From Cruzcampo To Chocolate Fudge Donut

Chelsea 2 v Sheffield United 0

Premier League

Saturday 16 December 2023

SUFC 2023/24 Game #31

NFDR

No Football Don't Read

Some of my longest serving football friends are Chelsea supporters. Those friendships cemented over the many years I lived and worked in London. I became related to some of them by marriage. Some of them are my current non-league groundhopping companions. Some of them I only see at funerals. Some of them I only see at milestone birthdays in Benidorm. You get the picture.

So, today promised to be a great social occasion. But, a poor beer occasion. That is because I was, naturally, invited to “their” Chelsea Pub. That pub chosen by them for a variety of reasons. Glass glasses until 1pm, or later if you keep a supply of your empties under the table for decanting. Very little hassle from “The Old Bill”. Cheap. DJ willing to play Blue Is The Colour & The Liquidator. Moody digital box showing the game for those no longer allowed, financially able or willing to go to The Bridge. I'm saying - that pub NOT chosen because of local Cask ale. Nor top of the range pukka craft beers.

Cruzcampo & Moretti were consumed. John Smith's and Fosters were available. No, I cannot name the pub for obvs reasons.

But, my Beer Day turned North after the game. One of my Chelsea mates had to make his way home from Euston. So, we met in;

The Euston Tap

190 Euston Rd., London NW1 2EF

I haven't been in for a very long time. Eighteen on Keg. And I didn't even look at the cask board. First guy I spoke to in there was the owner & brewer at FutureState brewery in Reading. So he's “benefitted” from me talking at him. But, more importantly, The Euston Tap was participating in The 6 Stouts Of Christmas. New Bristol Brewery collaborating with six UK breweries to dole out six banging stouts.

(Warning - the mood lighting in the tap has given some of my photies a green hue. And a green hue to a marvellous latte coloured foam on a black as over Bill's Mother's stout is NOT a good look.)

The 1st Stout Of Christmas

New Bristol Brewery, Collab with Overtone Brewing Co (Glasgow), Chocolate Fudge Donut Stout on Keg at 6.5%

East Kent Golding Hops. Liquid cacao. Fudge essence. And I don't really know how they get a “doughnut” flavour in there. But, fair fucks, it did taste like a doughnut. Pronounced his winner by Stevie T.

The 2nd Stout Of Christmas

New Bristol Brewery, Collab with Left Handed Giant (also Bristol), Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Stout on Keg at 7%. Not sampled by me I'm afraid.

The 3rd Stout Of Christmas

New Bristol Brewery, Collab with Unbarred Brewery (Brighton), Chocolate Orange Stout on Keg at 7%

East Kent Golding Hops. Orange zest.

The 4th Stout Of Christmas

New Bristol Brewery, Collab with Vault City Brewing (Edinburgh), Bayleys Mocha Choca Flaked Truffle Stout on Keg at 7%

East Kent Golding Hops. Cacao. Coffee Beans. And name presumably changed for legal reasons Irish Cream Liqueur. Pronounced his winner by Phil R.

The 5th Stout Of Christmas

New Bristol Brewery, Collab with Elusive Brewing (Wokingham), Pastel De Nata Stout on Keg at 7%

East Kent Golding Hops. Madagascan Vanilla Pods. Cinnamon. Tonka Beans. Slightly disappointing if I'm honest. The vanilla, imitating custard, didn't really come through.

The 6th Stout Of Christmas

New Bristol Brewery, Collab with Vocation Brewery (Hebden Bridge), Coconut Chocolate Cake Stout on Keg at 7%. Not sampled by moi I'm afraid. But pronounced by Rach R as;

“Lovely, like a Bounty, and I don't even like Bounty's.”

I'd like to stay in this league because I love my football club. I'd like to stay in this league so I can have London and Sheffield days/nights out with my old Chelsea mates. I'd like to stay in this league until there are twelve Stouts Of Christmas. I'm neutral on staying in this league so I can visit Chelsea Footie Pubs. We might not stay in this league though.

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