But the usual images – teddy boys, rock and roll, rising living standards – all come from much later in the decade. The early years were much tougher. Rationing and shortages of almost everything were the order of the day. Beer output was falling and gravities were only just starting to creep back up a little.
Yet this beer from that time is very recognisable. It looks much like the Ordinary Bitters I remember from my youth. OG of 1036, 3.6% ABV. Glancing at the 1977 Good Beer Guide there are dozens of Bitters with similar gravities. Including Adnams. Their Bitter is listed with exactly the same gravity as this version.
It would be difficult to have a much simpler beer than this: pale malt, No. 1 invert and English hops. It looks to me like a classic drinking Bitter. Especially as it has fairly robust hopping. In short, a beer built for a session. The eight pints in two hours kind of session.
It’s so simple, I'm struggling to think of anything more to say. Other than brew this beer. I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Now over to me . . . . .
| 1950 Adnams PA | ||
| pale malt | 7.50 lb | 93.75% |
| no. 1 sugar | 0.50 lb | 6.25% |
| Fuggles 90 min | 0.75 oz | |
| Goldings 60 min | 0.75 oz | |
| Goldings 30 min | 0.75 oz | |
| OG | 1036 | |
| FG | 1008.9 | |
| ABV | 3.59 | |
| Apparent attenuation | 75.28% | |
| IBU | 34 | |
| SRM | 5 | |
| Mash at | 149º F | |
| Sparge at | 170º F | |
| Boil time | 120 minutes | |
| pitching temp | 61º F | |
| Yeast | WLP025 Southwold | |
Adnams Champion Pale Ale was an excellent quaffing beer, and lasted until, I think, the 1980's before they dropped it.
ReplyDeleteYou may recall a TV show featuring Champion the Wonder Horse. Certain rude comparisons were made between equine waste products and this beer.