John Clarke
@beer4john.bsky.social
Lover of British, Belgian and Dutch beers. CAMRA activist who enjoys beer in all its forms. Beer writer (of sorts), beer judge, host of talks and tastings. Editor of Opening Times maagzine: ssm.camra.org.uk/magazine
Although I didn't post anything yesterday afternoon, it was because I was having such a great time at @salfordbeerfest.bsky.social . Great beer, great atmosphere and great company. What more could you want?
November 8, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Although I didn't post anything yesterday afternoon, it was because I was having such a great time at @salfordbeerfest.bsky.social . Great beer, great atmosphere and great company. What more could you want?
We finish on a bit of a lower point. Not sure about this one and certainly the least successful of the beers we have had. Not sure it works.
November 4, 2025 at 5:23 PM
We finish on a bit of a lower point. Not sure about this one and certainly the least successful of the beers we have had. Not sure it works.
Our penultimate beer (number eight) is Sorachi Brut (9.4%) - very enjoyable. A great way to use Sorachi do it doesn't dominate. Good dry and subtle bitterness on the finish.
November 4, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Our penultimate beer (number eight) is Sorachi Brut (9.4%) - very enjoyable. A great way to use Sorachi do it doesn't dominate. Good dry and subtle bitterness on the finish.
Beer number seven is a collaboration with Manchester's. @balancebrew.bsky.social . We think West Country IPA is basically a Cantillon Iris clone (says @daveratkins , and he should know) but none the worse for that.
November 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Beer number seven is a collaboration with Manchester's. @balancebrew.bsky.social . We think West Country IPA is basically a Cantillon Iris clone (says @daveratkins , and he should know) but none the worse for that.
Beer six is Saison Wet Stone (6.5%). Definitely in the saison ball park. Quite easy drinking but also extremely pleasant. Really enjoyable.
November 4, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Beer six is Saison Wet Stone (6.5%). Definitely in the saison ball park. Quite easy drinking but also extremely pleasant. Really enjoyable.
We reach beer number five: Munich (6.4%). Malt on the nose, good body and depth of flavour. Not sure what the aged Citra hops bring to the party. Lovely dry finish.
November 4, 2025 at 3:50 PM
We reach beer number five: Munich (6.4%). Malt on the nose, good body and depth of flavour. Not sure what the aged Citra hops bring to the party. Lovely dry finish.
Next is Saison Spelt (5.8%). Not quite a saison but well on the way. Nonetheless, it's rather good and it's certainly something we'd seek out.
November 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Next is Saison Spelt (5.8%). Not quite a saison but well on the way. Nonetheless, it's rather good and it's certainly something we'd seek out.
Beer number three is Old Cellar (5.2%) - aged in cask for five years. Rather musty, lots of Brett on the nose and on the palate. We aren't sure about this one.
November 4, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Beer number three is Old Cellar (5.2%) - aged in cask for five years. Rather musty, lots of Brett on the nose and on the palate. We aren't sure about this one.
Second beer is Cherry Reds (5.2%). It's quite 'krieky' but also with definite Flemish Red notes, particularly in the nose. We are impressed.
November 4, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Second beer is Cherry Reds (5.2%). It's quite 'krieky' but also with definite Flemish Red notes, particularly in the nose. We are impressed.
First is Airy Okay bottle conditioned with local honey. Sharpness perhaps softened by the honey. Some woodiness. An uncomplicated beer.
November 4, 2025 at 2:15 PM
First is Airy Okay bottle conditioned with local honey. Sharpness perhaps softened by the honey. Some woodiness. An uncomplicated beer.
About to have one of our periodic Mills catch-ups with @daveratkins.bsky.social at @petersgatetap.bsky.social (to whom thanks for letting us do this again). We have let things accumulate a bit, though.
November 4, 2025 at 1:54 PM
About to have one of our periodic Mills catch-ups with @daveratkins.bsky.social at @petersgatetap.bsky.social (to whom thanks for letting us do this again). We have let things accumulate a bit, though.
Pub number five is not an official #ioldtomday venue but again it's on superb form.
November 1, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Pub number five is not an official #ioldtomday venue but again it's on superb form.
Pub number four as we continue celebrating #oldtomday is the Arden Arms. Another delicious example...
November 1, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Pub number four as we continue celebrating #oldtomday is the Arden Arms. Another delicious example...
Stop number three for #oldtomday is the Red Bull on Hillgate. Another superb example.
November 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Stop number three for #oldtomday is the Red Bull on Hillgate. Another superb example.
Stop number two for #oldtomday is the Armoury.
November 1, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Stop number two for #oldtomday is the Armoury.
I can confirm we have a pretty spectacular lineup this year. Should be great fun so do book a ticket.
2025 Krampus by @Tartarusbeers 1 of our Christmas ales on the tasting with @beer4john.bsky.social But there’s another even more massive than this 10% beauty. To find out what, book on our tasting on Dec 21. Dec 14 is already sold out
November 1, 2025 at 2:25 PM
I can confirm we have a pretty spectacular lineup this year. Should be great fun so do book a ticket.
Starting #OldTomDay in the Blossoms...
November 1, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Starting #OldTomDay in the Blossoms...
Just hosted a very successful Belgian beer talk and tasting at Silly Country in Droylesden. Now back in Stockport for a restorative pint and pizza at @runawaybrewery.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Just hosted a very successful Belgian beer talk and tasting at Silly Country in Droylesden. Now back in Stockport for a restorative pint and pizza at @runawaybrewery.bsky.social
The Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby currently drinking very well in @yeoldevic.bsky.social ...
October 24, 2025 at 9:09 PM
The Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby currently drinking very well in @yeoldevic.bsky.social ...
After an excellent day at Stoke Beer Festival we have finished in @yeoldevic.bsky.social on @fyneales.bsky.social Jarl. Just look at that clarity and shimmer..
October 17, 2025 at 4:45 PM
After an excellent day at Stoke Beer Festival we have finished in @yeoldevic.bsky.social on @fyneales.bsky.social Jarl. Just look at that clarity and shimmer..
Wrapping up with Spartacus Ten, a 10% version of Spartacus IPA . It's on the Triple IPA/barley wine cusp. Exceptional.
October 11, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Wrapping up with Spartacus Ten, a 10% version of Spartacus IPA . It's on the Triple IPA/barley wine cusp. Exceptional.
On we go. I have an interest in this one as it came from the Stockport Beer Festival homebrew competition. Grendel (9.5%) is an imperialised London porter from homebrewer Jon Britton. It's still terrifically good.
October 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
On we go. I have an interest in this one as it came from the Stockport Beer Festival homebrew competition. Grendel (9.5%) is an imperialised London porter from homebrewer Jon Britton. It's still terrifically good.
Moving on - this is Do Sharks Have Birthday Parties, a Sorachi Ace barley wine at 9%. This is seriously good.
October 11, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Moving on - this is Do Sharks Have Birthday Parties, a Sorachi Ace barley wine at 9%. This is seriously good.
My third @torrside.bsky.social Monster is the bourbon barrel aged High Regard. Very assertive with booze on the nose and palate.
October 11, 2025 at 4:11 PM
My third @torrside.bsky.social Monster is the bourbon barrel aged High Regard. Very assertive with booze on the nose and palate.
Moved on to High Regard, an 1897 imperial stout at 9%. Delicious.
October 11, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Moved on to High Regard, an 1897 imperial stout at 9%. Delicious.