jamie goode's wine blog

Popped into Oddbins on the way home this evening. Nice selection of wines, these days. Lots interested me. Came out with three beers, though. Was particularly interested to try the Brew Dog, because I’d read a lot about these guys. Brilliant, slightly edgy marketing. The beer is great, too.

Brew Dog Trashy Blonde (you know you [...]

Back to the International Wine Challenge today. This week we are judging the wines that passed from last, awarding them medals, and in a few cases demoting some. Had another great panel today. The wine trade is full of interesting and friendly people, it seems.

I’ve been working hard this evening, so it’s time to begin [...]

There’s more to beer than just cask-conditioned ale. Here’s a reasonably serious lager from Italy which is part of Marks & Spencer’s new-ish beer range. Titled simply ‘Italian Lager’, it is tangy and nicely bitter with lovely flavour and balance, as well as some complexity. There’s also a gently herbiness, adding to the savoury impression. [...]

Just back from the pub where I enjoyed a lovely pint of Goose Island Honker’s ale. It’s like a British cask-conditioned ale, but a bit better (I say this at risk of causing some controversy), combining hoppy flavours with some sweet maltiness, and a bit of spicy meaty character. Not too fizzy and really complex. [...]

One of my occasional forays into the world of beer. These are two very interesting beers, widely available in most supermarkets, and inexpensive (particularly when compared with good quality wines). Belgium has given us many gems: Dr Evil, ‘In Bruges’ and wonderful beer.

Duvel Belgian Golden Ale
8.5% alcohol. Pale yellow colour. Tangy, hoppy and a bit [...]