Jul 08 - 04:29 PM: Faces of the Past : Joe McBane

We have finally taken down the Crime Faces series of pictures. Of all the things that I have put up on walls of pubs over the years nothing ever drew as large a reaction as 'the faces'. Good, bad and in between. They got them all. I saw that as a very successful show. As with anything that goes on the wall I hope that people notice it. They don't have to love it, just have a reaction. Thank you Paul Dodd for sharing your work. The faces can still viewed on the art section of the site.

Our black and white photography series have also come down. Thank you Victoria.

We are now lucky to have a couple of new artists in Chris Cameron and Bradley Butler. Both artists have very different styles and moods that show through in their works yet share a common love for vibrant colors. Just what we need during the warmer months.

We are very proud to be able to display all the pieces so take the time to come down and check them out.

Jun 17 - 02:34 PM: What is Bitter? : Joe McBane

Bitter is a term that most beer drinkers have heard of but few actually understand. There are a number of misconceptions associated with the term. The most common is that people assume the beer is going to be, well incredibly bitter. The second less common one, but one that I have heard many times over the years is that it is anything that comes from a handpump.

While it is true that most beers that are poured through a handpump in England are bitters the type of dispensing is not exclusive to the style. Many great stouts, brown ales and porters to name a few have found their way into a glass via a handpump.

The style is actually only moderately bitter in taste. You should be able taste all of the ingredients that went into the brew. The key is balance and drinkabilty with many subtleties of flavor. Appearance can range from golden to copper in hue. These traits make the style a perfect candidate for a handpump. The full flavors are really allowed to shine.

In my experience once people taste it, it tends to have a very broad appeal. The less savvy enjoy it as it does not overwhelm the palate and the afficionados are able to appreciate some good session beer drinking. No one can throw back double IPA's all of the time.

In short a bitter is an English pale ale.

May 29 - 05:29 PM: A Sign : Joe McBane

The Tap and Mallet has a sign. It is official we are open and we have beer!