It's that time of year again

The time of boiled eggs and string. Some call it Christmastime. But for me it's Drinkalongathon time. When you get the chance to drink along with me as I plough through an ocean of booze.

You know the score. I  now rattle off a list of things that you'll need to join in. As I'm sure you all will want to.

You'll require:

1 crate of St. Bernardus Abt
4 rashers of bacon
5 pieces of string
1 bottle of the best Islay whisky you can afford
4 soft-boiled eggs
3 hard-boiled eggs
7 pieces of egg string
1 bottle of fino sherry
2 bottles of crappo sherry
1 Christmas jumper (left upstairs in a drawer, still wrapped)
4 crumpets
2 bottles of barrel-aged cachaca (amburana, if possible)
200 gm double Gloucester cheese
300 gm treble Gloucester cheese
1 packet cheesy biscuits
2 bottles of port
2 soft brown rolls
3 manly brown rolls
filo pastry to taste
1 small bottle of tonic water
3 large bottles of gin
2 ice cubes
1 day of shit Christmas TV programmes
2 bottles of Amstel Bok
1 step ladder
1 reserve sling

Quite a short list this year due to my continued incapacity.

The Drinkalongathon will start at 9 AM sharp. Be sure to have your eggs and string ready.

Christmas saved

Yesterday, at Ton Overmars, they swore they had another crate of Abt at the back. But they were too busy to look for it. "Come back tomorrow."

He wasn't lying. It was mobbed. With annoying Christmas drinkers. Spending 20 minutes staring at the hundreds of whiskies. Get out of my way you fuckers. I need to find the cheapest Islay. I can only dream of buying Lagavullin.

I went back today. Far less crowded. No Abt on the shelves.

"Sorry, I was wrong. I think I forgot to order."

Well, there's Christmas fucked. I didn't say. I sadly surveyed the depleted shelves and settled on Guinness Special Export. And one bottle of Westvleteren 12. A good substitute for Abt. And not too crazily-priced at 4.95 euros. But I can't afford Drinkalongathon quantities.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Abt.

After sobbing a while at home, I remembered the Gall & Gall on Amsteveenseweg. They usually stock it. But how many bottles would they have? Enough for Drinkalongathon?

I braved the long trek there, over the river and beyond. Five bottles on the shelf. Could I stretch that little out over the whole of Christmas?

"Do you have any more bottles of Abt?"

"In the fridge."

Christmas saved.

It's that time of year again

What I like to call Drinkalongathon season. So it's time to get your eggs and string at the ready for the big day next week.

Am I going to do this for yet another year? Sure as hell I am. As long as there's string to be cut and eggs to be boiled.

Here's what you'll need to participate in Drinkalongathon 2023:

1 bottle Islay whisky (as expensive as you can afford)
7 pieces of string
4 hard-boiled eggs
3 soft-boiled egos
1 rubber egg (realistic)
2 bottles fino sherry
1 bottle scummo sherry
2 more pieces of string
4 slices of bacon
3 vegan sausage rolls
2 chains
0.5 back
3 quarters (wings)
100 weights
500 feet (a whole sheet)
3 yards (or gardens)
7 lengths of string
1 apple
2 bottles of port (one street, one dinner table)
3 bottles of fairly decent wine* (one white, one red, one red and white mixed (or rosé if you're being a  posh git))
24 cans of Whitbread Gold Label** (for the lucky bastards who can buy it still)
4 cans of baked beans (2 Imperial pints), own brand only
2 Imperial pint glasses (preferably nonic or tulip, oversized)
1 crate St. Bernardus Abt (the Christmas version is an acceptable substitute, for jammy twats lucky enough to find it)
17 shorts of string
1 duck
2 dives
1 comically large pencil, not necessarily sharp
1 rubber duck (yes, the last one was a real fucking duck)
Stuffing of your own choice*** (For the real duck, obviously, not the rubber one. Unless you really are dead thick and were confused by the order of the items.)
1 bottle of rum (with at least 3 years of ageing in wood.) (Or cachaca.)
7 bottles of beer from the Lidl Oktoberfest package****
1 coffee, surreptitiously laced with an octuple measure of cheap whisky/any other spirit hanging around unattended
2 mince pies (for decorative purposes only)
2 limes
6 lines (of chalk)
3 times
4 pines (cones)
13 (at least) of my books
2 rolls (soft)
3 rocks (hard)
1 satsuma (or other easily-peeled orange citrus fruit)

That's all I can think of for the moment. I may recall other essential items later. As a pensioner, I'm just glad I can remember both of my names when I get up in the morning: Reginald Peterson.

