BEER REVIEW: 366

BREWER: Olympic Brewery, Attica, Greece

STYLE: Lager

ABV: 5%

VESSEL: 500ml green bottle

DATE OF POST: 12th October 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

So, just over a year ago today I awoke at 3am. Not because I needed a wee, that was at 2am, but because I was off to find some Autumn sun with my family along with my sisters brood. Yes, we were heading to the island of Corfu, Greece, and had a plane to catch.

So we set sail for London Luton Airport and then beyond to our week of max relax in the Mediterranean sun!

We were due to land late morning and our villa was only an hour drive from the airport. The plan was for me and my crew to pop to the Lidl next to the airport to grab lunch and dinner for the day along with some beers and wine. My sister and brother-in-law were going to head straight to the villa with their younger children to settle in while we were grabbing the essential supplies.

Now the first bump in the road was that Lidl wasn’t open. Why? Yeah, it was Sunday. Haha. So my wife and I had to hatch a plan. How were we going to get hold of food and booze??

And unfortunately, it was I, Jymi, that came up with the stinker…

Look (I went full Aussie for a second), I reckon the first shop we pass that sells ANYTHING we hit and just grab what we can? Who knows if anything will be open? We just have to take what we can get when we see it. No one agreed with me, but on the plus side no one disagreed with me either, so I took it as a positive.

Within 5 minutes (for the story it’s important to remember that it was an hour drive to the villa) we stumbled across a store. Authentic? yes, but other than dried pasta it was pretty unclear what anything was. Stacked? yes, there was a plethora of things to choose from but other than dried pasta, it was unclear what anything was.

So in my infinite wisdom, and natural sense of curiosity, I didn’t go for the pasta, but something that resembled a pizza.

It was then onto the booze situation. At last it was obvious what was what. So a couple bottles of wine and a couple four packs of beer were loaded into the cart. Yes it was obvious it was beer and wine, but quality? Yeah, no one other than locals could be sure.

For context we passed about 10 other shops on route to the villa that looked soooooooo much nicer and, were open! No one said anything, but I could feel the eyes on me. Ooooooh I could feel the eyes.

Anyway,

On popping the first beer once settled at the villa it became apparent that my choice was a very bad one. Literally one of the worst brews I’ve ever tasted! Which after a day of traveling and sitting in 30º sun, next to a pool that made us feel like we had won the lottery is really saying something! The pizzaesqe object was also an ultimate fail. Ooooooooh the eyes. But the tunes were on and the wine was ok so we made it through.

Day 2 rolled around and it was time to hit the proper local store.  Some amazing hand-made onsite houmous, tzatziki and pitta was purchased as well as the obvious essentials and also a load of our beer today, Mythos.

However, before we tucked into the day’s haul, we decided to hire a boat and take a trip down the east side of the island to a restaurant for lunch. Now, I must be honest, by the time lunchtime rocked around I was kinda craving a decent beer. After travelling from the UK to Greece in the early AM and then having the disappointment of the shocking beer on arrival to the villa surely, now was the time?

And oh my… was it!

And what drinks can I get for you? Said the lovely waiter.

Can I please have a large bottle of Mythos. Said Jymi.

Not many minutes later it arrived alongside an ultra chilled handled thickened slim glass.

I poured. I sipped. And sitting literally 1mm from the sea I consumed what at that exact moment in time was the best beer IN THE WORLD! That sip will live with me forever.

But here we are today. It’s Autumn in the UK. I’m sitting at my lovely beer testing table yes, but said table is in my unheated slightly damp garage. I know Mythos was never or will ever be the best beer in the world but surely, surely it will be decent?? Situation can’t affect us that much? Can it?

And I’m pleased to say, it is decent. Not out of this world no, but for a fairly mass produced lager it’s actually really, really good!

Mythos is crisp and crushable for sure. It’s probably lacking a little bit of a punch seeing as it’s coming in at 5%, but it defo goes down well. I think what really brings this brew out from lager mediocrity is the fact that there is a slight element of savoury kicking around. Fine hints of salt and spice move Mythos ever so slightly towards a Pilsner. Let me state now that it is definitely NOT a Pilsner, but there are without doubt hints.

The bottles I got for Sammy and I to test were a little on the spenny side but if I saw Mythos for a little bit cheaper I would defo be picking up a set for my fridge and would almost certainly turn into my go to lager for when the time was right.

