The Drinksie Chicks

Collective Arts - Radio the Mothership Double Dry Hopped Imperial IPA. *50 Shades of Hops* It's so rare to find one of our wonderful Ontario craft brews across the pond. When I came across this beacon of familiarity in a local bottle shop, I was more than happy to spend the £4.50 for 355mL of nostalgia. Not only was I proud to be supporting the importation of Canadian beer in the UK (please send more!) but I certainly got a bang for my buck - that bang being HOPS. The smell seems innocent enough, with a scent of concentrated tropical fruit juice along with wildflower honey and fresh bread. Alright, I will trust you, beer. Hop damn! At first taste, bitter hops penetrate the mouth with an immediate show of dominance, then back off with a sweet biscuity note on the tip of the tongue. What's my safe word? Enjoy this hop-heavy IPA Thai green curry or moose sausage.  You can find it at @offieandtoffee bottle shop in Bethnal Green. #beer #ontariocraftbeer #canadianbeer #collectiveartsbrewing #collectiveartsbeer #beergirl #beerblog #beerreview (at Shoreditch) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ib9TXlOKi/?igshid=1r7w0tpdf5jx9

Happy 8th Birthday,  Hackney Brewery! Thanks for inviting me to your party. (Everyone was invited) Had a great time trying these fine beers from you and your friends: *Hackney Brewery - Lager Light and refreshing but carries a bit of hops to jazz it up. Perfect first beer of the day. A lager with a bloop of stone fruit and bitter finish. *Hackney Brewery - Millions of Peaches  Peach and Basil Sour The smell - like a peach fell off the tree because it was SO ripe, then someone baked it in a puff pastry and covered with icing sugar. Flavour - way less sweet than the smell. Tart and floral with mineral notes.  Where's the basil?  A hint of mintiness that might come from the basil... perhaps? Not overpowering, not too sour. Light and easy. *Cloudwater CY18 Simcoe For those who don't know, Simcoe is a type of hops. Bitter, coniferrous, and pithy. Simcoe stands out in Cloudwater's signature tropical fruit beer style. Sometimes I think a beer smells fresh like the ocean air; this is one of them. *Burning Sky - Out of Vogue West Cost Pale Fresh watermelon! Obviously at this point my tasting notes are a bit less wordy and more point form. Malty, with a bit of hops, and fresh watermelon juice. *Verdant Brewery - Raspberry Gose Smells of fresh muddled raspberry. Straight up. The taste is sour and not sweet at all; like fresh raspberry juice, with no hint of malty beer. This is a beer for people who don't like beer, people who love cocktails, or people who really like raspberries. @hackneybrewery @cloudwaterbrew @verdantbrew @burningskybeer #hoxton #beerfest #beergirl #beertasting #beer #goldensaturday (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0bGc0plbP9/?igshid=1fvtvrobd0ef1

Love & Hate New England IPA Vocation Brewery Love and hate - both strong words that can be as tangled as my earphones at the bottom of my purse (why do they do that?!) So what is it? Is it love? Is it hate? Is it some mix of both that results in a passionate discord? I vote... love! There is nothing to hate about this beer. Sure, it's pretty opinionated at 7.2%, but it holds it's alcohol in such a smooth way. Bursting with smells of pineapple, hibiscus, celery, cedar, and muscat grapes - it sparks interest while maintaining balance. The the hazy hue is intriguing, and the viscosity has a bit of thickness, but not so much to be off-putting. The flavour washes your mouth with a pine-fresh wave, rounded with all those tropical fruit notes, and finishing with a slight bitterness to give you a little tingle on the tongue. Love this beer with cedar-planked salmon, venison roast, or even just a nice salty ham. #love #loveandhate #vocationbrewery #newenglandipa #beergirl #englandbeers #yorkshirebeers #beerreview (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz81YJ9FVde/?igshid=1ox1pgihkofqe

Jubel - Beer cut with Peach Like me, this beer practices subtlety in the game of seduction. Rather than coming on strong with lively peach aroma, it slides on into your nose with it's head down and a slight flirty smile. Maybe it will surprise you later with it's juicy peach flavour; but for now it's playing it cool.  Does this beer have a crush on me? I can tell that it wants to jump up and give me everything it's got, but it's holding back - being nice and polite so it doesn't scare me away. Nice play, beer, but unfortunately I like 'em a bit bitter and grumpy. Give me some sweetness with a bitter/salty finish and I'm head over heels. I mean - honestly sweet and crisp, this guy is pretty easy to hang out with... but definitely in the friend-zone.  Have this beer by itself on a blazing hot day in the sun or when you need a soft shoulder to cry on. Or if you are gluten free and want a fruity GF beer. (I just found out it was gluten free... maybe that's what it's missing!) #alpinebrewery #jubel #beer #beergirl #glutenfree #gfbeer #fruitbeer #beerreview (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzDnFW_l3rF/?igshid=1j392ezow9cx4

