Here, for the Beer

There are many styles of beer around today. Porter ales originated in London, approx 1730 and by the late 1700’s became very popular in England. Stout is known for its classic style and is usually dark and heavy, being bitter, with a very good taste. Bitters came about during the latter part of the 19th century. Mild beers tend to be a little sweeter. Bottle-conditioned beers are conditioned within the bottle, having sufficient yeast and sugars to create a secondary fermentation within the bottle. Located in Nottingham, Castle Rock Brewery has been operating pubs since 1977 and brewing beers from 1998. Several award-winning ales are produced by Castle Rock Brewery, with some (very) well-established favourites. From their most impressive range I tried the following bottled productions. HARVEST PALE (4.3% vol) utilises Centennial, Cascade and Chinook hops to great advantage. This multi award-winning blonde ale exudes crispness, with citrusy overtones. Refreshing, to the last. Hailed as ‘the finest blonde beer’ – I agree! ELSIE MO (5.0% vol) uses Challenger, Bobek and Aurora hops to produce a ‘glorious’ golden ale (another flagship production). This excellent, balanced beer is a further award-winner from Castle Rock Brewery. A splendid nasal delight complements the malt and hops for the mouthfeel and palate’s sensation, perfectly. The superb bottle-conditioned version must be poured slowly (of course) and enjoyed slowly (of course). SCREECH OWL (5.5% vol) is brewed with Centennial and Cascade hops. Very wellestablished, within the ‘core range’ of beers – first brewed in 2008 – this is an extremely popular production. A classic American IPA, I found this beer both refreshing and full-bodied. An excellent finish extends the pleasure. Brewery tours, with tastings, are available and very popular. A most interesting Visitor Centre is enjoyed by many, too, which can also be hired, for some private functions. An estate of pubs stretches out to surrounding counties and Castle Rock productions are also to be located at numerous venues, plus supermarkets and off-licences. I found this company socially responsible, with committed and dedicated staff, producing excellent products and service.

Castle Rock Brewery, Queensbridge Road, Nottingham, NG2 1NB. Tel: 44 (0) 115 985 1615 E-mail: admin@castlerockbrewery.co.uk www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk

As always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley

We are a specialised kitchen company working with Symphony and Omega Designs

• Supply and Fit or Supply Only • Skilled Tradesmen - Quality Guaranteed • No Job Too Big or Too Small • Showroom in Shefford and Show Homes Locally • Free 3D Software Design

Our new showroom display is now open

Tel: 01462 889649 Email: enquiries@bentleykitchens.co.uk Website: www.bentleykitchens.co.uk