* Costing less than 3 euros a pop. Preferably less than 2. And litre size.

** I'll happily trade the recipe for a case or two of 1950s Tennant's Gold Label.

*** I'm no stuffing Nazi.

**** Coincidentally, exactly how many bottles I have left.

Christmas beer in Boston

Despite the war having been over for a few months, the public were still concerned about their Christmas beer supply.

The situation was exacerbated by holidaying or discharged servicemen returning. Who were most likely a thisty bunch.

There was good news and bad news. There was likely to be plenty of beer for Christmas itself, but a shortage afterwards.

"Christmas Beer
WHETHER the beer supplies in Boston will be equal to the increased demand over the long Christmas week-end is a problem which is concerning most local licensees. All over the country Service men and women leave and those already discharged will be foregathering at the “local” to celebrate the first peace Christmas. And, of course, all the regular customers will be in festive mood also.

The brewery companies are optimistic. They have been hard at it brewing in quantity and dispatching every available cask and bottle. And the transport situation is not so bad as it was. Boston should have plenty of beer for everyone.

But a temporary shortage is coming. In order to give their employees well-earned rest, the brewery firms in this part of the country are closing down for three days at Christmas, and this is bound to have its effect immediately afterwards. There is likely to be a few days’ dry period at the beginning the New Year."
Lincolnshire Standard and Boston Guardian - Saturday 22 December 1945, page 8.

It took years after the end of the war for restrictions on brewing to be lifted.

Christmas as a POW

This letter from a British POW in Germany provides a fascinating insight into the life of prisoners.

It makes life as a POW sound not quite so bad.

"WAR PRISONERS' CHRISTMAS
Beer and Lemonade from Nazis
"Quite a nice Christmas, but of course not anywhere near a Christmas at home," was the verdict of a British prisoner in Stalag XXI D when he wrote to his mother.

In his letter — one of the first descriptions of Christmas and the New Year received by the Red Cross and St John — he states:—

"We had from Wednesday to Monday off, and received half a Red Cross parcel extra, some bulk issue from the International Red Cross  the German Government gave us five R.M. (Reichsmarks), four bottles of beer, and lemonade.

"The cookhouse made special efforts for dinner, and most of us had saved jellies, fruits, &c., from parcels, and the table looked like a schoolgirls' treat — tree and everything. Ken and I decided to have fish cakes for dinner, Ken frying . On frying the last one, he discovered he had gone to the treacle tin for the dripping! Toffied salmon cakes — try them — they are lovely!""
The Scotsman - Friday 30 January 1942, page 7.

There are some significant differences with the life of POWs as portrayed in multiple British films. A revealing phrase being: "We had from Wednesday to Monday off". Because, while films just show POWs hanging around getting bored, that wasn't the experience of most prisoners. Only the officers got to live a life of leisure. Enlisted men had to work.

Just like in WW I. When my uncle Tom was a POW and had to work. It wasn't a happy time for him.

Not sure I'd want to try treacle-soaked fish cakes.

I doubt very much the Germans gave POWs beer in later years. There was precious little for German troops, let alone prisoners.

The problem of providing beer for troops overseas

Learning new stuff. It's the main resaon I do all my research. I'm always happy to be pointed at something I'd never contemplated.

In this case, it's about all the beer shipped to the British troops serving abroad. Well, not so much the beer, as the bottles, crates and barrels in which it was packaged. It shouldn't come a surprise that virtually none of the packaging was returned. Which was a big problem during the war and its immediate aftermath as they could not easily be replaced.

The head of the off-licence trade organisation was very aware of this problem and made an appeal to the public in this letter:

"Christmas Beer
Sir —Despite acute shortages of hops, barley, labour and transport, the brewing industry is doing its best to provide Christmas beer for the public and our troops overseas.

Of the millions of beer bottles sent overseas very few return, and the consequent strain on supplies for home distribution is enormous. Brewers, licensees and off-licence holders will be faced with a breakdown in the bottled beer supply over the festive season unless they have the wholehearted co-operation of the public in returning all empty bottles, complete with stoppers, whatever their condition and wherever they may be unearthed.

