Beer vs. Wine...

Thanks to everyone for a top night at St Paul’s Club in Birmingham last Thursday night.

Genevieve Upton of Marston's Brewery

To accompany dinner the very wonderful Genevieve Upton, brewer extraordinaire (follow her on twitter here) , talked us through the evolution of beer – from dark and delicious stouts through to modern day American- style craft ales, while sniffing fresh hops and malt. Did you know that hops were originally used to hide all the impurities of ale so it was actually drinkable? Gen’s recent creation of lovely 'Steam Beer' for Elbow went down a storm and Oyster Stout was a hit as per usual.

Here’s the lowdown on the beers….

Oyster Stout (4.5%) is a rich, creamy, dark stout - no oysters involved, it is just a reference to the old pub snacks that were enjoyed in olde worlde pubs. It's lighter and creamier than most people expected and was the beer favourite of the evening.

Sainsbury’s IPA (5.9%), brewed by Marston's for Sainsburys. This is a 5.9% Indian Pale Ale, so it's a bit stronger than your average beer but it is always a favourite. Plus it's on offer at the moment - 3 for £

Elbow (band) created this beer called 'Charge' with Genevieve - and I will say it is one of the best beers I have tried. Ok, I'm biased. Gen is my friend AND I'm bored of hoppy ales but this really is a pleasure. Fresh, easy to drink with a lovely maltiness and slight citrus overtones and (yipeeee!) not drowning in hops, which are sensitively used. Thank god.

Shipyard IPA is an American Indian Pale Ale. Ringwood Brewery brew this in the UK and in return they brew Ringwood's Old Thumper in the US. A smooth, dry, crisp ale with floral notes.

Following dinner, we did a little blind tasting of two whites and two reds – exploring some of the wines that may not be the first choice on your shopping list, but hopefully encouraging others to pick up something a little different on their next supermarket trip.

Cuvee Ressac Picpoul De Pinet, 2012  (£8.50, Marks & Spencer)
Picpoul is produced in Picpoul de Pinet, one of the oldest grape varieties grown in the Languedoc, Southern France. Clean, fresh, zingy-citrus and easy to drink this was a hit with those who liked their light and fresh Pinot Grigios.

Sendero Des Santos, Albarino 2011  (£13, Laithwaites Wines)

I love Albariño. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea as it is aromatic (this one was nicely balanced and not too floral); Oz Clarke described it as "a fresh seabreeze, acid minerality, grapefruit and apple blossom scent with a yeasty softness of texture".   If you prefer your wines with a little more body, fruit and texture, this is one for you.

Le Petit Noir Grenache 2012  (£10, Marks & Spencer)

This wine is luscious and juicy with plenty of raspberry, cranberry, mulberry and black pepper. Grenache is well known but often as part of a blend (such as Chateau Neuf du Pape) but this is well worth trying.

Touriga Nacional Tejo 2009   (£8, Marks & Spencer)

This was the star of the evening (and a few nights subsequently with me). A bargain, well done M&S. This is a Port grape used as it’s aromatic, with good colour and tannins which give it structure in ageing. This wine is floral in nose with a cream texture from the oak ageing, with warming flavours of damson and dark fruits. This really is heart-warming.      

Thanks to everyone at St. Pauls’ for a fantastic evening. See you at Beaujolais Nouveau Night!

Cheers!