All things considered, it’s top work really.

Jymi’s Rating: 71%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

The bottle? Not bad. That green glass definitely gives it a refreshing, summery vibe, and I gotta hand it to them for the bottle cap design. It’s got a bit of flair, but watch out—you might end up with a couple nicks during a session from those sharp edges. Overall, solid effort, nothing magical, but it gets the job done.

Smells like… well, a lager. No surprises here. There’s a hint of crispness, but it’s definitely in that mass-produced realm. Not unpleasant, just a bit too familiar. It’s not a nose that’ll transport you to some enchanted forest, but it’ll let you know you’ve got a cold one in hand.

With the taste, Mythos plays it straight, no tricks here. It’s a solid, dependable lager—crisp, refreshing, and hits all the right notes, especially on a hot day. Nothing complex, but sometimes you don’t need that. Just a clean, no-nonsense beer that gets the job done. There’s a little saltiness at the end, which adds a nice twist and keeps you coming back for another sip. If you’re looking for something simple and satisfying, this is it.

In the mouth is where Mythos shines. It’s an easy-drinker, no doubt about it. You could knock back a few of these without any effort. It’s got that perfect balance of refreshment and crispness, making it ideal for lazy afternoons or long nights.

Mythos is a solid lager that doesn’t overcomplicate things. It’s crisp, refreshing, and reliable—exactly what you’d want on a hot day when all you need is something to cool you down. While it’s not going to blow your mind, it delivers exactly what it promises: a classic, straight-forward lager experience with a touch of saltiness at the end to keep things interesting. You could easily make this your go-to for a laid-back session.

Sammy’s Rating: 71%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 71%

MOB review next weekend: AECHT SCHLENKERLA by BRAUEREI HELLER

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 365

BREWER: Brasserie d’Achouffe, Wallonia, Belgium

STYLE: Cherry Ale

ABV: 8%

VESSEL: 330ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 6th October 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Well, let me tell ya, the packaging ain’t doin’ this beer any favours. A bunch of gnomes prancing around pickin’ cherries? Gimme a break. It’s like they’re tryin’ too hard to be cute, and it’s just not workin’ for me. Makes me want to put it back on the shelf, not crack it open.

Looks like what you’d expect—a dark cherry beer. Nothin’ to write home about.
Oh yeah, there’s cherry alright. Too much of it if you ask me. It’s sweet, way too sweet. At first, it’s fine, but after a couple sips, you’re thinkin’ you’ve had enough. It’s hard to get through the whole thing without feelin’ like you’re drinkin’ dessert, and not in a good way. There’s a little malt body hangin’ around, but the cherry sweetness bullies it outta the way. Not my cup of tea… or beer, I guess.

I’ll give it this—it goes down easy enough. Feels good in the mouth at first, like there’s somethin’ to it, but then poof, it’s gone. That body disappears faster than a tired worker at quittin’ time. Easy to sip, but not much payoff.

Cherry Chouffe? Not for me. Too sweet, too gnomey, and not enough balance. Some folks might like it if they’re really into cherries, but for me, it’s just too much. Stickin’ to somethin’ with more bite and less sugar next time.

Sammy’s Rating: 40%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I like the packaging of this brew from Belgium, in fact, I actually love it. I have also seen many Chouffe beers knocking around on the selves of various bottle shops over the years, including today’s cherry offering. But have I ever bought a Chouffe beer? Quite simply, no.

Why? you may ask.

And you would be correct to do so.

Well, the reason, brace yourselves, is the packaging.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? you may say.

And you would be correct to do so.

So, like the beer reviewing Gent that I am, I will tell you (would be a bit of a crap review if I didn’t, and hey, it still may well be a crap review).

For me, as much I do love the art, it just doesn’t look like a bottle of beer. Cool wee gnomes handling cherries?! Brilliant! But for whatever reason it just doesn’t sit well. And as said, the only thing I can really put my finger on is it is very un beer like, especially a Belgian, in it’s presentation.

The beer itself disappointed me a little I’m afraid to say…

After a very strong start, from the deeeeeep red, almost black appearance in glass to the incredible cherry aroma I genuinely thought we were onto a winner! And although it turned out to be good, I really was expecting more. It’s an 8% cherry beer from Belgium after all!