May I, therefore, appeal to every beer consumer to search his cupboards and deliver to his "local” or off-licence every bottle he can find, and to renew the effort after the holiday.—Yours etc.
GEO BIRMINGHAM,
Secretary, National Federation of Off-licence Holders’ Association."
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 17 December 1945, page 2.

Here are UK wartime exports by destination:

UK beer exports by destination 1939 - 1945
Destination	1939	1940	1941	1942	1943	1944	1945
Egypt	26,597	28,857	28,519	3,658	45	4,804	2,966
Irish Free State	52,081	35,306	25,843	16,730	14,810	4,878	128
British W. Africa	12,468	13,873	22,328	15,544	19,161	10,225	1,190
India & Straits Settlements	63,186	69,963	62,260	11,523	638	2,506	38,333
Brit. West India	10,925	8,499	8,081	5,082	6,629	1,701	7
Belgium	29,140	13,080
Other Countries	89,577	97,188	78,521	42,259	65,736	53,483	78,732
Total	283,974	266,766	225,552	94,796	107,019	77,597	130,443
Source:
Brewers' Almanack 1955, page 57.

Why the big fall in 1942? Could it be connected with the USA's entry into the war?

Christmas beer for Tobruk men

Here'an interesting little snippet I found about Christmas beer.

A bit of background. Tobruk in Libya was under seige for much of 1941.

"CHRISTMAS BEER FOR TOBRUK MEN
Two breweries Whitbread’s and Watney’s — have sent 35 tons of beer as a gift to the besieged troops in Tobruk to be distributed on Christmas Day.

The packing of the beer (bottled, and in large cases) has been specially arranged for easy distribution in desert conditions."
Daily Mirror - Thursday 23 October 1941, page 5.

35 tons sounds like a lot. But a pint bottle of beer, including other packaging like crates, probably weighs about 2 lbs. So that's only about 35,000 pint bottles. And there were 36,000 personnel in Tobruk. One bottle each, then.

All a bit academic, really, as the seige was lifted in November.

Beer Prospects Good

During Christmas 1945, despite the war having been over for several months, there were still shortages of many festive items.

Food rationing continued and non-rationed items, such as beer, were in short supply. And large numbers of people remained in the armed forces.

Lookin at what servicemen were llowed on Christmas day gives you an idea of the tightness in food supply.

"TROOPS’ FARE AT CHRISTMAS
Beer Prospects Good
Naafi, which announces good beer prospects for Christmas, has arranged for every Service man and woman dining in mess on Christmas Day to have:-

In the United Kingdom.— One egg for breakfast, at least 5oz. of poultry, 4oz. of Christmas pudding, and one mince pie.

Overseas. —Four ounces of poultry (canned), 4oz. of Christmas pudding, and 1oz. of mincemeat. There will be nuts and fresh fruit according to local supplies.

B.A.O.R. troops are to have an extra ration of chocolate. There will be no extra chocolate or sweets for home units.

Local breweries overseas are producing well, says Naafi. At home, bottled beer is expected to be short, chiefly due to bottle shortage, but it is hoped that draught beer will be adequate."
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Saturday 03 November 1945, page 5.

One egg and one minced pie - they were really pushing the boat out. You can imagine what non-festive meal times were like.

The B.A.O.R, in case you're wondering is the British Army on the Rhine. Or the British forces occupying Germany.

In the part of Germany occupied by the British no brewing was allowed for a couple of years after the end of the war. The only exception being ones specially commissioned to brew beer for the Naafi. I'm sure that's what is meant by "local breweries" - German breweries brewing for the British forces.

Christmas Beer Will Be Rationed This Year

More about beer at Christmas in wartime. Just to get you in the mood for this year's Drinkalongathon.

First, a warning about a likely shortage of beer over the holidays:

"Christmas Beer Will Be Rationed This Year
WHILE festive drinks will remain "rationed" during the Christmas season, some of the brewery firms hope to maintain their present supplies.

The position was summarised to-day by a brewery official, who said : We are circularising our customers that no extra ration of beer, draught or bottle, will be supplied this Christmas.”

Another firm stated that it was the Government's desire that beer supnlies should be maintained. although breweries were rationed in materials and there was an acute shortage of labour."
Manchester Evening News - Tuesday 02 December 1941, page 4.

