Bad news. I grew up on the stuff. It wont be the same if they continue producing in Northampton. What do Southerners know about brewing bitter? (or the Danes for that matter)
Just read that article Sad to say the least, especially with the Coors Brewery Museum closing this year as well. I was on course to get the last ever firkin of the Bass Barley Wine next week for one of my festivals, but the keystone cracked and it spoiled, gutted!
Shame all Southern ale gets tarred with the same brush. </p> I can see why folk coming down south hate the kind of bitter you get in most central pubs in London. Flat, no body at all and not well kept.</p> There's some lovely stuff out there if you know what you're doing.</p>
Tetley Bitter hasn't been the same since thet employed that Australian Head Brewer. I can't stand the stuff. As for southern beers, there are several good ones, e.g. Youngs and Fullers. One thing I have never understood is why they do not use sprinklers down south.
RE: Just read that article </p> Oh well, at least if I eat in your pub, I know I'll be getting the very best vinegar on me chips. </p>
And just look who you may be sat next to <img src ="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/05_02/aloudCI0405_468x719.jpg">
Worked all over the south of England and a good bitter is....... few and far between, but it's the way they like it, No head and served at above room temp.
RE: the myth re northern v southern beer Beer varies and tastes vary.The idea that northern beer is superior to anything brewed down south is a complete myth.Is there a beer more bland and completely lacking taste and character than John Smiths smooth? I have yet to come across one.The problem in this area is the reluctance to try anything new.I consider myself a beer drinker and drink beer brewed all over the country.Some i enjoy more than others.I like most Fullers beers , i dislike most of the Acorn beers i have sampled.Do not pre empt what a beer tastes like,because of where it is brewed.The best rule of thumb is ,the more it is advertised the more bland it tastes.Peter Kay did the ads for JS Smooth he is teetotal.If that was the only beer available i would be too.
Northern beer is far from superior these days Most of the national awards go to breweries in the south of England. Alton Triple F is from Hampshire, Hobsons Mild is from Shropshire, Harveys Best Bitter is Sussex. Suffolk and Norfolk have a huge array of excellent ales too (Wolf and Woodefordes), as does Devon (Otter). When you look to the north for equally good breweries you've potentially only got Acorn, Black Sheep (debatable), Roosters, Abbeydale and Kelham Island. Oh and Thornbridge in Derbyshire. With most pubs now having a glycol system installed ale is served colder than it ever used to be, and a good pint of beer in London is very easy to find, just take a tube to Parsons Green!
You could'nt be more wrong if you were from Wrongsville, Wrongshire... JS Smooth is a good bitter, Fullers Pride is cack in a glass, we worked in London for months on end and to be honest very few people drank bitter, even the locals drank lager or some other alternative, there is a massive difference between northern beer and southern beer, but ultimately it's what you're used to, ironically anyone from the south will readily admit that northern beer is far superior.
agree mostly but the "smooth" beers have little to do with where they are brewed and more to to with bland, cold fizzy stuff is easier to keep / manage and cheaper to make than brewing a traditional pint. I like most of Acorns stuff, struggle with wentworth brews etc. A good pint of original Ruddles County was the best beer I ever tasted and Fullers definately the wor(s)t.
Thats not the "southern" way- it depends on the type of beer There will be brews up north that are served like London Pride for example. But the tastes up north are for the creamy pint with a good head so they're less popular.</p> I'd prefer a Pride over the Tetleys Smoothflow **** you get across the country anyday. </p>
Are you sure you're not from Wrongsville? JS Smooth, mass produced, tasteless rubbish! London Pride isn't the greatest beer, but Fullers ESB? Fantastic stuff. You're suggestion that people in London don't drink ale is completely flawed straight away.
Would have been Youngs if it was in the last 2 years Once Charles Wells got their hands on the Youngs brewery its been downhill ever since.