Fisherman’s Friend
Andrea Waterhouse
Adnams Brewery was formed way back in 1872, when Ernest & George Adnams took over an existing brewery in the Suffolk town of Southwold. There has actually been brewing taking place on the site since the early half of the fourteenth century (in fact it has been traced back to 1345), so it was a good place to start a business. They were joined by the Loftus family in 1902 and have continued to produce some interesting and varied cask ales. Some Adnams beers you may have come across include the Bitter (3.7 % ABV), Broadside (4.7 % ABV) and Regatta (4.3 % ABV). I’ve tried the Bitter and the Broadside before and was impressed, so I was expecting good things from my pint of Fisherman. Adnams Fisherman weighs in at 4.3 % ABV and was originally produced to replace two of their existing brands ~ their Old Ale and Oyster Stout. In effect it is essentially a combination of these two styles. It is made (according to the manufacturers) using Maris Otter pale malt, Rye Crystal malt, chocolate malt and Goldings hops. These ingredients, along with Chocolate and Pinhead oats, combine to give and interesting, rich and full-bodied beer. Looks wise, it is a rather deep red in colour; almost like burnished copper. It settled quickly and, when held up to the light, it took on a slightly lighter clear copper hue. The aroma is distinctly hoppy, with a nutty scent from the roasted malt coming through. This mixes nicely with a faint chocolaty fragrance and a little whiff of spice. This combination actually reminds me of winter and the festive season. Taste wise, Fisherman is rather complex too. It’s a little difficult to allot it to one particular style of beer; it has the body, smoothness and character of a stout, and yet it retains the hoppy, refreshing and easy to drink quality of a bitter. The initial flavour I got was a repeat of the malty nuttiness present in the smell. This gave way to a slight bitter sweetness, rather like sucking a square of dark chocolate. There is a little hint of spiciness too that warms you up rather nicely. All this, together with a lovely combination of nuts, fruit and a little bit of liquorice thrown in gives you a cracking flavour. The finish also has these elements of chocolate, malt and hops. It has a complexity that is befitting of a fullbodied and character filled brew such as this. The bitterness of the beer becomes to come through more The 8th Ashfield Beer Festival 2003 strongly towards the end, leading to a refreshing at the Festival Hall, Kirkby in Ashfield aftertaste and that subtle spiciness that leave your mouth feeling warm. The smoothness of the beer is Over 50 Beers, Lagers, Ciders & Fruit Wines also pleasant on the palate. Fisherman leaves you feeling warm, cosy and definitely wanting to get Friday 14th February 2003 straight to the bar for another pint! That’s perhaps the 11 am to 6 pm (£1.00) only trouble; it is perhaps a little TOO easy to drink. 6 pm to 11 pm (£2.50) Adnams Fisherman is unfortunately only available from October until the end of February. This is a real pity Saturday 15th February 2003 because I would be happy to drink it at any time of 11 am to 6 pm (£2.00) year; although essentially a winter brew it is refreshing 7 pm to 11 pm (£5.50 ticket - £7.50 on door) enough to warrant a regular slot. Ours cost us £2.00 for a pint; the standard price for one of the Guest Ales at Sunday 16th February 2003 The Market Hotel. I consider this to be a fair price for a good and tasty beer ~ of course, I’d love to pay less, 12 noon to 2 pm (FREE) subject to beer supplies. but this isn’t going to happen and I have paid the same price for distinctly average beers in the past. We had a few pints each that Wednesday night and thoroughly Tickets: 01623 484701 by post; 01623 457101 by credit card or call at Festival Hall enjoyed them all. I’ll certainly be looking out for Adnams Fisherman again in the future and I Concessions for CAMRA members recommend that you do the same…but time is running Price includes programme out this year, so be quick! If you have any comments, or suggestions for beers or pubs to try, email me at a.d.waterhouse@btinternet.com
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