There's a reason why rationed is in inverted commas. Because alcoholic drinks were never officially rationed. At times there may not have been enough to go around, but it was first come first served. Unless the publican decided to limit how much beer each customer sould have. Or simply refuse to serve non-regulars. Breweries rationed the amount of beer each pub received, based on their pre-war sales.

It really pissed off the temperance twats that things like sugar and tea were rationed but beer wasn't. They pulled their usually crap about "destroying food" until Churchill told them to shut up.

On the other hand, the lucky old folks of Alphington were getting a free Christmas pint:

"CHRISTMAS BEER
Old Folks Of Alphington Have Their "Free Pint" Elderly residents in the village Alphington, on the outskirts of Exeter, yesterday drank to the memory of Mr. John Courtenay Bonus, who, the son of a one-time Plymouth clergyman, lived at Alphington, and died about five years ago.

Under his will Mr. Bonus left £200 for investment in Government stock, the interest to be devoted to providing at Christmas a pint of free beer, stout, or cider to "poor persons of good character" aged 60 years and over who had been residents Alphington for at least five years.

In spite of restrictions, sufficient supplies were available yesterday to meet the terms of the bequest Stout was first favourite, followed by beer and cider.
Western Morning News - Tuesday 23 December 1941, page 5.

Interesting that Stout was the favourite choice. Was that because it was stronger? Or was Stout a drink preferred by oldies?

Eight tons of nuts

Random Christmas stuff from the 1940s.

Enjoy.

"ITS CHRISTMAS BEER
FROM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
CAIRO, Friday.
Eight tons of nuts sounds an enormous amount, but N.A.A.F.I. assure me they will all be eaten by Boxing Day.

Forward troops of the Eighth Army have hearty appetites, especially when bully is not in the meal.

To complete the treat for them are 30,000 pounds of Christmas pudding, and 20,000 pounds of Christmas cake.

You can imagine your friends eating their dinner by moonlight dirty and happy, wearing the scarves you have knitted, because it will be cold, singing carols, and drinking your health.

A senior officer told me this morning "We shall take up as much beer as transport permits to the forward troops.”

That part of the Eighth Army which is beyond the Egyptian frontier will have 28,000,000 cigarettes, 250,000 bars of chocolate, 30,000 tins of pickles and jams, and 100,000 tins of meat. The troops will eat 30,000 pounds of turkey, 15,000 pounds of other poultry, and 30,000 tons of pork.
Newcastle Journal - Saturday 19 December 1942, page 4.

"As much beer as transport permits" Hopefully that was a shitload.

Oh no - a beer shortage in Nottinghamshire. Thankfully before I was born. Or lived in Nottinghamshire.

"Nottingham Christmas Beer Supplies
Spreading out the beer supplier will offer a problem to the local licensed victuallers during the Christmas holidays, but the Nottingham and Notts. Association are recommending their members to allocate resources so that they can be sure of opening for some part of each session from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive in Christmas week. conveying this decision to the "Post" to day, Mr. A. W. Martin, chairman of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, said they hoped that those who might have enough beer to open for other periods than the five days of the Christmas break would do so.

Supplies would not, of course, be adequate to meet all the public demand but it seemed possible that things would be little easier."
Nottingham Evening Post - Tuesday 16 December 1947, page 1.

Christmas, beer and war

What goes together more than beer and Christmas? Beer, Christmas and war!

Extra beer for troops in India. Hooray!

"Troops' Christmas Beer
Bombay, Wednesday. British servicemen of India Command are to receive special issue of four bottles of beer on Christmas Day, addition the now "basic scale" of eight bottles each month."
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 12 December 1945, page 3.

Seems fair enough. And in Bambury they were even letting the workhouse u=inmates have a Christmas beer. At least ratepayers weren't footing the bill.

"CHRISTMAS BEER APPROVED BY BANBURY GUARDIANS COMMITTEE.
At Monday’s meeting of the Banbury Guardians Committee, Aid. A. J. Butler presiding, Gapt. C. N. Keyser proposed what he referred to as “the hardy annual — the Christmas beer for inmates of the Warwick Road Institution.”

It was pointed out that the cost was not in any way fall upon public funds, and the usual collection to cover the cost was made amongst the members present.

