Fresh from the Glasgow CAMRA AGM a couple of weeks back, Hector found himself on an official outing. Many had eschewed the opperchancity to visit the Fyne Ales Festival at the Brewery at the end of the Summer, it did not feel good value. Today we had our own Bus organised by [Stan.TC] and a worthwhile Deal which included Ale and Food.
On my last outing to Fyne Ales the People were wonderful, the Food outstanding, and the Ale…. well the Ale was poor in those days. But not any more.
The rendezvous was at the Bon Accord, Hector’s Local. A Group of 15 had become 20 which was good for the Branch who had no doubt taken on the burden of hiring the Mini-Coach. Tim was picked up en route in Dumbarton. Only Robin knows why he came into Glasgow rather than be picked up in his dwelling place. The drive up Loch Lomond had a familiar ring, I do it every day, but not this far up. The junction at Tarbert takes one off to Loch Long and up through the Rest and be Thankful – a magnificent landscape and scene of many Landslides of late. Just over an hour after the start we saw Loch Fyne come into view.
On the last visit I was able to pour my own, such has been the investment at the Brewery, there is now a proper Bar and outside Seating Area. Jonathan went straight for the Cloud Burst, a Copper Ale at 4.6%. Somehow this has escaped, I have had notes for twelve different Brews from this establishment for this year already. To have the excellent Jarl at Source was the perfect start for me. A light refreshing Golden Ale with the much loved Citrus Blast and packing more Flavour than a thousand UK Ales. At only 3.8% this punches way above its weight. It could be a long day, this was a safe start.
Stepping out to he rear courtyard a Chap came up to me and said – You’re Hector! This was Kenny, whom [Stan.TC] insists he introduced me to last year in the Three Judges, but who recognised me having spent two hours reading Curry-Heute. It is always a pleasure to meet one’s Audience, especially when the complements are forthcoming.
Dr Robin in The Chair got the Meeting under way. His promise of it being over in twenty minutes was broken. The second Ale was calling – Avalanche, the Ale I consider to be Fyne Ale’s Signature Brew was the delight that was anticipated. At 4.6% this is approaching our preferred ABV, however this once again ticks all our flavour boxes. The arrival of these two Ales on the Bier Map has really impressed, Hurricane Jack was the first of their Ales which I took seriously.
The Rain was threatening by the time it finished forty minutes later, and more importantly, the Food was ready. Some had sussed this earlier. Mr Boyd had a Pie which I believe contained Steak in addition to the Venison Burger and Venison Sausage Roll that I was able to secure. A Venison Sausage Roll, now I wish to eat no other. The Venison Burger in a Roll with Bits was again a joy. Tracey was too late and pointed out to the Food Doris that there was nothing left for her. The extra Mouths had caught them out. More Food was brought out and the Eating process begun again. Still I did not get one of the Pies, but I had been given sufficient Food that all plans for Curry-Heute were shelved for today.
It was time for the Cloud Burst, we were all indoors by now except Howard and Tracey, anticipating more showers. This Ale was seriously Dry, but without the preferred Citrus. Robin and Jonathan appeared to be sticking with this. There was a final Joker to be played – the Zombier.
Once a departure time was sorted I counted backwards before ordering this 6.9% Monster. The Ale was Dark and Strong. There was the expected Sweetness but not so that it was dominating. Quaffable became my worrying observation.
The Staff once again were wonderful. Worryingly it was announced by Will, The Brewer, that he is leaving to go South at the end of the month. It is his insight and Brewing Skill that has seen us devour the various incarnations of Daavar over the Summer. This will be another Brewery’s gain, and a major loss to Fyne Ales.
Luss
Inverdarroch, the actual location where much of the long running TV Soap – Take the High Road was filmed was the Pit Stop on the way home. The Loch Lomond Hotel is a redevelopment of the original hotel on this site.
Twenty of us walked in, the place was quite full with people dining. Two Ales were on offer, both from the deservedly maligned Loch Lomond Brewery (Alexandria). Not being served first was a distinct advantage £3.50 please. For a 3.8% Ale? Come on! Four of us walked out. There is nothing this Brewery makes that would follow what we had been treated to this afternoon.
Back to Glasgow
Hector has balked at writing epistles about the local Ale scene. Friendships made over many years could be strained. Needless to say there was nothing on the Bon Accord Board to tempt me. Jonathan and I both had bottles of Augustiner’s (München, Bayern) Edelstoff. With Augustiner and Andechs to choose from, something wonderful is guaranteed.
[Stan.TC] had disappeared off to the Three Judges where the Gents toilet had reportedly been brought into the Twenty First Century having missed out on the Twentieth. Jonathan and I followed on. Please use the Ladies. The Ale was no better, time to meet up with Marg.
Brewery and Pubs visited today:
The Bon Accord Ale House – 153 North St, G3 7DA
Fyne Ales Brewery – Achadunan, Cairndow, Argyll and Bute, PA26 8BJ
The Loch Lomond Hotel – Luss, Argyll and Bute, G83 8PA
The Three Judges – 141 Dumbarton Rd, Partick X, Glasgow, G11 6PR