The problem is not necessarily with the flavour. It’s all cherry at the end of the day. No, I think for me it was how boozy it was at the end. I know, I know, it’s 8% blah blah, but because of the level of booziness combined with the cherry, the aftertaste was almost one of a cherry liqueur. Which, put simply, is not what I want to experience at the end of my sip. I just think that the aftertaste needs a little more balance to allow the flavour to sing

Look, Cherry Chouffe is a good enough beer and certainly worth a go. Maybe it just isn’t one for me.

Jymi’s Rating: 59%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 49.5%

MOB review next weekend: MYTHOS by OLYMPIC BREWERY

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 364

BREWER: Magic Rock Brewing, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: Wheat IPA 

ABV: 6.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 29th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Solar Gaze is a Wheat IPA that promises a refreshing sip but ultimately falls short for me. Starting at the start, I got very faint cereal aroma on the ol whiff, odd though not unpleasant.

The first sip is smooth, very smooth in fact, with a texture that borders on creamy—almost banana-like. And there is an initial subtle hint of banana notes in the flavour too that meld with a wave of bitter orange. It’s an intriguing start, and the beer seems poised to deliver a vibrant, refreshing hit. However, the flavours quickly thicken, shifting the sip from light and citrusy to something heavier.

As SG settles on the palate, the bitter orange grows more pronounced, lingering into a long aftertaste. Unfortunately, what begins as a promising orange bitterness veers into something almost acrid, leaving a lasting impression that feels off. It’s this final note that throws the balance of the beer, turning what could have been an enjoyable aftertaste into a drawback.
While Solar Gaze shows glimpses of greatness with its smooth texture and initial flavour profile, the finish doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s close to being a refreshing wheat IPA, but for me, it misses the target. Worth trying if you’re curious, but perhaps not a repeat buy.

Jymi’s Rating: 52%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

There once was a brew, Solar Gaze,
Whose label had artful displays,
With a head that was tall,
It poured well overall,
But its modern look stole starry praise.

With mango and pineapple near,
The nose brought a tropical cheer,
But the wheat in the mix,
Didn’t add to the fix,
Though the bitter-sweet sip was quite clear.

Not complex but worthy, I’d say,
A drink for a casual day,
No record to break,
But a decent intake,
A wheat IPA on display.

Solar Gaze in the glass shines bright,

A wheat IPA that’s just about alright,

Not a world-class affair,

But it’s tasty, I swear,

A brew for a calm, easy night.

Sammy’s Rating: 71%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 61.5%

MOB review next weekend: CHERRY CHOUFFE by BRASSERIE d’ACHOUFFE

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 363

BREWER: Cotswold Brew Co., Oxfordshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 33oml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 20th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

First up, it’s odd… when we reviewed Hawkstone Lager, the packaging struck me as smart, almost debonair, but I think that was because it is very much so for a bottle of lager. However, now we have the IPA form in front of us I’m feeling that it’s a little dull and boring, even though it is exactly the same. Not sure how to explain this. We are where we are I suppose.

Secondly, again because of the success of the lager, I was expecting great things here. But, I’m saddened to say, great things did not come.

That’s not to say there were not any highlights, because there were…

Let’s start at the beginning shall we.

The nose coming off of Hawkstone IPA is FANTASTIC. Sweet and full. Awesome.

The in mouth sip is also pretty nice to be fair.

But it’s then we get the mega low point… this brew really falls away in the swallow. Like, REALLY falls away!

But then at least comes a very high point. The late aftertaste is delightful. So bitter without being overwhelming.

If I’m being honest here, this brew at 4.8% is just too weak. It’s not at IPA level.  It needs more alcohol to boost and carry the flavours through. Because the flavours are good.

It’s a shame, Hawkstone have missed a trick here. If this beer was approaching 6% I really think they would have been onto something.

Jymi’s Rating: 51%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Well, I cracked open this here ‘awkstone IPA after a long day’s work, thinkin’ it’d ‘it the spot, same as that ‘awkstone lager did. But truth be told, this one’s more like a steady old workhorse than a fast pony.

First sniff, I thought, “Where’s all them hops?” It’s ‘ardly got a whiff of any ‘ops.  Mostly it’s that malty, barley business, like the kind of ale you’d get back in the day, mind. Ain’t no fancy craft brew ‘oppiness in this one, that’s for sure.

