I was disappointed with the Headcracker Barleywine at the Bad Shirt Party as it clearly had not been given long enough to condition. However, I cracked open a bottle tonight and it was a different story altogether!

Its amazing the difference it makes to condition your beer properly. It was strong, high gavity, but very drinkable. For a kit, I was very impressed and wouldn’t be opposed to making it again. The simplicity is worth the extra price and the results and very pleasing. Those who tried it (though not connoisseurs) could not tell it was homebrew and the main comment was to do with the impressive strength – Headcracker appears to be an apt name!

It was WebMonkey’s wedding today. I was only invited to the ceremony and the evening do, but not the afternoon reception, but as an usher Fendog got to go to the whole thing.

Happily, today was the annual “Stonehelm Event” and it would fit nicely between the ceremony and the evening thing. Stonehelm are our local distributor of homebrew supplies and every autumn they have an event at Marsh Baldon village hall showcasing some homebrew, demonstrating techniques and displaying various of their wares.

So I dragged along the Dandy and the Geek and we rocked up there after the wedding. We were pretty late and there was barely anyone left there. But that worked to our advatage as we got to chat to the guys organising who let us hang around for ages despite being the only people there. They didn’t even bat an eyelid at the fact that we will all dressed up with suits and ties!

Stonehelm is a family business and it was great get to know Ralph (the dad) who had obviously had a few drinks by the time we arrived and was becoming increasing liberal with the samples of beer and liqueur and even gave us a bootle of wine each to take home. We also met Zed (one of the sons) who proved very helpful as I quizzed him about brewing techniques and ingredients.

They had 9 beers on offer, all from kits, and all very nice. Although I’m not sure how much of the smoked one I could drink. But the highlight was the liqueurs made from “essences” which cost about £1.50 a bottle and are mixed with sugar and Sainbury Basic Vodka. I couldn’t believe how good they tasted and there is an amazing variety of flavours…. we samples quite a few of them    I’ll definitely be buying some essenses on my next Stonehelm order.

The Dandy and I had a great day, but I’m we really felt for the Geek who had foolished agreed to drive. But he can’t have been that put off as he bought a homebrew starter kit and several bottles of liqueur essences. I’m glad those two are going to start brewing, but I’m not sure where I;ll get my empty beer bottles from now, as they were my chief suppliers…