It was the Best Beer Buddy's birthday last Saturday but it was far too hot to consider a long excursion on foot to celebrate, just went to a couple of VERY local taprooms.
As most of the taprooms around have very limited opening, any trips to them need to be quite carefully planned.
So I spent little while, during the week checking out how we could get a pleasant walk and sensibly culminate at Lost and Grounded.
Now, I have to confess that with the notable exception of "Dancing with Spectres" (not to be confused with Dancing with Sceptres) I've never found L&G's brews totally to my taste.
This is in exactly the same way that I don't find Cantillon Geuze to my taste - but I totally get why other people do.
Nevertheless, it was a notable omission from our Bristol taprooms visited and that seems almost criminal when it's open on a regular schedule and, at shortest, only a mile and a half from here.
The rain had been capricious with us but we decided we'd risk it anyway. We struck out and headed for the Greenway, thence through a bit of urban hill walking (and it was hot and humid) down to Nightingale Valley. At the end of the valley, instead of heading to the next section of woods we took a new route through a community park then down the hill.
We found the brewery easily and were settled into a seat by a chap who asked us to check into the venue with "The App" and to keep masks on whilst moving about. First venue to ask this in person (the rest relying on notes on a menu, or on a poster).
Ordering was via the Butlr app which is easy and efficient to use.
There is a LOT of lager in their line-up. Unlike other breweries, lager isn't a later addition or half-hearted populist measure...it's their mainstay, really. Keller Pils is a beer known around the country and, apparently, much-loved.
We first chose beers (in pints) not listed as lagers, both of which we've had in cans. We liked them in cans but they've never wowed us. However, straight from the brewery they had a freshness that, from memory, was a little lacking in the can.
We discussed the rest of the menu and decided that even though neither of us would general choose lager if anything else is available, we both happily drink it abroad and we should get with the programme and give it a try.
So, we ordered 3 halves to share. Keller Pils, Schneider and Running with Sceptres. The boy said of Keller Pils : "If you're going to drink lager - this is as good a lager as you'll ever find". Not unlike the aforementioned Geuze - I could completely appreciate why people would like it. Actually, I enjoyed trying it and, no doubt, in the event it was the only beer available - I wouldn't turn it away.
The Schneider was similar but a little sweeter. Still, to my taste, lacking a solid mouthfeel and feeling a little thin. This might, indeed, be the very reason I'm not generally keen on beers like it.
Running with Sceptres was a different matter. Much more substantial. Something I could definitely drink more of.
Our next taster round was of all the stronger beers an English Lager called Newstalgic, Lasso my Heart which was a West Coast IPA and Saison D'Avon whose names speaks for itself.
The Saison was subtle but definitely Belgian-tasting yeast. I wouldn't be able to drink much but was happy with several tasting mouthfuls. The Newstalgic was a great beer, but definitely lagery but Lasso my Heart was a winner for us both. So much so that we had a final couple of halves before wandering home.
From time to time you need to do this: test your legs (one of just a couple of 6-mile walks since knee sprain and arrived home with no pain) and test your tastebuds. Give yourself something to talk about with the beers you're drinking and analyse why do you and don't choose these styles.
This trip comes highly recommended.
