I took this opportunity to bring back a few respected English brews over for some of my US friends to try.
I was especially pleased that I managed to get hold of a bottle of Old Tom. It has been voted the best beer in the world. I can't wait to try it.
From left to right::-
- Sharps Doombar Bronze in the International Beer Challenge, 2011
- St Austell Brewery Tribute Ale made with Maris Otter and Cornish Gold Malts and Fuggles, Styrian and Willamette Hops. Voted a supreme Ale by CAMRA
- Sharps Special World's Best Pale Ale (Bitter) - World Beer Awards, 2011, International Beer Challege, 2010 (Silver)
- Robinsons Old Tom named by CAMRA as Supreme Champion Winter Beer of Britain no less than three times at the National Winter Ales Festival. Winner of the worlds best ale.
- Skinners Ginger Tosser A lovely hoppy golden ale, fused with Cornish honey, gives this session beer a superb round finish with a hint of ginger. First brewed for red headed pancake tossers!
- Coniston Bluebird Maris Otter pale malt and crystal malt and Challenger hops. Supreme Champion Beer of Britain 1998 at the Great British Beer Festival
The label on the back states:-
Old Tom is almost as old as the Brewey itself. It was entered in to the hand written head brewers note book in 1899. Charmingly illustrated with the cats face it is a dark and warming superior strong ale with aromas of dark fruit and a palate booming with ripe malt and hops followed by a deep port wine finish. Over the years Old Tom has one some of the most prestigious brewing awards, and is not recognised as one of the most famous strong ales brewed in England.
I will update the blog with the tasting notes later.