The Master reported that there were at present 179 inmates at the Institution, as against 192 at a corresponding period last year.

Sanction had been obtained from the Ministry of Food to enable a pig to be killed for Christmas. Magazines from Mrs. Page were much appreciated, and had provided interesting reading for the inmates.

Friday, December 29th, had been provisionally fixed for stocktaking day.

Mrs. B. Allen, assistant nurse the Institution, having won her recent appeal against conviction, the subcommittee recommended that her suspension be cancelled and that she be reinstated."
Banbury Advertiser - Wednesday 13 December 1944, page 1.

Slightly concerned as to exactly which offence Nurse Allen had been convicted of.

Let's brew Wednesday - 1864 Lovibond XXXX

"What about something special for Christmas?" Kristen suggested. Good idea, as Wednesday is Weisswurst day this year.

Being a lazy bastard, I automatically went for the one beer I could remember being specifically brewed for Christmas. A cheerfully strong Lovibond XXXX. I have seen Christmas mentioned in other records. Not remembering exactly where, I wasn't going to waste my time looking. Sorry, my time is precious.

This recipe has been brewed professionally. Rod made a version at Meantime Old Brewery. And very nice it was, too. He recently told me that he still has a bottle. With my name on it. Must get to London again soon.

What can I say about the beer? It's a strong Mild Ale. Or is that an Old Ale? I'm not going to argue the toss. It's an Ale, I'll leave it at that.

Almost forgot - shows there was beer specially brewed for Christmas in the middle of the 19th century.









Kristen time . . . . . .

Kristen’s Version:
Notes: Quite simply, a really eye opening beer.
1) it was made for Xmas
2) any beer that manages to fit 5 ‘ecks’ in a title 5X’s is good with me and
3) if you added a bunch of crystal malt and took away commonsense you’d have a craft double IPA and if you only made 4 bottles then broke to it would be #1 on Ratebeer and Beer Advocate 100. “It tastes like Santa and Jesus dancing on my tongue and I got one of only two bottles!!!!’.

Anyway….this is a great beer and should be made by all including using entirely whole hops so you can see what a beast this thing is to work with…Fin.

Malt: One malt. Pick something nice. Don’t be lazy. I’m choosing a 50:50 blend of Maris otter and Golden promise. Yes, I said 1 malt but since you guys don’t follow along with what I say, I wont either…

Hops: Cabbage, skunk weed, garbage water, garlic chives and dirty ass patchouli smelling are welcome as long as you don’t shate this beer with me. Really. A nice combo of Amarillo of Styrian Goldings would be nice. Fuggles and Pilgrim. Brewers Gold and Chinook. Or even the ones I have listed. Make sure they are fresh, regardless of the twattery that ensures thereafter.

Yeast: London III. Yeah, I’m being lazy. The Courage yeast would be great. Us anything but your standard US Cali ale. Something with a bit of character. Please.

Cask: Standard procedure:
1) let the beer ferment until finished and then give it another day or so. For me right around 5-7 days.
2) Rack the beer to your vessel of choice (firkin, polypin, cornie, whatever).
3) Add primings at ~3.5g/L
4) Add prepared isinglass at 1ml/L
5) ONLY add dry hops at 0.25g/l – 1g/L.
6) Bung it up and roll it around to mix. Condition at 55F or so for 4-5 days and its ready to go. Spile/vent. Tap. Settle. Serve at 55F.

More Christmas Ale

Some stuff I found in the newspaper archive.

First a heartwarming story of philanthropy:

"Terling —Colonel Strutt's Benevolence.— Although Col. has been living at Bath upwards two years in consequence of ill health, he is continually doing good amongst the poor of this parish. the November in every year (being Col. Strutt's birthday) a number of blankets are delivered out on loan to the poor children during the winter months; and bread has been distributed to fifteen families every Sunday morning regularly for the last two years, taking the families alphabetically. Lately the Colonel ordered two shillings and sixpence to be given to each aged person on the first of every month, which has been continued, and besides this several infirm persons receive weekly allowances, &c.- —On Christmas eve there was distributed Col. Strutt's annual gift to the poor: two bullocks, five sacks of flour baked into half peck loaves, and flannel to the widows; in addition to which this year a large sum of money was also distributed amongst them in silver, many reiceiving as much five shillings each family. Besides this Col. Strutt ordered breakfast on Christmas day at the White Hart Inn, Terling. which was provided by Mr. Smith, the landlord, for the ringers, and also a good hot dinner at five o'clock of roast beef, plum pudding, &c. and a plentiful supply of old Christmas ale, for the tradesmen and of this this parish."
Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 29 December 1843, page 3.

