Wednesday, June 1, 2011

"The Don" : Town Hall Brewery

Apologies dear reader for the internet silence, it's been almost two months since my last post. Contrary to rumours I have not been in re-hab (!) Call it what you will - lack of muse, performance anxiety, or writer's block (more likely writer blocked - which is Northern Irish parlance for being drunk haha). On a brighter note, the free time has allowed me to catch up on my scrapbooking, so all was not lost. But as the ad says you never know when the right moment will strike, the view from the bath tub is exhilirating and I promise that if this column takes longer than four hours I will seek medical attention.

Onward...


"The Don" Special Bitter at Town Hall





As a life-long Leeds United "sufferer" (symptoms include, but not limited to, nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea -  prognosis is terminal)  you can imagine how "chuffed" (British : quite pleased, delighted) that my Local, Town Hall Brewery, released a beer in March to commemorate the 50th anniversary of "The Don" taking charge of Leeds. Donald George Revie, "The Don", was born July 10th 1927 and died at the age of 61 on May 26th, 1989 of motor neurone disease. It seems fitting today being the 22nd anniversary of his death I finally get around to writing this post. The Don was United's greatest manager and transformed the club from a forgotten provincial rugby town into a European soccer powerhouse. Not only did he preside over the most successful era in the club's history but he was a visionary ahead of his time and his profound influence inspired a loyalty among his players that was legendary. Not without his detractors, of course, success brought predictable revulsion outside of Yorkshire, but we remember him with respect and fondness and as the greatest figure in the club's history. "We all hate Dirty Leeds" is the ultimate compliment after all.


Don Revie and Billy Bremner, FA Cup Final 1972

Oh, the beer you ask?

"The Don" pours a beautiful copper orange and is a bitter that expertly disguises it's substantial 8% ABV. Malty, sweet and biscuity with a hint of honey this is a delicious and superbly crafted beer. Even better cask-conditioned, the flavours become more pronounced and enjoyable. In short a really nice beer (tasting notes from March 26th) and no, it's not on pint-club!


B+

P.S. - Full disclosure -it should come as no surprise to learn that this was not in fact a tribute from Town Hall for Don Revie. Rather....

"This Special Bitter was made in memory of Don Younger of the famed Horse Brass Pub in Portland, OR. Thanks Don for inventing beer bars!"

No matter, RIP Don's, you are both legends.