Still feeling the need to experiment

I came in for a spot of criticism from a correspondent, over my recent blog post about the reopening of the Nelson Arms, in Tonbridge. I mentioned how good the Harvey’s was but then, because I moved on to a few of the other beers the pub had on sale, I was questioned as to why I didn’t stay with Lewes’s finest, for the rest of the session. He went on to say, “Why at your age do you still feel the need to experiment & having a Ruby with it, words fail me.”

The comment came from a character, who goes by the name of “Greengrass.” He occasionally posts comment on my blog, normally about local pubs of character and what the beer is like, and if he is the person, I think he is, then I know him, at least by sight. He is someone who used to come into my off-license, from time to time and I do know he is someone who knows and enjoys his beer.

Mildly chastised, and ignoring the remark about the curry I enjoyed, I replied that I was caught up in the moment, rather like "a kid in a sweet shop" and, as I admit to being a fan of dark beers, I wanted to try a couple that were on offer that afternoon. I said I was sure there would be plenty of other opportunities for a session on the Harvey’s.

His comment did get me thinking though, as to why we sometimes do opt for a range of beers, when there are good, honest, and reliable beers, such as Harvey’s on offer, and especially when that “safe” beer happens to be in tip-top condition? Could it be the fear here, of missing out on something amazing, or is it the kids in a sweet shop syndrome of being totally overwhelmed by what is on offer?

Variety is said to be the spice of life and I like to try different beers –
broaden my horizons, so to speak, but sometimes I come unstuck and choose one that turns out to be not to my liking. Admittedly this doesn’t happen often, as I can usually tell from the description on the pump clip, or from previous knowledge. There are also certain breweries whose beers I tend to avoid, again based on past experience. This doesn’t mean they are necessarily bad, it’s just that they do not appeal to me personally.

Sometimes though I have to be in a particular mood, for a particular style. For example, I might want a beer that is light and refreshing, at the start of a session, before finishing up with one that is dark, rich, and heavy. Alternatively, it’s the wrong time of year, as who really wants to be drinking heavy stouts and porters during a heat wave?

I have read about people attending a beer festival and then sticking with a single beer. I’ve even known people to do this themselves; although to be fair this usually happens after they’ve sampled a few that were not to their liking. I can understand when they do find one, they like, they then stick with it.

I recall a tale, from CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival, about a group of drinkers who attended each year, and met up at the Shepherd Neame bar, which used to be housed in a distinctly decorated, double-decker bus. They would then spend the whole day there drinking nothing but Shepherd Neame beer. Each to their own, but it does seem rather obtuse behaviour given that sheer variety of beers available at this event.

This situation is not unique, of course, and more to the point it is British Beer Festivals, and their North American imitators that are different from most other parts of the world. Take Germany, for example, there festivals are more about enjoying beer in a social and convivial atmosphere, rather than attempting to “tick” as many new/different beers as possible.

Beer at Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest is limited to the products of the city’s six large breweries, and even then, it is a special “Festbier” brewed to a stronger strength than the everyday “quaffing” beers. At the far less well-known Annafest, held each July in woods above the small Franconian town of Forchheim, the town’s four small breweries supply the bulk of the beer, although several of the Kellers (drinking areas), do stock beers brewed in some of the surrounding villages.

Again, having a good time (there is normally live music and other attractions, such as fairground rides, at these events), is the order of the day, and whilst the beer is nothing short of top notch, once ensconced in a particular tent (Oktoberfest) or Keller (Annafest), it does play second fiddle to the partying and good time feeling that characterises these festivals.

Quite a lengthy response then, to Greengrass’s probing question about me “still feeling the need to experiment,” but if you have read this far, you will understand now that there is no straight answer – at least not from me!  The truth is I can live with either the “let’s try several different beers,” approach or “I’m going to stick with just the one brew,” as they are both very dependent on my mood at the time and the situation, I find myself in.

Given the above, I can enjoy both, so my question to those of you reading this is, in situations when you come across a beer that is at the top of its game, or one that just happens to be your personal favourite, do you stick with it all evening, or do you still do a bit of mixing and matching?

And Greengrass, if after reading this, you happen to spot me in a pub, and I don't seem to recognise you, come over and say hello, and I'll buy you a pint - Harvey's or whatever takes your fancy!