In the last few years we have witnessed a craft beer revolution, with microbreweries popping up all over the place – there are now over 1,000 in the UK, all contributing to the cult-like obsession with finely brewed beers. Naturally, here at Cornerstone, we’ve also had our head turned by this new breed of beverages, so here’s our round up of the best brewed on our patch here in London:
Punk IPA
Brewed by Brewdog Camden, Punk IPA is said to give a nod of recognition to the classic IPAs of days gone by. New Zealand hops are balanced with a biscuit malt and the result is a flavour of tropical fruits, with a light caramel on the nose and a dry finish.
Hell’s Lager
This beer should be loved for the name alone, but it is also the beer that caused the Camden Town Brewery to start brewing in the first place. They’ve taken the crisp, dry body of German-style Pilsner and then they gave it the hopping of a Helles, the result is a clean, refreshing finish. The brewers say this is the sort of beer that they really want to drink, which surely has to be a good sign.
Meantime London Stout
Brewed in Greenwich by the Meantime Brewery, Meantime London Stout is derived from the original Stout Porters which was made in the 19th century. Unlike its Irish descendants it doesn’t use roast barley so it is left with a flavour of soft mocha coffee and vanilla.
Chelsea Blonde
The London Beer Factory’s claims ‘That nothing tastes as a good as a Chelsea Blonde’ and before you have any ideas, it’s one of three craft beers that the company makes. It has a fruity aroma which is said to be the result of English malts mixed with American hops.
Crate Brewery
Crate Brewery over in Hackney Wick brew over 2,800 pints a week, they keep their beers simple; simple labels, simple names – such as Best and Golden and Lager. If you’re in the Hackney Wick area then make sure you head to the Crate Bar and Pizzeria or find them at The Brew Shed. Oh and they’ve just bought a boat so you can soon have beer on a boat, which sounds like an ideal afternoon.
If you think you’re a bit of a craft beer connoisseur or just want to get the beers in with the guys, then head to Clapham for Craft100 over the Easter weekend where, as the name suggests, there is going to be a whole load of craft beers – ideal.