As the main railway line, beyond Exeter, to Torbay, Plymouth and Penzance is now swinging gaily in virtually hurricane force winds I bring you news of beery happenings up country… that I can but dream of.

Ten new US beers to try

California’s North Coast Brewing are bringing ten of their beers to the UK for the first time. The brews will be unveiled at the second annual Craft Beer Rising event which will once again be at The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London between 21st and 23rd Feb. I’ve not yet had a chance to taste the beers but I’m keen to try the Old Rasputin Imperial Stout and, being a sucker for a saison, the Le Merle (which is described as a Belgian style Farmhouse Ale) has also piqued my interest.

You win again

Realale.com has won ‘Independent Beer Retailer of the Year’ in the Off Licence News Drinks Retailing Awards for the second year running. The Twickenham-based beer specialists scooped their award at a posh do held at The Dorchester Hotel.

In the Meantime, a resurrection

Union Lager (4.9%) – the beer that started it all for Meantime back in 2000 – is being re-launched as a limited edition seasonal brew.

Inspired by a classic Viennese lager with a full malt flavour the beer briefly appeared as a guest at its namesake pub, The Greenwich Union, last June. It proved so popular that it’s being made available at a host of London bars for as long as it lasts.

Craft Beer Social

Canterbury’s The Bottle Shop – which is no stranger to running tastings in Old London Town – is holding an event at the Royal Festival Hall. Managing Director Andrew Morgan, hopes the event will allow people the opportunity to discover the amazing world of flavours beer can offer, “once they get away from the pub and the pint-glass.”                              

The event is on Tuesday 11th Feb at 6:30pm and tickets are £45 – including tasting 18 different beers. Book via the Southbank Centre’s website.