Month: May 2018

Liverpool Tall Ships

Liverpool hosted  the start of The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta over the spring bank holiday weekend. Ships were moored at the Albert Dock and cruise ferry terminal.

Following their departure from Liverpool the ships are also scheduled to visit Dublin and Bordeaux. The wines of Bordeaux were featured in a parallel event running at the Pier Head. This was fifth visit to Liverpool of the tall ships having previously graced this most famous of waterfronts in 1984, 1992, 2008 and 2012. This years visit formed part of the cities celebrations of the ten year anniversary  since it was European Capital of Culture.

Although spectacular by daylight the docks and ships took on a magical quality as the sun began to set over the city.

The holographic “ghost ship” was a excellent end to a superb trip to the Liverpool waterfront.

A Day Trip to Ludlow

Ludlow is a small market town of 11,000 inhabitants on the southern border of the county of Shropshire. Although in England, it lies close to the Welsh border and its proximity to Wales has contributed much to the towns past history.

Things to do

Take a walk. The town is an absolute gem with a photo opportunity on every corner. The architecture is superb and it makes it a lovely place to simply wander around. The town is not very big but it packs an awful lot in to a small space.

Ludlow Castle. Built in the later half of the 11th century, the castle occupies a defensive position overlooking  the River Teme. The castle is still in use today as a wedding venue and is home to the annual Ludlow Food and Drink festival held each September.

Saint Laurence’s Church. Building of a church here first began in 1199 and it is now the largest parish church in Shropshire.  The church is packed with history and significant features, its earliest windows date back to 1320 and some of the mercy seats date from the early 1400s.

Visits to the church are well supported by some very welcoming and informative guides.

Visit one of the many art galleries. Ludlow is home to many art galleries and antique shops and a visit to two or three isa good way to spend an hour or so. Walking between them also gives you a good opportunity to see the town.

Dinham Bridge and The River Teme. 

The walk down from the castle to the river can be done by means of a footpath that runs from the back of the castle or along the road. Either way it is well worth the short walk as the bridge and river are a sheer delight.

Food and Craft Markets. As well as an excellent selection of independent retailers in the town there are frequent markets held mainly in Castle Square. In addition The Ludlow Food Festival is held annually in the grounds of the castle. Dates for 2018 are September 7/8/9th. The castle also hosts the Medieval Christmas Fayre with will be on November 24th and 25th in 2018.

Ludlow Brewing Company. Located in an old railway shed close to Ludlow station. Tours are held each afternoon, times vary. There is a small charge but it does include samples of their range of beers and a free pint.

A great day out in such a lovely town. May have to have a return visit for Septembers food festival.

 

Cloudwater Brewery

Cloudwater Brewery is based on a fairly non descript industrial estate close to Manchester’s Piccadilly station. If you didn’t know it was there you’d never be any the wiser. Cloudwater host a brewery tour every Saturday morning starting at 10.45. You can check availability and buy tickets here Just make sure you allow enough time to find it!

Cloudwater Facts

  • The brewery only started production in February 2015
  • The online store opened in 2017
  • Cloudwater was voted second best brewer in the world in the 2017 Ratebeer awards.
  • They do not produce a core range of beers and have a creative philosophy in their brewing
  • Wheat and oats are used to give the finished beer mouthfeel. They release proteins which bond with chemicals from hops. The beer is hazy/cloudy and  this will eventually sediment out. This is why such beers have a short shelf life.
  • Freshness is key and their beers have three dates on the beers. COD – canned on date. FFB – freshest flavour before date and BBE – best before date.
  • There is a terroir aspect to hops, some of the best coming from the USA and New Zealand. Hops are a significant expense in the brewing process.
  • Beers are centrifuged before canning/bottling to remove suspended particles of yeast/hops and so produce a better balance in the beer

Cloudwater have a taproom just a short walk from the brewery itself. Located in the railway arches on Sheffield Street very close to piccadilly station.

The Beers

  1. Cloudwater DDH Centennial Pale 5.5%. Orange/amber in appearance, hazy, small white head. Aromas of orange, lemon and slightly tropical. Flavour is burnt orange and grassy, low bitterness, smooth. Slight bitterness on the finish. Very drinkable.
  2. Cloudwater DIPA V3.1 8.5%. Yellow/orange, cloudy in appearance, small head. Aromas of mango, citrus, banana, and pineapple. Mouthfeel is good, full, smooth and creamy. Low bitterness, quite sweet. Flavour is complex with tropical fruits, caramel and pine. An interesting and excellent beer.
  3. Cloudwater DIPA V3 2018 8.5%. The recreation of a beer first made in 2016. Deep yellow/gold with the very slightest haze, small light tan coloured head. Intense aroma of grapefruit, orange, tropical fruit and malt. Palate is rich and creamy with medium bitterness. Flavours of orange, mango and caramel. The finish is long with a hint of bitter orange. (Can)
  4. Cloudwater Session Pale Laurel 4.5%. Yellow, cloudy, light head. Aromas of citrus – lemon and grapefruit. Palate is soapy, pine, resin. Lingering finish.
  5. Cloudwater Pilsner Motueka Mandarine 5%. Pours yellow/gold with a slight haze and a small persistent head and nice lacing. Delicate aromas of grapefruit and orange.. Lovely mouthfeel, creamy with a gentle bitter tang and a touch of sweetness. Flavour of malt, caramel and citrus. Clean and refreshing. Very nice. (Can)
  6. Cloudwater Small IPL Citra 2.9%. Orange/yellow, hazy and pours with a good white head. Aromas of grapefruit and orange. There is a good flavour of citrus with a nice burnt orange edge. Dry with medium minus bitterness. Very drinkable. (Can)

Cloudwater may not make the cheapest beer around but considering the attention to detail that goes into their production they are well worth it. Beers are well made, characterful, packed with flavour and are very drinkable. Try them, you won’t be disappointed.