Random Dutch beers (part forty-nine)

I've lots to get on with this weekend. Even more than usual.

I've started seriously writing my new book on Scottish beer. 20,000 words so far. Not sure how long it's going to be when complete. But it won't be 700 pages.

Alfa Limburgs Bokbier, 6.5% ABV
My nose is a bit blocked, so this isn't going to be great. I can see it's a reddish brown. Nowt wrong with my eyesight. Malt and liquorice aroma. A nice balance of sweet and bitter in the mouth, but with an odd sweat-like flavour. Not bad.

The Scotland book is one of three I'm currently working on. Another is this year's Yule Logs. I left it too late last year.

"Do you want to try my beer, Lexie?"

"OK." Takes a sip "It's good."

The third book is post-war British brewing. About as uncommercial a project as you could imagine. Not totally sure what form it will eventually take. The draft is huge - about 800 pages, including recipes.

"Can I have 30 euros, Dad?"

Inflation has kicked in.

"Do you want to try my beer, Andrew?"

"No."

"Do you want to try my beer, Dolores?"

(With considerable irritation.) "No, I don't."

It's now Sunday. Time for another review sketch.

Bavaria Bokbier, 6.5% ABV
Love the retro label on this one. I boughyt one last year purely for the label. Because Bavaria's beers are usually shit. Their Pils is undrinkable. The Bok another red-brown job. It smells like toffee. Not too bad, so far. In the mouth it's sweet, with a little fruitiness. Much less horrible than I'd feared. Though most of it ended up in today's gravy.

"Do you want to try my beer, Andrew?"

"No, thank you."

What is wrong with the lad?

Off to London for the beer hacks' annual dinner. Especially exciting this year as I've had a hand in one of the beers being served.