Pig's Ear

CAMRA's got it's critics. It's got its stereotypes too. Are they right? Well, the stereotypes are for sure but I think their critics can be harsh. Whilst the 28th Pig's Ear Beer Festival had more beards than an Amish beard appreciation society there was a welcoming atmosphere and a pleasing inclusion of foreign ales. Most interestingly so Italian.

Arriving at a festival requires a minute or so's acclimatisation to work out where you're going and what's where. Although we were welcomed as fresh blood (i.e. under 50) there were smiles and jokes for all and nothing of the exclusivity of CAMRA that has been spoken of. My one niggle is the glass issue. £4 entry is fine but £3 for a glass is a but much. But bygones are bygones and a lesson is learnt - I'll take one next time!

What I was most pleased with was the international presence there. Whilst of course no where near the level of British entries there was a nice little section of Italian (a craft brewing hothouse apparently), German, Belgian and other European beers, admittedly lots bottled but nonetheless a welcome alternative.

My accomplice and I started with an Italian encounter; one of the features which had drawn us there. I a Darker Shade of Pale from White Dog, he a Grunge IPA from ELAV. The former was possibly the muddiest beer I've drank in a while, but I commend its balls. Maybe I got the end of the end of the barrell, I'm not sure, but it was something to behold. It was as opaque as a strong coffee with a spit of milk in it. The aroma screamed hops and the scrapings of a barbecue grill, along with a rather funky cannabis scent. All most brazen and to be applauded. It was a rough diamond, to be sure, but with its lengthy, bitter, aftertaste, not to be ignored.

I didn't get as much if a go at the Grunge but it was more refined and had an excellent minty, hopped smell and definitely the choice brew of the two: something nice and different. Italy can carry on what it's doing!

We moved along to Germany (as you do) to sample a Schlenkerla Urbock, pumped peculiarly from the top of the barrel. If you've not had a Rauchbier before, it's made from barley that's been smoked giving the most pronounced smoke flavour; it's like drinking a smoked sausage. After a few sips it fades away (but not completely) to present a most accomplished beer with strong suggestions of banana of clove. This is a beer for the adventerous!

Our next visit was to Norway to sample a Nøgne Ø Porter. I'd got a good feeling about this brewery as they were on my radar so I didn't hesitate at the opportunity to try it. I was very pleased - this is a brewery to keep a look out for and definitely worth paying the extra money. The porter reminded me of the De Molen dark beers sampled a month or so ago, with a gorgeous fruit and hop flavour and a long, bitter hop finish with an excellent balance of sweetness and sharpness. The 7% made it one to ponder over but extended time with this beer is no bad thing.

Finally, it would be remiss of me to attend a beer festival in London and not drink any English beer! East London Brewing had a special festival brew, a mix between their pale ale and an 'unnamed dark ale'. It was great.

It impressed me on two fronts. Firstly, it was following some really potent brews (as you can see) with big, big flavours. How would a 4.3% pale ale follow these beers? Had I done it in the wrong order!? Well no, because it happily stood up to them all. It had a very modern hop presence, reminiscent of the American pioneers of the modern craft beer movement: very upfront and aromatic, like a Cascade or Centennial (though not sure what exactly). Excellently clear, too and crisply finishing. I'd be keen to try the two beers it was made from but to be honest it worked as a blend! Secondly, for a brewery that's been open for just 3 months they have a lot to be proud of. The finish had lengthy bitterness, perhaps a tad too much for my taste, but overall it's a really nice brew and very accomplished; one for the hop lovers, without being too crazy.

I had a top time at the Pig's Ear and will definitely go back next year. The balance of choice was just right. I hope they'll continue the international presence next year but I guess it depends on how much was drunk!

Go and support your local festival!!

White Dog Darker Shade of Pale - 7 (only for murky beer lovers!)

www.whitedogbeer.com
ELAV Grunge IPA - 8.5

(can't find ELAV, sorry - let me know if you do!)

Schlenkerla Urbock - 8.5

www.schlenkerla.de

Nøgne Ø Porter - 9

www.nogne-o.com

East London Brewing Pig's Ear Special Blend - 8

www.eastlondonbrewing.com