Kew Gardens Honey Ale (brewed by Twickenham Fine Ales) Hello, dark and handsome. I met this beer through a friend (my flatmate, in fact) who brought him home from her last visit to Kew. Life's been busy, but I finally got the chance to meet him in person, and I'm not disappointed. He wears a cologne that smells of forest floor - or a tree trunk on a forest floor that has fallen months ago... and now has a garden of it's own; moss and tiny flowers growing from the nooks of it's decaying bark - earthy, floral and a sweetness of decomposing foliage. This trunk also hosts a hive... a bee hive! The bees here are friendly; they don't sting as you sip their beer. The bitter bite that I was expecting from this dark ale never emerged from the round honey flavour; only a bouquet of violets, lilac, raw honey, and Struffoli (Italian honey dough bites that my Nonno makes). This beer might like to be paired with salty soft pretzels, blue cheese, or movie theatre popcorn. #kewgardens #twickenhamfineales #honeybeer #beer #beergirl #darkale #ale #beerreview #beerblog (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxfvvlNFZ_W/?igshid=1gjysuld6e9dj

Birmingham Lager - Indian Brewery What shall we do in Birmingham? "Not much!" people say. Perhaps they have not journeyed to this small craft brewery that lies just beyond the train station. Indian Brewery hides within a railway arch (as I have discovered that a lot of killer breweries do in England). This 'hoppin'/unexpectedly-busy nook serves up some unique and creative brews that can only be tasted thereon site. They also provide a few cans for takeaway. So taste I did and take-away I did! I went in easy - decided to try a good standard lager - which should be the "cornerstone brew" of their beautiful brewery establishment. You know when a guy (or gal) is wearing a bit too much cologne? It's kind of musty, earthy, and old school - but maybe you LIKE IT? That's this beer. I smell the typical lager aromas with an overwhelming whoosh of pine in the snow, fresh sea air, and bathroom soap. It's not a bad thing! Assault my senses if you wish, beer. You seemed like a nice quiet lager, but obviously you are trying to be a bit more of an extrovert. I appreciate that. The flavour takes a hint of lager "small-talk" and adds in a crisp firm handshake. HI THERE! This lager obviously works out in the evening, as the flavours intensify with each sip. Try it with carnitas! #indianbrewery #birmingham #beer #beerblog #lager #carnitas #beergirl #beerlove https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv2Ro4AlBTW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=a5azls80kfru

What do you get when you go to a craft beer festival? Beer. Obviously. But also whisky, and lobster rolls, and cider, and random people giving you random free beers for no reason... And friends! Great night meeting a few of the 155 breweries on site last night. Not gonna lie, some of it is a bit of a blur. Good thing we took pics of our faves! @h0skies #craftbeerrising #craftbeer #oldtrumanbrewery #beer #beerfest #London (at Old Truman Brewery) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuQs05dF3t2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=t9t71vvebc38

Screw the flowers, chocolates, and jewellery - why not get your loved one a really nice beer or two for Valentine's Day? In my opinion, that is WAY more romantic and thoughtful than picking up a bunch of your typical (impersonal) roses. This year I'm on a date with a gorgeous golden IPA that came all the way from NYC: Brooklyn Scorcher IPA. HAWT! I tell you no lie - the scent of this beer blossoms out of the glass with floral notes of fresh pink roses. Quite fitting for today, wouldn't you say? Undertones of raw honey and quick oats also fill the nose. Our first kiss is awkward at the beginning (isn't it always?), but soon I find myself rolling with it. The flavour is mysterious and aloof. Are the roses there? I guess. The honey? Sure. And.......? Beer. Yup. This is a beer for people who like the taste of beer. Easy and mellow, I forgot I was drinking an IPA. I guess it would be good for when things get "scorching hot", and you want to balance with a nice soft kiss on the lips instead of a heavy punch in the mouth. Pair this beer with pizza (my second love) like I'm about to do. #beer #valentines #beerreview #beergirl #beerlove #pizza #brooklynbrewery #IPA (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt4ECrHlL60/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=a5nl2zpbl7nu

