isleone

Although I admit to being partial to the odd can of Red Stripe, I’m also rather fond of ales. It’s just that I can’t claim them on my expenses. Not that I can claim anything as expenses for writing on here, but anyway.

So, ales. They’re making quite a comeback, and emerging from dodgy associations with morris-dancing gatherings and the like. Micro-breweries and small independents are now taking on the big boys, and fast putting up some serious competition.

And, happily for us, Kent – as the traditional home of the hoppiest hops known to mankind – is right there and up with the cool kids of artisan and craft beer making.

Our very own Thanet has been leading the way for some time, thanks to Ramsgate’s Gadds Brewery. Better still, ebullient head honcho, Eddie Gadd, uses mostly East Kent Goldings hops and other locallyish-grown varieties.

Up and running for nearly a decade, Gadds produces a range of fine draught and bottled stuff from pale ale to dark stout, including collaborative and seasonal specials (the latter, especially during the winter – although last summer, Eddie also made an excellent experimental brew, Green Hop Ale, from fresh hops, which he’s due to repeat this year). The beers come in varying strengths, so you can even let the mother-in-law indulge a little.

A quick scan of the internet (what? You think I leave my desk for this?) underlines how popular Gadds is with the punters – a verdict supported by a couple of Produced in Kent gongs for best Kentish beer. Best of all, Gadds is for sale only within this marvellous county. Quite right, too. Why share it with anyone else?

So do your bit for Thanet and Gadds, and get along to your local boozer sharpish.

Me, I’ll be back after a pint or three of the dog-bollocksing good Dogbolter.