A book for Oz

I've already told you about the red mist that descended during the 30-second sequence on the history of Porter in the Oz Clarke/James May series. Today I've done something to calm my anger. I've sent a book to Oz Clarke.

Not just any book, but "Brown Beer". The best book ever written about Porter and Stout. (That's what I would have put on the cover. Except it's a quote from myself.) Ten shiny, new copies arrived yesterday. I've already started packing them up and shipping them out.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to buy a copy for yourself just yet. Not until I've posted out all the freebies. You'' have to wait a few weeks. Maybe you could pass away that time with another of my excellent efforst, the slightly misleadingly-titled "Decoction!". (It's selling very well. Almost into double figures.) I've even corrected the deliberate mistake.

That reminds me. I must start getting the next volume in my Mini Book Series ready for publication: "War!". Any guesses as to its subject?

Rake mashing machine

I forgot to mention this last week. When James and Oz were visiting a whisky distillery in last week's programme, they had a great bit showing an ancient-looking rake masher in action. It's been the highlight of the series for me so far.

The rake masher looked at least a century old. Maybe even older. I've only seen illustrations of thesee machines in old brewing manuals. I'd wondered exactly how they moved. Well, now I do. So thank you, James and Oz.

I suppose I should file this post under "sad old obsessive".

Frightening the kids

I just scared the kids stupid. I was shouting at the television. It happens more often than I would care to admit.

"No, no!!!!!!!!! That's total f****** crap!!!!!!"

Why was I shouting? Porter and Stout. No change there. It's a topic that often makes me scream. To be more specific, Oz Clarke's potted history of Porter. It was just on. You missed it? A couple of minutes of myth.

To be honest, I rarely get through a television piece about beer without shouting or swearing of any kind. The treatment of beer in mainstream media is even more annoying than beer forums. And that's saying something.

Anyone know how to get in touch with Oz Clarke. Someone needs to put him straight about Porter.

Nice cameo from Beernut, though. Looks a good laugh, the Bull & Castle.