Traditional v modern: a surprise winner
One of my favourite beers last year was Purity’s Mad Goose. Very pale and very bitter, it reminded me of home (Yorkshire) when I went on my travels.
What’s happened since? I tried it twice in the Friend at Hand just off Russell Square in Bloomsbury this weekend and the balance seemed wrong. Too bitter – almost metallic. It didn’t compare well with the Adnams Bitter in the Betjeman Arms at St Pancras station. A classic, hoppy, amber beer. Perfect. In a retro move, they even served it in those old style chunky glasses with handle. Can’t wait to revisit Southwold.
Am I losing my taste for northern bitter? I chose a Saltaire Dark Mild yesterday which suggests so, but today I’ve discovered Kletswater from Dewsbury’s Anglo-Dutch Brewery (apparently recommended by Roger Protz). Pale, bitter and not too hoppy – perfect in the sun and should win over a few lager drinkers.
