Working on the Douro film tonight with Dave Fuller, who brought round a couple of beers from The Kernel brewery. They’re probably the UK’s most highly regarded craft ale producer at the moment, and these two beers lived up to their billing.

The Kernel Pale Ale (Columbus) 5.2% alcohol
Amazing aromatics: complex, deep, hoppy, slightly floral but not too exotic. Rounded palate with nice depth and pleasing bitterness. very fresh and so drinkable. 9/10

The Kernel India Pale Ale (Centennial, Columbus) 7.3% alcohol
Floral, herby, sweet and aromatic  with a citrus peel lift. Nicely exotic. The palate is smooth, rich and yet zippy, with grapefruit, tangerine, herbs and spicy, bitter hoppy notes. Mouthfilling and really complex. A complete beer. 9.5/10

The next event of the London Gastronomy Seminars will be on beer, and hosted at The Kernel – http://www.londongastronomyseminars.com/upcoming.htm