Brew Dog Edge at the London Drinker

The London Drinker is underway. The festival (website) runs until Friday evening at the Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, across the road from King's Cross. I was there with bells on yesterday, and will be back this evening. I stand by my previously expressed reservations about CAMRA beer festivals, but don't mind being a hypocrite. Anyway, I needed to drown my sorrows after hearing that duty on beer is rising by 4p a pint.

For me, the highlight so far has been Brew Dog Edge, a dark mild. I received a tip-off about it from brewer James Watt back in January. Trying it for the first time, I was astonished at such richness and complexity from a beer that barely registers on the alcoholic Richter scale - it's only 2.7% abv. There are strong espresso notes bundled in with a whole bag of fruit and a surprisingly full body. Sadly, the cask ran dry half way through the session.

Due to my presence at the festival and other commitments, I'll be off the radar for a couple of days. When I come back I'll post a write-up of Birrificio Lambrate, a brew pub in Milan I visited last week. There'll also be an announcement of sorts. In the meantime, have a butcher's at this article from US beer salesman and brewer Tom Cizauskas: Orval and creeping wine envy. Good point, well made. If you're still bored, buy FHM or something.