h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The most common style of beer thought of as Real Ale is Bitter, but that's not half the story. I am sure many a keen Guinness drinker would be surprised when they discovered the depth of flavour and body in a true real Stout such as Titanic. Also, beware, Mild tends to refer to the lack of bitterness, not the lack of alcohol, just try a pint of Sarah Hughes (sp?).

Maybe someone can help me with a theory. Everyone I've talked to who has had the experience says Guinness tastes better in Ireland, could that be because it's real (unpasturised etc.) Guinness? I don't know if it is.

Guiness in Ireland is pastureised (I think). I think the reason it tastes better is down to things more like psychological factors.

As for other styles, how about old ales, dark like stouts and porters but incredibly rich tasting and they can be very strong (try a few pints of Owd Roger from Marston's as an example).

You could be right on the Guinness thing Phil, as for Owd Roger I would advise a *very* few pints in one session if you want to stay standing It's almost a Barley Wine isn't it?

Another Guinness thing will be that the Park Royal brewery will change the chemical composition of it's water to try and match that of the St James Gate Brewery in Dublin. It's something that I'd guess almost all the major international brewers do to try and get consistency. I don't know if it works though.

Yes Owd Roger is at the strong end of the old ale style, but stuff such as Old Peculiar (I think Scotish Courage still actually brew it in a traditional manner, less of a factory type way) and Old Tom (Robinsons) are less alcoholic but still as potent after a few

*Slaps forehead*
Of course, I was forgetting Old Peculier, but then it has that effect after a few pints

Robinsons Old Tom is actually stronger than Martons Owd Rodger, weighing in a 8.5%abv compared to 7.6%abv, but at that strength, what's the difference?

I thought Old Tom was about the same of OP about 5.5%
As you say though what's the difference when they're like that.

I did try some of the Sam Adams Triple Bock (17%) at the GBBF last year. An aquired taste.

well worth aquiring though

Does anybody know if Barclays(I think that might be incorrect spelling)Imperial Russian Stout is still being made and if so,where can you buy it?

Imperial Russian Stout was discontinued many years ago, unfortunatly.

However, the brewery who own the recipe/name are currently brewing it again, fortunatly.

Proble is though, they're only brewing the one batch and supplies will be limited.

No idea where to get some though.