5mh8tXHn7kFG0Z1nloSDaaU5QqUNn00ifLsDNbmjB0KgcHIkXJGAYTjMtU_PTdKdf9hFFAs5EtErrMIEog85xJCNGk/s320/Berkhamsted_Canal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I think yesterday’s <a href="http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/local/berkhamsted-to-get-its-own-brewery-as-seven-investors-get-to-work-1-5711173" target="_blank">newspaper article</a> clearly explains why my co-investors
and I are setting up a microbrewery. It’s more to do with being involved in the
community and producing a tangible product (rather than pushing bits of
information around the ether), but it’s also a sound business opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The article focussed on me, despite me naming my co-conspirators.
So I will name them here and now: Scott Carter, Simon Spurling, Nick Heath, George
Harvey, Philip Wilton, Martin Filippides and Keith Holmes. They are all experienced
independent business men living in or around Berkhamsted. That last sentence sounds
a bit like a dating site advert so let me rephrase:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they are a bunch of nice blokes who enjoy a beer. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The majority of us met through the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.berko360.co.uk/about.php" target="_blank">Berkhamsted 360</a></i> network and the Berkhamsted <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.anafternooninthepub.co.uk/" target="_blank">Afternoonin the Pub</a></i>. We have come to know and trust each other over a couple of years. I was once told "only go into business with someone you wold go on holiday with" and these guys qualify on that basis. A key thing about such a large group is that we have a wide range of skils and interests, from brewing beer to HR to H&S to property to marketing to social media to sales.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am fairly confident that it is unique for eight investors to start up a microbrewery together. But do let me know if there are any other examples out there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-51814242166296265952013-11-27T14:45:00.000+00:002013-12-15T11:59:50.906+00:00Our first news article<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EH4WOEpVEoN4rs1xQhgK0S-gqFny38h4xeJBA96wDdC7949ID5FgtO7BY6TaWWiULyml90pSCECy3n2O_iFvOEtVHvWZEhEzxep2pKkomhUNhPpEOVKpLaAXJizaCiVrYR3qrkVkK4Ea/s1600/cat-in-a-bag-109225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EH4WOEpVEoN4rs1xQhgK0S-gqFny38h4xeJBA96wDdC7949ID5FgtO7BY6TaWWiULyml90pSCECy3n2O_iFvOEtVHvWZEhEzxep2pKkomhUNhPpEOVKpLaAXJizaCiVrYR3qrkVkK4Ea/s320/cat-in-a-bag-109225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well the cat is truly out of the bag, in fact he has run off with next
doors supper and headed for the hills. The article below is our first press coverage in the <em>Berkhamsted & Tring
Gazette</em> and <a href="http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/local/berkhamsted-to-get-its-own-brewery-as-seven-investors-get-to-work-1-5711173" target="_blank"><em>Hemel Today</em></a> on-line. I now it’s not the <em>Guardian</em> or <em>Financial Times</em> but it’s a start. We
have tried to keep the microbrewery under wraps, until we have set-up, but the
journalist tracked me down after he saw our planning application notice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We were concerned that it was too early to speak to the
press and I was a bit nervous – would the journalist twist my words and set us
up against the other local microbreweries like <a href="http://www.tringbrewery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tring</a>, <a href="http://www.redsquirrelbrewery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Red Squirrel</a> or <a href="http://www.chilternbrewery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chiltern</a>
breweries. But I have to say that David O’Neil wrote quite a nice upbeat and
positive article. His main focus was on the fact that our microbrewery will be
launched 100 years after the closure of the <a href="http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=rglxG7g4CNgC&pg=PA76&dq=swan+brewery+berkhamsted&hl=en&sa=X&ei=wR6rUvGPBM6shQfpz4DQDg&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=swan%20brewery%20berkhamsted&f=false" target="_blank">Foster's Swan Brewery</a>, the last brewery in
Berkhamsted. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi12W2h5tD2bFzKAjTMvKtq6MsAHFcD9_fVEDjkKK3LQeQe9r2rOMX2ynT7qdCPcHFGr4oMBcv3bk83R9zRAwkjWNj7ROx90tWdIYkg5ZES9nHv377iI-3XTvzT1-1606IbyK0VMEowEE/s1600/brewery+gazette+001+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi12W2h5tD2bFzKAjTMvKtq6MsAHFcD9_fVEDjkKK3LQeQe9r2rOMX2ynT7qdCPcHFGr4oMBcv3bk83R9zRAwkjWNj7ROx90tWdIYkg5ZES9nHv377iI-3XTvzT1-1606IbyK0VMEowEE/s640/brewery+gazette+001+(3).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8542428510909555457.post-65174678578400958712013-11-26T14:06:00.000+00:002013-12-15T12:00:28.888+00:00(Don't) start up brewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSMo8a2qrm_-MKQ1p37mrD3Po7SeGZhOui4LkBEPkymHlEvPxUiN8It1_RFY7tHsRZFLIfc5lp118cpjtbW7SbFHsJ3EMwyMHXGvTvWhie4R_QTIw8UgTikju_5XVSrlhZahuM0rfrS2g/s1600/building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSMo8a2qrm_-MKQ1p37mrD3Po7SeGZhOui4LkBEPkymHlEvPxUiN8It1_RFY7tHsRZFLIfc5lp118cpjtbW7SbFHsJ3EMwyMHXGvTvWhie4R_QTIw8UgTikju_5XVSrlhZahuM0rfrS2g/s320/building.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It’s the second day of my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.brewlab.co.uk/threeday.asp" target="_blank">Start up Brewing</a></i> course at Brewlab. Tomorrow is a nice easy day
with a visit to a few local microbreweries and a beery lunch at the wonderfully quirky <a href="http://biglampbrewers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Big Lamp Brewery</a>. But the first two
days have been intense. In summary: I found the review of ingredients fascinating,
I found the marketing and branding piece particularly interesting, I enjoyed
learning how to create new beer recipes and like the idea of exploiting new
markets, I also found I am good at detecting problems with beer through bad flavours
and odours, but I got thoroughly confused by the brewing process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So it seems I am destined for a marketing role, and perhaps quality
control (tasting) one rather than becoming a master brewer. I also like the idea of
becoming an accredited <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_sommelier" target="_blank">beer sommelier</a> – judging beers and matching them to
foods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I still can’t work out
whether Brewlab are trying to put us off or not, I think the course should be renamed
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don’t Start up Brewing</i>. But it’s all too
late, I am committed now.<o:p></o:p></span>oselandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02743879390466432468noreply@blogger.com0