Random Beer Ramblings (My Top 5 Favourite Beers)

Member Name: marandina

Product:	My Top 5 Favourite Beers
Date:	30/06/06 (784 review reads)
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Disadvantages: You may disagree

I like beer. I also like bitter and ale. I also like red wine and lager although not together as you should never mix the hop and the grape or whatever it is they say. Drinking is such a HUGE national pastime isn’t it? The reality is that alcohol transports us into another mood, often involving releasing our inhibitions and generally unlocking folk’s hang-ups. I mean, there’s nothing worse than going out with a group of friends and watching them get slowly sozzled whilst you suddenly realise that you’ve agreed to be the designated driver. Quite frankly, I find that terminally depressing and avoid it at all costs. Solution > don’t drive. When posting any top 5 like this I am careful to include the disclaimer that I’m hardly an expert. I tell you what; beer’s one of those subjects that just about everyone has a contradictory opinion about. It’s a bit like footie, religion or politics. Feel free to praise or criticise my choices. Of course, I’ll hardly care as I’ll be drunk by the end of the opinion *grin*

First on my list would be Guinness. If truth be known, simply because of the memories it invokes as opposed to being particularly magical. I only had a conversation this week with someone about English Guinness v that made in Ireland. The thing is, I’m off to Dublin next year for a few days with some of the lads and this particular debate with an Irish lady ended with the conclusion that there is little difference between the two. No doubt, folks from Ireland will find this contentious and I can’t prove it one way or another but what I do know is that my first proper pint sank in County Kerry was a true privelige and this complex stout has a huge world wide following. Drinking it in an Irish pub by the side of a harbour was an absolute pleasure and the meal that came later wasn’t bad either. I also associate it with the time ma wifee was pregnant. She’s not much of a drinker but simply craved the black stuff and there was the thing about it being good for you because of the iron in it (or perhaps that was my spoon, after all). I suspect that was an old wives'tale; you know, a bit like if you stick with a face like that and the wind changes direction, you’ll stay like it forever (yeah, right mom) but she wanted it big time and, in fact, generally got what she wanted *sigh*

Secondly, I’d go for Green King IPA. This is a nice ale I got into about a year ago. Greene King IPA has won plenty of awards and is a great-tasting beer. In fact, Greene King IPA is currently Britain's favourite cask Ale IPA would you believe? No? Oh well, I tried. This beer is brewed in the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, in the heart of Suffolk, just in case you wanted to know. During my life and times as a beer drinker, I’ve gone through phases of drinking mild, lager, lager and bitter (Mickey Mouse) and now ales and I like to think I’ve got more discerning as I’ve got older. I will stop short of saying that I’ve got a beard, jacket with elbow patches and sit in the corner with my packet of Old Holborn and, no, I’m not a member of CAMRA either but I do like something with a bit of taste these days as opposed to the more chemical tasting lagers. This could all be undone by the choices that come next completely underlining my point about hardly being an expert.

Thirdly, I like Kronenberg 1664. I’ve been into this strong lager for years now and just adore the bottled version. At 5%abv it’s a lovely, sweet lager made with a blend of hops including aromatic hops from Alsace. Swigging it brings back fond memories of watching David Platt turn and volley England in front against Belgium many years ago. By the time that goal went in, both me and my good lady had necked a few Kronies and were well happy with both our state of mind and the fact that England had eventually won the game. With more than 300 years of history behind it, Kronenbourg 1664 is France’s No.1 selling beer and the UK’s second-biggest selling premium lager although I will point out that I’m not on commission and am trying to remain objective don’tcha know.

At number 4, I like Miller Lite. It’s not just the ads and stuff; I like the beer, I do. Brewed in Milwaukee in the US, Miller is a refreshing draft that seems to attract it’s fair share of criticism for being light-weight but there goes that “everyone has an opinion” alarm bell that rings when ever you discuss beer. Again, a really nice variation in bottle form makes Miller attractive opening up options to go for either draft or bottle when out in the pub or at home. Made from hops and malted barley, Miller has been around since 1855 and is a popular tipple today both in the States and over here.

Last but not least would be Amstel beer. I remember drinking this on pavement side cafes in Corfu to escape the hustle and bustle of the night shoppers many years ago. It hit the mark beautifully and both myself and other half enjoyed simply sitting there in the warm, watching the world go by, drinking our Amstel. Mainly exported from Holland, Amstel had an endearing colour and refreshing taste that I will always think off fondly. Ironically, I hardly seem to drink it these days and it doesn't seem to be so readily available in the supermarket aisles I usually cruise up and down like a shark on a stakeout but writing this has prompted me to go and seek out some for now and tomorrow.

Of course, you may argue that all of the lager choices have more chemicals in them than a Procter and Gamble factory but I don’t care because I like ‘em all and nobody can ever take away the associations I have with each one!

My thanks for reading and just time to see who wins the Italy v Ukraine game and then the beer’s out once more for England v Portugal and France v Brazil. Any excuse, eh?

Mara :o)

A good weekend to you all (my online friends? Jeeeeeez, I could be sued for that, he he)

Summary: Beer ramblings