Now a typical tale of drunkenness:

"William Francis, a labourer, of Purleigh, was on Monday last charged before Joseph Pattisson, Esq. by police constable (41) Smith, with being drunk and disorderly, on Saturday night, about twelve o'clock, in Purleigh street. It appeared that a party had been making free with Mr. Harris's old Christmas ale, at the Bell public-house, and a quarrel arising in the house they were put into the street. A pugilistic combat followed, on which the police interfered, but Francis refused to leave, abused the police, and was eventually lodged in the cage. Dr. Baker, however, spoke highly of his previous character, in consideration of which he was discharged, on paving 8s. dd. expenses.
Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 06 January 1843, page 3."

Finally something much mastier:

"AFFRAY WITH POACHERS. At a late hour on Monday night last, two gamekeepers in the employ of Mr. Wilton Harlingscone, of Fell wood Hall, near Strunfield, were returning to their homes from the hall, where they had been partaking of their worthy master's hospitality. On arriving at a secluded lot of plantations called the "Dells" they came suddenly upon a party of four men- three ef whom had guns, whilst the fourth carried a large and apparently well-filled sack. On perceiving the game, keepers the three men presented their guns, and warned the others to keep off, at the same time calling to the man who carried the sack to lun, upon which he immediately made off with his burden. One of the keepers then called out, as though they had assistance at hand, " Here they are, come on my lads," when the poachers, thinking, doubtless, that a strong party was upon them, turned and retreated with all possible expedition, closely followed by the keepers, who being strong, active fellows, and moreover somewhat elevated by the liberal quantity of old Christmas ale they had been imbibing, dashed after the poachers, shouting at the top of their voices, and haviug no other weapons save a couple of stout cudgels. After a chase of several hundred yards the keepers succeeded in overtaking the man who carried the sack, whom they seized, upon which the man shouted to his companions for assistance, calling out that there were but two of them, meaning the keepers, and one of the poachers returned to the spot, and presenting his gun swore that he would blow the keepers' brains out if they did not instantly quit their hold of tbe captured man ; but tbe keepers, thrusting the fellow they held before them so as to cover themselves from the effects of the poacher's fire, told him to fire away and shoot his confederate. The man then dropped the muzzle of his piece, and, clubbing the firearm, dealt the keeper nearest him a heavy blow with tbe but-end, which, lighting on the back of the other's neck, brought him to the ground. Upon this the other keeper quitted the grasp on the man he held, and springing on the poacher with the gun, seized him round the waist whilst in the act of aiming a blow at him (the keeper), and threw him down. The gun exploded in the fall, and part of the contents lodged in the poacher's back, upon which the wounded man calling out that he was shot, his companion immediately took to flight. The keeper who had been struck down recovered, and as no further attempt at attack or rescue was made, the two keepers carried the wounded man between them to the nearest habitation, and sent off for medical advice, the man complained of great pain from his wound. It was nearly two hours before a surgeon could be procured, and it was then ascertained that the spine was severely shattered by the shot. He remains in a very precarious state. The poachers were probably aware of the " merry-making" at the hall, and calculated on the absence of the keepers. Upwards of 30 head of game were found in the sack."
London Standard - Thursday 30 December 1841, page 4.

I really should get on with mylife rather than spending my evening looking for refeerences to Christmas Ale.

How old are Christmas beers?

I've been prompted by Boak and Bailey's post about Christmas beers. Not being all that old.

You know me by now. I've ridiculous piles of information. If you'd been around mine you'd realise just how literal the piles are. I was sure I had older examples of beers specifically labelled "Christmas".

Being labels, it makes more sense to do this visually:

My guess is that they are all from the 1950's.

These I have from the Whitbread Gravity Book:

1956 Well's & Winch Christmas Ale 4.97%
1950 Younger, Geo. Gordon Xmas Ale (bottled in Antwerp) 7.58%



These from brewing records:

1902 Fuller, Smith & Turner XK for Xmas 5.83%

This is a Lovibond record from 1864:

The beer, coincidentally, will feature in our special Christmas Eve Let's Brew.

