Hello, and welcome back to the Eternal Hoptimists!
Sam has been about and about in the wilds of Alnwick for two weeks, and we all know a walking holiday is nothing without a stop at a few watering holes.
Today we are looking at the tanners arms, which is a must stop from the good beer guide.
The Tanners Arms ale house features six hand-pulls which carry all-local real ales, all of which appear to be fastidiously kept and a pleasure to sup; they also have a good selection of whiskies, and host regular live music sessions of all varieties.
When there are no performances you can hear the unusual tones of the most eclectic jukebox in Alnwick, which is quite the pleasant backdrop to a pint or too, it’s not to loud to have a natter has a warm atmosphere,and is dog friendly.
But don’t let them wee up the tree in the centre of the establishment!
But what about the beers?
As we said previously there are six hand-pulls at the bar two of which were cider on our visit, and one had just ran out. So, that leaves us with three… So I better do them all right!..
Three Brothers – Feel the Rythm (5.3% ABV)
Aroma: Strong upfront tropical Notes, with a hoppy backing.
Appearance: Slightly Hazed light lemon colour with a tight white head when poured.
Body: Medium bodied, quite heavy on the carbonation but good head retention.
Taste: Tropical wash with strong hoppy backing giving it a mouthwatering finish.
This was a very pleasant additional ale with a tropical twist.
Sam’s Score: 3.5/ 5.0
Great North Eastern Brewery – Rivet Catcher (4.0% ABV)
Aroma: Quite a heavy nose of malt and barely.
Appearance: Clear copper beer with a tight white head when poured.
Body: Medium bodied, well carbonated with decent head retention.
Taste: Very mellow flavour, incredibly smooth and easy drinking, has a touch of hop and a well rounded malt.
Hit the spot; classic traditional, a cracking one to session
Sam’s Score: 3.8/ 5.0
Firebrick Brewery – Sugar Spun (5.2% ABV)
Aroma: Coffee, molasses and a tiny bit of Liquorice.
Appearance: Dark Marmite in colour with a hint of red at the edges and a mushroom head when poured.
Body: Medium to heavy bodied, decent level of carbonation and good head retention.
Taste: Sweet, sticky with the coffee taking a back seat but that’s to its credit in this case!
a Superb traditional stout with no frills.
Sam’s Score: 3.6/ 5.0
This was a cracking little pub, great atmosphere, fantastic beer and there were a lot of new four legged friends to make too! If you’re in the area, I think this is a must see and 5 minutes down the road in the John Bull Inn.. which coincidentally is where we are going next time!
The|Eternal|Hoptimitsts 