Had the best evening hanging out with Kiwi Mike @h0skies and the awesome beer folks at Old Street Brewery @oldstreetbrewery sampling some really solid beers. Breweries in archways are a dime a dozen here, so they really have to stand out with quality beer... and these people smash it. Stay tuned for a more elaborate beer blog about them... but what I CAN tell you is that their "I need more dates" brown ale is layered in flavour like a great tiramisu. It starts with amazing ripe banana and takes you on a deep flavour journey from there. The Arizona-born brewer crafted this work of art with honey and dates from the Middle East. Sexy! No need to pair with anything because it's that complex and interesting on it's own. The stout is also fantastic and full of really well balanced cinnamon toast notes amongst other things (the brewers favourite). Really impressed! Can't wait to try more. #beer #oldstreetbrewery #ale #craftbeer #London #londoncraftbeer #england (at Old Street Brewery) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtrONUqFAUB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mrutwk7w0c1h

$5.85?! I examined the LCBO cashier closely to find any hint she thought I was made of money. Who charges that for a 473mL can of cider? CANADIAN cider, no less. Are we in some sort of recession? Did I miss, amongst all the US drama and Ontario healthcare crises fervently blasting out of our radios and news apps, some sort of apple shortage in the north causing a sharp spike in the retail price of baby food jars and local beverages? Begrudgingly, I forked over the cash and set course for home in minus a bazillion degrees, hoping - no, expecting – that this solitary can of apparent liquid gold would be life-changing. This unapologetically expensive cider is made by the Great Canadian Cider Company based out of Collingwood, and is simply entitled their Great Cider Organic. It is made only with locally grown Beaver Valley organic apples and is laced with organic cane sugar. Both ingredients are certified organic by Pro-Cert, which means nothing to me but probably explains some of the markup. It’s refreshing to read that this brew is naturally fermented, which means they let their apples sit for a while before pressing I think. Great Organic weighs in at a hefty 6.3% alc/vol.  My sister would want me to tell its story like a beautiful tapestry, woven in colour with embroidered edges of food pairing, but I've had a long day on the road and this light is not the greatest, so I'll call it as I see it. Pale, barely effervescent. Smells like an orchard, not too sweet. The flavour is bizarrely good. Imagine a caramel apple from the local fair with its buttery rich coating and crisp fruitiness but without the sweetness. It has the milkiness of caramel and the freshness of apple coming through full-tilt; however it is complimented by a scrubbing tartness that cleans the palette and makes you want to start the trip all over again.  I am supposed to recommend something to go with this cider. I recommend you get a friend to buy it for you. $5.85??? I do like this cider very much, but at almost 6 bucks a pop, it's going to be an occasional treat rather than a regular purchase for cold Wednesday nights like this one. Stay warm, folks. #cider #canadiancider #ontario (at Bolton, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btbx6rmlpBo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=m99hug5gvvdr

Out damn spot! Naw. A spot of beer should definitely go in, especially on a Friday. This Shakespeare themed Amber ale from Stratford apon Avon is definitely an *in*. With scents of toasted malt and sweet hot cross buns; it's the richness you would expect from any well-done Elizabethan theatre show. "So fair and foul a day I have not seen!" ^ If this is the gist of your Friday, you might need one of these. Like a complex Shakespearean play in a bottle, it starts with a subtle intrigue... boosts in flavour with climactic tragedy... and rounds out at the end with a lesson in life. The lesson: drink good beer. Let your beer entertain you, and pay attention to it carefully. There is much more to a beer than meets the eye (or the tongue). This one seems intentionally crafted, auditioned and practiced - line for line. It is truly well-played. Pair it with chicken and waffles ;) or sticky toffee pudding, or a venison pie. #beer #beergirl #shakespeare #macbeth #stratforduponavon #theshakespearebrewery #ale #beerreview (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtEn4uBgcEI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1g2wguxgf7doy

Harviestoun Bitter &Twisted Golden Ale On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Ugh. Enough with Christmas. It's 2019 now and we are all moving forward into another year of beer! For some of you it's Dry January. So, for those who are taking a break from the frothy liquid gold that was gifted to us by the universe, here's a beer review for February. For those like me who follow the craft beer "Try January - Drink Less but Drink Better" mantra, check this out. Support your local brewers! With scents of hot-cross buns and lemon icing, this sunny ale brings all the vitamin D that we are lacking in the cloudy grey winter months of London, England. By vitamin D, I mean vitamin DELICIOUS. Crisp and bready, it's like drinking a brioche bun. Have it with scones and clotted cream, because it could totally be an afternoon tea thing. #harviestounbrewery #beer #beerreview #dryjanuary #tryjanuary #supportlocalbrewers #scottishbeer #ale #ales #liquidgold #afternoontea (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQ4FFaAYYd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4xxk86njo0r4