As for the taste, it’s fine enough. Goes down easy; don’t really feel like no IPA to me, mind. More like a cross between a lager and a golden ale. It’s got that maltiness sittin’ ‘eavy, and not enough of that ‘op magic that makes you sit up and pay attention.

I’ll say this, mind – it’s smooth enough. If you’re just lookin’ for somethin’ to drink after a ‘ot day out in the fields, it’ll do the job just fine. Won’t blow your boots off, mind.

So, if you want somethin’ simple and easy, this ‘awkstone IPA’s like a reliable ol’ tractor. But if you’re ‘opin’ for a wild ride, you might wanna ‘itch your wagon to somethin’ else, mind.

Sammy’s Rating: 59%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 55%

MOB review next weekend: SOLAR GAZE by MAGIC ROCK

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Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 362

BREWER: Kirkstall, West Yorkshire, England

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 5.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 14th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Well it’s a warm welcome to you all on this most glorious of days.

The weather is set fair and the setting could not be better…

Welcome to Yorkshire. Welcome to Headingly.

New Zealand have opted to bowl first, with their much debated decision of going with a one pace bowler attack to surely be put to the test. Motueka* is their lone paceman. The question will be whether he can hold it together with little to no support.

 

And now, from the Kirkstall Lane End we have the first ball of the game. Motueka to Plumer**…

Oooossh, a fruity ball to start, but no real spice, Plumer seemed to appreciate the effort but the look on his face could well have been one of distain.

Ball two was much the same. Fruity yes, interesting twist to make Plumer think, no.

Balls three and four much the same.

By ball five it all became apparent that there wasn’t much more to Motueka. Plumer enjoyed the efforts but knew he wouldn’t be kept awake at night by this slightly underwhelming display. With a supporting act he could really be something, however. His action is as smooth as it comes and there is a fruity side to his deliveries. But on his own he’s exposed and bringing no bite.

Ball Six passed by, surprisingly with nothing much further to report

 

*Motueka isn’t a New Zealand bowler, it’s the single hop used in this week’s beer.

** Plumer is me, Jymi, the drinker, not the batsman (though I was dubbed the new Boycott in my youth).

 

P.S. Sorry to any none cricket loving folk probably having no clue what I was on about in this review.

Over.

Jymi’s Rating: 62%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Motueka hops are a quintessential part of New Zealand’s brewing landscape, and this single-hop brew showcases them in a way that’s both familiar and distinctly Kiwi. 

The packaging immediately catches the eye—lush green hues with touches of other colours, and a motif that pays homage to kiwi, grape, and hops. It’s visually appealing, a big tick for the beer.

On the nose, you’re greeted with floral and lime notes, a signature of the Motueka hop. 

The pour reveals a slightly hazy golden hue, which is inviting but doesn’t scream complexity. It’s straightforward, just like the hop it’s named after.

As for the taste, you get exactly what’s promised—those bright, citrusy notes come through clearly, but as with many single-hop brews, there’s a definite lack of depth. It’s thin in the mouthfeel, which isn’t surprising given the nature of the brew.

Overall, Motueka does what it says on the tin. It delivers the essence of its namesake hop in a clean, no-nonsense way. While it won’t blow you away, it’s a solid representation of the hop, and for that, it deserves some credit. Just don’t expect it to be a game-changer—this is a beer that’s all about simplicity and staying true to its roots.

Sammy’s Rating: 62%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 62%

MOB review next weekend: HAWKSTONE IPA by COTSWOLD BREW CO.

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 361

BREWER: Brooklyn Brewery, West Midlands, England

STYLE: Session IPA

ABV: 4.3%

VESSEL: 330ml tin

DATE OF POST: 9th September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

When this can was first dropped to me, before popping in the MOB test fridge I took a quick glance at the name and the artwork, as I do with all the brews. The name struck me, must be a collab I thought. The tin art also struck me for being zany but in an understated way (not sure I knew that was possible).

Fast forward to test day regarding the name. I really hoped we were told what it was all about. Thankfully, we were.

Also on test day it dawned on me before turning the can to hopefully find out more about the name, that the colours used were that of the rainbow.

It was now all starting to make sense.

The Stonewall Inn is a gay bar in New York and the site of the riots that led to the gay rights movement in the 60s.

Moving to the beer itself we don’t necessarily have a belter here but there are certainly a couple of highs.

