Epic!!
So a couple of weeks ago, instead of our normal meet, we were treated with a road trip to Epic HQ in Mt Wellington.
As the Master Chef, I needed to to stop and think of what to bring. So I sat down to “PUZZLE Time” and internalised a complicated situation in my head… After some time I figured that ghost chips weren’t going to cut the mustard 😛
I came up with “Epic Choc Brownies”
6.0% abv, 500ml glass bottle, Suffolk, England, $6.99 from Countdown Glenfield (normally $8.69)
Greene King, first established in 1979 in Suffolk, have expanded over the years to own several English brands that most of you would have heard of; Abbot Ale, Morland (one of their more famous brews being the Old Speckled Hen), and Ruddles, among others.
Like stained glass in deep ruby red, the beige head dissipates quickly and leaves minimal lacing – which, surprisingly, is also gone before I can finish the glass.
So a few short weeks ago, Chris and I were having an idle chat, on the internet, whilst at work. The subject usually strays onto beer at some point or another, and we’d been talking about the Flying Nun, a most excellent beer, and some of our other faves from Epic.
Epic - It Just Tastes Bigger
I get back into my work and a few minutes later google chat pips.. and it’s Chris. “Should I email Luke, and ask if we can visit Epic HQ?” – funny enough I’d just been thinking the same thing. And there was only one correct response… “Do it!!”
7.0% ABV, 330ml glass bottle, Blenheim, New Zealand, purchased from New World Birkenhead
The Pink Elephant brewery is widely known for it’s distinctive, English style ales. No surprise then that it was founded in 1990 by an Englishman from Kent, Roger Pink.
Having won several awards since that time, to this day Pink Elephant stays true to the art of brewing, using only traditional ingredients and methods. Given such an illustrious history, we expected a lot from Mammoth, their flagship Strong English Ale, and were not disappointed.
Into the glass it goes… the Mammoth pours a deep mahogany hue, the head dissipating quickly to leave a moderate amount of lacing.
Dark malts evident on the nose with complex fruity overtones, smooth tasting with subtle bourbon characters on the palate, leaving behind a slightly salty and bitter finish, strangely reminiscent of soy sauce.
Mammoth is definitely strong on flavour, and a taste that’s slightly boozier than it’s little brother the Golden Tusk, despite having the same alcohol content.
If you enjoy a good English style strong ale, this is a great example of the style, and brewed right here in New Zealand. Highly recommended.
6.5% abv, 330ml stubbie glass bottle, USA
I thought I was done blogging for tonight… until I got a whiff of this baby and just about had a beergasm.
