I’ve just returned from an evening of beer drinking and pub history- with locals and ex Landlords discussing the story of my local, The Salutation. It’s only been a pub (or beer/cider house) since about 1840, so not that old, but there were plenty of deaths, drunkards, slices of Rook Pie and the odd session of Russian Roulette to discuss. Superb stuff. Another fashion I’m noticing is the re-emergence of Strong Ale - usually defined by a malty as opposed to hoppy flavour, and this is no different. It’s unfiltered, unfined and unpasteurised and even when poured carefully is a hazy bronze. It combines sweet and bitter toffee with a mellow undertone of autumnal fruit and a sugared finish. A collaboration with Birrificio del Ducato. It’s interesting and complex as opposed to being delicious - but is a worthwhile experiment nonetheless.