18th
October
Weekend beer reading
The British newspaper The Independent has put out a list of the “50 best beers.” There are lots of items I’ve never had, some good choices, and also some puzzlers: they put Sam Adams as #5 (??), above Harviestoun’s Bitter & Twisted, Orval and Hopback Summer Lightning in the top 10. As you might expect it’s heavily-balanced on the side of European beers, but some Americans make a cameo. Take a look here.
Heineken, which owns the Newcastle brand, has announced that it’s moving its brew operation to Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, as a result of falling sales in the UK. This article has lots of interesting history about the beer.
Also, it’s now looking like Churchkey/Birch & Barley’s target opening date will be Wednesday at the soonest.