The taste in sip is really good and very refreshing. There are definitely tones of lemon and orange with a fleck of pine to settle the citrus backbone. Unfortunately there is then a serious dip in flavour once swallowed. It’s not that it falls off of a cliff, because it doesn’t, it’s just the flavour drops out a lot and what is left doesn’t develop in any way. Where it goes next I was a big fan of actually but will divide the crowd. The late aftertaste is really dry. Which is perfect for then thinking, I quite fancy another sip ya know, to be hit once again with the refreshing early tones.

Decent enough beer but could have been waaaaaaay better.

Jymi’s Rating: 60%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

The Stonewall Inn IPA carries a name steeped in history, rooted in the iconic Stonewall Inn, a bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village that became a landmark in the fight for LGBT rights following the 1969 Stonewall riots. This beer not only offers a nod to a significant moment in history but also pays homage to the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

As for the beer itself, it’s solid—no frills, but dependable. The packaging is spot-on, capturing the essence of the Stonewall legacy while keeping things simple and straightforward. 

The taste is exactly what you’d expect from a standard IPA, with all the familiar notes and none of the surprises. It’s a reliable go-to for those who appreciate a good, no-nonsense beer. The nose is pleasantly hoppy, and the mouthfeel is good, making it an easy drink for any occasion. 

While it might not break new ground in terms of flavour, it doesn’t need to—the story behind it does the heavy lifting. This IPA stands out more for what it represents than for what it delivers in the glass.

In short, The Stonewall Inn IPA is a beer that does its job well, but its real strength lies in its connection to a powerful piece of history. It’s the kind of beer you can enjoy while reflecting on the progress that’s been made and the importance of standing up for what’s right. That alone makes it worth a try.

Sammy’s Rating: 69%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 64.5%

MOB review next weekend: MOTUEKA by KIRKSTALL BREWERY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 360

BREWER: Tiny Rebel, Gwent, Wales

STYLE: Pale Ale

ABV: 4.6%

VESSEL: 330ml tin

DATE OF POST: 1st September 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Cali Pale ya say…

Well, it’s a pretty cool name and I’m liking the colours of the tin art. However, much like the beer itself, there is nothing much to get overly excited about here.

When it comes to Tiny Rebel’s supermarket offerings (with the exception of 505) I’ve come to realise that they’re all pretty nice but also all kinda fall into the average beer bracket. So it was no surprise that my notes from testing Cali Pale went something like this…

Nice look in glass, if a little thin.

Nice enough but kinda is what it is.

To call it thin would be wrong but it is lacking a little in body.

Bright citrus nose but nothing to write home about.

See, average…

However, for the price, these brews are a great little fridge filler, and that’s precisely what Cali Pale is… a fridge filler.

Jymi’s Rating: 50%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Verse 1:
Sippin’ on the Cali Pale, it’s got a vibe that’s kinda pale ale,
Nose hits light, but nothing new, just a breeze that’s blowin’ through,
Taste rides in, all laid back, but it’s missing some attack,
Thin and smooth, it’s tryin’ to be, refreshing like the summer sea.

Chorus:
Cali Pale, you’re just alright,
Not too weak, not much style,
You aim to please, but don’t ignite,
You’re sittin’ in the middle of the pile.

Verse 2:
In the glass, you look so fine,
But your packaging ain’t divine,
Info’s light, name’s just okay,
Not much here that’s gonna stay.

Bridge:
You do your job, you play it safe,
But you never really chase,
Any high, any thrill, just a ride that’s kinda still.

Chorus:
Cali Pale, you’re just alright,
Not too weak, not much style,
You aim to please, but don’t ignite,
You’re sittin’ in the middle of the pile.

Outro:
Average brew in every way,
You’re the beer for an average day,
Cali Pale, you came to play,
But you didn’t make me wanna stay.

Sammy’s Rating: 55%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 52.5%

MOB review next weekend: THE STONEWALL INN IPA by BROOKLYN BREWERY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram : muse.on.booze

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 359

BREWER: Tudor Brewery, Gwent, Wales

STYLE: Golden Ale

ABV: 3.8%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 24th August 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Grab your magnifying glasses, folks! We’re diving into the case of (not a case of) Operation Julie.  It’s a beer that promises intrigue but delivers… well, something else entirely. Imagine a police operation where the mission is to find the most uninspirational ale imaginable. Spoiler alert: we may just have gone and found it.