Christmas Ales

What could be more Chrismasy than Mild Ale?

 North Devon Journal - Thursday 14 December 1911, page 1.

That reminds me. I actually do have some Mild Ale to drink this Christmas: the Meantime Royal Wedding beer. That's based on Lovibond's XXXX Ale specially brewed for Christmas. So not just a Mild Ale, but a real Christmas Mild Ale. How cool is that?

35 Bear Street, Barnstaple is now a bed shop.

Ale for inmates

This little report highlights the most annoying thing about teetotallers: not their choice to deny themselves alcohol, but their insistence on everyone else not drinking as well. Like religious fanatics, they consider their own beliefs so perfect, that the whole world has to adopt them.

Well they can just fuck right off. Sorry, if that didn't come over very christmasy. Trying to deny the poorest of the poor a little christmas cheer doesn't make me feel very charitable.

"ALE FOR INMATES.
Christmas fare for the inmates was discussed by the Colchester Board of Guardians on Tuesday.—Mr. Lord, moving that the usual quantity of beer be supplied to those inmates who preferred it, said his resolution was mild as the beer itself. (Laughter.) He wished ail the Guardians a Christmas — even those who did not agree with his resolution, and who preferred water or ginger-pop to beer.—Mr. Cater, seconding, said the small quantity of beer the inmates would get could never harm them.—Mrs. Fox hoped they would never allow the inmates any beer. There would fewer in the House but for the curse of drink. —Mr. Pritchard said beer was not necessary for human beings.—Mr. Osborn asked what quantity of beer was allowed at Christmas?—A Guardian: One pint.—Mr. Lord's resolution was carried by 12 votes to 5.—Mrs. Fox (looking at the Rev. T. S. Raffles) ; I am surprised the rev. gentleman did not vote against the resolution.—The Rev. T. S. Raffles: I am not a teetotaler, and I don't see why the poor people should not have glass if they want it. (Hear, hear.)
Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 01 December 1922, page 2.

Good on the Reverend Raffles for putting the killjoy Mrs. Fox in her place. I suppose she was one of those nutcases who didn't believe Jesus drank, despite all the evidence to the contrary in the bible.

I realise that I should have explained exactly who these inmates were. It was the Board of Guardians for the workhouse.

Mrs. Fox, what a total Jeremy Hunt.

Drinkalongathon 2012

Did I mention that I have a Freesat box? It's brilliant. I can get most British channels. All the classy ones. ITV3, ITV4+1, 5*, More4, BBC Parliament. The higher-number ITV channels are great if you want to pretend that you're living in the 1970's. Something that happens to me 3 or 4 times a year.

I brought that up because of christmas adverts. They started a few months ago. Reminding me that it's that special time of year. When I create a unique blogging experience. The Drinkalongathon. Which I traditionally* hold at Christmas.

This year I want to make it extra, extra special. By adding an interactive element that lets you really drink along. How cool is that! You'll be able to join me in every drink, all through the day. And send in your own pictures to feature on the blog.

"How can I take part, Ron?"

I'm glad you asked that. By preparing. Because, if you're going to join me in every drink, you'll need to have supplies in. Very specific supplies.

To allow you plenty of time to stock up, I'll give you the requirements now.

1 crate St. Bernardus Abt
8 bottles St. Bernardus Prior
1 bottle manzanilla sherry
1 bottle fino sherry
1 bottle port (preferably LBV)
1 bottle Lagavullin
1 bottle Laphroaig 
1 bottle Villiers 8
1 bottle Rotkäppchen
1 bottle of some red wine or other
1 small bottle of still water
1 packet paracetamol and codeine
1 mini pork pie
1 bottle vermouth
1 wheelchair
1 medium-sized plastic bag
2 bottles absinthe
1 mop
2 buckets
1 10 inch piece of string
1 soft boiled egg
1 quarter slice of Warburton thick sliced bread, toasted
1 bottle 8 year old rum, preferably Appleton
1 slice of lemon
1 rasher of thick-sliced smoked bacon
3 toothpicks
2 bottles Guinness Special Export Stout
1 bar soap
1 bottle grappa
4 paper hats
6 paper handkerchiefs
1 miniature vermouth
1 bottle advocaat
3 anchovy fillets
1 spare pair underwear
2 spare pairs trousers
5 spoons
7 medium-sized pickled onions
1 1.25 inch diameter Jersey Royal potato, boiled for 6 minutes
1 half bottle overproof rum
2 glasses crank
1 red star badge
1 portrait of Stalin
1 demijohn applejack
1 pack smackothene
1 wrap crystal sugar
1 wrap icing sugar
1 7-inch willow-patterned plate
3 roast turnips
1 bottle chili beer
6 rolls toilet paper
1 stretcher


Not much there you wouldn't already have around the house anyway. I've the lot, other than the bar of soap and the three toothpicks.










