What is the best real ale available in a UK supermarket?!
What is the best real ale available in a UK supermarket?
I've got a game of cards later on and a strong thirst for some tasty beer. Suggestions welcomed!
Answers:
I'm always a fan of the Black Sheep beers, Riggwelter is a personal fave. It's very easy to get these here in Leeds, Morrisons often have a 4 for 3 deal on bottled ales.
Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury's all have a really good selection of real ales in bottles these days. Any of the Youngs range are recommended but you can get more adventurous. Look for a high % abv.
i like hobgoblin personally. you should find it in most supermarkets
Brakespear; mmmmmmmmmmmmmm..
All of the large supermarkets have a great selection of good beers,I use Asda, it is just around the corner from my home,I find them reasonably priced with occasional offers on ales and ciders.
Go to Morrissons and get loads of different ones. They are 4 for a fiver. Wouldnt it be good to go through tje whole lot to decide which is best.
marstons double drop
fullers london porter
youngs double choclate stout
badger blandford fly
wells satanic mills
Look for one(s) that say "bottle-conditioned" on the label - they are effectively bottled real ale and generally taste better for it. Most bottled beers are filtered, Pasteurised and force-carbonated. You have to be a bit more careful pouring them so as not to disturb the sediment but that is all part of the fun. And you can't really drink them out of the bottle either but that is uncivilised and puts you at risk of catching diseases from rat's p*ss.
Also, avoid any beer bottled in clear or green glass. Brown or opaque is OK. The reason is that clear/green glass lets wavelengths of light through that break down hop components to produce a "skunky" aroma. This is also described as being like cat's p*ss or burnt rubber. Not nice once you become aware of it. It is so common in cheap lagers that I used to think it was a feature!