The nose offers nothing.  Picture a detective, if you will, arriving at a crime scene.  Said detective might just be expecting a whiff of mystery and excitement, only to find… ale. Just ale. Nothing surprising, nothing memorable. You almost feel like calling the sniffer dogs back; there’s just nothing to get a hold of here.

Operation Julie is marketed as a golden ale.  The sad truth is that it’s more of a witness protection program for flavours. It’s thin, with a faint hint of caramel that’s as elusive as a master criminal. The maltiness tries to show up but ends up being more of an innocent bystander than a key player. If this beer were a suspect, it’d be let off without even a warning for being completely unremarkable.

Allow yourself to slip back to a time where you might have been sipping water with a tea bag briefly dunked in it. OJ is the kind of drink that will bring back those reflections and make you want to call for backup. To be clear, you won’t want to take it slow with this one, not because it’s so good, but because you just want to get the whole drinking experience over with and move onto your next case.

The initial pour should be like unveiling a “golden” treasure.  However, all you will find is fool’s gold. It looks like a crime scene in your glass – pale, almost see-through, and completely unappealing. It appears as if the brewers fled with the golden part of this ale.

The packaging of Operation Julie is so awful it should be charged with a fine against marketing. If this beer were part of a lineup, it’d be the one you point at and say, “Yeah, that’s the one. The terrible-looking one.” It’s very unappealing on the eyes.

Operation Julie could possibly be the best thing about this beer.  And it’s not even that good. It’s a bit like naming a goldfish “Shark.” A real let down when you realise it’s just a fish.

Operation Julie by Tudor Brewery might sound like an exciting undercover mission, but it’s more like a routine parking ticket. From its thin taste and horrible packaging to its misleading name, it’s a beer that could well find itself under investigation for crimes against ale lovers everywhere. If you happen to stumble across this beer, consider it part of an unwanted lineup: move on to the next offering. Better luck next time, Tudor Brewery. Over and out!

Sammy’s Rating: 21%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I think Tudor Brewery, almost certainly unintentionally, have pulled off something of a masterstroke here!

Let me explain…

Our beer today, Operation Julie, takes it’s name from a massive police operation and subsequent massive drugs bust in Wales in the mid 70’s. A stage show has since been born telling the story of this and I believe this beer was brewed to be sold at said show.

Now where Tudors unintentional masterstroke comes in is that they seemed to have brewed a fairly crap beer that could easily have come straight from the 70’s! I mean, my tasting notes read… Thin Beer. That’s it! There is literally nothing else to report on the taste of this brew. Haha.

I wouldn’t say OJ is horrible nor undrinkable, but I didn’t really like it very much.

If this whole thing WAS intentional to transport people watching the show back to 1976 then I suppose fair play. But surely, nobody sets out on a brew with the intention of it being a thin, crap and dated beer?? Surely??

Jymi’s Rating: 32%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 26.5%

MOB review next weekend: CALI PALE by TINY REBEL

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 358

BREWER: Lovibonds, Oxfordshire, England

STYLE: Sour

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 750ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 16th August 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

So, there I was at 13:18 on a Saturday arvo chewing the cud with Jason, the ever present and ever knowledgeable beer legend from A Hoppy Place in Windsor town centre, a simply banging wee bottle shop that HAS to be visited whenever the opportunity knocks.

Jason delivered me the sad news that Lovibonds (the brewer of our brew today) were no more. But with this sad news also came a personal positive. They had this 750ml beauty up for sale and, well yeah, I bought it.

And before even popping the bottle (which I have to say took about 11 hours due to the thickness of the wax, insufficient tools and me being cack of hand) I fell in love with the overall aesthetic of this vessel. A 750 will always help with the look and give the sense of grandeur to the drinking occasion but when backed up by an unbeatable name and quite beautiful vineyard watercolour it really is an unstoppable look.

Sour grapes is aged in Pinot Noir barrels. Yes. This is why the 750 bottle, name and watercolour are so relevant here. Just absolutely NAILED IT.

Anyway, to the all important contents…

This is a mighty fine brew. It is. However, from earlier ramblings, I just assumed it would be better. So, was actually kinda disappointed, which is ridiculous, as as I said, this is a mighty fine brew.

