Favorite UK beer

Never been to the UK but am dying to...

Fuller's London Pride is a part of my life, drink it every day and when I am down to my last 6 in the fridge and buy another case. For my alternate beer I rotate between old Specklen Hen and Tanner's Jack. On weekends I drink Hen's Tooth, mmmmm...

others I really like

Gale's Prize Old Ale
Fuller's London Porter
Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale
Theakston XB
Fuller's Vintage Ale
Olde Suffolk English (Strong Suffolk Vintage) Ale
Hook Norton Double Stout
Samuel Smith's Yorkshire Stingo
Skull Splitter
St. Peter's Winter Ale
Hook Norton Twelve Days
Hooky Bitter
Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout
Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale
Belhaven Wee Heavy
Wells Bomardierand many others...

 

Well's & Youngs (which purchased the full rights to the Courage brands from Heineken) released their version of the beer in the Fall of '11, with most of the initial batch coming to the US. Imported by W&Y's US importer, Belukus, which has a "Beer Finder" on its website (accuracy unknown), but, in theory, if the ever shrinking US Well's and Youngs portfolio is on the shelves, the retailer should be able to order it - assuming, of course, the distributor stocks it.

It disappeared quick around here, but I've see it being restocked in some stores recently (though I don't know if it's the same batch or not).

 

If you go to the UK, you will find that the beers you get here are very different, and often not in a good way.

I avoid most bottled UK beers, as they are going stale. London Pride on cask in good condition is a thing of beauty.

 

Kernel Imperial Brown French Oak. In my top 5 new beers of 2012.
Double Scannes was pretty damn good too. I love the Kernel to be honest.

I had a bunch of delicious Brodies stuff too. Citra + London Sour... yum.

I am an ingnorant American so I don't get too fired up for cask stuff

 

Samuel smith oatmeal stout

 

We've got a ton of it on the shelf. $6.19 per. Few people seem to know what it is.

 

Pretty sure that you are asking about bottled beers that are imported, so the long lists of cask and keg beers that folks have had while in the UK don't do you much good do they? That's an ever-changing surface that we will never see here unfortunately.

As for what you asked about, 1845 is very solid. Good choice.
I personally feel that Black Sheep does not get enough attention. Their beers hold up well and arrive here in fairly accurate condition. Riggwelter is good, but their flagship ale really can't be topped for an everyday pint.
I also am fond of Smith's Yorkshire Stingo, but not its price tag.

 

I believe Courage Imperial Russian is only available in the states. It's made for export now. jesskidden will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

It could be! If you can find Cairngorm's Wildcat!

 

anything by St.Peter's or Darkstar, Also like Fuller's London Pride

 

the kernel ,black isle, st peters, brew dog

 

Big thumbs up for this one. Also, ESBs are one of my favorite styles (and severely underrated) so anything well-made in that style works for me!

EDIT: This one: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1680/9663/?ba=papat444

/thread (for me )

 

Ha - had a quick pint of this a few weeks ago and thought of you !!!

 

Must be awesome on tap! Thanks again and let me know if you ever come on this side again

 

Anything by the Kernel, especially their IPAs. Awesome, cutting edge stuff...
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/23249

 

Thornbridge Jaipur and Fuller's London Porter for me. Jaipur is pricey here, though.

 

The last few to wow me include Harviestoun's Old Engine Oil, and 2 cask beers from Buxton ("Axe Edge" and another I forget)

 

You know you guys, the beer scene is really starting to smoke here and 'ye old styles of beer from ye olden days of yore' are so passe. Gets your asses to Scotland and England, the pubs and new craft bars of Edinburgh especially, and you can enjoy a whole plethora of tasty new and improved UK brews from Cromary, Tempest, The Kernel, Fyne Ales, Magic Rock, Thornbridge, Brodies, Moor, Black Isle, Hawkshead, etc etc etc.
As for the question, its hard to say but at least for the next two or three weeks my fav UK brew is a three way split between Cromarty AKA IPA, Hawkshead NZPA and the mesmorising Magic Rock Tequila Barrel Clown Juice. The latter is a 7% ABV barrel aged (you got that part) Belgium Witbier. No shit. And so so amazing.

Bottomline-2012 will be seen as a break out year for UK beer.
Mark my words.

 

I don't think I've ever heard of anything quite so odd.

 

I will admit to being *way* behind the curve. My buddy who lives in Blackheath has been saying the same thing as you for a couple of years now. Need to make it back soon. Met the wife in Edinburgh, so it's definitely on our list. Still, I doubt I'll abandon "(m)ye old fart" beers altogether.