The Malt Shovel, Horsham 11th January 2007

This was the fourth monthly music session I've been to at The Malt Shovel and the most disappointing. I frustratingly missed out on the Youngs Best which I wanted to try. Although lots of people in the pub were drinking it, it ran out before I got there.

Ringwood Best Bitter (3.8%): A decent bitter although in my opinion would benefit from being just a little stronger. Tasty.
Adnam's Broadside (4.7%): Full flavoured bitter but tastes a bit thin with no real hop flavour.
Adnam's Best Bitter (3.7%): The best beer of the evening. In my world this is how beer is supposed to taste although like the Broadside it could be a bit hoppier.
Brakspear Bitter (3.4%): A rather indistinct flavour but much improved since my last visit here. Pleasant.

By my count there were eleven musicians playing in the session this evening and while I was at the bar, the four-pint jug of complimentary beer went round, so I missed it. On previous occasions several jugs of beer have been forthcoming but this time the four pints didn't stretch too well over eleven people.

All the beers were served at a good temperature and the staff were very friendly.

The White Horse, Maplehurst, Horsham 5th January 2007

This was a day for cider rather than beer as we went down to JB's orchard to wassail the apple trees. Well I didn't because my foot was still sore, but I made sure I got to sample some of the cider anyway. I made for the dry, this having been the best one last year. It was serious and strong, very meaty and not for the faint-hearted. Lovely! I quickly retired to the local pub as I wasn't up to walking to the orchard and hitting trees with sticks.

White Star Crafty Shag (4.1%): This was a popular choice so I was able to try someone else's. Which is just as well because it was served cloudy and was fairly flavourless with a strong tangy taste. I think I'd have taken it back if it had been mine.
King's Merry Ale (6.5%): I have to say again I'm pleased this wasn't mine. The only way I can describe it is to say it was like Guinness made for small children. Ridiculously sweet stout. Yuck.
Hepworth Pullman's First Class Ale (4.2%): Pleasant beer but without a distinctive flavour. On balance, I was very pleased I chose it.

There were a couple of other beers available but what with the cider I drank (yes, ok, I had three pints and it was about 9%) I didn't think any more beer was a good idea.

Holland Tringham, Streatham 4th January 2007

After an unfortunate incident involving a full bottle of vodka and an enthusiastic 19 year old, I wasn't able to walk (the bottle having been inadvertently dropped on my toe). However I had to hobble to the chemist so, in order to rest my sore foot on the way back (and absolutely no other reason), it was necessary to have a short sit-down at the pub. During which I tested a few ales.

Cotleigh Tawny Owl (3.8%): Mediocre bitter served at a surprisingly good temperature for a Wetherspoon's. Only a little too cold! Just a shame this beer was flavourless.
Dorset Weymouth Harbour Master (3.6%): Delicious beer, maybe a little cold. Very drinkable; an excellent session bitter.
Okell's Aile Smoked Celtic Porter (4.8%): Very smooth oaky porter with a distinctive smokey flavour. A bit of an acquired taste but very pleasant especially the second half of the pint.

The Dog and Bacon, Horsham 1st January 2007

Went along to see the Mummers' Play for New Year, as it seemed the sensible thing to do, and was able to sample a few of the available beers.

Badger King and Barnes' Sussex Bitter (3.5%): Tastes almost as bad as when I tried it at The Bear (see 2nd December entry). Such a disappointing beer which used to be so good.
Badger Festive Feasant (4.5%): This is pretty good, thick and slightly sweet and reminiscent of Tanglefoot by the same brewer.
Badger Best Bitter (4.0%): Fairly decent bitter but nothing special. Think it must just be the Sussex that tastes so bad.

Quite a fun afternoon and although the beer wasn't as good as I'd hoped, it was better than I expected. The Broadwood morris men always manage to provide interesting entertainment!