* In the sense of at least once before.

Drinkalongathon disappointment

You may be wondering about the sudden end of my Drinkalongathon post. There's an explanation. You decide if it's s good one.

My stinking cold took control around lunchtime, leaving me flat out on the settee, sniffling and feeling rather sorry for myself. Just as well I was feeling sorry for myself. I got no sympathy from the heartless beasts who share this house with me.

My sincerest apologies for the untimely demise of the Drinkalongathon. I'll try to do better next year.

Drinkalongathon

Good morning. Time to kick off the drinkalongaronathon.





10:55
A gentle start to the day. A light aperitif.. And what better aperitif is there than a nice dry sherry. It goes with every type of breakfast food: cornflakes (sprinkle some over the cornflakes for an extra christmassy treat), bacon sandwich, cheese toasty, mince pie or, the kids' favourite, chocolate.

11:10
Time for breakfast. And what goes better with a bacon sandwich than a Manzanilla sherry? Oh, I've done that one, haven't I? But it's still true, even after 15 minutes. Just look at the photo to your left. You can tell it's christmas. The bacon's in a nice roll, rather than just white sliced. We spoil the kids. Nice roll, bacon and a decent sherry.

11:25
Time to park our fat arses in front of the television. Well, me and the kids. Dolores has kitchen duties between now and midnight. "Oy, where are the cheesy biscuits?" And what goes better with morning TV than a nice, dry sherry? Maybe a nice dry sherry stiffened with Laphroaig. Mmmm. Works really nicely. But don't tell Dolores.

11:45
Time for a change of pace. For a long drink. What could possibly fit the bill? I know. Because it's christmas I deserve something special. And something with a god connection. Let's think. . . . That's it. A St. Bernardus Abt. In a Chimay glass. That'll get me in the festive mood even more than the low-quality christmas songs the computer is spitting out.

12:10
I enjoyed that. The Abt. So full of beery goodness. But now I did something to match a quick bout of Ostalgie. What do you pair with romaticising the DDR? I could get out that bottle of Nordhäuser Doppelkorn, but Dolores would probably give me one of her looks. A bit early in the day for schnapps. So let's stick with the Abt. A beer that goes with everything.

12:40
Just reading the introduction to the 2011 Good Beer Guide. What to take the sting out of the multiple classic Protzisms? I'll tell you a few while I ponder my drink choice. "First brewed in London and Burton-on-Trent, IPAs were strong in alcohol and high in hops" or this about Mild "It was developed in the 18th and 19th centuries as a less aggressivley bitter style of beer than Porter and Stout". He appears to have an endless supply of this bullshit. A rare talent, indeed. Only a Laphroaig will take the edge off such concentrated stupidity.

13:15
I'm slowing down. Must be that age thing. After the Protzisms, I need something to un-angry up my blood in time for the goose. What can I choose? What fits the relaxing numberiness of Sudoku? There can only be one choice. The mighty workhorse of boozing: St. Bernardus Abt. (I told you that you'd need a full crate of the stuff).

14.00
I still can't get those Protzisms out of my head. Only one thing will do: whisky. Not just any whisky, oh no. Stinky Islay whisky. Dolores had to open the bedroom window last night. The islay fumes were keeping her awake. She preferred the frozen wind off the tundra. I'll be sleeping in the shed tonight. My Choice? It just has to be another Laphroaig.

14:40
First course time. We're so sophisticated. Prawn cocktail. With a side order or prosecco. Mmm. No time to talk. Must eat.

Drinkalongwithron update

I forgot one item on the drinks list: 2 bottles of prosecco.

Sorry about that. You could use champagne or cava as a substitute, should you be uitgeproseccoed.