This week, I want to discuss two matters of importance in the world of imbibement: the rise-and-rise of Brewdog, and what to drink at a Bunga-Bunga party!
Brewdog, the purported enfants terribles of Scottish Brewing, have been in the news again.
Since I wrote my last blog, wherein I suggested they are fast becoming the new mainstream of Scottish beer, they launched a ‘crowdfunding’ scheme; a ‘joe public’ floatation of sorts. Through this 'Equity for Punks' (oxymoron, anyone?) scheme, they successfully raised the first million of their targeted four in a single day. Hot result, right?
The ensuing headlines will doubtless help them put paid to the rest of that target. This fundraising is aimed at expanding their already wildly successful UK-wide bar chain, and establishing a national chain of shops to boot.
This is all really cool, and epitomises the sea-change in attitudes to ales, craft beer and small brewers in Scotland, but as ever, I worry. Let's admit it, 'Equity for Punks' sounds less like sub-culture, and more like dad-rock...
I just hope Brewdog are careful that their seemingly endless expansion doesn't become literally endless. I shudder when I think about how awful it would be if they forgot their purported 'punk' ethos, and closed down the market wiggle-room that all the other beer makers in the country currently enjoy – and need to survive. Bear in mind, most of Brewdog's competitors are just as gifted at brewing, but a little less talented at the PR brew-ha-ha that accompanies it...
The last thing Scotland needs is a new ubiquitous, dominant and inescapable beer like Tennent's, no matter how much better it might taste if Brewdog were the ones making it.
Plus, nobody likes it when punks sell out. That is, unless I'm mistaken, and Sex Pistols fans all buy Country Life Butter these days. But I doubt it.
Right, that's enough serious stuff. For a giggle, and to (sort of) draw things back to drinks advice, I'm going to sort out your weekend by recommending the best plonk and snifters to have at (ahem) a Bunga-Bunga party... if that sort of thing is your bag (and boy, do I sincerely hope it isn't...).
I'm told that Bunga-Bunga parties are great for bringing distant generations together, and traditionally, Italian wine is the way to go.
Start with a nice, light fizz to get things going and break the ice a wee bit. As it is early doors, keep it classy with the delightfully zippy Taste the Difference Conegliano Prosecco 2011 (£9.99, Sainsbury’s). I don't know about you, but bubbles always go straight to my head!
Then, apparently, the thing to do is move on to a young red wine with a smooth, voluptuous body. For the adventurous amongst you, try some Ca’Rosa Valpolicella Ripasso 2010 (£11, Oddbins), which is produced using the apassimento method of partial grape-drying prior to pressing. It has a lovely raisiny aspect, and deep scarlet colour. It might even be appropriately described as 'Ruby'...
Later on, people will probably be too busy socialising to focus on drinking wine. Time for shots, methinks! To keep ‘on theme’, try the old Italian classic of Limoncello. Go for Camel Limoncello (£21, Good Spirits Company). Artisan produced, it’s juicy and sweet but not too cloying.
Follow these tips and it'll be an awesome night that you will remember every day for up to seven years, dependent on the outcome of your legal appeals!
Reading Between the Wines: championing independent Scottish beer
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