My father-in-law knows I’m always keen to try new beers and he kindly picked up a few for me when near Thames Side Brewery.
Thames Side is not a brewery I am too familiar with, but the beers seem to be inspired by the river and birds native of the area.
All are served in short, squat bottles which remind me of the bottles often containing Belgian beer. The styles are not Belgian though – the brewery sticks to classic UK styles. The bottles do work, suiting the styles somewhat and with well-designed labels..
They also stand out amongst a sea of brightly coloured 440ml tallboys and are obviously not trying to compete with the haze craze.
Here are the beers I was given:
- Black Swan – Classic London Porter 4.6%
- Egyptian Goose – Special India Pale Ale 4.8%
- Wryneck Rye – Strong Malted Rye IPA 5.6%
- Heron Ale – Easy drinking bitter 3.7%
Black Swan London Porter
I am a fan of dark beers but this seemed to have lost any life it may have once had. Otherwise the flavour was good, with robust roasted flavours. Probably a delight on cask. I am not sure how long this one may have been sitting on a shelf…
Heron Ale
A sessionable bitter, just what you’d expect really. I am sure it is a popular choice on cask, but not something I’d usually go for in a bottle. Although this beer looks like the colour of water from the Thames, I’m sure it is better for you when you swallow a few pints.
Egyptian Goose
This is a satisfying English style IPA. You won’t get those abrasive citrus hops in this, but I found it really enjoyable. A well- balanced beer.
Wryneck Rye
Spicy nose from the rye and a lovely lasting bitter finish from this strong ale, with a name I find a bit of a tongue twister!
It looks like you can visit the Thame Side tap room and enjoy music and Trinidadian food delights while you are there – something to check out if you are in the Staines area one day!
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