Siren Craft Brew Agua de Sapo ("Frog Water") Ok so maybe this frog will turn into a prince... It does! Kinda. A weird prince. But I like weird. With a dry wit, a gingery demeanor, and an unpredictable bitter side, this beer caught me off guard tonight. It's soft enough on the palette to treat me like a lady, but also firm enough to tell me what it wants me to taste. A prince of beers? Perhaps not... but intriguing enough to catch my attention. I'd let it hop on by in the summer, on a warm beach at night, gazing at stars, eating s'mores by a campfire. #gingerbeer #beerlove #beertasting #beergirl #sirencraftbrew #ldn (at Camden Town)

KITTEN SURPRISE New England IPA by UBREW 5.9% abv Sometimes I pick a beer by it's cover, and that's just what happened right here. How can you say no to a cat with laser eyes? How can you not fall for a beer with the same name as a favourite 90's childhood toy? (Kitten Surprise - how many kittens are there inside? There could be 3 or 4 or 5!) Ok, so this is MY beer now. Let me tell you about it. It's super cloudy; kind of like today's weather in London... but with a strange orange glow that you can only achieve with a ton of fake-tanner. The smell is a whole bunch of mango up in your face, accompanied by other tropical fruits like papaya and passion fruit and a fresh saltiness. I also detect kumquat... but let's not get too crazy here. Taste: SURPRISE! This is where those cat lasers blast your mouth with a bitter hiss of carbonation. This dry bitterness that has been hiding behind a now thin veil or tropical fruit just takes over, followed by a bit of toasted white corn and then some more tingly bitter love; like a cat purring while kneading at you with it's claws out. This beer is refreshing, but also kind of reminds me of aftershave at the finish. Must be them hops! I'd drink it with a Pineapple Pork Tenderloin, or a Tropical Spice Cake. #beerreview #ldn #beers #beerlove #beergirl #ipa #ubrew #kittensurprise #beer #aftershave (at London, United Kingdom)

Brew Dog Elvis Juice Grapefruit Infused IPA If Elvis was a juice, what would he taste like? I always thought peanut butter and banana, but NO! It's grapefruit. If the sound of grapefruit infused beer gets your Burning Love going, you're in luck. Put your Suspicious Minds to rest. This is an IPA all the way from Scotland that make you think there's some hidden tropical oasis up there to inspire this zesty citrus beer. Is there? Don't hold out on us, Scotland!  An Unchained Melody of orange, lemon and grapefruit power got me All Shook Up. This beer doesn't Love Me Tender, it twists and turns like the King himself dancing in my mouth. After a few sips, I Just Can't Help Falling in Love.  Thank you, @brewdogofficial and Elvis for making sure it's not a Blue Christmas. #LDN #Brewdog #IPA #beer #beerreview #merrychristmas (at London, United Kingdom)

The Local Fox from The Orchard Project This morning I took a tour of Borough Market and sampled all the meats and cheeses( So good!). Then I came across the cider stall and discovered this glorious bottle. What set it apart from all the rest? Well, first off, my Irish heritage name is Fox. Secondary to that, I have come across 9 or so majestic foxes while wandering around about my neighborhood in London, England. They were so beautiful that I thought this cider might reflect the amazingness of those elegant yet mysterious creatures. Guess what? It does. The smell is floral and fruity. The taste is super dry... Like a cider champagne. Leaving a tart pucker in the mouth. Not your typical sweet cider... but aloof; like a silent little fox invading your salivary glands and leaving a trace of wonder behind. I would pair it with a rich curried lamb pasty. Or in Canada, with a Chicken pot pie (at Finsbury Park)

Too much citrus. Too much alcohol. Too much Belgium. Too much delicious. These are First World Problems and I suffered/enjoyed all of them in this delectable IPA by Scottish-born Stewart Brewing, kindly donated to the cause by a work colleague who has impeccable taste in beer. Huzzah for the charitable! So I'll keep it short, friends. It has a buttery, whisky-ish taste sporting a lively, festive head and a topaz colour in the glass. Perhaps -if we are being fancy- a subtle nuance of papaya. At 6.2 percent, its certainly a brew that can stand up to winter stews and brisk evenings. I'd pair it with roasted chicken and potatoes. Or another bottle. A SCOTTISH TRRRREAT T'BE SURE, LADS!! I have no idea where said colleague procured this wonderful beverage. I highly recomend it. https://www.stewartbrewing.co.uk/ #drinksiechicks #ipaallday #scottishbrews #stewartbrewing