An apple nose leads the way, not overly sure how as no apples were harmed in the process, but lead the way they did. Next up is the realisation that Sour Grapes has a great mouthfeel. You then get the really good flavour, again of apples. However, it doesn’t really do anything. It’s kinda one dimensional. Good, great even, but just not kicking off. Then in the deep aftertaste up the back of the nose, it’s like you’ve just drunk a cider… albeit, a very good one.

Good? definitely.

Great? maybe.

But out of this world? na.

Jymi’s Rating: 78%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Sour Grapes is a solid choice if you’re looking for a straightforward sour beer with a cider-like profile. The nose immediately brings to mind the crisp aroma of apples, leaning more towards the cider spectrum than a typical beer.

The flavour follows suit, with a hint of cider that carries through the sourness. It’s not overly complex, offering a one-dimensional taste that is easy to drink but doesn’t offer much in terms of depth or variety.

On the positive side, the packaging is well-executed and the beer is highly drinkable. It’s good, but not exceptional. A decent option if you’re in the mood for something simple and slightly sour.

Sammy’s Rating: 79%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 78.5%

MOB review next weekend: OPERATION JULIE by TUDOR BREWERY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

museonbooze.com

M O B 2024

BEER REVIEW: 357

BREWER: Siren Craft Brew, Berkshire, England

STYLE: Sour IPA

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 9th August 2024

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Pompelmocello has quickly become my go-to beer, and for good reason. It’s readily available for me when I need it, which means I get to enjoy it often—and honestly, I can’t get enough of it. This beer hits the sweet spot for just about any occasion, whether you’re kicking back after a long day or winding down with friends.

The sourness is perfectly balanced; it’s just enough to satisfy those who love a good sour, but not so intense that it scares off those who might be new to the style. It’s a beer that invites everyone to the party, no matter where you stand on the sour spectrum.

One of the things I love most about Pompelmocello is how easy it is to drink. It goes down nice and easy, with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back for more. The flavour profile is well-crafted—tangy and zesty, but never overpowering. It’s the kind of beer that you can sup on for hours without getting tired of it.

For me, Pompelmocello ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re a seasoned sour lover or just curious, this beer delivers every time. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on something special.

Sammy’s Rating: 85%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

People often stop me in the street and ask, ’Jymi, what’s your favourite beer style’?

Before proceeding with my answer I have to lead with, ‘do you have 15 minutes’?

More often than not the answer will be yes, so my response can begin.

I will try my best to summarise…

See, you can’t go wrong with a fairly strong craft IPA from either coast. I’d say as a go to style, if I fancy a beer, then this is the one. Is it my favourite style? No, far from it. But it’s a style that doesn’t require a situation or season. Now, a Sour I love, I truly do. But so many other factors come into play when this style is on the table. The weather has a slight baring though not huge. The food I’ll be eating during or after has to be taken into account. And if I’ll be having a different drink before also needs to be considered. But when the stars align, a sour is certainly in the conversation for my favourite style. Also, an Imperial Stout enters the debate. Done well, there really is nothing quite like an Impy Stout. This style does very much depend on the weather for me. There is literally no way I’d be having one of these big boys on a beach in Barbados. But right place, right time, there is nothing better.

But then comes the mighty Sour IPA! See, for me a Sour IPA ticks all the boxes. I literally don’t care what time of year it is, what the weather is like, what food maybe hanging around nor what I have drunk prior or going to drink after… I just love a Sour IPA.

So in conclusion if I really had to answer the question of what is my favourite beer style, it would be a Sour IPA… maybe.

And it’s with this a quick selfie is usually taken, fist’s are bumped or cheeks are kissed (European style) depending on the sex, sexuality, location and or  situation, and we’re both free to go about the rest of our day.

Anyway, onto our beer today. The insanely good Pompelmocello, a Sour IPA from Siren. Seriously, this is an absolute superstar of a brew. The nose opens up proceedings with a huge waft of grapefruit sourness. The sip is again one of huge grapefruit early on, which then turns sour and then softens completely with a very soft, almost creamy mouthfeel. But, then, back comes the grapefruit and sourness for what seems like an endless aftertaste.

Just an awesome beer.

Jymi’s Rating: 89%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 87%

MOB review next weekend: SOUR GRAPES by LOVIBONDS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

Instagram: muse.on.booze

museonbooze.com

M O B 2024