On a golfing trip to Slaley Hall last weekend, we were delighted to see that they had Black Sheep on draught in both their downstairs clubhouse and their upstairs bar. However, over the course of 3 days and several attempts, we only once managed to get an acceptable pint. The rest of the time, it was either off, cloudy or sub-standard. The staff didn't seem to have much of a clue either - even when they did pour a pint, it was a lamentably short measure. Some of our group surmised that it was blatant profiteering by DeVere, but I think it was just a simple lack of suitable training.
We formed an escape committee on Sunday afternoon and made the short trip to the Traveller's Rest, just outside the village of Slaley itself. We'd been there in 2007 and liked the place and we weren't disappointed on our return this time - although, unfortunately, the house ale, brewed by Mordue, was off when we arrived:
There was, however, a Deuchar's pump - it seems to be everywhere now - and a slightly suspicious looking one for Black Sheep:
It seemed OK however - and was much better than the Black Sheep they were serving at Slaley Hall.
The most interesting beer, however, was Allendale's Beacon Fire, described on the pump clip as "Real Chilli Beer". It was too - a definite catch on the back of the throat, but not at all unpleasant - the chilli flavour was there for sure, but it wasn't overpowering.
Before we headed south, I'd gone back to the Tor-na-Coille Hotel in Banchory on Friday night to check out their beer again. It was Stag that was on - and it passed the quality test OK, although the young barman didn't seem to have much of a clue how to pour it - but after 8 of us had spent the evening there, he was starting to get the hang of things OK!
Lastly, received the latest offer from the Beer Club of Britain:
(Click on the photos on the blog to enlarge).
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