English styles

Has anyone said Abbot Ale or Twisted Thistle yet? Mmmmmmmmm....Abbot ale.

 

Almost anything from Arcadia Ales, as long as you can find it reasonably fresh.

 

Coffee? Oh....so.... you are one of THEM.

*adds Hoppsbabo to the list*

 

I'd skip the IPAs. I'd also still lean towards getting an imported English porter/stout regardless. I'd imagine that something from Fullers, Sam Smith, Harviestoun, Meantime, etc. must look somewhat recent. I didn't mention it in my other posts, but Flag Porter and Harviestoun Old Engine Oil are awesome. I didn't mention them earlier because Flag is rare and needs to be somewhat fresh and Old Engine Oil is expensive for what it is - but maybe your store has them. You said the store had Meantime, if they have their Naval College and it's not too expensive or terribly old, grab it. It's 9% and will hold up better than others over time - you don't have to be as "freshness picky" with this one. Same for Harviestoun Ola Dubh at 8%.

If you go American, I wouldn't bother being too picky about authenticity towards an English target. You can grab a simple porter/RIS/milk stout from Founders, Bell's, North Coast, Left Hand, etc. It's not like beer/ale/porter in England is set in stone... it's always changing.

Have fun and don't stress (not that you are indicating the opposite ).

 

Beer is much better with a fry up than it is with fish and chips.

 

A decedent of an original IPA, a lot different from what is considered an IPA these day.

 

I'm a big fan of Pretty Things' "Once Upon a Time" series, if you can get them. The 1855 Porter was a beer that has caused a chase for an ideal in my homebrewing.

 

Tetley's English Pale Ale Nitro (gasp)