Beers
It’s late morning on Saturday and after a hearty breakfast we are off to tackle the famous London brewery crawl, the Bermondsey Beer Mile. This activity, still very much testosterone driven, is similar to a pub crawl except the challenge is to visit all five breweries running along the 1.5 mile long route south of the Thames in just 4 hours.
Although not quite as hard core as Three Peak Challenge, planning is crucial. Carbs and protein lined stomach, comfortable shoes and plenty of water reserves are highly recommended. And if you want to look the part, skinny jeans, pointy shoes and Ray Ban sunglasses would be perfect.
Undertaking this a second time, I believe the best option is to start at Fourpure. Arriving at 12.30pm and it is packed already with stag parties, hipsters clutching to their pints and a few tourists but let that not put you off. The vibe is friendly and no matter how full the tables are there is always a spot to squeeze your butt.
22 Bermondsey Trading Estate, Rotherhide New Road, SE16 3LL
Taproom opens every Saturday 11m – 5pm
What to drink:
Skyline American Wheat Ale (4.8%) – 60% pale ale/ 40% wheat ale – American Galaxy hops – bready yeasty fresh taste with typical zesty touch of ripe lemon
London Beer City – Pacific pale Ale (4.3%) – bone dry, sour, thirst-quenching, light hoppy taste with floral summery feel
IMG_6253Amber Ale (5.1%) – Willamette hops – light, dry style, toasty, nutty with tropical and spicy notes, malty almost brandy like edge
Pilsner (4.7%) – stylish classic golden lager
Session IPA (4.2%) – my favourite session beer, just perfect balance between plenty of flavours yet being refreshing and satisfying
As of 5 September, Kernel no longer serve beer to drink at the brewery. Their popularity has meant that their space just could not accommodate all the beer enthusiasts. I agree with their decision as our experience of 20 minutes waiting for a drink in a humid sweaty dome seemed rather pointless. I truly hope that the plans to create a more suitable space will happen soon as their extensive range of IPAs and Pale Ales rock.
THE KERNEL
Arch 11, Dockley Industrial Estate, SE16 3SF
Taproom closed (temporarily)
What to drink:
Table Beer (3.1%) – the alcohol level ranges from 2.9-3.3% depending on the batch, the best example of low alcohol ale without compromising any of its hoppy flavours, my favourite lunch beer
Export Stout (7.1%) – rich dark chocolate, malty, almost caramel-like thickness with burnt espresso bitterness and sweet touch
Partizan beers are easily noticeable and memorable thanks to their unique artwork (courtesy of Alec Doherty) and ever changing American hop varieties for the IPAs and Pale Ales. They also offer Saisons galore if you like that bone dry sour style using some cool flavours such as Lemongrass, Lemon and Thyme, Raspberry and Lemon, Nelson etc.
8 Almond Street, SE16 3LR
Taproom opens every Saturday 11am – 5pm
What to drink:
Pale Ale Cascade, Chinook, Apollo, Willamette (4.5%) – edgy hoppy with zesty twist, fresh oranges, honeydew melon, candied fruits
IPA Mandarina Bavaria (4.5%) – tropical citrusy lift with ripe tangerines and oranges, sweet fruity flavours mingling with bitter hoppy herbal notes
Negroni Saison (6.5%) – was launch in August and unbelievably I have not tried it yet but I have a feeling it will be worth it…
79 Enid Street, SE16 3RA
Taproom opens every Saturday 10am – 5pm
What to drink:
Black IPA Yakima Valley (6.1%) – Amarillo, Chinook & Simcoe hops – dark chocolate, malty, sweet coffee, roasted walnuts, spicy
Barrel Aged Traditional Porter (8.5%) – aged in Jim Beam whiskey barrels – incredible intensity and concentration of rich bourbon, burnt caramel, roasted espresso and long strong finish
White IPA Citra Motueka (7%) – bitter grapefruit and lime with creamy bready hoppy mouth feel, very refreshing and satisfying, my favourite white IPA
ANSPACH & HOBDAY
118 Druid Street, SE1 2HH
Taproom opens every Friday 5 – 9.30pm & Saturday 11am – 5.30pm & Sunday 12 – 5pm
What to drink:
The Smoked Brown (6%) – smoky, almost meaty style, malty and sweetly oaky finish
Table Porter (2.8%) – smooth light dark coffee notes, offers bags of flavours despite such low alcohol level
By the time the last drop of beautifully rich and complex Anspach & Hobday Porter was savoured, we were ready for more food. I highly recommend Jose Pizzaro – a sherry and tapas bar on Bermondsey Street.
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