Sorry it's gone all quiet of late, but I'm 2 weeks into a new job and have barely had time to think, let alone type. I don't think that's going to change any time soon either, although (more) change is afoot so we'll see.

For some reason Retford (the little town where I live, on the northern edges of Sherwood Forest) is a veritable nexus of real ale. My actual local has it's own brewery, and even the big commercial pub, Wetherspoons, carries a decent selection of real ales (I guess what those of you state-side might refer to as "micro-brews"). Last night me and Dave went to my current favourite pub, the Rum Runner, which always has half a dozen real ales on tap and has won awards for its beer. Technically we were there for a pub quiz, but really we were there for the beer! 

So here is the first of (maybe) many beer reviews!

Harvest Pale - a nice, light, golden beer that was like a german weissbier. Current reigning champion ale and rightfully so.

White Dwarf - how could we resist such a name! For reasons that will become clear with time, this proved to be an auspicious brew. A bit fizzier and more lager like than the Pale, still a tasty pint.

Workies Ticket - couldn't have been further from the first two if it tried, this was a really dark, really thick and creamy bitter that was practically a stout. Very heavy going, but surprisingly tasty with a definite fruity taste.

and finally ...

Bateman's XXB - another fairly heavy brew, although nothing compared to the Workies. The really striking aspect of the XXB was its overwhelmingly fruity taste, like someone had dropped a crop of blackberries into the barrel. Not entirely unpleasant, but a bit much all at once.

And that concludes the first exciting installment of Beer Review.

1. in a saucepan mix chillies, sugar, water, vinegar, sake, garlic, paprika and salt.
2. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat. Stir all the while to avoid burning.
   
3. Reduce liquid until syrupy.
4. Take off the heat. Add fish sauce and lemon juice.
5. Cool, then serve when at room temperature.
6. Alternatively, sterilise a jar by pouring boiling water onto it. Pour sauce into jar and seal.